I have 6 nights, flying into Antalya and out of Dalaman. My original plan was to spend one night in Cirali, with 5 nights in kas and I will have my own car. Now I am wondering if I should spend one night in the Antalya area to see either Termessos, Perge or Aspendos, or will these sites be similar to what I can see on the drive to west toward Dalaman. I really didn't want to move around too much but there are so many wonderful sites to see and things to do. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Hello again Lisa,

April may not be the best time for Cirali, although Cirali is a good rest stop on the way to kas from antalya.

have you checked if forexample Hotel Canada is open when you will be there?

In spite of Enigma's recommendation, i suggest that you do not waste the time to stay the night in Antalya although some of the restored old houses in the Kale Ici neighborhood are nice. Getting in and out of the city will take a lot of time but of'course give you a chance to visit the museum. (I may be changing my mind as i am writing)

Perge is just 15 minutes from the airport to the East and Aspendos is another half hour or less. Perge is a larger city, Aspendos is a very large and well restored amphitheatre which is currently in use in the summer but not much else. Both sites are on flat ground with nothing exciting in their neighborhood unlike the sights to the West of Antalya. So you can do perge and maybe even both fresh from the airport without having to stay in Antalya. In fact, if you stay in Antalya, you may feel silly backtracking the next morning.

(by the way, did you read my Fodors lounge trip report partially on the area last october? Our younger daughter, Ceylan, who lives in Chicago was with us on that trip and you can always meet to discuss notes when you get back)

Termessos will take at least 4 hours to visit because of the distance, the winding mountain climb and the almost half a mile uphill hike from the parking area. You would also be backtracking if you go to Cirali from there, or miss the grat coastal scenery if you take the inland route to Kas.

So, i recommend that you give Termessos a miss, this time.

If Canada hotel is open in Cirali, say hello to Carrie. If Telemen's House B&B is open at the entrance to Ucagiz, say hello to him and wife, Ask for a bottle of Likya Wine in the region, Their whites and Roses are also very good.

Try the blue crab near Demre. For fish, do not eat sea bass or sea bream which will be farmed. Ask for grouper, but negotiate the price (Lagos, in Turkish) most other mediterranean fish in that area is not very tasty unless it is freshly caught that day.

We did not stay in Kas, but i do mention one restaurant which we enjoyed very much in my trip report.

Try to visit the weekly street markets wherever you see them. they are great photo opportunities and give you a good idea of what to order at restaurants, by what looks fresh and good on the produce stalls.

OC,

We left Antalya and as we drove to Kas, took a detour off to Olimpos. There were treehouse accommodations and a town that seemed very artsy. Due to time (and kids) we turned back before making it to Olimpos.

Can you tell me more of that little area? The temple by,and in, the sea seemed quite magnificent.

Kas, as I mention on my other threads, like!

Thanks otherchelebi, I am planning on staying at Canada Hotel. I wasn't going to spend the night in Antalya, but my plane doesn't land until noon, so there is no way to drive to Cirali that day if I visit Aspendos, etc. My husband feels that we will see plenty of ruins between Antalya-Dalaman and shouldn't take time going east of Antalya. Is Aspendos and Perge significantly better ruins than what I'll see on my way to Dalaman? I know they are all wonderful. Wish I had more time. BTW, I loved your trip report and it was very helpful. How does your daughter like Chicago?

Hello michel,

Olympos is just after Cirali towards kas. It used to be one of the most famous stops for backpackers on their way to Katmandu and also for campers. Cheap, fun, with beach, tree houses, mystical fires close by and totally secluded and seemingly safe from prying eyes.

Recent years has seen it becoming more popular with a different type of crowd also. Still young, with a bit less interest in reincarnation and more in life today, more fun-loving, also quality of accommodation improving and naturally getting somewhat more expensive.

You can actually walk between Cirali and Olympos on the beach, although there is no easy path. Otherwise, you would need to drive 11k up to the highway drive 6k to the next turn off and possibly another 9k to the other village. (these figures may not be very accurate)

For folks like you and us, it would be too noisy to stay at night but nice to visit. For us, it would be serene and quiet Cirali.

It is interesting to note that both valleys have a unique eco-system which is very different from the other valleys in the region. They are greener with different types of trees and plants and more fruits grow there. Some 15-25 years ago when two friend were living there in semi-retirement Cirali was still well known for its large numbers of scorpions, although i hear that they have been taken care of recently.

Lisa, unless you both have a great urge to see the maximum number of ruins that you can, i suggest that you follow your husband's wishes. This will give you a chance to drive just a few k off the highway before you get to Cirali and see phaeselis which is very pleasant, being partially in a pine forest and partially under the sea in a small bay.

the drive from the airport to Cirali will be a comfortable two hours, plus the 30 minutes for phaeselis, plus the 15 minutes detour through Beldibi or Goynuk hotel and resort street plus the 30 minutes or so for some "gozleme" at any scenic simple rustic restaurant on the highway or at Beldibi, or Goynuk, you will still be at Cirali before dusk.

Ceylan has been living in Chicago, studying at SAIC since 2003. It is like a second home to us also. She received her MSc in Historic Preservation and Restoration last May after her BA in Interior Architecture, but is having a tough time finding a job. Fortunately her husband is a successful and very loveable young lawyer (on profile photo). It isn't really that we would not wish her to be back with us. -
(she actually did come for another ten days a few weeks ago)