Turkey's fourth largest and fastest-growing city has paved streets, an attractive shopping centre and palm-lined boulevards, giving it a much better feel than most large Turkish cities. The centrepiece is the old town, or Kaleiçi, with its picturesque wooden houses and steep winding streets lined with cafes and shops selling carpets, T-shirts, leather goods and fake designer wear. Ancient city walls partially enclose a picture-postcard harbour where more historic buildings are found and old wooden-hulled sailing ships are moored alongside luxury cruisers in a well-equipped marina. Founded in the 2nd century BC, Antalya has successively hosted the Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans, resulting in a remarkable richness of culture and history. Most tangible reminders of the past are in the form of minarets and mosques of the 16th and 18th centuries; not only their distinctive appearance but the repeated call to prayer will be an enduring memory for most visitors. For those prepared to hop on a bus, a fascinating, varied region is within easy reach.

The old town appeals to culture vultures rather than beach-lovers; the latter are better catered for farther out. Antalya is a city first and resort second; it gives visitors a chance to sample some authentic aspects of contemporary Turkish life while providing a good standard of comfort.

Small and quaint is the rule in the old town, where lodgings range from humble to luxurious, including restored Ottoman mansions. The best hotels are on the W margins, but there is good provision of accommodation in every category.

W of the city, the long Konyaalti Beach of sand mixed with pebbles has been cleaned up and has a water park; it also offers water sports including water-skiing, parasailing and speedboats. Other beaches, including deserted coves, are found farther W at the foot of the Taurus Mountains. To the E, the rapidly developing district of Lara has a designated beach park of golden sand but suffers from aircraft noise, particularly in high season.

Conventional high-street shopping on Ataturk Blvd and in the modern city centre; many carpet and artisans' stalls in the old town. Generally it is more varied and less touristy here than in most other resorts.

Daytime: sightseeing should include the Yivli-Minare (13th-century minaret), the streets of the old town (with Ottoman houses), Hadrian's Gate, the Kesik minaret, Ataturk Park, and a very good archaeological museum; snorkelling; golf courses. Nightlife: buzzes loudest in the harbour area.

Largely tourist-orientated establishments serving bland international fare including pasta and pizzas, although there are some Turkish grills. Good but expensive waterfront restaurants in the harbour and marina.

City bus and dolmus (minibus) network. Plentiful taxis. Hire of cars, scooters and, for the brave, bicycles.

City and out-of-town beaches; Duden waterfalls; Taurus Mountains; the hidden gorge at Saklikent; national parks of Termessos (ruined city) and Duzlercami; Karain caves; Pamukkale hot springs; historic ruins of Aspendos, Perge and in Side.

Near the midpoint of Turkey's S (Mediterranean) coast, with the international airport some 5 mls E of centre.

On an attractive bay where a flat agricultural plain is backed by the Taurus Mountains and some spectacular scenery.

Telephone Area Code: 242
Website: www.antalya-ws.com/english/

Airport : Antalya
Airport Code: AYT
Flight time from ther U.K.: 4 hrs 40 mins