In Antalya, the pine-clad Toros (Taurus) Mountains sweep down to the sparkling clear sea forming an irregular coastline of rocky headlands and secluded coves. The region, bathed in sunshine for 300 days of the year, is a paradise of sunbathing, swimming, and sporting activities like windsurfing, water-skiing, sailing, mountain climbing and caving. If you come to Antalya in March and April, you can ski in the mornings and in the afternoons swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean. Important historical sites and beautiful mosques await your discovery, amid a landscape of pine forests, olive and citrus groves and palm, avocado and banana plantations.

The Turkish Riviera is Turkey's tourism capital. Its full range of accommodations, from tourist class to deluxe hotels, and the hospitable people of Antalya will make your holiday comfortable and enjoyable. Set amid amazing scenery of sharp contrasts, Antalya, Turkey's principal holiday resort is an attractive city with shady palm-lined boulevards and a prize-winning marina. In the picturesque old quarter, Kaleici, narrow, winding streets and old wooden houses abut the ancient city walls.

Since its founding in the second century B.C. by Attalos II, a king of Pergamon, who named the city Attaleia after himself, Antalya has been continuously inhabited. The Romans, Byzantines and Seljuks successively occupied the city before it came under Ottoman rule. The elegant, fluted minaret of the Yivli Minareli Mosque in the centre of the city, built by the Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubat in the 13th century, has become Antalya's symbol. The Karatay Medrese (theological college) in the Kaleici district, from the same period, exemplifies the best of Seljuk stone carving. The two most important Ottoman mosques in the city are the 16th century Murat Pasa Mosque, remarkable for its tile decoration, and the 18th century Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Mosque. Neighbouring the marina, the attractive late 19th century Iskele Mosque is built of cut stone and set on four pillars over a natural spring. The Hidirlik Kulesi (tower) probably was originally constructed as a lighthouse in the second century. The Kesik Minaret Mosque attests to the city's long history in its succession of Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman renovations.

When Emperor Hadrian visited Antalya in 130 A.D. a beautifully decorated three-arched gate was built into the city walls in his honour. Near the marina the two towers flanking the gate and other sections of the walls still stand. The clock tower in Kalekapisi Square was also part of the old city's fortifications.

In the Ataurk and Karaalioglu Parks, with their colourful exotic flowers and the bay's shimmering water in front of you and the mountains behind, you will have no doubt why Antalya has become such a popular resort. An Aqua Park, on the eastern coast, has every kind of water sports, including many interesting water-slides.

Antalya The award-winning Antalya Kaleici Marina and Leisure Centre is considered one of the loveliest marinas in Turkey. This centre can well meet every tourist's need worth its many souvenir shops, friendly cafes and restaurants as well as yacht moorings and services. Sail in the morning and enjoy the restful peace of the marina in the afternoon. The old city walls, lit at night, lend an atmosphere of serenity and timelessness.

The Archaeological Museum, with remains from the Palaeolithic Age to Ottoman times, offers a glimpse of the area's rich history. The Ataturk Museum displays objects used by the founder of the Turkish Republic. (Both open weekdays except Monday)

Belek

Belek is a modern resort situated 35km from Antalya and well known for its golfing, with championship golf courses.

The resort has everything you could want as a tourist or resident. Golden sandy beaches that stretch in both directions as far as the eye can see. There is also horse riding and golf, with the National Golf Club being one of six golf clubs in the area, with four more planned. Skiing is possible in the Toros Mountains.

The stretch of coastline on which Belek sits is a nesting ground for the loggerhead turtle and the lesser-known green turtle. Take a cruise up the Manavgat River to enjoy the plentiful wildlife or visit the Manavgat waterfalls and market. The ruins of Perge with its Hellenistic gates and fine stadium lie not far from the resort of Belek.

The Climate in Antalya & Belek

The table below shows the historic average maximum and minimum temperatures for Antalya & Belek