The Travel Source: Antalya: Winter Retreat

Located in the South-West of Turkey, the city of Antalya is wonderful choice for those looking to escape the bleak Winter for sunnier climbs, and with just four hours flight time Antalya's distance is positively short haul meaning you'll be basking in the sun in no time!

Antalya holidays offer the perfect Winter retreat for those looking for a little history and lots of beautiful landscapes. Accommodation options are easy to come by with many hotels offering all inclusive luxury or cheap holiday apartments if you so wish.

The city itself is a wonderful mix of beauty and history. Of the main beaches in Antalya, you will find that the shingle beach of Konyaalti is the most beautiful. It stretches for 7km and is bordered by Antalya's cliffs on one side and the wondrous Beydaglari mountains on the other which look close enough to touch on a clear day! If you;re looking for a beach with a little more excitement on you Antalya holiday, head to Lara. This beach is 10km from Antalya harbour and once there you gain gain access to numerous luxury private beaches that you must pay to gain entry to. This may sound like a cynical ploy to get your cash,, but once in you will have access to all manner of watersports, facilities and entertainments.

Within the city you can survey the remnants of the ancient civilisations that have influenced the Antalya of today. The exquisite ancient structures that permeate the city contrast with its modern, urban side where fancy restaurants, shopping plazas and pubs and bars abound. The huge city wall is the most visible of all the city's ancient structures and it is fascinating to walk around its circumference to see how vast it really is. Be sure not to miss out on the 2^nd century tower fortification of Hidirlik located in the nearby Karaalioğlu park and Antalya's huge, fluted minaret that sits in the centre of the city and encapsulates the city's links to powerful civilisations and the importance of Islam.