Latest news with #Antalya
Bloomberg
3 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Turkey Steps Up Race Against Australia to Host COP31 Talks
By Updated on Save Turkey is ramping up a campaign to host next year's annual United Nations climate talks, rivaling a competing proposal from Australia for the event that attracts tens of thousands of delegates. The nation aims to stage the COP31 talks, scheduled to open in November 2026, in the resort city of Antalya, according to a government statement Wednesday.
Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Your guide to Istanbul and Antalya: Travel tips, hotels, and local food
There's something poetic about turning a year older in a place that has witnessed centuries. For my 26th birthday, I decided to swap the desert heat of Dubai for the historic warmth of Turkey — a spontaneous nine-day escape split between two coastal cities that couldn't be more different, yet equally unforgettable: Istanbul and Antalya. Chapter 1: Istanbul — Where East marries West The trip began with chaos — the kind that becomes a funny story later. I missed my flight from Dubai to Istanbul. Hungry, mildly frustrated, and already behind schedule, I arrived in the city far later than planned and checked into Rixos Tersane Istanbul, a stunning new property perched beside the Bosphorus. That first night was all about indulging in room service and sinking into the luxury I'd badly craved. The next morning, Istanbul welcomed me with open arms, clear skies, and a climate I'd yearn for long after leaving. Rixos, as I'd come to learn, offers more than just opulence — its location is prime, and the breakfast spread? Impeccable. I boarded a boat transfer and drifted across the Bosphorus, that mystical strait that slices the city between two continents. My destination: Fener-Balat, Istanbul's colorful soul. Wandering through its cobbled streets felt like stepping into a living museum — churches, mosques, Ottoman homes with peeling paint, and the scent of fresh gozleme mingling with the salty air. I even sampled stuffed mussels from a street cart, a surprisingly delicious adventure. That Saturday night, the city called out for exploration. I found myself next to the Bosphorus, sipping tea and enjoying shisha outdoors, surrounded by Istanbul's fashionable crowd. The street outside pulsed with life, though the traffic reminded me: in this city, walking is often the fastest (and most scenic) option. A word of caution — taxis here can be tricky; scammers are not unheard of. Sunday brought serenity with a cruise across the Bosphorus, followed by an afternoon at Galataport — Istanbul's answer to Dubai's City Walk, but with ships docking in the backdrop and seagulls for company. We explored the Istanbul Modern Museum, and later that evening, I wandered through the neon-splashed energy of Taksim Square. It's vibrant even after dark, teeming with food, shops, and a rhythm that's hard to resist. Istanbul and I weren't done, but it was goodbye for now. Chapter 2: Antalya — A sun-drenched detour A short, inexpensive flight took me south to Antalya, Turkey's Mediterranean darling. Here, I met a new friend who helped me navigate the city, and I was grateful for their local knowledge. My hotel, Adalya Port Hotel, overlooked the marina in Kaleiçi, the Old Town — a beautifully preserved pocket of Roman, Seljuk, and Ottoman architecture. Narrow streets wind like poetry here, each corner offering a view more cinematic than the last. Day and night, Kaleiçi never slept. The cafes were lively, the sea breeze was constant, and the cobbled paths were made for long walks — which I did, clocking more than 30,000 steps a day. I hadn't used public transport in years, but in Antalya, hopping on a tram to Lara Beach felt like a nostalgic return to simpler ways of moving. Although I'm not much of a beach person, Konyaaltı Beach changed my mind. Imagine JBR in Dubai, but with the Mediterranean's rugged charm. Coffee shops and cafes lined the promenade, and on one magical night, I watched the Champions League semifinals under the stars, with good food and even better vibes. The latter, though, is debatable on a personal level as FC Barcelona bottled the trophy, yet again. Chapter 3: Istanbul (redux) — With purpose and a plan Returning to Istanbul for the final leg, I checked into Barceló Istanbul — a modern haven tucked close to Taksim Square. My room came with a mini private hammam, the kind of detail that makes a solo trip feel indulgently personal. I curated a list of must-visits, beginning with the Galata Tower at sunset, its silhouette piercing the sky like a fairytale turret. Postcard-perfect and panoramic. I treated myself to a San Sebastian cheesecake, one of many available around the tower, and it was everything the Instagram posts had promised. Afterwards, I took a dreamy evening walk across the Galata Bridge, the wind in my hair, the city glittering on both sides. Istanbul, in that moment, felt timeless. One breakfast that deserves its own paragraph: Çeşme Bazlama Kahvaltı in Nişantaşı. Next morning, I treated myself to an epic Turkish breakfast. Known for its endless refills of warm gözleme, cheeses, and jams, it's as much a cultural experience as a culinary one. The interiors felt like a rustic farmhouse, and being solo worked to my advantage — no wait time, just a table piled high with deliciousness. Fueled and happy, I set off to explore two of Istanbul's architectural gems. First, the Dolmabahçe Palace, a jaw-dropping blend of Ottoman drama and European grandeur. Every chandelier sparkled like a constellation. Then came Ortaköy Mosque, nestled between the bridge and the water — at sunset, it felt like a painting that had come to life. That night, as fate would have it, Adam Port of Keinemusik was playing in the city. I danced into the early hours — a fitting celebration to wrap up what had already been a dream birthday trip. The following day, just before my flight at night, I made my way through Istanbul's time-honoured treasures: Hagia Sophia is less a building and more a sacred encounter — domes upon domes, mosaics that whisper, and the weight of empires past. Just opposite, the Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque stuns with its perfect symmetry and intricate İznik tilework. Even with crowds, there's peace in its presence. At Topkapi Palace, I roamed the courtyards where sultans once schemed and poets once walked. Fascinating, right? And finally, I lost myself in the swirling chaos of the Grand Bazaar — a sensory riot of spices, carpets, and silver across 4,000 shops where you can try the ancient art of bargaining. Where to stay? Hotels recommendations Whether you're after Bosphorus-side luxury or old-town charm, these three hotels shaped my journey across Turkey: Rixos Tersane Istanbul A glamorous new waterfront property with excellent service and food, right by the Bosphorus. Built within a restored 600-year-old Ottoman shipyard, this urban resort blends Ottoman-inspired elegance with modern luxury. There 432 artfully designed rooms including a presidential suite. The property's private boat tours of Fener-Balat help explore local art through in-house exhibitions. You can also dine at exceptional venues, and take part in fitness activities. There's also padel. Sold, right? Adalya Port Hotel, Antalya A character-filled boutique stay in the heart of Kaleiçi, overlooking the marina. It is tucked into the winding lanes of Antalya's charming Old Town and offers a warm, character-rich stay just steps from the historic marina. Set in a beautifully preserved Ottoman-style building, the hotel combines classic architecture with modern comforts. Rooms are cosy and thoughtfully appointed, ideal for both short getaways and longer stays. The highlight? Its unbeatable location, making it a perfect base for exploring Antalya's historic core. Barceló Istanbul Located just steps from Taksim Square Barceló Istanbul offers a stylish and modern base for exploring the city's vibrant European side. This sleek 5-star hotel features 273 spacious rooms, with select suites and Deluxe rooms offering private in-room hammams — a luxurious nod to Turkish tradition. After a long day, or night, you can unwind at the 1200 sqm Fitness & Wellness Center or take in panoramic city views from the rooftop Restaurant. With multiple dining venues, including a lively sports bar and elegant buffet, and a location close to shopping hotspots like Nişantaşı and İstiklal Street, Barceló is where modern comfort meets Turkish indulgence Epilogue: A birthday worth remembering Nine days. Two cities. One solo traveler chasing something intangible — a feeling, maybe. And I found it, somewhere between the call to prayer echoing at sunset and the aroma of fresh gozleme in the morning. Turkey was a mood; now, a memory, a good one. It gave me a break from routine, a deeper appreciation for culture, and a delicious overdose of Turkish hospitality. Would I go back? Yes, but not as a solo adventurer.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Daily Mail
Foreign Office travel advice for Turkey amid Israel-Iran conflict
Turkey is one of the UK's top holiday destinations and around 4.4 million British tourists travelled there in 2024. But due to Turkey's border with Iran, some tourists have become concerned about whether it is safe to visit. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office considers all of Turkey's main tourist areas as safe to travel to. This includes Istanbul and leading beach destinations such as Antalya and Bodrum. The UK government advises against all travel to within 10km of Turkey's border with Syria 'due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism'. Regional travel advice has been issued for British nationals attempting to cross into Turkey through its border with Iran. The government advises all Britons to 'request facilitation from the British Embassy in Ankara before travelling to the border' from Iran. Tourists are also urged to be aware of 'regular demonstrations and protests' currently taking place in Istanbul and other Turkish cities. The government says: 'Events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories have led to heightened tensions in the region and in locations across Turkey. 'Demonstrations continue to occur outside diplomatic missions connected to the conflict in major cities, particularly Israeli diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul. 'Avoid all demonstrations and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may be disrupted.' Flights from the UK to Turkey have not been impacted by the conflict. On June 24, Israel accused Iran of violating an agreed ceasefire and said it has detected missile launches from Iran. Defence minister Israel Katz has said he has instructed the IDF to 'respond forcefully to Iran's violation of the ceasefire with intense strikes against regime targets in the heart of Tehran'. The Foreign Office advises British tourists against all travel to Israel and Iran. A 'shelter in place' warning for Qatar following strikes on the Al Udeid Air Base has been lifted.
TTG
18-06-2025
- Business
- TTG
SunExpress adds 10,000 extra UK seats for summer 2025
Additional seats will be offered by SunExpress on the following key routes to Türkiye's most popular holiday destinations between August and October: London Gatwick – Antalya London Stansted – Antalya Bristol – Antalya Birmingham – Antalya Edinburgh – Dalaman SunExpress offers a range of fares to support the diverse needs of passengers, with a blend of different options including baggage allowances, seat reservations, check-in options and booking flexibility. The fares are offered in a bundle format so they can be tailored to customers' differing needs, providing increased choice and the potential for greater savings. In addition to 'summer sun and beach' travel, SunExpress caters for a number of other types of travel including cultural, archaeological, and culinary tourism, and sports travel. SunExpress is a value carrier with a strong presence on the Turkish Riviera and in Anatolia. The airline operates in a total of 237 routes to 92 destinations across 35 countries. Tickets are available now via or from travel agents.
The Sun
18-06-2025
- The Sun
Brit mum in car chase & thrown in JAIL in Turkey after smashing hotel shower while celebrating boyfriend's new teeth
A BRITISH mum says she has been "trapped" in Turkey for almost seven weeks after smashing a hotel shower screen on a drunken night out. Georgia Harrison, 32, claims hotel staff chased her to the airport before she was arrested and stung with a £15,000 bill. 4 The cleaner, from Rochdale, Greater Manchester, admitted she had made the "worst mistake of my life" but said she needs to get back home to be with daughter Poppy, 12. Georgia and partner Arron Tighe, 32, flew to Antalya on May 2 and were due to leave on May 7. But as they celebrated Arron's new veneers, Georgia downed vodka and cocktails before accidentally shattering a glass screen in the hotel bathroom. She thinks the booze mixed with prescribed antipsychotic medication caused her to black out. Georgia told The Sun: "I don't even remember it but I smashed the screen." Panicked, the couple left the Lexia Hotel the following morning and got a cab to the airport to fly back to the UK. Georgia said their taxi was blocked in by three cars before the worried cab driver called the police, who then arrested them. A hellish ordeal then began as they were put in a prison cell and questioned without a lawyer. The mum-of-one said she refused to answer questions until she had a British-speaking lawyer, which led to her being accused of resisting arrest. Georgia was then hauled into court after being left in a "court cell with 300 men" and was banned from leaving the country until she coughs up £15,000 for the hotel. She said: "I'm trapped, I don't have £15,000. "I've paid my lawyer, paid for hotels, I've paid for my rent back home. I've tried loads of ways to get out but I'm getting nowhere. I'm at a brick wall. "I know I've done wrong but it's killing me. I need to get home for my daughter. She rings me and asks when I'm coming home. It's heartbreaking. "There's nothing I can do to change it, it's horrible." Georgia has been in contact with the British Embassy in Turkey, which told her they are unable to help lift the travel ban. But in fear of indefinitely being held, Georgia has tried other means of leaving the country including trying to get a boat to Greece. Each time, a passport check has stopped her. She added: "I need to get home to my child now. 4 "My lawyer said to wait until it goes to trial, but it's waiting until then. We have no idea when they could be. "I can't afford to keep living here. I've sat in silence for more than six weeks but I've suffered and nothing's changing." Her sister has set up a GoFundMe page in a bid to raise £9,000 to help get the mum back to the UK. Georgia said: "I can't even click on it because I'm so ashamed. "But I don't know what else to do. "My lawyer sent a surveyor to the hotel who said the damage is worth no more than £1,000 and that's with labour. "My lawyer offered £3,000 to settle but they've refused it. "I just want to get home."
