A Summer in Antalya: Ancient Ruins, Waterfalls & Family Memories

My family and I spent the summer of 2009 exploring Antalya—long before I ever thought about starting a travel blog.

And yet, even after all these years, I still remember it so vividly.

There’s something about Antalya—the mix of ancient history, dramatic landscapes, and sun-soaked coastlines—that really stays with you. It’s one of those trips that quietly lingers in your memory, and somehow feels just as clear as if it happened yesterday.

Here are some of the places that made that trip so unforgettable.

Termessos: The “Eagle’s Nest” in the Mountains

One of the most memorable days was visiting Termessos, an ancient city hidden high in the Taurus Mountains, about an hour from Antalya’s city centre.

We joined a guided tour to get there—and honestly, just reaching the site felt like an adventure.

Perched over 1,000 metres above sea level, Termessos isn’t the easiest place to access. From the car park, we followed a winding, rocky path up the mountain toward the ruins. I still remember how quiet it was—just us, the mountains, and the occasional echo of footsteps.

It felt like stepping into another world.

Historically, Termessos dates back to the Pisidian civilisation and was famously never conquered by Alexander the Great, who reportedly called it the “Eagle’s Nest” due to its nearly impenetrable position.

Standing there, I completely understood why.

The Colosseum

The highlight for me was the remarkably well-preserved theatre (often referred to as the colosseum), carved into the mountainside.

Even back then, I remember being genuinely impressed by how untouched everything felt. Unlike many historical sites, Termessos hadn’t been overly restored or commercialised—it still had this raw, authentic atmosphere.

Looking out from the top, with sweeping views across the mountains, it was one of those rare moments where history and nature just completely blend together.

Düden Waterfalls: Antalya’s Natural Beauty

Another stop that stuck with me was the stunning Düden Waterfalls.

What makes these waterfalls unique is that they exist in two separate locations, both fed by the same river.

The cascading water, lush greenery, and cool mist in the air created such a refreshing contrast to the summer heat. It was one of those places where you naturally slow down and just take everything in.

Hadrian’s Gate: A Walk Through History

We also visited Hadrian’s Gate, one of Antalya’s most iconic landmarks.

Built in honour of the Roman Emperor Hadrian during his visit in 130 AD, the gate has stood for nearly two millennia.

What I loved most is how it acts as a gateway—literally—between the old and new parts of the city. One moment you’re surrounded by modern shops, and the next, you’re stepping through ancient stone arches into a completely different era.

Kaleiçi: Getting Lost in the Old Town

If there’s one place that truly captured my heart, it was Kaleiçi, Antalya’s historic old town.

With its narrow cobbled streets, Ottoman-era houses, hidden courtyards, and views over the marina, it felt like a place designed to be explored without a plan.

And that’s exactly what we did.

We wandered aimlessly through winding alleys, stumbled across small bazaars, passed by mosques, and occasionally found ourselves completely lost—which, honestly, was part of the fun.

Even now, it’s one of the places I remember most clearly. There was just something about Kaleiçi that made Antalya feel special—like it had layers of stories waiting to be discovered.

Where We Stayed: A Relaxing Beachfront Escape

For the more relaxing side of the trip, we stayed at the Crystal Sunrise Queen Luxury Resort & Spa, located in the resort town of Side along the Antalya coast.

And honestly—it was the perfect balance to all the exploring.

The resort had everything you could want for a summer getaway:

A beautiful beachfront location
A huge selection of food at breakfast and dinner
Multiple hotel areas to explore
Evening entertainment that kept things lively

After long days of sightseeing, it was exactly what we needed—a place to unwind, soak up the sun, and just enjoy being on holiday.

Final Thoughts

Even though this trip was years ago, it’s one that has stayed with me in the best way.

From hiking through ancient ruins in the mountains to wandering the charming streets of Kaleiçi and relaxing by the coast, Antalya offers a perfect mix of history, nature, and laid-back luxury.

It’s the kind of destination that has a little bit of everything—and somehow manages to leave a lasting impression long after you’ve left.

Do you have any questions about travelling to Antalya? Feel free to leave them in the comments—I’d love to help! ✨

wheremaywanders

December 23, 2018

Asia

family holiday, hotel review