Lara: A Perfect Holiday Getaway

Lara, known as one of the most significant holiday locations in Turkey, earns this title with its mild weather, great sandy beaches, turquoise Mediterranean waters, and many great hotels that offer high-quality service.

Lara is a highly-preferred summer getaway location for sun-sea-sand people. To relax and ease your mind, visit Lara with your loved ones and seize your holiday.

Here’s a bit more about Lara:

Location: Lara is located to the east of the city center and it’s closer to Antalya Airport compared to the city center, which makes it a preferred location for tourists.

Lara Beach: It’s the most significant feature of the district. The beach spans about 12 km and is covered with small pebbles and sand. It’s one of the longest sand beaches in Turkey and offers numerous recreational activities like water sports. The beach is also well-known for its Blue Flag certification for its clean water.

Hotels and Resorts: Lara is known for its luxury accommodations with many of them designed to mimic famous landmarks from around the world. Some of the hotels are also all-inclusive, providing tourists with everything they need in one location.

Duden Waterfalls: Not too far from Lara, the Duden Waterfalls are a group of waterfalls in the province. The waterfalls, formed by the Duden River (one of the major rivers in southern Anatolia), are located 12 km northeast of Antalya.

Shopping: Lara is also home to several shopping centers, including the Lara Beach Shopping Center, where tourists can purchase a variety of goods.

Nightlife: The district is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with many hotels offering their own shows and entertainment. For a more local experience, the city of Antalya with its historic old town, modern marina, and bustling nightlife is just a short drive away.

Sandland: An open-air museum located at Lara Beach, known for hosting an international sand sculpture festival every year, with giant structures made entirely of sand.

Climate: Lara enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.

Lara, being a district in Antalya, is easily accessible from within Turkey and abroad, thanks to its proximity to the Antalya Airport.

By Air:

The easiest way to get to Lara is to fly into Antalya Airport, which is the third busiest airport in Turkey and offers numerous international flights. The airport is about a 20-minute drive from Lara. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange a shuttle bus service to get to Lara.

By Road:

If you are coming from other parts of Turkey, you can take a long-distance bus to the Antalya Bus Terminal and then take a taxi or a local bus to Lara.

By Sea:

Antalya also has a major seaport, so it’s possible to get there by ferry from other Turkish coastal towns.

What to pack for a trip to Lara, Antalya largely depends on the time of the year you’re visiting.

For Summer (June to September):

Lightweight, breathable clothing: Due to high temperatures and humidity, you’ll want to pack light clothing such as shorts, t-shirts, dresses, and lightweight pants. Cotton and linen are great choices.

Swimsuit: Lara is known for its beautiful beaches, so you’ll definitely want to pack a swimsuit.

Sun Protection: Bring a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong sun.

Comfortable footwear: If you’re planning to do any walking or hiking, comfortable shoes are a must.

For Winter (December to February):

Warm Clothing: While winters in Antalya are milder compared to other parts of Turkey, it’s still a good idea to pack a warm jacket, sweater, and long pants.

Umbrella or Raincoat: Winter is the rainy season in Antalya, so it’s advisable to carry an umbrella or a waterproof jacket.

For Spring and Autumn:

Layered Clothing: These seasons can see a mix of warm and cool weather, so packing layers that you can put on and take off is the best strategy.

All Year Round:

Toiletries: Don’t forget your personal toiletries, although most can also be bought locally if needed.

Power Adapter: Turkey uses European-style two-pin round plugs (Type C, E & F). If your devices use different plug types, you’ll need an adapter.

First-aid Kit: It’s always a good idea to carry a basic first-aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary prescription medications.

Travel Documents: Don’t forget your passport, driver’s license, and any other ID. It’s also a good idea to carry digital and physical copies of these documents in case they get lost.

Lara, Antalya is well known for its beautiful coastline and luxurious beach resorts. Here are some places you might consider when choosing where to stay:

Akra Hotel: This 5-star hotel offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, a large pool, a spa, and a number of dining options.

Liberty Hotels Lara: A beachfront resort that features pools, waterslides, spa facilities, and a variety of room options. This is a great choice for families.

Ramada Resort Lara: This is a family-friendly resort with a wide range of amenities such as multiple pools, restaurants, and a beach club.

Delphin Imperial Hotel Lara: This luxurious hotel offers an all-inclusive option and is known for its architecture, wide variety of food, and service.

Titanic Beach Lara: Inspired by the design of the famous ship Titanic, this hotel offers a mix of luxury and comfort with a range of facilities including pools, a spa, a fitness center, and a kids club.

Lara, located in the Antalya province of southern Turkey, experiences a Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.

During the summer months (June to September), the weather is typically sunny and dry with temperatures often rising above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). These months are perfect for beach activities and water sports.

In contrast, the winter months (December to February) are much cooler, with temperatures typically ranging from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius (50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit). Rainfall is more common during this time, and while it’s much less crowded, some facilities may be closed.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (October and November) are considered shoulder seasons, offering moderate temperatures and fewer crowds, making these times ideal for sightseeing and other activities.

The best time to visit Lara, like much of the Antalya region, largely depends on what you’re looking to do.

If you’re looking to enjoy the beach and sea, the summer months of June through September would be ideal. During this time, the weather is typically hot and dry, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and other beach activities. Be aware that this is also peak tourist season, so it can be crowded.

For those interested in sightseeing, exploring the local culture, and outdoor activities like hiking, the shoulder seasons of spring (April and May) and fall (October and November) are often recommended. During these months, the weather is milder and the crowds are smaller, which can make for a more enjoyable experience.

Lara is a district of Antalya city, located in the southern part of Turkey. Lara’s history, like many regions of Antalya, is connected to the broader history of the Antalya province and Turkey itself. As of my last training cut-off in September 2021, there are not any major historical events or periods that specifically occurred in Lara.

However, the broader region of Antalya has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Antalya was known in the Roman era as Attalia, and it was a major city in the Byzantine Empire. It was later taken over by the Seljuk Turks, followed by the Ottoman Empire, and finally became part of the Republic of Turkey in the 20th century.

The region is known for its ancient ruins, many of which are remnants of these past civilizations. Today, Lara is best known for its long sandy beaches and the luxury hotels and resorts that line the coast. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey.

Lara is renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches and the luxury resorts that line its coast, creating a modern-day tourist paradise. It is especially known for its unique “Lara Beach”, often referred to as the Las Vegas of Turkey due to its hotels designed in the form of famous landmarks around the world.

Here are some notable features and achievements of Lara:

Lara Beach: Famous for its clear, blue waters and golden sands, it’s one of the longest sand beaches in Turkey. This beach has won multiple awards for its cleanliness and water quality.

Lara’s Luxury Hotels and Resorts: Lara is renowned for its ‘theme’ hotels. For instance, the Titanic Beach Lara is built to resemble the infamous ship Titanic, and the Venezia Palace is an impressive replica of the Doge’s Palace in Venice.

Duden Waterfalls: Located just outside Lara, the Duden Waterfalls are a collection of small falls ending in a dramatic cliff where the waters of the Düden River meet the Mediterranean Sea.

Sandland (Sand Sculpture Festival): An annual festival where artists from around the world come to create massive sculptures out of sand. It’s one of the largest sand sculpture events in the world.

Close Proximity to Antalya City: Lara’s proximity to Antalya City offers visitors the best of both worlds. They can relax in the resort-heavy Lara and explore historical sites in Antalya.

Lara itself is mainly known for its beach and luxury resorts, but it’s also within easy reach of a number of historical and archaeological sites in the Antalya region. Here are a few you might consider visiting:

Old Town of Antalya (Kaleici): Just a short distance from Lara, Kaleici offers narrow streets, old Ottoman-era houses, ancient Roman walls, and Hadrian’s Gate, a monumental gate that was built in the name of the Roman emperor Hadrian.

Perge: About 18 kilometers east of Antalya, the ancient city of Perge dates back to around 1500 BC and includes a well-preserved Roman theatre, a stadium, an agora, and baths.

Aspendos: A little further east, you can find the city of Aspendos, known for its incredibly well-preserved Roman theatre, one of the best-preserved examples in the world. The city also includes an ancient basilica and aqueduct.

Termessos: Located in the mountains northwest of Lara, the ancient city of Termessos is a fascinating place to visit. Known for its stunning mountain-top location and well-preserved ruins, it’s sometimes referred to as the “Eagle’s Nest” due to its location.

Duden Waterfalls: A beautiful natural site close to Lara, featuring a unique set of waterfalls that plunge straight into the Mediterranean from the cliffs.

Lara is a district of Antalya, Turkey, best known for its long sandy beach, the longest of its kind in Turkey, and luxury hotels. It is a relatively modern area, largely developed for tourism purposes in the 20th and 21st centuries. Because of its recent development and its nature as a resort area, there aren’t specific historical figures directly associated with Lara itself.

However, the broader area of Antalya has a rich history, and a number of famous figures in history have had a significant impact on it. These include:

Hadrian: Roman Emperor Hadrian visited Antalya in 130 AD and a triumphal arch (Hadrian’s Gate) was built in his honor. His visit left a lasting impact on the region.

Attalus II Philadelphus: The founder of Antalya, then called Attaleia, in the 2nd century BC. He was the king of Pergamon, an ancient Greek city.

Seljuks and Ottomans: Various sultans from the Seljuk and Ottoman Empires have left their mark on Antalya and its surrounding area, with many historic buildings and structures dating back to these periods.

Lara is best known for its stunning beach and luxury hotels, but it has plenty to offer for all types of travelers. Here are 15 of the best things to do in Lara, Antalya:

1. 1. Lara Beach: Enjoy a day at one of Turkey’s most famous beaches. You can relax, swim, and soak up the sun on the golden sands.
   2. Duden Waterfalls: A group of stunning waterfalls in the Duden River, which are a short trip away from Lara. You can also take a boat tour to view the falls from the sea.
   3. Sandland: An impressive sand sculpture festival and park. Artists from around the world come to create massive, intricate sand sculptures.
   4. Antalya Aquarium: Visit one of the biggest aquarium complexes in the world, where you can see thousands of underwater creatures.
   5. Old Town Kaleici: Take a trip to the historic center of Antalya, filled with traditional Ottoman houses, ancient city walls, and a beautiful harbor.
   6. TerraCity Shopping Center: If you feel like shopping, head to TerraCity, the largest shopping center in Antalya, with both local and international brands.
   7. Hadrian’s Gate: A stunning ancient Roman structure located in the old town of Antalya.
   8. Perge Ancient City: A day trip to the ruins of the ancient city of Perge is a must for history buffs.
   9. Antalya Museum: Explore the rich history of the region through its artifacts housed in this award-winning museum.
   10. TunekeTepe: A hill located in the west part of the city that offers panoramic views of Antalya.
   11. Rafting on the Koprulu Canyon: For the adventurous, this is a popular day trip from Lara.
   12. Hiking on the Lycian Way: This is a long-distance footpath in Turkey around part of the coast of ancient Lycia.
   13. Visit luxury hotels: Many of the hotels in Lara are themed, like the Titanic Beach Lara and the Concorde De Luxe Resort. Even if you’re not staying, some allow visitors to explore.
   14. Jeep Safari: Take a thrilling off-road adventure into the Taurus mountains.
   15. Boat trips: You can take a boat trip from the old harbor in Antalya to view the stunning coastline of the Turkish Riviera.

Lara, located in Antalya, Turkey, is best known for its golden beaches, historical sites, and luxury resorts. Here are some of the top places to visit in Lara:

Lara Beach: This is one of Turkey’s most famous beaches, known for its long, golden sands. There are numerous beach clubs along the coastline where you can rent sun loungers and enjoy a day of relaxation.

Duden Waterfalls: This spectacular natural wonder is a short trip away from Lara. You can enjoy the sights of the waterfall from land, or take a boat tour to see it from the sea.

Sandland: An international sand sculpture festival that takes place in Lara, attracting artists from around the world. The sculptures are often several meters high and cover a wide range of themes.

Antalya Aquarium: One of the world’s largest aquarium complexes, offering visitors the chance to see a huge variety of marine species. The complex also includes a snow room and a tropical reptile house.

Butterfly Park Antalya: A tropical paradise where you can see a variety of butterfly species, along with other exotic animals and plants.

Lara’s Luxury Hotels: Lara is known for its luxurious, all-inclusive resorts. Some, like the Titanic Beach Lara, are designed in the style of famous landmarks.

TerraCity Shopping Center: If you’re in the mood for shopping, TerraCity is the largest shopping center in Antalya, boasting a variety of stores ranging from high-end designers to local boutiques.

Lower Duden Waterfalls: While not as high as the upper falls, the lower Duden Waterfalls are equally beautiful and tumble directly into the Mediterranean Sea.

Troy Aqua and Dolphinarium: A fun day out for families, this water park offers a variety of slides, a wave pool, and dolphin shows.

There are numerous tours you can take to explore Lara and its surroundings. Here are a few options:

Lara Beach Day Tours: You can take a full-day tour which includes transport to and from Lara Beach, where you can spend the day relaxing by the sea.

Duden Waterfalls Tours: Many tour operators offer trips to the Duden Waterfalls, often combined with other attractions in Antalya. Some of these tours even include a boat trip to see the lower falls, which fall directly into the sea.

Antalya City and Waterfalls Tour: This tour combines a visit to the old town of Antalya (Kaleici) with a visit to the Duden Waterfalls.

Perge, Aspendos, and Kursunlu Waterfalls Tour: This is a full-day tour that takes you to some of the most important historical and natural sites in the Antalya region.

Sandland Sculpture Festival Tours: These tours will take you to the annual Sandland Festival, where you can see amazing sand sculptures created by artists from all around the world.

Jeep Safari Tours: For those who love adventure, jeep safari tours are available where you can explore the Taurus Mountains and local villages.

Boat Tours: You can take a boat tour from Antalya’s old harbor to see Duden Waterfalls and the beautiful coastline.

Rafting Tours: For the more adventurous, white water rafting tours are offered in the nearby Köprülü Canyon.

Antalya Aquarium Tours: A visit to one of the world’s biggest aquariums can be a part of a larger tour of Antalya’s attractions.

Lara, located in the southern part of Turkey, enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate during winter. While it is not the peak season for beach visits, the cooler temperatures make it a great time for sightseeing. Here are some places you could visit in Lara during the winter:

Lara Beach: Even though it’s not the best time for swimming, you can still enjoy long, relaxing walks on Lara Beach, especially on sunny winter days.

Sandland: This open-air sculpture museum showcases spectacular sand sculptures from artists around the world. You can appreciate these intricate works of art even in winter.

Duden Waterfalls: This is a great spot to visit all year round. The waterfalls might be less crowded during winter and the sight of the cascading water against a winter backdrop is quite stunning.

Antalya City Center: You can take a short drive to Antalya’s city center to explore the historic old town (Kaleici), which is filled with Roman-era architecture, the old Roman harbor, and several museums such as the Antalya Museum and the Antalya Toy Museum.

Perge Ancient City and Aspendos Theatre: These well-preserved ancient Roman sites are a must-visit for history enthusiasts. They are about an hour’s drive from Lara.

Shopping Centers: The TerraCity Shopping Mall, one of the largest in Antalya, offers a great indoor shopping experience during the colder months.

Local Restaurants and Cafés: Turkish cuisine is hearty and warming, making it perfect for the winter months. Enjoy local dishes at some of the best restaurants and cafes in Lara.

In summer, Lara, located on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, offers a great blend of sun, sea, and culture. Here are some of the top places to visit in Lara during the summer:

Lara Beach: One of the longest sand beaches in Turkey, Lara Beach is a prime location for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying watersports. It’s known for its Blue Flag certification, meaning it meets high standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management.

Sandland: Visit this amazing open-air sand sculpture exhibition. Each year artists from around the world create incredible large-scale sculptures on various themes.

Duden Waterfalls: Located a short distance from Lara, these stunning waterfalls are a beautiful spot for relaxation and taking pictures. The upper falls have a park with picnic facilities.

Butterfly Park Antalya: Just a short drive from Lara, this tropical paradise is home to numerous species of colorful butterflies and is a great day trip for families.

TerraCity Shopping Mall: On hotter days, escape the heat by exploring this large shopping mall, which offers a wide range of stores and dining options.

Antalya City Center: Take a short drive to Antalya’s city center to explore the historic old town (Kaleici), with its charming streets, historic sites, and picturesque marina.

Perge Ancient City and Aspendos Theatre: These ancient Roman sites are a must-visit for history enthusiasts. They are about an hour’s drive from Lara.

Belek: If you are interested in golf, a day trip to nearby Belek, which has several world-class golf courses, could be a good choice.

Local Restaurants and Cafés: Turkish cuisine is delightful, and there’s no better place to try dishes like kebabs, mezes, and baklava than at the local eateries in Lara.

Here are some traditional dishes you might find:

Piyaz: This is a traditional Antalya dish, which is a white bean salad with tahini dressing.

Sis Kofte: These are Turkish meatballs, typically grilled on a skewer.

Hibes: A dip made from tahini, cumin, pepper, and lemon juice, it’s often eaten with bread.

Tandir Kebab: This is a type of kebab that’s slow-cooked in a clay oven. It’s usually made with lamb.

Doner: Although döner is common throughout Turkey, Antalya has its own variations. It is a type of kebab made from meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie.

Borek: A filled pastry made of a thin flaky dough, which can be filled with cheese, minced meat, or vegetables.

Turkish Tea and Coffee: Enjoyed throughout the day, Turkish tea and coffee are integral to Turkish hospitality.

Turkish Delight (Lokum): A sweet treat that comes in many flavors, often enjoyed with a cup of Turkish coffee.

Baklava: A sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.

Lara, as a part of Antalya, has many great restaurants where you can sample both local and international cuisine. Here are a few of the top-rated ones:

7 Mehmet: A well-known restaurant in Antalya, 7 Mehmet offers traditional Turkish cuisine with a great view of the Mediterranean Sea.

Seraser Fine Dining Restaurant: If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, Seraser offers a varied menu with international options, combining them with local ingredients.

Can Can Pide & Pizza Salonu: Offering delicious Turkish pizza (Pide) and other local dishes, it’s a great choice for a casual meal.

Happy Moon’s: It’s a chain restaurant in Turkey offering a wide variety of food options including pizzas, burgers, and Turkish dishes.

Van Kahvalti Evi: Known for its traditional Turkish breakfast, this place is a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

The Bigman: A seafood restaurant offering a variety of fish and seafood dishes, perfect for a special dinner out.

The Sudd Coffee: Not only a great place for a cup of coffee but also for its sandwiches and other light bites.

Turkish Delight (Lokum): This is a sweet treat that comes in a variety of flavors and is often packaged in decorative boxes making it a great gift.

Turkish Tea or Coffee: Turkish tea and coffee are integral parts of Turkish culture. You can find high-quality tea or coffee almost anywhere in the country, and they make a great gift. Don’t forget to include a set of traditional tea glasses or a coffee pot!

Handmade Carpets and Kilims: Turkey is famous for its handmade carpets and kilims. You can find smaller, more portable options that are easy to carry home.

Ceramics and Pottery: Beautifully decorated ceramics are a popular souvenir. You can find everything from plates to ornamental pieces.

Spices: The Turkish cuisine is known for its unique mix of spices. A selection of spices can be a great gift for someone who loves to cook.

Olive Oil and Soap: Turkey is one of the biggest producers of olives. High-quality olive oil or olive oil soap can be an excellent gift.

Evil Eye (Nazar): The blue and white evil eye amulet is a popular souvenir and is said to protect against bad luck.

Jewelry: Turkish jewelry, especially pieces made with local gemstones or featuring traditional designs, can make for a unique gift.