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This is Antalya

Antalya is a vast province with untold treasures…both places and people. Join us as we uncover it all

09/11/2024

The stars are bright in Antalya this morning as we head out again. Because of visa issues we will be out of the country for another 5-6 months, so not sure how much we will be posting on here. However, Antalya is always in our hearts. ❤️

07/11/2024

After five months away, we are back in Antalya for a few days. Of course we had to enjoy while we are here. ❤️

28/08/2024

Presenting our final Where to Eat Wednesday post of Summer 2024 (did that go as quickly for you as it did for us?):

Kavurmacı Varol

Located in the Altınkale area of Döşemealtı, this humble cafe is a sort of niche eatery that specializes in just one thing (as its name implies): kavurma. Kavurma is typically sautéed chopped beef.

With just one thing on the menu, it better not disappoint. Luckily, we were delighted to discover that Kavurmacı Varol delivers.

Varol’s is some of the best-seasoned and most tender kavurma we have eaten. It comes either over rice or in bread and is accompanied by a plate of fresh onions and brightly-colored peppers. Simple and delicious.

If you are near Döşemealtı, swing by Kavurmacı Varol and let them know we sent you. Be sure to wash down your kavurma with ayran (the Turkish version of a salty yogurt drink), and follow it with a free cup of Turkish tea. Afiyet olsun! 😋

Address: Altınkale, Atatürk Cd. No:192/B, 07190 Döşemealtı/Antalya

21/08/2024

This week’s Where to Eat Wednesday we are featuring one of our favorite local hidden gems: Gaziantep Yıldız Lokantası.

Not far from the Kaleiçi Harbor and Atatürk Park, this traditional Turkish cafe features only delicious classics: çoban salad with fresh cucumbers and tomatoes, crispy pide with melty cheese, tasty beef and lamb kebabs, and perfectly seasoned chicken kebabs. Of course there is complimentary tea after your meal.

We love the simplicity of this cafe, as well as the service and consistently good food.

If you are near Kaleiçi and looking for quality Turkish food, stop by Gaziantep Yıldız Lokantası and tell them we sent you!

Address: Deniz, 122. Sk. 3A, 07050 Muratpaşa/Antalya

14/08/2024

Calling all fried pickle lovers! Today’s Where to Eat Wednesday is for you.

Mahalle Burger locations are popping up all over Antalya (including Döşemealtı). While they do have tasty burgers, what we were really excited to find were the fried pickles and brisket tacos at the restaurant in the Gülveren neighborhood.

We are always on the hunt for unusual foods in Antalya, so what a pleasant surprise their menu was! If you are in the area and craving something different, give Mahalle Burger a try!

Address: Gülveren, 3700. Sk. No:02, 07220 Kepez/Antalya

07/08/2024

This week’s Where to Eat Wednesday features a coffee shop in the Kepez area of Antalya’s city-center.

Close to Akdeniz University, there is a cafe and coffee shop on almost every corner in the Kültür neighborhood. One of our favorites to meet friends and hang out is Colombia Coffee. With plenty of indoor and outdoor space, air conditioning that works, affordable coffee and tea, friendly baristas, and charming aesthetics, Colombia Coffee should be on your short list of coffee shops to visit.

If you are looking for a nice place to study, read or have extended visits with friends in Antalya, go check out Colombia Coffee. Just make sure you get there early in the day if you want to stay a while. It is a popular place for university students.

Address: Kültür, 3805. Sk. 15 A, 07090 Kepez/Antalya

24/07/2024

Last summer we were able to revisit the Alanya area of Antalya and were overwhelmed by all the options for kahvaltı restaurants along the Dimçayı River. Because we had children (read: curious toddlers) along with us, we knew we needed a place where we didn’t have to stress about tiny humans plunging into the river. After reading countless reviews and looking at a LOT of pictures, we settled on Dimçayı Piknik Kahvaltı Dünyası.

We were not disappointed with the generous breakfast spread and the peaceful setting. There is ample parking as well as plenty of seating options.

The family run and family friendly business also offers a swimming pool, so you could easily spend an afternoon relaxing and cooling off from the summer heat. With clean restrooms, delicious food, and friendly service, we highly recommend you give Dimçayı Piknik Kahvaltı Dünyası a try if you are in the area. Let them know we sent you!

Address: Akçatı, Dim Çayı Tüneli, 07400 Alanya/Antalya

17/07/2024

Korean food has become popular in Antalya with restaurants popping up on both sides of the city-center. One of our favorites is Kimbab Cafe Kore Mutfağı. Located inside the Erasta Mall, it is a refreshing change from the other quick options in the food court.

Definitely not fast food, the freshly prepared Korean specialties are worth the wait. The word from several of our Korean friends is that this unexpected restaurant has the best Korean food in town.

Don’t just take it from us. If you are hungry and in the area, or need a shopping break, go check out Kore Mutfağı. Tell them we sent you.

Address: Erasta Avm, Fabrikalar Mah.Dumlupınar Mah.No:49 iç kapı 55, 07090 Kepez/Antalya

01/07/2024

We are in the USA for a few months and already missing simit after just one week. However, instead of focusing on what we can’t have, we are going to choose to delight in what we can (and it might involve bacon ☺️).

So, this week’s is to be grateful for the things you have. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. 😉

What was on your breakfast table this morning? Share in the comments.
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26/06/2024

If you are craving pasta while in Antalya, today’s Where to Eat Wednesday is for you. Cheese Art in Lara is a cute, albeit small, cafe with only one purpose: to delight customers with their hand-made pasta. The menu and the seating are limited, but the fresh pasta is soooo delicious and you can watch as they prepare your meal.

Next time you are in Lara, give Cheese Art a try and let them know we sent you.

Address: Şirinyalı, Lara Cd. 177/B, 07200 Muratpaşa/Antalya, Türkiye

22/06/2024

Sorry for the silence. We have been doing last things with our oldest as we prepare to head to the States today ✈️ for the summer and to take her to university in the fall. ❤️ We will hopefully return to Where to Eat Wednesday next week.

14/06/2024

We visited our favorite gözleme stop near Aspendos last week. Go read Hanım’s story on our website to learn more about her and her family business: https://thisisantalya.com/hanim-gozleme/

And be sure to stop by and tell them hello from us if you visit Aspendos this summer.

Address: Belkıs, Aspendos Yolu, 07500 Serik/Antalya

12/06/2024

Sara Bakery in Konyaaltı is this week’s suggestion for Where to Eat Wednesday. If you are looking for a delicious place to meet a friend for breakfast or coffee that offers both Turkish or European style food, Sara Bakery is the spot for you.

With a charming ambiance, decent coffee and both indoor and outdoor seating, this artisan bakery is a delightful brunch option not far from Konyaaltı Beach.

We recommend the Eggs Benedict. Know before going that the price tag is pretty consistent with what you will find at upscale breakfast eateries in Konyaaltı and Lara.

If you happen to be in the area, stop by and tell them we sent you.

Address: Gürsu, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Blv. Bağlarbaşı apt 47A, 07070 Konyaaltı/Antalya

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10/06/2024

It’s hot, but it is still beautiful.❤️

05/06/2024

This summer’s very first Where to Eat Wednesday is for those of you who find yourselves sight-seeing in the historic area of Side. Food can be pricey in this touristy area, but we found the service and hospitality at Güven Restaurant Cafe & Bar worth the splurge on a hot summer day.

We shared tender chicken kebab (tavuk şiş), a delightful shepherd’s salad (çoban salatası) and pretty tasty pizza. The presentation and food were exceptional and they were kind enough to even treat our kids with ice cream, as well as help when a tube of sunscreen exploded all over one of our family members’ pants.

If you are near Ancient Side, we recommend a meal at Güven Restaurant Cafe & Bar. Please tell them we sent you.

Address: Barbaros Cad. No:8 Gelincik Mahallesi, Side, Manavgat 07600 Türkiye

Phone: 90 242 753 10 91
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31/05/2024

June starts tomorrow!!! We are heading back to the States soon to take our oldest to university and spend the summer with family.

This means our regular posts to the website will be less frequent, but it wouldn’t officially be summer without our fourth annual “Where to Eat Wednesday” when we feature a different restaurant, cafe, or coffee shop every Wednesday from June through August. Watch for our first post next Wednesday!!!!⁣
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27/05/2024

We are approaching the time of year when Antalya is most lovely in the evenings. This is why you will see parks and beaches packed with people, both locals and tourists alike, enjoying the golden hour.

Today’s is to get outside and enjoy the evening while the sunlight is perfect for pictures. ☀️🌅

24/05/2024

Temperatures are heating up in Antalya and beach season is upon us!

Antalya isn’t known as the Turquoise Coast without reason. Beaches backing up to azure sea abound all along this spectacular coastal province. Depending on where you are and what kind of experience you want, there is most certainly a perfect beach for you.

Read our updated beach report at https://thisisantalya.com/beach-report/ to learn about some of the most famous beaches Antalya has to offer.

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Videos

Pretty incredible that, kind of like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, this striking red flower gave birth to the pomegranate bulb that will house hundreds of tartly sweet crimson arils. We can't wait until fall!!Kind of like the time and process a pomegranate has to go through to produce its amazing fruit. sometimes our journeys involve the same amount of waiting and patience. Your #mondaymotivation is to take heart and trust the process. Fruit will come! And, come visit Antalya in the fall when the pomegranates are ripe!!!#antalyaturkey #thisisantalya #thisisculture #thisisfood #holiday #travel #instatravel #wander

We enjoyed a private 3-4 hour walking tour of the Tbilisi Old Town with Giorgi and his lovely daughter. Giorgi was patient with our family of six and kept us moving along while also allowing for necessary breaks. His stories were woven with facts and legends and kept everyone from our 9-year-old to our 18-year-old engaged. Even our non-history loving family member enjoyed the time. When we started our tour, we had zero historical knowledge about the city of Tbilisi or the country of Georgia. 3-4 hours later we were full of information and an appreciation for the heritage and history Giorgi shared. His insights added so much depth to our Tbilisi experience, and we would recommend the Tbilisi Old Town Walking Tour without reservation. Be sure to go down into the underground bakery and purchase some freshly baked treats!

As the temperatures heat up, we are already thinking about indoor activities. Other than breath-taking views of snow on the mountain tops in the distance, the Antalya city center doesn't offer snow and cold weather lovers much to get excited about. This is why the Snow World & Ice Museum at the Antalya Aquarium can be a fun stop (with measured expectations) in any season: it provides a much needed break from the warmth of Antalya. Read our latest post at https://thisisantalya.com/snow-world-ice-museum/ to find out if a visit to Snow World & Ice Museum should be on your list of things to do while in Antalya, and how to make the most of your time there. #antalya #thisisantalya #thisisadventure#indoorantalya#antalyathingstodo#antalyaindoorfun#antalyafamilyfun#antalyasnowworld#snowworldantalya#turkeytravel #vacationdestination #turkeytourism #antalyaturkey #mediterraneanvacation #discoverturkey

Poppies in Ancient Laodicea over the weekend. ♥️ Do you need more #mondaymotivation to visit Türkiye and get outside? #thisisantalya #poppies#instaflowers#wildflowersinbloom#wildflowers#ancientturkey#laodicea#denizil#turkeytravel #vacationdestination #turkeytourism #discoverturkey

When we moved to Türkiye almost 11 years ago, household pets were not common. The only cats and dogs we saw were the ones in the street. Fast forward to today when house cats peeking out of windows or sweater-vested dogs walking on a leash with their doting owners are an everyday sight. With the growth in popularity of house hold pets has come an increase in businesses providing services for them. Read our latest post at https://thisisantalya.com/all-about-pets/ to learn about our favorite pet supply store, our current choice for a pet groomer, and our highly-recommended pet sitter.#thisisantalya #thisisexpatadvice #antalyapets #antalya #antalyaturkey #antalyapetstore #antalyapetgroomer #antalyapetpansiyon #antalyapetsitter #antalyacats #antalyadogs #iguana #exoticpets #mediterraneanvacations #türkiye #antalyatürkiye #insideantalya

Rainy Mondays make us want to stay snuggled up at home and scroll through cute animals on Instagram. So, in that light, here are some #catsofantalya to make you smile. #thisisantalya#antalya#februaryinantalya#mondaymotivation #catsofinstagram#kittens#cats#streetcats#kittycats#turkey#türkiye #turkeyvacationplanning#turkeytravelplanning#antalyatraveladvice#mediterraneansea#mediterranean

If you happen to be headed to the Land of Legends, you might want to leave some time to check out Candy Candy, the latest confectionery wonderland in the Antalya region. Read our latest post at https://thisisantalya.com/candy-candy/ to find out if this candy lover's dream should be on your list of places to visit. #thisisantalya #thisisfood #antalya #antalyaturkey #familyfunantalya #mediterraneanvacation #antalyavacation #antalyathingstodo #antalyasightstosee #chocolate #candy #candycandyantalya #thelandoflegends #türkiye #antalyatürkiye #turkeytripplanning #turkeytrip #insideantalya #antalyafamilyfun #antalyaindoorfun

This week’s #mondaymotivation is inspired by our visit to the upper Düden Falls this weekend: Let it be like water under the bridge.Don’t dwell on the past or allow things that happened a long time ago (or even yesterday) to keep weighing you down. Process the hurts, arguments, disappointments in a healthy way if you need to; then let them go. That’s all water under the bridge. Watch for Friday’s updated post about a visit to Upper Düden Falls. #waterunderthebridge#walkon#moveon#upperdüden#thisisantalya #düdenfalls#discoverturkey#turkey#türkiye #thingstodo#antalyathingstodo#turkeyvacationplanning#turkeytravelplanning#antalyatraveladvice#mediterraneansea#mediterranean

Frigid. Exhilarating. Magical. Frightening.It took us almost six years of living in Antalya, but we finally conquered the Mount Olympos Teleferik. Read our latest post at https://thisisantalya.com/mount-olympos-teleferik/ to learn more about Mount Olympos and our family's experience, as well as some insider tips to make your visit better. #thisisantalya #thisisadventure#mountolympos#mountolymposantalya#mountolymposteleferik#tahtalıdağı#antalya #antalyaturkey#discoverturkey#turkey#türkiye #ancientantalya#thingstodo#antalyathingstodo#antalyancientcities#turkeyvacationplanning#turkeytravelplanning#antalyatraveladvice#mediterraneansea#mediterranean

It’s official, and it’s no surprise to those of us who live here: Antalya had a record-breaking 15.7 million visitors in 2023!! After not getting out as much as we would have liked in 2022, 2023 was a full year! We actually crossed off four of the five places we desired to visit this past year and saw some lesser known ruins, too!Read our latest post to learn about our top five experiences/discoveries of 2023 and what is on our short list for 2024. https://thisisantalya.com/2023-top-five/ #thisisantalya #2023recap#2024hopes#goals#2024goals#antalya #antalyaturkey#discoverturkey#turkey#türkiye #ancientantalya#thingstodo#antalyathingstodo#antalyancientcities#turkeyvacationplanning#turkeytravelplanning#antalyatraveladvice#mediterraneansea#mediterranean#antalyaindoorfun