Aktalos the Second, the King of Pergamum says to his raiders, “Go and find for me the heaven on earth...” The raiders take off upon the order of the king, travel to many different lands and finally when they come to the place now called Antalya they look at its matchless beauty and say: “We have found heaven.”

The city founded that day and called “Attalia” will still make you feel like you are in heaven. The antique towns of Alanya, Side, Manavgat, Kemer, Kas, Finike, Serik, Demre (Kale) and others spread out on the coast of Antalya invite you to the bygone age of centuries ago but this time accompanied by the MEP Touch! The breathtaking sunset at the antique city of Phaselis accompanied by harp music played exclusively for you. And then later possibly a sumptious feast that will make you feel like you are experiencing 2nd Century BC.

Wake in the morning in a tranquil room overlooking a turquoise sea. In your mind begin to map out the options for the day ahead: sailing, jeep safari, rafting, golf, scuba diving. Or if your batteries are seriously flat and need recharging nothing more strenuous than making it to the lounger on the golden sand for a day of sun bathing. Or maybe some shopping in the Old Town where the prices are so low you can’t afford not to buy. Or travelling back in time visiting the historical monuments in an ancient country where the past still lives.

Antalya and the region it is located in hosts many major national and international festivals and sports events. We would especially suggest the Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival to experience the beautiful humming that has filled this grand arena over the centuries. Please find below a list of some of the festivals organized in Antalya:

• A number of sports events including car and motorcycle races, championships and  rallies.
• Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, Turkey's largest film festival organized during the last week of September.
• Mediterranean International Music Festival organized in October for six days
• Antalya Honey Festival, Gündogmus, organized in August
• Antalya International Folk Music and Dance Festival Competition, organized during the last week of August
• Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival, organized in June and July
• Antalya Piano Festival, organized in October
• Antalya Painting Festival, organized in September
• Beachpark Rock Festival, organized in October
• Kas-Demre Festival, organized in December
• Kemer Golden Granada Wrestling Competition, organized in May 

In Antalya there are numerous museums and historical cities. We can organize many different events across the region to create the environment as it would have been in any of three great empires, perhaps welcoming your guests with a Byzantine Era Cocktail at the garden of the Archeology Museum, one of the largest museums in Turkey, or surprising them with a room orchestra awaiting them among the ancient ruins in Perge.

Antalya pulses after dark with what is undeniably the liveliest and craziest nightlife on the Turkish south coast. There are a wide variety of clubs and bars. Most bars double as discos, and most of the hotels offer nightly entertainment – usually with belly-dancing – that is open to non-guests as well. The most popular spots for all-night dancing are Club Ally, Club Arma (old Club 29) and Club Ceila. Those who just want a quiet, cool drink along the oceanfront with the sea breeze will find a calming atmosphere at the waterfront bars in Kaleici.

Antalya’s most famous dishes include piyaz, made with tahini (crushed sesame seeds), garlic, walnuts and boiled dried beans; spicy hibes with mixed cumin and tahini; sish kofte, tandir kebab; domates civesi; saksuka and various cold Mediterranean dishes with olive oil. One local specialty is tirmis, boiled seeds of the lupin, eaten as a snack.

Antalya has many shopping centers embracing the world’s legendary brands and some of the best, especially for jewelry, carpets and leather goods may be found in the Kaleici district (also known as the old city) near the city walls.

Wandering through the side streets in the old quarters it is possible to find anything your heart desires. Old Turkish kilims, original gold jewelry, leather products, natural cotton clothing, handmade wooden items as well as traditional Turkish handicrafts are among the many items that you will be able to buy. Don't miss the colorful open-air vegetable and fruit market.

Close by the statue of Attalus, is a warren of tiny lanes, jam-packed with little shops, mostly selling jewelry and souvenirs. This was Antalya's central bazaar for many years – the city's prime market for food and for everything else. Other good shopping can be found along the boulevard that passes Hadrian's Gate and the narrow streets of Kaleiçi. You can even enjoy the Bazaar at night with colorful Turkish entertainment and delicious traditional Turkish food corners created by MEP upon request...