Situated at the end of the Gulf to which it has given its name, Antalya is spread over a green plateau that plunges dramatically into the sea. Its glorious sandy beaches, Konyaalti in the west and Lara in the east, are several kilometers long and are lapped with crystal clear waters.

Antalya is a festival of colors with its blue sea, its luminous sky, the ever changing color of its mountains and its lush green vegetation. The city was founded in 158-138 BC by Attalus II, King of Bergama, and was later bequeathed to the Roman Empire and encircled by strong protective walls. Antalya has witnessed a turbulent history, marked by numerous attacks and invasions until it was annexed by the Ottoman Empire.

When the Turkish Republic was founded, Antalya was a small town with a population of only 15,000. Today, it is one of the world's best-loved touristic resorts, with numerous five-star hotels, holiday villages and entertainment establishments. The proximity of a great number of archaeological sites and ruins enhances its appeal, as does the possibility for skiing in the mountains and then descending to the shore for a swim. Tourism has now become the region's major economic activity.

Kas & Kalkan
Kas was just a sleepy fishing village, built on the site of the ancient city of Antiphellos, until a few years ago. Now hotels, restaurants and shops have mushroomed and the streets are crowded night and day. The Greek Meis Island, also known as Castellorizo, is only a few miles away.  Kalkan, once a small fishing port on the Mediterranean, has become a stopover for pleasure boats and yachts and is rapidly becoming a major tourism destination.

Kemer
Fifteen years ago, Kemer was a small Mediterranean town, surrounded by orange groves. Today it rivals Antalya as Turkey's leading Mediterranean tourism destination, and has witnessed phenomenal growth and development. Its marina is one of the largest on the coast and has become a regular stopover for luxury yachts and cruises. The streets hum with restaurants and cafes and shops all open late into the night. The beaches, set against the magnificent background of the Taurus mountains, are very popular and the shores are lined with international holiday villages. The resort town of Belek is blessed with manicured golf courses, and its cedar forests are home to many species of rare birds.

Pamphylia
In antiquity, the plain situated between the Gulf of Antalya and the Toros mountains was known as Pamphylia, considered to be one of the oldest settlements in Anatolia. The murals discovered in the grottoes in Karain, Belbasi and Beldibi indicate that the first settlements started as far back as the Paleolithic era.  Pamphylia was part of the Hittite Empire (1900-1400 BC). Many people migrated to settle here, founding prosperous city states. Gradually, because of the coexistence of peoples from all races, this area became known as Pamphylia meaning "peoples of all races".