Mediterranean Coast (antalya) holidays - travel guide - lifestyle

Shopping

Antalya is a shopaholic's dream, whether you're hunting for last-minute souvenirs or want to treat yourself. In Antalya old town, as well as Belek and Side, you'll discover bustling stalls and shops selling everything from traditional Turkish kilims (hand-woven carpets and rugs) to original gold jewellery, leather goods, delicate wood carvings and other authentic handicrafts and specialities. The shopping avenues of Ataturk, Cumhuriyet, Isiklar and Manavgat are well worth a visit, as is the town's buzzing open-air fruit and vegetable market. If you're staying in Lara Beach, head for the Antalya or Migros shopping centres. And remember, wherever you shop, haggling over prices is both accepted and expected!

Cuisine

There are restaurants, bars and cafés in all resorts. It's worth trying 'raki' (a strong aniseed drink served with ice and water), fruit teas, Turkish delight, sweets including 'Baklava' and pastries, olives, Turkish kebabs, 'Borek' (thin pastry wrapped around savory fillings), cheese, fresh fish and sweet breads.

Night-life

Antalya boasts a wealth of bars, restaurants and nightclubs to suit all tastes. Side is a great place for night-life with plenty of bars around the harbour that are open until late, and nightclubs close to the temple of Apollo. Near Side, the resort of Kumkoy offers bars and shops, while Kadriye boasts a karaoke bar.