While other parts of Europe are still rain-sodden and windswept in spring, in Antalya things are already starting to heat up. This makes it the ideal city to make an early start on your summer. Think long walks along the beach, eating local cuisine, soaking up the sun, carousing at countless festivals on a warm evening as the sun sets.
Of course, the whole Mediterranean region is getting warmer at this time of year. As a result budget flights are starting to fill up all over the northern hemisphere, long weekends are being planned, and the quest for accessible sun begins. Despite this increasing competition from other destinations, Antalya remains unrivalled. Read on to find out why visiting Antalya in spring is about much more than just topping up your vitamin D levels.
Festivals & Events
People in Antalya have built up a reputation for knowing how to have a good time. Here’s a selection of some of the best events over the coming season, offering countless dates around which you can plan an unforgettable trip.
Nevruz (Spring) Festival 21 March
The sun gives more light and heat to the southern hemisphere until March 21, after which this applies to the northern hemisphere instead. That is why March 21 is a day to celebrate for people living in the northern hemisphere as the symbol of awakening and creation. On Nevruz Day, people lay their tables with an assortment of foodstuffs, play games, hold festivities, eat painted eggs and prepare large fires. Nevruz, which every society celebrates in forms peculiar to itself, still exists with traditional celebrations in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tatarstan, the Uygur region, Anatolia and the Balkans.
West Side Story Musical 22-24 March/21-23 April
West Side Story is an American musical with a book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and conception and choreography by Jerome Robbins. It was inspired by William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet. Place: Antalya State Opera And Ballet- Haşim İşcan Culture Center.
Marriage Of Figaro 27 March
Le nozze di Figaro, Marriage of Figaro, composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1786 and its liberetto was prepared by Lorenzo Da Ponte. Place: Antalya State Opera And Ballet- Haşim İşcan Culture Center.
Lucia Di Lammermoor 7 April
Lucia di Lammermoor is Gaetano Donizetti's tragic opera. It is in three acts by Gaetano Donizetti. Salvadore Cammarano wrote the Italian language libretto loosely based upon Sir Walter Scott's historical novel The Bride of Lammermoor. The story concerns the emotionally fragile Lucy Ashton (Lucia) who is caught in a feud between her own family and that of the Ravenswoods. The setting is the Lammermuir Hills of Scotland (Lammermoor) in the 17th century. Place: Antalya State Opera And Ballet.
2012 EWF European Weightlifting Championships 7-15 April
2012 EWF European Weightlifting Championships is realized this year at Kepez Basket Hall, Antalya.
Antalya Archery World Cup 1-6 May
Antalya will host the 2012 World Cup Stage 2, The second World Cup event for the season—two weeks after the conclusion of Shanghai—is once again set in what is arguably the most popular destination on the circuit—the sun-drenched resort city of Antalya, Turkey. In the past few years Antalya’s event has been a showcase for archery as influential and powerful International Olympic Committee members have made it a point to visit the finals two years running.
International Salsa Festival 21-27 May
Tickets have now gone on sale for the 4th International salsa festival due to be held between the 21st and the 27th of May. Highlights will include Only the best artists in the world, 50+ Workshops / 40+ Shows, World Known DJs & Live Band, 7 Mega-Parties, All in a Single Location! (Turkey's Most Prestigious Golf Club), Salsa Cruise & Beach Party, Free Golf Lessons, Daytime Pool Parties & Antalya Sightseeing Tours, Excursions (Rafting, Mountain Biking, Climbing, Trekking, Dolphin Shows etc.)
Eating
Whether you enjoy a great start to the morning with a breakfast on your apartment’s balcony or terrace or take advantage of the balmy evenings. If you’re a seafood lover then the beach area of Antalya features some of the city’s finest seafood restaurants.
Antalya’s signature cuisine includes Piyaz, spicy hibeş with mixed cumin and tahini, şiş köfte, tandır kebap, domates civesi, şakşuka, börülce salatası, kabak çiçeği dolması, kabak çintmesi, börülce çorbası, şiş köfte, laba, and various cold Mediterranean dishes with olive oil. One local speciality is tirmis, boiled seeds of the lupin, eaten as a snack. "Grida" (also known as Lagos or Mediterrenean white grouper) is a fish common in local dishes.
Shopping
Shopping in Antalya is great all year round and with the new spring/summer collections in shops, what better excuse do you need to revive your drab winter wardrobe for something more fresh and well, Antalya? You’re guaranteed not to be wearing the same thing as your friends when you get home. Antalya City is a shopaholic’s dream. In Antalya you will find a variety of differents shopping items like the traditional Turkish knick-knacks popular with tourists like textiles, gold and copper work, carpets, leather goods and souvenirs. Expect to find trendy brand name stores like Zara, LaCoste, Diesel, Mango, Polo Garage, Tommy Hilfiger, U.S. Polo Assn., Boyner, Nike, Adidas, Reebok, perfume, electronic & computer stores and many more. The City offers superb beach resort facilities and long stretches of golden sands, with a fine selection of significant historical sites. The city is loved by many for its palm lined streets, charming marina, delicious restaurants, excellent shopping, cosmopolitan nightlife and lots of historical attractions. Each year, millions of people visit Antalya. Fantastic for families, couples and even the more experienced traveler, Antalya’s mix of traditional, cosmopolitan and family friendly activities will ensure everyone will enjoy a holiday in Antalya!
Spring Weather and Antalya
By April temperatures are usually warm enough for the beach, with average highs of 20 degrees Celsius. By June it’s up to 25 degrees. These conditions are ideal for many people – you avoid the extreme temperature of the summer while still being able to spend much of your time in the sun. Antalya have the best urban beaches in the Eastern Mediterranean and the city has three miles of them to choose from, all easily accessible by public transport.
If basking by the sea isn’t your thing, fear not – Antalya is also equally lucky in terms of parks, providing sightseeing opportunities aplenty and green spaces to lie back on the grass. Antalya Zoo is also situated within the grounds of the park making it the perfect family destination.
