Antalya is the main coastal town in Turkey that faces the Meditarreneo. Founded in the third century BC, has developed disorderly to nearly 1 million inhabitants, in a suburb made up of senior and anonymous buildings scattered throughout the valley surrounded by wild mountains Bey.
Given the short time available we have limited ourselves to visit his old, around the area of the port and takes its name Kaleici. Certainly the most historic and picturesque city, but also the biggest trap for tourists, with beautiful shops waiting for euro and U.S. dollars that open on the streets as a big market.
That's right, during the day Kaleici is invaded by hundreds of tourists, becoming the shopping paradise, but certainly a less favorable prices than you can offer near modern animated by local people, who wisely avoids Kaleici not to squander their portfolio. Hardly a turkish stroll and stop at local shops and the old center. Nonetheless, even here we can do some good business.
But this frantic rush to buy does not allow visitors to almost appreciate the history of the place. For this it would be preferable to visit the city in the early morning when the bus tour operators have not yet arrived.
The tour starts from the square Cumhuriyet Meydani, which offers a wonderful glance at Kaleici, the port and the Clock Tower. Here stands the majestic symbol of
Antalya, the Yvli undermine the grooved Minaret built with red bricks and blue decorations in majolica.
At the foot of the Alaeddin Camii Mosque, you can visit if you dressed respectfully and removing their shoes. However, do not expect to enter the magnificent Blue Mosque
We one of the many beautiful streets that lead down to the port, between restored Ottoman houses, small squares and beautiful clubs that offer beautiful views, accompanied by constant and sincerely welcome interested sellers of the many craft shops, some of which truly fabulous .
There incuriosisce a splendid carpet shop, where the friendly owner, explains the art of working in Turkey, which is to weave the carpet with double knots, making the work longer and more durable the product.
Varied crafts, a few meters you pass through a ceramic work tablecloths and curtains of cotton fabric by hand and still the most elegant jewelry. But the most peculiar is a bazaar of the original plates and glass objects, finely decorated, covered by a blue drape that gives the place a strange atmosphere.
But what attracts most tourists is the clothing: Jeans brand, Levi's or Diesel (€ 15), sweatshirts Adidas (€ 8) and T-shirt (€ 5). Copies? Original? Who knows, for certain is that if you bought in Italy are often written on the label: "Made in Turkish."
There are food products: the first among all the "lokum", Turkish delight, are cookies with different fillings, from coconut, the almonds, pistachios. Excellent and cheap also jams, including the bergamot. Do not forget a pack of the popular cafes and the typical turkish raki, similar to our grappa.
But there is an object that is everywhere and is said to bring luck: these are the nazarlik, the eyes of Allah in blue glass. Often it is also included in necklaces, bracelets and other souvenirs.
Walking this way we arrive at the Roman port, where sailors will invite you to a trip in an hour schooner along the coast (€ 5) to reach a cascade that plunges into the sea (Duden Waterfall lower in summer a wire d 'water.) If you avoid a short time, nothing special, however you can admire the cliff that separates the city from the sea. From the port will also admire the walls that defended the city.
Heading in another alley back to the point, and pass the Gate of Hadrian, built in 130 AD to celebrate the visit of the emperor.
Approaching lunchtime and the ancient city is filled with a thousand scents of its restaurants. The menu invites you to taste the specialties of a few euros: döner kebap (meat roasted on the spit), the paring kebap (mutton stew in clay oven) or the kavurma (veal with tomatoes and peppers).
Are other delightful shops, selling the most beautiful and Narghile tables for backgammon.
Of course, all prices are contracted.
And if you intend to buy something of value, nothing more to that arm of patience, sitting at outdoor table with the seller, and begin to hear the talking of more money and less accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee there will be offered together all'immancabile Narghile.
Antalya to the day is long and time has not much value!