Antalya has undergone significant growth in the past 30 years and has become especially popular with package holidaymakers from Europe. With a population of around 30,000 in the 1970s, the city now has a population close to 1 million, although a large proportion of this number is made up of people working in the tourist industry who are only here during the summer months. As one of the largest cities on the Mediterranean coast, Antalya is also an important port city. Many cruise ships traveling the Mediterranean stop here, and tourists often visit the city due to its proximity to ancient sites like Perge and Aspendos.
The area has been a cultural and artistic hub since ancient times and has been settled by various civilizations. Its history dates back to the Lycian period, when the region was first inhabited around the 2nd millennium BC. Later, the city was influenced by Greek settlers, and it flourished during the Hellenistic period following the conquests of Alexander the Great. Antalya was also part of the Roman and Byzantine empires, and in the 13th century, it became a key city in the Seljuk Sultanate under the reign of Alaeddin Keykubad.
Today, Antalya is primarily known for its tourism, with numerous hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and vibrant nightlife. The historic Kaleiçi district, with its narrow streets and traditional Ottoman houses, offers a glimpse into the city's past. Antalya's most famous beaches include Lara Beach and Konyaaltı Beach, though they can get quite crowded in summer. In addition, nearby resorts like Kemer, Belek, and Kaş are also popular among tourists.
Antalya is well-connected in terms of transportation. There are frequent long-distance bus services to and from many major cities in Turkey, and the city is easily accessible by road. The Antalya Bus Station offers buses to various destinations, while minibuses (dolmuşes) regularly shuttle between the city and surrounding beaches. The city's international airport, Antalya Airport, serves both domestic and international flights, with frequent connections to Istanbul, Ankara, and various European destinations.
The city also boasts a thriving port, with cruise ships arriving year-round and regular ferry services to nearby Greek islands like Rhodes. With a modern yacht harbor and marinas, Antalya is a popular base for sailing enthusiasts, with regular boat tours and excursions available along the beautiful Mediterranean coast.