Antalya - Turkey

[jenzo]

Hello All

Thinking of going to Antalya end of July for 5 nights.

Has anyone been ? Where is the best area to stay in that has the best sandy beaches in the area and close by to nearby attractions / night life (not clubs and bars but night time walks, things to see in the eve etc)?

Any input would be very much appreciated.

[Mark.]

Few years ago now we stayed at the Sheraton Voyager Antalya, had a good time, it's in a reasonable location by a park with the town just the other side and on top of a cliff with a lift to the beach. It's actually just outside Antalya, but a good location for touring the whole area.

[paulmon]

Been to Lara Beach a couple of times which is a strip of all inclusive hotels which range from being very good to crap. If going out for a walk is high up on your list of must haves then this isnt the place for you as there is nothing but shady looking people running shops selling snide gear.

P

[jonpe69]

We took a family holiday in Antalya last August and the hotel was great (all inclusive). The issue was as soon as you left the grounds of the hotel it felt like every man and his dog was trying to rip you off. It started on the 1st morning when we jumped on the bus to be charged 10euros for 3 stops (the locals were giving the driver loose change)so decided to hire a car for the week as it was cheaper but I had to ask to see the actual car I would be hiring as they would advertise a newish car then want to hire you a complete nail. Fake clothing, watches and sunglasses are the in thing but the stall/shop holders want more for them than the originals even after haggling.
The Children were hungry one day while we were out and about so popped into a fast food restaurant where food was advertised at reasonable prices but they again wanted to charge me 60euros for food advertised in Tukish Lira at approx £20's worth. The final insult though was on the last day when we went into a shop to buy some turkish delight for my Dad, the owner just kept cutting the sweets and placing them into the box and refused to tell me the price saying it would be Asda price at the end (already had enough of this attitude during the holiday). The final price he wanted to charge me for 1kilo was 90euros, yes you read it right 90euros then wanted to call the police when I refused to pay but we eventually agreed on 15 euros (still not happy but my Wife was getting upset).
I love Turkey as a country and it is completely different from the last time we went there (Bodrum) but we will never go again and thank god I decided to go all inclusive as it would have been a battle every time we wanted to eat or drink. Antalya should be subtitled the "city that likes to rip you off".

[Mark.]

Sounds like a bit of a mare. We've never had anything but friendly service from the locals hence being one of my favourite destinations.

OP, rent a car and drive up to Chimera (yes the a is meant to be missing) worth a walk to the top and see how/why the legend began.

[PauloBellende]

Hi,
Interesting comments about Antalya.

Have you thought about other areas in Turkey?

Quite a few Pistonheaders have booked and stayed at villayar.com and have glowing reports. Easy flights to Dalaman too and there is a week free 16th-23rd July looking at the availability. Its in a beautiful bay called Kalkan with top restaurants nice bars and no football shirts.

Cheers
P

[Mark.]

Having stayed at Villa Yar I agree with the above, a superb destination. If a visit to Antalya is a must then it's not that much of a drive.