Altınbeşik Lake Cavern, also known as Altınbeşik Mağarası, is not just a cave; it’s an underground marvel waiting to be explored. The cavern stretches over 2.5 kilometers, making it one of the longest underground lakes in the world. Its crystal-clear waters wind their way through intricate limestone formations, creating an otherworldly landscape that seems straight out of a fairy tale.

Exploring the Subterranean Wonderland

Venturing into Altınbeşik Lake Cavern is like stepping into another realm. Visitors embark on a journey through narrow passageways adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, each formation a testament to the passage of time. As the cavern opens up to reveal the vast expanse of the underground lake, the sense of awe is palpable.

Guided tours offer visitors the opportunity to explore the cavern’s wonders safely. From boat rides on the serene waters of the lake to trekking along its rocky shores, every moment in Altınbeşik Lake Cavern is filled with adventure. Along the way, knowledgeable guides share insights into the geology and history of the cave, adding depth to the experience.

A Sanctuary for Biodiversity

Beyond its geological marvels, Altınbeşik Lake Cavern is also a haven for biodiversity. The underground lake is home to unique species adapted to its dark and secluded environment. Explorers may catch glimpses of blind fish and other creatures that have adapted to thrive in this subterranean world, adding an extra layer of fascination to the journey.

While Altınbeşik Lake Cavern is a testament to the wonders of nature, it is also a fragile ecosystem that requires careful preservation. Visitors are encouraged to respect the cave’s delicate environment and follow guidelines set forth by conservation efforts. By doing so, we can ensure that future generations have the opportunity to marvel at its beauty.

Altınbeşik Lake Cavern stands as a testament to the awe-inspiring power of nature. Its hidden depths hold secrets waiting to be discovered, offering adventurers a glimpse into a world rarely seen by human eyes. As visitors embark on their journey through this subterranean wonderland, they are reminded of the importance of preserving and protecting our planet’s natural treasures for generations to come.

Location Map

Photos courtesy of Daily Sabah

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Known as the Eagle’s Nest, Termessos was built high in the mountains behind Antalya, in a strategic position on the shipping route to the Aegean.

The Greek historian Arrian said of the location that “the two cliffs make a sort of natural gateway so that quite a small force can, by holding the high ground, prevent an army from getting through”.

The city’s formidable defences convinced Alexander the Great not to attempt to take the city during the 4th century BC.

Exploring the site involves some steep climbing and good, comfortable footwear is a necessity.

A well-signposted path leads through the defences of the lower and upper city walls to reach the first main monument, the gymnasium, built in the impressive dark grey stone that is characteristic of Termessos.

Higher up, the theatre has the most impressive setting of any in Türkiye, with splendid views across the mountains.

A complex of temples lies a little higher up near the market-place and beyond this on the hillside lies the extraordinary acropolis, littered with hundreds of sarcophagi from the first three centuries AD, presenting an apocalyptic vision.

Inhabited in ancient times by people of legendary ferocity – known as Solymians, under which the city lies – Termessos also has some of the most formidable natural defences of any ancient city in Türkiye.

Homer tells us that one of the trio of seemingly impossible tasks allotted to the young mythological hero Bellerophon was the slaying of the Solymi.

Termessos lies in Güllük Dağ National Park, which includes an area for breeding wild goats and deer, and may be the last refuge of the Anatolian lynx. The area is also known for it’s butterflies.

Photographs by Norman Clark

Sources: DK Eyewitness Travel – Turkey/AA Explorer Turkey

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These statues, depicting Venus holding an orange, have become a beloved feature of the festival, gracing key locations across the southern province and transforming Antalya into a lively celebration of cinema.

This year, municipal teams worked meticulously to restore and repaint 64 Venus statues, which now stand proudly along major roadways and junctions throughout the city. Their dazzling gold hue and striking stance are capturing the attention of both locals and tourists, adding to the excitement surrounding the festival.

The festival, running from October 5 to 12, will feature a diverse range of films, with 12 feature-length films and 10 short films competing for prestigious awards. The documentary category will also see eight films vying for recognition.

As Türkiye’s longest-running film festival, first launched in 1964 by then-Antalya Mayor Avni Tolunay, the Golden Orange holds a special place in the country’s cultural landscape. However, the festival made headlines last year when its 60th edition was canceled amid controversy surrounding the documentary Kanun Hükmü (The Decree), which was excluded from the competition after initially being selected. The film, focusing on individuals dismissed under the state of emergency following the failed 2016 coup in Türkiye, sparked a backlash from filmmakers who condemned the move as censorship.

Despite last year’s controversy, the 61st edition is set to bring together art enthusiasts from across the country, reaffirming Antalya’s role as a hub for Turkish cinema.

Source: Hürriyet Daily News

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Sophisticated Antalya has all the amenities of big city life – museums, restaurants, bars and clubs – but has also preserved the charming old town of Kaleiçi.

Mick and Trudie take us on a tour of some of the places to see and visit and some of the fun and interesting things you can do during your stay.

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According to Euromonitor International’s annual Top 100 City Destinations ranking for 2017, which measures international tourist arrivals in 100 of the world’s leading cities, the first and second most visited places in Europe (as of 2015) were London and Paris, with 18.5 million and 15 million international annual visitors respectively. The top cities in the world were Hong Kong and Bangkok, and Auckland was 87th.

Turkey’s Istanbul came in third in Europe, with 12.4 million.

One of the fastest-growing cities in Turkey

But it was Antalya, a resort city on Turkey’s western Mediterranean coast with a pretty harbour and old town, that was the fourth most visited place in Europe, beating the likes of Berlin, Barcelona, and Rome.

It’s not hard to see why

Antalya, known in ancient times as Lycia, belongs to the so-called Turkish Riviera, or Turquoise Coast.

It has abundant Turkish culture, a preserved historic city of Kaleiçi, an idyllic harbour, and hazy-blue mountains as a backdrop to its stunning beaches, resembling Rio de Janeiro’s somewhat.

It also benefits from some of the most undeveloped coastlines in the Mediterranean, according to The Telegraph Travel.

More about Antalya

Antalya is a Turkish resort city with a yacht-filled Old Harbor and beaches flanked by large hotels. It’s a gateway to Turkey’s southern Mediterranean region, known as the Turquoise Coast for its blue waters. Remnants remain from Antalya’s time as a major Roman port. These include Hadrian’s Gate, built to honour the Roman emperor’s visit in 130 A.D and 2nd-century Hidirlik Tower, with harbour views.

Kaleiçi – The old quarter

Kaleiçi has narrow, winding streets enclosed in ancient city walls. The northern part (Selçuk and Tuzcular sections) of Kaleiçi is mostly shops and restaurants lining the narrow mazelike streets.

The Kilinçarslan district is a little quieter but still charming.

Although there are other entrances, it is best to enter and exit the old quarter from Hadrianus Gate, built by the Roman emperor Hadrianus as the entrance arch to the city. Hadrian Gate will lead you to the Kilinçarslan district.

 Places to visit

• Fluted Minaret Yivli Minare – In this area, you can see the famous 125 feet tall fluted minaret and the mosque. Nearby is an old market building with an interesting entrance, and a ruined gate or two.
• Clock Tower area Saat Kulesi – Ottoman-era clock tower and 18th-century Paşa Camii mosque.
• Fortified Roman port Yat Limanı – A beautiful harbour surrounded by town walls built during the Roman Era. Nearby is the İskele Camii mosque.
• Broken Mınaret Mosque Kesik Minare – beautiful ruins of an old Roman temple, which was converted into a Christian church and finally a mosque.
• Hıdırlık Tower Hıdırlık Kulesi – a tower on the edge of the town walls with scenic views of the marina and the harbour.
• Atatürk’s Home Atatürk Evi (just outside the Kilinçarslan district, walk to Karaalioğlu Park along Atatürk Cd.) -the house where the first president of Turkey stayed during his visits in Antalya.

Source: Business Insider/Wikitravel

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Featured image courtesy of Property Turkey

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