Antalya is a major city and metropolitan municipality located on the southern coast of Turkey, along the Mediterranean Sea. It is the capital of Antalya Province and the central city of the Turkish Riviera, one of the most important tourism regions in the country. Antalya combines a long coastline, fertile plains, and the dramatic backdrop of the Taurus Mountains, creating a distinctive natural and urban landscape.
The city has a population exceeding one million residents, while the wider metropolitan area is significantly larger due to surrounding districts and resort towns. Antalya is known for its modern infrastructure, international airport, and strong hospitality sector. In addition to tourism, the city plays an important role in agriculture, trade, construction, and services.
Antalya has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. This climate supports year-round tourism and intensive agricultural production, particularly in greenhouse farming. The city’s economy is highly diversified but remains strongly influenced by international and domestic tourism.
History
The Antalya region has been inhabited since prehistoric times due to its favorable climate, fertile land, and access to the sea. In antiquity, the area was part of Pamphylia, a region that hosted several important ancient cities.
Antalya was founded in the 2nd century BCE by King Attalus II of Pergamon and was originally named Attaleia. The city later came under Roman control and flourished as a major port during the Roman and Byzantine periods. Many of Antalya’s ancient structures date from this era.
Following periods of Arab raids, Seljuk Turks captured the city in the early 13th century, integrating it into the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum. Antalya later became part of the Ottoman Empire, where it remained an important regional port. After the establishment of the Turkish Republic, Antalya gradually developed into a modern city, with rapid growth occurring from the late 20th century onward due to tourism.
Geology
Antalya’s geology reflects the interaction between the Mediterranean coastal plain and the Taurus Mountain system. The coastal area consists mainly of limestone formations and alluvial plains created by river deposits over thousands of years.
The Taurus Mountains rise steeply behind the city and are characterized by karst landscapes, including caves, underground rivers, and sinkholes. These geological features influence water resources, agriculture, and settlement patterns across the region.
The coastline around Antalya includes cliffs, sandy beaches, and rocky headlands formed by marine erosion and tectonic activity. The region lies within a seismically active zone, making geological processes an important consideration in urban planning and construction.
Things to See
Antalya offers a rich combination of historical, natural, and modern attractions:
Historical and Archaeological Sites
- Kaleiçi, the historic old town with Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman architecture
- Hadrian’s Gate, a well-preserved Roman triumphal arch
- Ancient cities nearby, including Perge, Aspendos, and Termessos
- Museums showcasing regional archaeology and history
Natural and Coastal Attractions
- Mediterranean beaches such as Konyaaltı and Lara
- Düden and Kurşunlu waterfalls
- Taurus Mountain landscapes and national parks
- Coastal cliffs and scenic viewpoints
Urban Life and Tourism
- Modern marina and waterfront areas
- International resorts and hotels
- Shopping districts, cultural venues, and nightlife
- Festivals, exhibitions, and sporting events