Old port of Antalya
The port of Antalya can be divided into a modern contemporary part and an ancient part. It is a very important seaport, which is located in the south of the city and borders Konyaalti beach.
The history of the port
The construction of the port is very closely linked to the foundation of the city of Antalya. In 860, the port was a naval base for the Arab conquests. When the Seljuks took over the city, the port became an increasingly important position for long-distance trade. It represents an ideal starting point for the western Mediterranean countries.
The port brought great prosperity to the city. However, it later lost its high importance under Sultan Beyzit and remained meaningless until 1918. The peace treaty after the First World War gave the port a new importance.
An ideal starting point
Nowadays the harbour is only used as a marina. It is a very popular starting point for boat trips. Boat trips of half an hour but also of several days are possible. Everyone who prefers a tour of several days should compare the prices in advance. This results from the fact that there are many different providers at the harbour. There are some historical boats that underline the age of the harbour. Moreover, sailing yachts made of pine wood, the so-called gülets, and fishing boats can be admired in the Mermerli bay. Near the port there are many shopping opportunities to buy typical souvenirs of the country. In addition, there are many bars and restaurants, which invite you to stay. However, there must be expected with correspondingly high prices.
Everybody who wants to stay at the harbour at night can use the discos and bars located there. There are also many hotels, which are located directly at the harbour. Konyaalti beach is one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Turkey. It can be reached directly from the harbour. The port is still an important landing place for cruise ships from all over the world.
