Since the Hittites of early antiquity, Antalya has been a meeting point for the caravans fromeast and west. At that time, spices, carpets and valuable incense were brought here along the Silk Road. The harbour today still testifies to the thriving trade from distant countries. In the middle of the Kaleici, the old town, houses from the Ottoman, Byzantine and Seljuk periods crowd in a semi-circle around the harbour basin, and the menus of the numerous fish restaurants feature Anatalyan specialities.
The best months to visit Antalya, Turkey are April to June and September to October, when the weather is warm but not overly hot, the Mediterranean Sea is perfect for swimming, and the crowds are smaller compared to the peak summer season. These months offer the ideal balance for enjoying Antalya’s beaches, exploring ancient ruins, and wandering through the charming old town without the intense heat or the high tourist influx of July and August.
