There are destinations a plenty drawing our attention and the choice is not easy. What is it we are looking for? Azure water, beaches, white sails, comfort and high standards, exotic cuisine, mountains, hikes, waterfalls, the wonders of mother nature, historic sites, masterpieces of ancient civilizations, a dose of culture, friendly people, not too far to travel to. All this would encompass a tour through different countries, no? No because we have found the perfect location, responding to that long list of demands.
The Mediterranean coast of Turkey to the East and West of Antalya, is the travel destination we recommend, the beautiful and fascinatingly interesting area

Antalya
On our way from the airport, crossing the Tavr mountains, a range covered with pine forests, olive and citrus groves, palm and banana plantations, we reach the Mediterranean Sea, with its rugged shoreline and sandy alcoves and bays. From our warm lagoon the snow capped mountains twinkle afar. We enjoy the beach, sunbathing, and are game for recreational activities such as swimming, surfing, water skiing, snorkeling and sailing.

The town near our resort invites for a stroll under the shady palm trees along the avenues, we explore the exotic harbor and the old part of town, the picturesque Kaleichi district with its narrow winding streets and wooden houses. Among the many historical monuments our favorite are three-arched gates, built in 130 B.C. in honor of emperor Hadrian, and the minaret of the Yivli mosque, created by Alaedin -a Sultan from the Seldjuk dynasty. Antalya offers one of the best cuisines in the Mediterranean, so the choice of quaint cafes, cozy restaurants a well as elegant dining places is impressive. Souvenir and folk art and craft shops invite for browsing and shopping and the shopping is excellent. At night the ancient floodlit walls of the city create a fairy tale atmosphere.

Heading up towards Karaalioglu Park we reach the luscious tropic growth. The panorama is breathtaking. Further in the mountainous area the Kurshunlu waterfall generates a cool breeze and the nearby freshwater lake Nilufer is embedded in a stunning setting. Karain the tier shaped black cave not far from Antalya in the Chan mountains will take you back tens of thousands of years, to the paleolithicum, the small museums displays the cave's archaeological finds.

Kemer
This beach resort can be reached by a 42 km scenic drive through the mountains. The resort town has a lot to offer and was perfectly planned, blending into the surroundings. It's an ideal launch pad for sailing related activities. This is where you find some of the best beaches to the most incriminating taste. Stairways lead up the cliff to a wide choice of restaurants and shops. In the pine forest whole areas are reserved for different sport games.

Belek
Belek is a modern resort with. European service standards. Belek is big on water sports, golf clubs, fitness studios, and this is where you will find the nightlife. Nightclubs, casinos, restaurants with European and national cuisine. It's like the Reviera but under the velvet skies of the East. Comfortable "Arkadiya" hotel with its perfekt service makes a stay at Belek the perfekt vacation.

Perge
Perge, 18 km East of Antalya, was founded in 1500 B.C. during the period of the Egyptian Pharaohs. The Ancient Greeks called this city Pergam. From the marble stairs of its amply theatre, Apostle St. Paul preached the first sermon, in the Middle Ages Perge bay was a shelter for pirates. Two high watchtowers rise above the city gates. Around the city that just breathes antiquity, lays the bluest of blue water and sandy beaches, and further out on the fertile pianist organic vegetables and fruits are grown.

Side
Side is one of Turkey's most coveted resorts. "Side" means pomegranate. The town features two perfect beaches, a variety of cozy cafes and fish restaurants with view over the sea, shops with traditional souvenirs including leather and gold jewelry (all approved for export). Don't miss out on a visit to the Fortune Temple, antique Agora, the Apollo theatre (right on the shore line), the necropolis, the Roman baths, giving you a unique overview over the great empires Roman, Byzantine, Seldjuk, Osman.

Olimpos
Tucked away in the shady oleander and laure! Bushes of the Takhtala mountain lays the ancient city of Olimpos with the gate, temple and amphi theatre as main points of interest - 14 km from Kemer. A short drive North there is Yanartash mountain, from where, according to Greek mythology, Bellerofont on his winged Pegasus took off to battle the fire-spitting chimera. A sacred site since times remembered, as from, its soil emerge burning gas flames. Spectacular.

Derme
Demre (formerly Mira) is where you should bring your kids. Carved into the rocks above the roman theater, St. Nikolay Mirlikskiy, known as St. Nicolas or Santa Glaus thrones above you.

Patara
This is the home town of Apollo the god of beauty and art no doubt the beach here would get Apollo's endorsement. 22 km of the finest softest white sand and even during peak season here you are still able to find a spot all to your self, away from the crowd. If you look for solitude, Patara offers that too. In close vicinity from the village of Leton visit the 3 Temples devoted to Apollo, Artemis and Leto. Nearby Chavush bay offers water ski, snorkeling and coastal cave exploration.

Manavgat Mangav at waterfall may not be comparable to Iguasu but it is well worth a visit. The site is beautiful and a good choice of traditional teahouses make this a particularly scenic excursion. The Magnava river upstream is wide enough for rowing, boats are for rent.

Topkapi Palace
Another hotel in the so called Aksu "palace row" is the Topkapi Palace Hotel. This copy of Istanbul's ottoman splendor provides service at the highest level. Situated 15 km from the international airport, 908 rooms, 2 storey twins and suites on 6 floors offer all imaginable comfort, a/c, satellite TV, international dial, complimentary mini bar, bath amenities, hair dryer, safety deposit box, balcony, room service, laundry service. Topkapi Palace is complete with international restaurants such as pizza & spaghetti a! I'ltaliana, Turkish coffee house, pastry shop, hookah and sherbet bar, barbecue, shawrma, two lobby snack bars, vitamin-bar with freshly squeezed juices, beach bar, wine-bar in the tower. Add to that shopping gallery, medical care, hair dresser's, library, Internet, conference center and indoor and outdoor poois. Kids will enjoy the water park, the play ground, the mini club and nanny service.

Holiday packages include breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner opulent smorgasbords, cocktails and alcoholic beverages around the clock, complimentary beach towels, chaise-longues, umbrellas and beach mattresses. Also free of charge, a multitude of entertainment, sports and spa options.

Moscow Kremlin on the coats
One of the latest additions to the Aksu resort area, 25km from Antalya, adjacent to Perge, is the Russian style Kremlin Palace Hotel. Like in a fairy tale, an exact replica of the Kremlin emerges from the shady pines by the golden sandy beach. Even the St. Basil cathedral is part of the complex. It's all very Disney land, the pomegranate room for instance features the large pool.
Kremlin Palace Hotel, 257 rooms and suites, professional service, lots of entertainment such as outdoor and indoor pools for adults and children, tropical bar, disco and beach bars, shady tennis-court, mini-football, squash, basketball, beachfront volleyball, archery, bowling, billiards, table tennis, play stations, Internet, electronic darts, aerobics... great fun for the entire family.