This small and cozy harbor is now used for mooring yachts and pleasure boats. However, this was not always the case.

For more than two thousand years, since the foundation of Antalya in the 2nd century BC, this harbor was the second most important port on the southern coast of Turkey. Ships from Ancient Rome, Byzantium, and the Ottoman Empire arrived here. These were the main sea gates to the fertile valleys of southern Turkey. Powerful fortress walls that close the harbor from the land side, as well as watchtowers, cannons and other fortifications, have survived from those stormy times.

Promenade yachts and fishermen’s boats in Kaleichi harbor

In the 20th century, after a large modern port was built on the outskirts of Antalya, Kaleici harbor began to play only a decorative and touristic role. Now here you can sit in a cozy cafe or get on an excursion yacht that will take you along the coast of Antalya towards the Duden waterfall.

You can get to the harbor from the center of Antalya (which is located on top of the harbor, on the mountain) in two ways – by going down the narrow streets from the side of the old quarters of the Kaleichi district, or use the panoramic elevator (it is free). Entrance to the harbour area is free of charge (2024).

Near the harbor of Kaleichi is a small, beautiful sandy beach of Mermerly. According to legend, it was here that the ancient Roman emperor Mark Antony met with the Egyptian queen Cleopatra.