More about Antalya
Why go to Antalya?
Divine dining options abound in this historical port city, which is known as "the Paradise of the Vegetables"
Most ships dock at Port Akdeniz, which is 9 miles from central Antalya
The Antalya Museum is one of the most popular sites here, and archeological day trips offer a fascinating glimpse of history
Antalya Cruise Port Facilities?
There is an information desk and cafe in the terminal building. There is also free Wi-Fi but no Internet cafe. There are ATMs in the adjacent marina.
As you exit the terminal, there is nothing except waiting taxis and a long, dusty road that eventually leads to the Konyaalti beaches if you turn right.
Good to Know?
Don't overtip. Tipping is a European and American tradition that has only recently been introduced to Antalya by tourists. There is no percentage that you are expected to add for wait staff, taxi drivers or hotel porters. If you feel you have received good service, just round up the bill or throw in some change.
Getting Around?
By Tram: Antalya's "Tramvay" has 10 stops and provides the simplest way to travel from one end of town to the other. You pay the driver half a lira as you board, then you exit through the rear door. The tram runs from the Antalya Museum (the stop nearest to Konyaalti beaches), along Cumhuriyet Caddesi, Ataturk Caddesi and Isiklar Caddesi. Some enterprising people take a cab as far the museum and then save money by taking the tram into town.
By Taxi: Taxis are yellow cabs and metered (but make sure it's switched on). They are plentiful and can be hailed at the roadside. You'll also find taxis accumulating outside the main gate of Akdeniz Port.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money?
The Turkish lira (TRY) has bank notes with the face of Kemal Ataturk, the first president of Turkey, on them. For current currency-conversion figures visit www.oanda.com or www.xe.com.
A number of banks with ATMs are located on Kazim Ozalp Caddesi. Several currency exchange offices displaying the "doviz" sign can also be found in the same street. Shop around for the best rates; they can vary greatly in Antalya.
ATMs belonging to Finansbank, Denizbank and Isbank are located along Ismet Pasa Caddesi and Isiklar Caddesi. Most offer screen text in English as well as Turkish. Some even offer the option of French and German.
Some enterprising vendors will also accept payments in dollars, pounds and euros, although the exchange rates won't do you any favors.
Language?
More English is spoken along this coastline than anywhere else in Turkey, with the exception of Istanbul. A few Turkish phrases will, however, be gracefully received by your hosts.
Merhaba (MARE-ha-ba): Hello
Hoscakal (Hose-CHECK-all): Goodbye
Tesekkur ederim (Tesh-che-cur-dem): Thank you
Evet (eh-VET): Yes
Ingilizce biliyor musunuz? (ing-geh-LIZ-jay bill-E-or mus-un-uz): Do you speak English?
Where You're Docked?
All but the smallest ships dock at Port Akdeniz -- Antalya which has two berths for cruise liners and a marina with 250 berths and a 150-yacht dry-dock capacity. The terminal building was renovated in 2010 and has plans to house a duty-free shopping area. It's located nine miles to the west of the historic center of Antalya. Transfers into Antalya are usually provided by individual cruise lines, but there are usually taxis at the gate offering a flat rate of 15 euros (about $20) for four people into the city center past the Konyaalti beaches.
Akdeniz -- Antalya has plans to become a major turnaround/homeport serving the Mediterranean (Akdeniz is the Turkish name for Mediterranean).
Stores, restaurants and ATMs are located at the Celebi Yacht Marina, a mere five minutes' walk from the cruise terminal.
