Top Cats! How YOU doin’ (Joey style)?

This week I’ll be unveiling Antalya, gateway to Turkey’s southern Mediterranean region, also known as a Turquoise Coast for its blue waters. What I loved about this city was that it took me far away from my radius of reality.

Wondering how?

Well, this was the first time I visited a city which seemed both classic and modern at the same breath! The travel junkie in me was doing backflips every time I stopped to have the beauty of Antalya… sink in. Sigh!

If you’re looking at visiting a city which will give loads of experiences in just a couple of days then Antalya’s gotta be your best bet!

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Experiences in & around Antalya

1. Live at a Boutique Resort

Now this experience can be a bit of a hit or miss because the boutique resort standards need to be triple checked. We trusted booking.com pictures and booked a place that was way below our standard. Despite of staying at a place way below our level of comfort, I must admit we had a unique experience and all the credit for this goes to the easy breezy Antalyan vibes!

Yes, this resort was located in the old town area! If you wish to experience the real Antalya, please prefer staying in a Boutique Resort at the old town area and don’t forget to triple check reviews!

{Please know that resort standards could vary from person to person. We as a family always prefer five star resorts only which is why this one was a bit of a disappointment. Nothing shady about it, promise!}

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2. Visit Pamukkale

With just a 3 hour drive from Antalya, Pamukkale is world famous for its mineral rich thermal waters flowing down white terraces on a hillside. Queen of hearts, Cleopatra’s desire to reverse & challenge ageing resulted in the discovery of Pamukkale and its neighbouring Hierapolis. Pamukkale’s mineral rich water area is flooded with people so what you see in stock pictures (like below) and what you experience in reality is going to have quite a bit of a difference! Nevertheless, determined tourists can always manage to take lovely pictures!

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3.Visit ROME aka Hierapolis

Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage City and (ancient) Roman Spa City is Pamukkale’s neighbour that will make you feel like you’re in Rome. A guided tour of Hierapolis is highly recommended as it can’t be fully experienced on foot. This was my favourite experience at Antalya even though I am not a fan of History… oh and yes, when in Antalya, get ready to tan a ton! Yeah, I went two shades darker and the back of my arms are still unrecognisably sun burnt! 🙁

Nevertheless, Pamukkale and mini-Rome Hierapolis is worth visiting!

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4. Paragliding

For the ones who didn’t know, Bodrum isn’t the only city in Turkey where one can fly in between hills/mountains/valleys; you can paraglide in & around Antalya as well. In fact due to shortage of both time and sleep I couldn’t take up this adventure sport that has been on my list for years now but if you’re someone who’s got the hots of all things ‘crazy adventure’ then you must take up this activity! If you’re planning to visit Pamukkale- Hierapolis then spare some time for paragliding too.

Also, I feel obligated to tell you that under no circumstance should you consider booking a resort near Pamukkale. The standards are way low and not worth the money! Staying at Antalya and commuting is always a better idea.

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5. Hot Air Ballooning

To each their own but for me, this is as soothing as my meditation.

A hot air balloon flight holds the potential of reminding us to stop running after meaningless materialistic things and … just be! It allows us to acknowledge the beauty of a sunset, cool breeze brushing our hair and presence of a loved one by our side…

This was my second Hot Air Ballooning experience and to be honest, I’d keep doing it again & again. Perhaps the next time I’d prefer to have just R by my side (and the pilot of course).

I’m certain it would make for one heck of a romantic sunrise. 😉

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6. Sail around on a Yacht every evening

If you want to experience the real beauty of Antalya, then I’d urge you to take this cruise one evening. In 45 minutes you will experience beauty that would make you want to question your life purpose !!!

And you know what the coolest part is?

You can get a private yacht for about an hour for less than 90 Euros. Oh and this yacht can fit over 15 people.

PS… there are other (cheaper, longer,etc.) sailing options available as well. All you need to do is

a) go to the “Marina” area of Antalya correctly one hour before the Sunset and

b) bargain!!!  *cool*

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7. Cat Heaven

MK Gandhi quite aptly said, “The greatness of nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. “ Watching how locals took care of stray cats by building teeny little homes for ’em, feeding food to them, setting up adoption camps for the fur babies and proudly requesting for donations filled my heart with utmost joy.

Turkey, for me will always be a great nation indeed!

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DID YOU KNOW?

Antalya is older than Jesus Christ! When you stay at the old town area of Antalya (which you should, I insist) you’ll get a really trippy vibe!

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I trust you found this blog post helpful!

Please don’t forget to leave your comments below! I love reading ’em all!

Love & Gratitude,

A