Welcome! We hope these resources can smooth your journey as you prepare to come to Olive Tree Counseling Center. Please note the following areas, and feel free to email ambernicole@olivetreecounseling.org if there are any other ways we can be of help as you plan your time in Antalya.
There are a few things you’ll need to take care of ahead of arrival. To make your travel as smooth as possible, please do the following.
E-VISA:
See this website to apply for an e-visa. The online application is simple and efficient.
Please refer to our COVID page to keep up to date on the latest information and requirements for travel.
GLOBAL & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
Travel requirements keep changing. To find the latest requirements in your country, go here: https://travelbans.org/
Also, please check with the airline you are flying to make sure they don’t have additional requirements in addition to the country you are traveling to / from. For instance, certain airlines are requiring a negative PCR test even though if you are vaccinated you don’t need one upon entry to Turkey. This is worth double checking.
GETTING A PCR TEST:
https://antalyatouristpcrtest.com/ is an option where they can come to you to do the PCR test. You can make the request online. and they come to your location. Results are relatively quick.
Yaşam Hastanesi is about a 20 minute walk from the office and they provide PCR testing as well. Generally, results seem to come within 6 hours or so.
Antalya Airport provides quick COVID testing as well. The easiest way to do that would be to take a taxi to the airport several hours in advance. You can pick up a hard copy of your results then when you arrive to fly out.
AT THE OFFICE:
- If you develop symptoms and/or test positive for COVID within 5 days of being with your counselor in person, please contact your counselor immediately.
- If you develop symptoms and/or test positive before/during your counseling, we will work with you to either transition your counseling online, or work to reschedule your sessions.
- If your counselor has been directly exposed or develops symptoms, they will notify you immediately and get tested. Counseling can either be moved online or rescheduled as needed.
OLIVE TREE’S ADDRESS:
Yeşilbahçe Mh. 1466 Sk. No: 8
Muratpaşa Antalya Türkiye
Apartments 3 – 4
OFFICE CONTACT INFO:
+90 532 057 33 45
SOME HELPFUL HANDOUTS:
GUESTHOUSES
These are shared living spaces with gracious and helpful hosts. We have three guesthouses that can accept clients for Olive Tree as they have availability.
RECOMMENDED AIRBNB OPTIONS
Below are some options that previous guests have had good experiences with. They are generally located close to the office.
Entire Apartment for Rent in Muratpaşa, Antalya, Turkey – Airbnb From a client: “It really is a nice place and the host is very helpful and gave really clear instructions for getting there and what not, so it’s already been a great experience so far. I also walked home and it was a perfect walk as well, so it is walkable to the center.”
3+1 Flat: 10 min to the beach, 4 min walking to the office. If you let them know you are with Olive Tree, they might be able to give a discount. Great for longer-term stays as well. https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/34812977?adults=1&s=40&unique_share_id=DBC0E1F3-E4A2-41D9-A79B-AB3373E51A6F&_branch_match_id=933635271982865361&source_impression_id=p3_1623834226_m9Bzmi4DmX3oJ0Ch
Rainbow House: Garden Floor, 2 bedrooms, 12-minute walk from the Counseling Center https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/40109985?source_impression_id=p3_1624886843_rUWDhTyQ%2B9nzFIDX&guests=1&adults=1
Old City AirBnb: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/42113401?s=67&unique_share_id=0886eea8-59c0-4f77-9982-d11ea79a3dc6
NEARBY HOTELS
Otium Happy Suites: Recommended by former clients. All suites have a king-size bed in the bedroom, and 2 sofas in the living room which can be converted into beds. All suites include a balcony, mini-bar, free WI-FI internet connection, air-conditioning, smart-tv, safe-deposit and private bathroom. Having a lovely garden at the backyard, our suites offer a quality and comfortable stay. https://www.otiumhappysuites.com/en
Prime Hotel: Clean and nicely appointed rooms. Complimentary breakfast buffet, with pool and fitness center. Views of Mediterranean. About 10 walking minutes from OTCC. https://primeotel.com/ (reservations in English on Expedia.com)
Cender Hotel: Larger hotel with pool, fitness center, and game room. Breakfast included, and on-site restaurant available. Variety of room types, including family suites. Beautiful sea views. https://www.cenderhotel.com.tr/en
Akra Park Hotel (Akra V): Family friendly hotel with indoor and outdoor pools, close to restaurants and grocery, bowling and arcade, and 10 min walk to sea/swimming area. Breakfast not included, but available for charge. https://www.baruthotels.com/akra-v/
ACCOMODATIONS IN KALEİÇİ (the Old City)
A 10-minute trolley ride, plus 10-minute walk. Most can be found by going to http://www.booking.com/ and type or paste in old town (Kaleiçi) Antalya. You can often get a lower price by calling or e-mailing the hotel/pension directly.
Pera House Apartment Hotel: apartment style with kitchens, different layouts 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom options, full fridge and washing machine, small swimming pool no premises. LINK HERE on hotels.com or AirBnb here
Palm House No.17: palmhouse17.com/ is lovely, small and beautifully remodeled 6-bedroom pension for adults only.
Alp Pasha Boutique Hotel: alppasa.com/en/hotel/alp-pasa-hotel/ – This is a unique, nice Ottoman-style hotel, beautifully renovated and very popular with tourists. Book using booking.com or call +90 242 247 5676
Hadrian Gate Hotel: hadriangatehotel.com/ has newly remodeled rooms and a good location. E-mail: info@hadriangatehotel.com Phone: +90 242 241 0404
Mediterra Art Hotel: mediterraarthotel.com
Eski Masal Hotel: http://eskimasalhotel.com E-mail: dimitri@iskimasalhotel.com
Tuvana Hotel: tuvanahotel.com E-mail: info@tuvanahotel.com
Ninova: ninova-pension.antalyahotel.org/en/ E-mail: ninova@ninovabutikhotel.com A family owned and operated pension, economical, nicely furnished.
Hadrianus Boutique Hotel: hadrianushotel.com/ Kılıcaslan Mahallesi, Zeytin Street, No.4 A/B, Kaleiçi, 07100 Antalya, Turkey. Has a lovely garden area.
Puding Marina Residence or Suite: puding-marina-residence.antalyahotel.org/en/ Including a nice breakfast, has good heat, is clean, has good service, has a sauna. Option of including the evening meal is very reasonable.
Villa Verde Café & Pension – Lovely with only 6 rooms in a courtyard. Information available by e-mail at info@pensionvillaverde.com or calling +90 242 248 2559
The Suite Apart Hotel: thesuiteantalya.com Being an apartment hotel, they don’t offer either breakfast or dinner, but each spacious room is furnished with a kitchenette, and you will be able to prepare meals yourself as needed. A bigger suite with slightly higher prices is also available.
If you are looking for some fun family activities or chances to explore on the weekends or in your free time here, there are plenty of options! We’d first recommend taking it slow though. Counseling is hard work and we hope you can feel restored in your time here. There are plenty of beaches and parks to rest in – and we hope you’ll take full advantage of the beauty Antalya has to offer as you find peace and restoration in your time here.
If you are looking for some fun family activities or chances to explore on the weekends or in your free time here, there are plenty of options! We’d first recommend taking it slow though. Counseling is hard work and we hope you can feel restored in your time here. There are plenty of beaches and parks to rest in – and we hope you’ll take full advantage of the beauty Antalya has to offer as you find peace and restoration in your time here.SUGGESTIONS FOR FAMILIES:
ANTALYA AQUARIUM
“As one of the biggest aquarium complexes of the world, Antalya Aquarium offers inspiration, entertainment and education all at once. After touring the 40 thematic aquariums, you will come across the biggest tunnel aquarium of the world with a length of 131 meters and a width of 3 meters.”
Website: antalyaaquarium.com
Address: Dumlupinar Bulvari Arapsuyu Mahallesi No: 502 Konyaalti, Antalya, TR 07070
Phone: (0242) 245 65 65
Importance: This is the largest tunnel aquarium in the world.
ANTALYA ZOO
Opening Hours: Winter: 9.00-17.30, summer: 9.00-19.00
Costs: No entrance fee, but a small parking fee for cars.
Address: Kepez Piknik Sahası İçerisi, Antalya, TR
KONYAALTI BEACH
Importance: It is a free public pebble beach, with chairs and umbrellas for rent, western side of Antalya.
LARA BEACH
Importance: It is a free public beach, eastern side of Antalya.
PARKORMAN ANTALYA
Address: Fatih, Tramway Son Durağı, Hayvanat Bahçesi Karşısı, 3410. Sk. No:8, 07080 Kepez
Phone: +90 (0242) 322 95 95
Importance: It’s a huge park that includes games such as GoKart or racecourse on the trees etc. and other kinds of fun fair activities and at the top of that hill there is great view of all Antalya as well as restaurants that serve traditional foods of Turkey and Chai Tea.
SANDLAND
Sandland is an open air sand sculpture exhibition featuring massive, professionally designed sand sculptures lit for night viewing.
Opening Hours: May 1-Oct 31: 09.00-23.00; Nov 1-April 30: 09.00-19.00
Entrance fee: Adults 24TL, children 10TL
Website: sandlandantalya.com
Address: Guzeloba Mahallesi Lara Caddesi Lara Birlik Halk Plajı, 07230 Muratpaşa/Antalya, Turkey
TENEFFÜS PARK
Adventure park and playground for families. Offers a high rope course, trampoline, zipline, big sandbox, festivals. Activities for children as young as two years old.
Opening Hours: Tue-Fri 9.00-18.00, Sat-Sun 10.00-18.00
Cost: About 20TL
Website: teneffuspark.com
Phone: +90 242 502 03 33
URCU SPORT CITY
Address: Şırınyala Mah 1487 Sk No 26 Muratpaşa Antalya
Phone: 0532 286 87 10 (manager is Arda speaks English)
urcusportscity.com There’s soccer, tennis, yoga, and basketball facilities there for very reasonable prices.
HISTORICAL SITES / ACTIVITIES:
ANTALYA ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Address: Konyaaltı Cad. No: 88, Antalya, TR 07050
Importance: It is one of the important archeological museums in Turkey, it has a lot of ruins and statues of Roman, Helen and Byzantine statues of Mythological characters as well as emperors and empresses. It also involves some important parts about church history such like relics of St. Nicholas and icons from Byzantine Churches.
ASPENDOS ANCIENT CITY RUINS AND THEATRE
Aspendos was an ancient city in Pamphylia, Asia Minor, located about 40 km east of the modern city of Antalya, Turkey. Aspendos is known for having the best-preserved theatre of antiquity.
Opening Hours: Summer (April 15- Oct 2): 8:00-19:00, Winter (Oct 3- April 14): 8:00-17:00
Entrance Fee: 25 TL
Address: Sarıabalı, Aspendos Yolu, 07500 Serik/Antalya, Turkey
Phone: +90 (242) 247 76 60
Importance: One of the best saved and biggest ancient theatres from Roman Empire and city around it.
PERGE ANCIENT CITY RUINS
Perge was an ancient Anatolian city, once the capital of Pamphylia Secunda. Today, it is a large site of ancient ruins 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) east of Antalya.
Paul and Barnabas came to Perge during their first journey, but probably stayed there only a short time, and do not seem to have preached there; it was there that John Mark left Paul to return to Jerusalem. On his return from Pisidia, Paul preached at Perge.
Opening Hours: 09.00-19.00
Address: Barbaros, Perge Yolu, 07112 Aksu/Antalya, Turkey
Phone: +(0242) 426 27 48
Importance: One of the oldest and best saved ancient city, it is also mentioned in the Bible in one of Paul’s trip with Barnabas and Mark.
TERMESSOS ANCIENT CITY RUINS
Address: Bayatbademleri, 07800 Döşemealtı/Antalya, Turkey
Phone: +90 (0242) 247 76 60
Importance: Termessos is one of the ancient cities founded at the top of a hill, at the top of the hill there is a theater which it has great view from there.
OLYMPOS
Olympos was an ancient city in Lycia. It was situated in a river valley near the coast. Its ruins are located south of the modern town Çıralı in the Kumluca district of Antalya Province. Olympos is now a popular tourist area. The ruins of the ancient city end in a valley that holds numerous pensions and guest houses.
The perpetual gas fires at Yanartaş are found a few kilometers to the northwest of the site.
Opening Hours: Summer (April 15- Oct 2): 8:00-19:00, Winter (Oct 3- April 14): 8:00-17:00
Entrance Fee: 20 TL
Address: Göynük, Atatürk Cd., 07985 Kemer/Antalya, Turkey
YANARTAŞ (KIMERA): THE ETERNAL FLAME
Yanartaş is a geographical feature near the Olympos valley and national park in Antalya Province in southwestern Turkey. It is the site of dozens of small fires which burn constantly from vents in the rocks on the side of the mountain. About a 45 minutes hike from the parking lot. There is a kiosk for refreshments, but make sure you bring water on the hike.
Cost: Small entrance fee
Location: Ulupınar, 07980 Kemer/Antalya, Turkey
PHASELIS ANCIENT CITY AND MUSEUM
Address: Ulupınar, 07980 Kemer/Antalya, Turkey
Importance: It’s another old ancient city and its ruins there is also a museum that shows the stuff that came out of the city, it also has an ancient theatre.
SIDE ANCIENT CITY
Address: Selimiye Mahallesi, Çağla Sk., 07330 Manavgat/Antalya, Turkey
Phone: +90 (0242) 238 56 89
Importance: It’s another ancient city which is close to beach and one of the nice city for holidays Side, it also has an ancient theatre in it and other city ruins.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO SEE:
DÜDEN WATERFALLS
Address: Çağlayan, Lara Cd. No:457, 07230 Muratpaşa/Antalya, Turkey
Importance: It is one of the beautiful and big waterfalls in Turkey and it’s turned into a park that people can walk around and behind of the waterfall as well as follow the waters as it makes a line. There are some restaurants and Cafe around that region that people can enjoy some coffee, tea or Turkish food.
TÜNKETEPE
Cable car to a mountain overlooking Antalya
Opening Hours: 10.00-18.00. Does not operate on Monday!
Cost: 1 person 15TL, 2 person 20TL
TÜNEK TEPE DÖNER GAZINO
Address: Liman, Antalya Kemer Yolu No:10, 07130 Konyaaltı/Antalya, Turkey
Phone: +90 0553 935 38 39
Importance: It is a restaurant at the top of the hill which turns and has great view of the city.
KURŞUNLU ŞELALESI
Address: Kursunlu Şelalesi, 07119 Aksu/Antalya, Turkey
Phone: +90 (0242) 433 22 18
Importance: It is also a waterfall park that can be seen and fresh air is also good in here, at the end of the park there is Cafe near the water which is beautiful place to enjoy a cup of coffee.
OLYMPOS CABLE CAR
Address: Tekirova, Tekirova Mahallesi, Kumluca Kemer Yolu, Tahtalı Teleferiği Yolu No: 2, 07995 Kemer/Antalya, Turkey
Phone: +90 (0242) 242 22 52
Importance: It is a cable car that from seaside takes people up to hill and there is a great view of the city both in the cable car as it goes up and also at the top of the hill, there is also a restaurant a lunch can be enjoyed while watching the city and the sky.
KALEIÇI (ANTALYA CITY CENTER | OLD TOWN)
Address: Selçuk, Uzun Çarşı Sk., 07100 Muratpaşa/Antalya, Turkey
Importance: Kaleiçi is an old town in the center of Antalya it has its own little port and old ancient gates, city walls, old houses etc. Hadrian Gate, Elevator and port is nice parts to see.
There are many restaurants to explore in Antalya, but if you’d like a few recommendations, see below. All should be easy to search for on google for directions.
OUR FAVORITES
OUR FAVORITES- Il Vicino (Kaleiçi) for woodfired pizza
- Haveli (Indian food, near Kaleiçi)
- Sade Patissere (10 min walk from Olive Tree), try the croissants and cinnamon rolls
- Rokka (falaffel, near Kaleiçi)
- Pizza Argentina (2 locations near Kaleiçi and in Konyaaltı)
- Sarı Demlek (Turkish breakfast in Lara)
- Chaykhana (Konyaaltı plaj – Tajikistan food)
TURKISH FOOD
WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF THE OFFICE
- Sultanyar Kebapçısı (great traditional Turkish food)
- Lokanta Mia (only open for lunches, great homemade food, cheap)
- Bay Balık (fish and salad, close to Olive Tree)
- Paşa Bey (traditional Turkish)
- Lara Balık (Falez park with beautiful cliff view)
FURTHER AWAY TO GET TO BY TAXI OR BUS
- Cağ Kebap
- Parlak Restaurant (Kaleiçi)
- Piyazcı Sami (hole in the wall with 3 menu items but does great traditional piyaz and köfte)
- Şişçi İbo Konyaaltı Şubesi
OTHER ETHNIC OR WESTERN FOOD OPTIONS
NEAR OR IN KALEİÇİ (OLD CITY)
- Haveli (Indian)
- Liman Kültür (variety of options)
WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF THE OFFICE
- Pablito (nicer meal with variety)
FURTHER AWAY – Get to by bus or taxi
- My Asia (Indian and some other asian cuisine. Try the green curries)
- Chaykhana (Tajikistan food)
- İl Gusto (woodfired pizza in Konyaaltı)
BURGERS
WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF THE OFFICE
- Texas Buffalo Burger
- Chicken Stop
FURTHER FROM OFFICE – get to by bus or taxi
- Supla (great burgers, salads, manti)
- Skull Burger
- Kricket Burger (Konyaaltı)
COFFEE SHOPS & PATISSERIES
- Cozy Coffee Lounge (Falez Park near office)
- Macropus
- Parla (right across from Olive Tree with good bread)
- Sade Patisserie (croissants and cinnamon rolls)
- Başka Ol (coffee shop and bookstore)
FURTHER AWAY
- The Sudd (Kaleiçi)
- The Dose (near The Haven guesthhouse, Konyaaltı)
SPECIAL DINNERS
- Vahap Usta Et (Konyaaltı for a nice dinner!)
- Pio Gastro and Pub (Kaleiçi)
- Vanilla Restaurant (Kaleiçi)
- SeraSer (Kaleiçi)
- Strasse (Konyaaltı)
- 7 Mehmet (Konyaaltı)
GLUTEN FREE
If you need gluten free options click here.
ORDERING IN
You can also download the app: Yemeksepeti for delivery options. If you do this, you will need to change to english and then also have the full address of where you are staying. Once you have entered that, it will give you options for what is available to be delivered in your area.
If you have medical needs that come up, don’t hesitate to ask the staff for help navigating the process. The emergency Olive Tree phone number is: +90 532 057 33 45. You can also contact your therapist, or contact Amber Nicole ambernicole@olivetreecounseling.org for support.
PHARMACIES:
ECZANE is the Turkish word for pharmacy. If you have any need for medication refills, or regular things a pharmacy would offer, you can generally find them at any of the (many!) local eczanes. There is one directly across from the office. If you have any needs, just ask and we can help translate and get you what you need.
HOSPITALS:
Medical care here is generally very good and affordable. In fact, people come from all over here for “medical tourism” to get procedures done. There’s a terrific university hospital and many others that would give very good care. For tourist’s ease we recommend the following:
Medical Park is a good local hospital that can provide translators if you have any immediate medical needs that come up. They won’t take foreign insurance, but should be able to accept credit cards or cash in TL.
Yaşam Hastanesi is closer to the office and can also provide good care. However, there probably will not be the same level of translation available.
DENTIST:
MakiDent is a quick 5 min walk from the Olive Tree offices, and they do a great job on routine cleanings. They do provide plenty of other medical services if needed, are professional and quick. The dentist speaks some English. You can make an easy online appointment here: makident.com
BilimDent – recommended to us for kids. They were very patient and kind, and are connected with a local university. (0242)245 00 11
Uzm. Dt. Oğuz Senek is another recommended children’s dentist who also speaks English and is really good with kids.
COVID TESTING LOCATIONS:
Yaşam Hastanesi is the easiest local location for testing, within walking distance of the counseling center. The testing center is not in the main building but to the left in a smaller space. Look for signs indicating PCR TESTING. They will generally have results available within 6-8 hours. If you don’t receive those electronically, you can stop back in and they can give you a printout.
AIRPORT – If you are flying out, it’s a quick taxi ride to the airport to get a PCR test at their testing location. It’s a quick and easy process there, and you can stop by the PCR testing center right before flying to have it printed out and in hand for flying.
CHECK OUT THESE BLOGS FOR EXPLORING ANTALYA, TURKEY:
Best Things to Do in Antalya with Kids: Why Visit Antalya, Turkey