Turkey’s southern Mediterranean region, sometimes referred to as the Turquoise Coast, is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. With pristine sand bordering on clear blue water and surrounded by dramatic cliffs, a visit to the Turquoise Coast is sure to leave you breathless. And, if you’re planning a trip to this region of the world, there’s no better place than the beautiful coastal city of Antalya. A wonderful combination of luxurious resorts, natural beauty, and rambunctious nightlife, Antalya has recently become one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Turkey.
But, just because Antalya has become popular among tourists doesn’t mean that it’s devoid of culture or history. Indeed, the city once served as a major port of trade for the Romans and there remain many remnants of this time period around the area. Visitors to the city can check out Hadrian’s Gate, made to honor the arrival of the esteemed Roman emperor, or Hidirlik Tower, which was used by the Romans as a fortification and a lighthouse. If history isn’t your thing, you can always spend your time in Antalya laying back on a beautiful beach and enjoying the water. Plus, if you want an introduction to Turkish gastronomy, Antalya has that to offer as well. So, if you want to get the best sense of all that Antalya has to offer, the best way to do so is by hiring a scooter and cruising along the coast at your leisure.
Here is everything you need to know about scooter hire in Antalya. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a motorcycle as well. This guide includes:
- Whether it’s safe to rent a scooter in Antalya
- Whether you need an international driving permit to hire a motor scooter in Turkey
- The best places to find scooter hire around Antalya
- The normal price of scooter rental in Antalya
- The best things to do in Antalya by motor scooter
Is It Safe to Hire a Scooter in Antalya?
In general, driving in Turkey is not exactly a walk in the park. There are a lot of narrow streets throughout the country with lots of congestion and neighborhoods that are completely jammed up. It’s also not uncommon to see people driving in the wrong direction on the sides of the roads. Essentially, driving in most parts of Turkey is a complete free-for-all. However, being that Antalya is a good deal smaller than many other Turkish cities, driving in Antalya is a little bit more manageable.
On the bright side, in Antalya, most of the roads are in very good condition and there is ample signage to tell you where you’re going. And, while drivers in Antalya are still rather aggressive, the roads are wide enough that you don’t feel like you’re going to get into a crash when someone overtakes you. The most stressful driving is definitely in the heart of Antalya whereas things are calmer on the rural roads on the outskirts of the city.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Hire a Scooter in Turkey?
If you plan on hiring a scooter or any other kind of motor vehicle during your time in Turkey, you should be aware that Turkish law requires all foreign drivers to carry an international driving permit as well as a copy of their national driver’s license while driving within Turkey. Failure to present Turkish law enforcement with a valid IDP could result in a large fine or even extradition from the country.
To apply for your international driving permit, you can click this link and fill out the requested form. There is a $20 application fee and, once you’ve sent in your application, it will take about two weeks for your IDP to arrive in the mail. So, you should make sure to apply for your IDP at least two weeks before departing for your trip to Turkey. Once you have your permit, it will be valid for one full year.
Where Are the Best Places to Find Motor Scooter Rental in Antalya?
If you plan on flying into Antalya Airport, which is located 13 kilometers northeast of the city center, you should be able to easily find a rental scooter just outside your airport terminal. There a quite a few scooters hire services located within the airport and in the area around it. However, if you’d prefer to take a taxi to your accommodation before renting a scooter, there are also many scooter rental companies within the city center of Antalya.
If you’re looking for scooter rental within the city of Antalya, the best place to start your search is in the area directly around the Old City Marina, where you’ll see hundreds of luxury yachts anchored. You can also find some rental companies along the western part of the coast near Konyaalti Beach. In general, there are also a bunch of scooter rental shops along route D400, the main highway running through the city.
What Is the Average Cost of Motor Scooter Hire in Antalya?
Turkey is generally considered one of the most affordable countries in Europe for travelers. So, you can expect to pay a pretty fair price for your rental scooter. If you want to hire a basic scooter, such as a Yamaha Neo 50, you can expect to pay around €35 per day. However, if you’re looking to upgrade to something a bit more powerful, such as a Yamaha X-Max 250, you can find it in this range for around €60 per day.
Regardless of what kind of vehicle you choose to rent, you should always make sure that helmet rental and insurance are included in the stated rental price. You should always wear a helmet while driving a motor scooter or motorcycle. You are also required by law to be covered by an insurance policy while driving in Turkey. Driving without insurance could end up costing you a whole lot of money in fines or in repairs if you end up getting in an accident. You should also inquire with your rental shop as to whether they offer reduced rates for weekly or monthly rentals.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Antalya by Scooter?
You now have all of the necessary information for renting a motor scooter in Antalya, Turkey. Here are some of the best things to see and do in the city to get you started on your adventure:
Kaleici
One of the most notable features of the city of Antalya is the old town section of Kaleici. As you walk around and admire the scattered ruins, you may start to get a sense of what it was like for people living there over 2,000 years ago. Plus, Kaleici is a great spot to get a break from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the city. This area is also full to the brim with history from 17th-century mosques to massive clock towers to ancient Roman ruins.
One of the highlights around Kaleici is, of course, Hadrian’s Gate. Built in the 2nd century BCE, this structure was erected to welcome the visit of Roman Emperor Hadrian. Today, the gate still stands relatively intact. Other notable sites in the area include the Fluted Minaret and the Broken Minaret, two wonderful examples of architecture that are absolutely worth seeing.
Duden Waterfalls
The Duden Waterfalls are two separate waterfalls located several kilometers apart that are both incredibly impressive. At the lower falls, located between Antalya and Lara, you can see the Duden River falling over 40 meters down into the Mediterranean Sea in a dramatic fashion. Apart from the falls, it’s also just a great location to catch some great views of the ocean. Plus, there is a park nearby with playgrounds, scenic terraces, and a zipline that takes you over the river.
Make your way to the upper falls and you’ll find the same river falling over a series of rocky ledges. There’s also a wonderful path that leads you right behind the waterfall. Do some meditative walking, take a swim in the river, and enjoy the Mediterranean breeze.
Antalya Archaeological Museum
Aside from being a gorgeous resort town with pristine beaches, Antalya is also a part of the Pamphylia region, which all-in-all is home to some incredible archaeological findings. If you want to get a sense of just how far back the history of Antalya goes, you should take a visit to the Antalya Archaeological Museum and scan their vast array of ancient artifacts.
The museum contains 13 different halls with over 5,000 artifacts from Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman times. You’ll find rows and rows of jewelry, coins, wine bowls, figurines, and so much more. One of the most impressive pieces is a 2nd-century marble sarcophagus that is decorated with depictions of the Twelve Labours of Hercules. The artistry and history behind this piece is absolutely fascinating.
Adventure Through Antalya on a Motor Scooter
The city of Antalya, Turkey is a wonderful blend of modern amenities, ancient history, and stunning natural scenery. With so much to see in the city and the areas around it, the best way to make the most of your vacation there is to rent a motor scooter and start exploring.
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