ANTALYA

The Antalya region of Turkey is called “the Turkish Riviera”. The main resorts on the Riviera from West to East are: Kemer, Belek, Side and Alanya.

The sea, sun, nature and the history all merge together in harmony; you can find the most beautiful and cleanest beaches of the Mediterranean.

The 600 km shoreline of Antalya is filled with ancient cities and harbours, and laced with beautiful coves, sandy beaches, lush forests and rivers. Unlike the Aegean coast, the Riviera is also a winter destination receiving both package and independent tourism and direct flights into Antalya international airport from the UK and across Northern Europe every day of the year.
Antalya gets its name from its founder Pergamum King II. Attalos. The city was called Attalia referring to Attalos-its founder; first called “Adalya” and later “Antalya” by the Turks. Archaeological excavations proved that Antalya and the surrounding regions have been inhabited for over 40,000 years.
Since 2000 BC the region has been ruled respectively by city states such as the Hittites, Pamphylia, Lycia and Cilicia and than the Persians, Alexander the Great, Antigonos, Ptolemais, the Seleucids, the Kingdom of Pergamum and finally by the Romans. After the 7th century A.D. the region frequently changed hands between the Byzantines and the Seljucks. In 1207, it was finally taken over by the Seljuk's. The reign continued in the following order: Tekelioguls, Ottomans, Karamanoguls, and than the Ottomans again finally gained control for good.

SIDE - the premier resort of the Turkish Riviera

Side (pronounced "See-day"), can be reached from Antalya-Manavgat highway by turning south 2 km. before reaching the town of Manavgat, Side is approx. 60km or 50 minutes drive from Antalya airport. The name of Side in Anatolian language means "Pomegranate", and was once the secret rendezvous of Antony and Cleopatra.

The city is founded upon a peninsula flanked by miles of sandy beaches. Its ramparts and the entrance gate are one of its most impressive features.
Nearby the second century amphitheatre hosts a verity of festival throughout the year and offers fine views towards the lively harbour and the Temple of Apollo perched on the waters edge. Bars, shops and restaurants are set amidst colonnaded streets and ancient ruins.
The beautifully restored Agora Baths are now home to the Side museum. With the unique combination of practically endless sandy beaches, ancient antiquity, the dramatic backdrop of the Taurus mountains, beautiful climate, and easy access from an airport with flights all-year, Side is understandably the 'jewel' of Turkey.