Plan a CruiseAntalya, a leading holiday destination on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, is a vibrant city known for its palm-lined boulevards and award-winning marina. Its historic quarter, Kaleici, features charming narrow streets and old wooden houses nestled against ancient city walls.
Cruise ships dock at Port Akdeniz, an industrial harbor located approximately 9 miles (14.5 km) west of Antalya's historic center and small harbor. The port is well-equipped with three piers measuring 200 meters, 170 meters, and 140 meters in length, all with a water depth of 9.20 meters. While the port itself offers little of interest, there is an information desk and a cafe within the terminal building. Cruise lines typically provide transfers to Antalya's city center.
Getting Around from the Port
As Port Akdeniz is 9 miles (about 14.5 km) from Antalya's historic center, walking is not a practical option. Cruise lines usually provide shuttle transfers directly to the city. If not, taxis are readily available at the port, with a one-way trip to Antalya costing around 25 Euro per taxi.
Once in Antalya, local transport is efficient:
- Taxis: Taxis are generally inexpensive, and fares are regulated. However, for longer journeys, it's advisable to negotiate the fare in advance, as drivers might charge more than the meter reads.
- Historic Tramway: A donated tramway connects Konyaalti Beach and the Antalya Archaeological Museum on the west side to the eastern part of the city center. It runs every 30 minutes in both directions and costs 1.75 TL per person, offering a scenic way to see many city highlights.
- Dolmus: These shared minibuses, jeeps, or vans operate on routes not covered by standard buses. They depart when full and will drop passengers off along their route.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours in port, Antalya offers a mix of historical, cultural, and relaxing options:
- Kaleici (Old Quarter): Explore the picturesque narrow streets, ancient city walls, and traditional wooden houses. This area is perfect for strolling and soaking in the atmosphere.
- Antalya Archaeological Museum: Located near Konyaalti Beach, this is one of Turkey's largest and best museums. It's accessible via the historic tramway (1.75 TL).
- Konyaalti Beach: A long, pebbled beach west of the city offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It's also reachable by the historic tramway (1.75 TL).
- Lara Beach: For a sandy beach experience, head about 12 km east of Antalya.
- Bey Dagi (Olympos) National Park and Topcam Beach: Located a bit further west than Konyaalti, these areas provide magnificent panoramic views.
- Day Trips to Ancient Sites: For those interested in history, consider a taxi or organized tour to nearby ancient cities:
- Perge: Approximately 18 km from Antalya.
- Aspendos: Known for its remarkably preserved Roman theater.
- Side: Located about 80 km from Antalya, featuring extensive ruins and a charming town. Independent travelers should compare cruise line excursions with options from third-party tour providers like GetYourGuide or Viator.
Shopping
- Kaleici (Old City): The pedestrian streets within the walled Old City are a maze of shops selling a wide variety of goods, perfect for souvenir hunting.
- Antalya Flea Market: Located about three blocks east of the Old City, this vast market offers numerous local crafts and unique finds.
- Oceanfront Streets: The neighborhoods and streets along the waterfront also provide many shopping options.
Dining
While specific restaurants aren't named, Antalya's tourist and coastal areas have flexible opening hours, with many shops and eateries staying open late into the evening during summer.
Safety
When taking taxis for longer journeys in Antalya, it's important to negotiate the fare with the driver in advance to avoid potential discrepancies with the meter reading. In case of emergencies, the national numbers are 112 for Ambulance and 155 for Police.
Currency and Language
The local currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TL). While many shops and restaurants in Antalya's coastal resorts and larger cities accept foreign currency (such as Euros or US Dollars), it is advisable to carry some Turkish Lira, especially if you plan to venture beyond the main tourist areas. ATMs are widely available in cities, towns, and resorts for convenient withdrawals using credit or debit cards. Free wireless connections are available at the port.