Escape to Antalya: 11 Must-Visit Places for a Short Trip

If you don't want to spend your weekend vacation empty, prepare your backpacks and taste these beauties that you can't get enough of. Even if you say Antalya is too far for us, let's talk about the places that are worth the distance. :)Unlike the hustle and bustle of city life, time flows peacefully here. You can witness that history is alive in Demre, everywhere is full of historical beauties.Kekova Island is in Demre and transportation is provided by boats. You can swim on Dolkisthe Ancient City, a sunken city, and take a historical trip while swimming.The construction of Simena Castle, built on the ancient city of Simena, dates back to the 4th century BC and is still standing. Although there is a 7000-seat theater carved into the stones, it is the smallest theater among the Lycian cities.Soura Ancient City, defined by ancient historians as one of the oracle centers of the sun god Apollo, is 6 km away from Demre.Due to its distance from the city center, the chaos of modern life does not bother Kaş much. If you are willing to brave the road, Kaş will welcome you with heavenly corners. Kaputaş Beach, Büyükçakıl and Küçükçakıl Beaches are among the places you should not say that you have been to Kaş but have not been here. Diving, paragliding, climbing, trekking and canyoning are practiced in the district, which has come to the forefront with nature sports in recent years.Kalkan, a small village, is located 25 km from Kaş. It preserves its village atmosphere with old Greek houses, a small harbor and narrow streets. You can swim in the center of Kalkan, mentioned by Herodotus as 'the closest place to the stars in the world', or you can visit the surrounding bays with boats departing from the center. Kalkan has sparkling sea, undiscovered bays and untouched tiny beaches. These are natural wonders.Olympos, 95 km from the center, is known all over the world for its tree houses used as pensions. The history of Olympos dates back to the 1st century BC. Olympos and Çıralı beaches host small guests every year. It is one of the rare beaches where Caretta caretta and large sea turtles come to lay eggs. For this reason, it is forbidden to light a fire on the beach.Yanartaş, located near Çıralı, is a source of natural gas and the fire never goes out here 365 days a year. You may not find the calmness of Çıralı Beach anywhere else.With its thousands of years of history, Alanya offers countless options for those who want to spend their vacation here. Damlataş Cave, Alanya Castle for those who want a historical trip; Dim Stream and Cleopatra Beach for those who want a nature trip.We recommend you to see Side while you are in Alanya. You can do various sports such as golf, rafting, horse safari, diving and nature walks. But be sure to visit the ancient city of Side.Adrasan, 94 km from the center of Antalya, can be reached via Kemer. The deep blue sea is surrounded by lush pine forests on three sides. The reverse winds coming from the forest both spread a delicious pine scent to the bay and ensure that there are no waves in the bay. Adrasan, which has been well protected thanks to being a protected area for years and has not turned into a concrete pile, was a town where you can have a holiday in a calm, peaceful environment, wake up to the sounds of birds, embrace forest green, sea blue and sun yellow, and relieve all your tiredness.The road turning left from the 44th km. of Antalya - Kemer Highway reaches the ancient city of Phaselis, which is located in a large forest area. It is known that Phaselis was founded by Rhodian colonies in the 6th century BC. The picnic areas in Phaselis, which is located within the national park, are open to the public.