Finiki District, one of the centers of tourist attraction in Antalya with its unique natural beauty, has become the 22nd district included in the international Citaslu (City of Tranquility) network in Turkey.
When Finike is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is undoubtedly the thin-skinned, juicy, candy-like orange. Antalya’s Finiki district has become the 22nd district to be included in Turkey’s international Cetaslu (Slow City) network.
The International Coordinating Committee of Cetaslo, which met in Wryszel, Poland, on April 14-15, included Antalya’s Finiki district in the international Cetaslo network, which is described as a common meeting point for quiet cities where life is easy. Antalya Metropolitan Municipality, which has been supporting Finiki’s three-year effort to become a “slow city”, attended the 6th Cetaslu Global Forum held in South Korea last year and gave presentations and meetings on the candidate Finiki district. With Finiki receiving the title of Quiet City, Antalya Metropolitan Municipality’s intensive cooperation and lobbying activities with the regions on this issue have also yielded positive results.
The required criteria have been met
At the meeting held in Reszel, Chairman of the International Cittaslow Committee Mauro Migliorini presented the Cittaslow flag and certificate to Finike Deputy Mayor Sıdıka Gökyar Kızılca. To be included in the international Cittaslow network, several criteria must be met. Environment and infrastructure such as air and water cleaning, segregation and collection of urban solid waste, sewage and sewage treatment facilities, reduction of visual pollution and traffic noise, efficient bicycle paths, quality of urban life, and policies related to agriculture, tourism, traders and artisans. and social harmony, Finiki, which met the criteria under Partnership Plans, Hospitality, Awareness and Education, received the title of Slow City.
A journey into the history of Phenicia
Limeira Old Town: Finiki Old Town, one of the most important historical places in Finiki, dates back to BC. It fascinates its visitors with its antiquities dating back to the fifth century. In this ancient city, you can explore structures such as theatre, baths, cisterns and shrines. A great attraction for history buffs. This ancient city offers a fascinating tour with its ruins from the Lycian period. The amphitheater is a magnificent building that seats around 3,700 people and is free to visit.
Phaselis ancient city: Phaselis is located just a few kilometers from Finiki, and is famous for its impressive ancient ruins and wonderful beaches. While walking through Phaselis, which was an important trading center in ancient times, you can explore structures such as the ancient theatre, baths and harbour.
Finiki Castle: Finiki Castle, one of the symbolic buildings in Finiki, was built by the Crusaders in 1198. The castle continues to preserve its historical fabric, and the museum inside it gives visitors the opportunity to learn closely about the history of Finiki.
The ancient city of Arikanda: Arikanda is located near Finiki, an important archaeological site from the ancient Lycian period. Here you can see theatres, baths and mosaics from the Roman era. Moreover, the magnificent view of Arikanda will make your visit unforgettable.
Places to visit and see in Venice
In Finiki, which is famous for its natural beauty, beaches such as Karaoz Beach and Soluda are ideal options to enjoy the sea and sun.
Suluin Cave, which occupies an important place among the natural beauties of Finike, is located about 1 km from the city centre. This cave, also known as Incirli Cave among the public, is one of the largest caves in Asia with its wide entrance. Fascinating features of Suluin Cave include stalactites, limestone, and pools of different sizes.
Gökbük Canyon, one of the natural beauties where nature lovers can enjoy their time in Finike, is located about 15 kilometers from the city center. Here you can hike in nature, organize picnics, and spend some time in a quiet environment away from the crowds of the area. While the valley’s length of about 4 kilometers allows for long walks in the clean, oxygenated air, you can also do activities like fishing and camping with ease.
Lake Bemlek is a coastal area where fresh water and sea water meet. Fish are also reared in the lake, creating a visual feast. When viewed from above, the fresh water on one side and the clear, brilliant salt water of the Mediterranean Sea on the other meet at a common point and mix with each other. You can swim in the cool sea water and have a picnic on the beach.
Finike Cave Bay is a white sandy beach with natural caves, located between Finike and Demre areas. This beach, which has gained popularity in recent years, is an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy the sea and sun at their own means. Formed over thousands of years, the karst rocks formed a large, natural cave. The cave can be reached by a short swim from the beach.
The sand at White Rock Beach is white, as its name suggests, and its waters are a natural wonder that start from a light shade of blue and move toward the dark. Although the beach is not well-known, it maintains its natural beauty and maintains its clean, calm and tranquil appearance.
Geo-signed product: Vinic Orange
The color of orange changes depending on the temperature difference between day and night. Finike microclimate is the feature that distinguishes Finike orange from its other competitors. It would not be wrong to search for the secret of Finiki oranges in the waters coming from Beydağları. Water quality is an important factor in citrus crops. In terms of branding, this strategic concept should be one of the key elements in positioning Finike orange. The harvest of Finiki oranges begins in mid-November and continues until the end of March: 175-200 thousand tons are produced annually in 35 thousand acres of 40 thousand gardens.
Slow cities in Türkiye
• Ahlat, Bitlis
• Akyaka, Muğla
• Arabgir, Malatya
• Egirdir, Isparta
•Jerzy, Sinop
•Gökceda, Çanakkale
•Goynuk, Polo
•Gudul, Ankara
• Halfeti, Urfa
• Izmir
• Seferihisar, Izmir
Foca, Izmir
• Iznik, Bursa
•Kemaliyya, Erzincan
•Köycez, Muğla
• Mudurnu, Polo
• Thursday, Urdu
• Savshat, Artvin
•Tarakli, Sakarya
• Uzündere, Erzurum
• Visa, Kirklareli
• Yalvash, Sparta
• Yenipazar, Aydin
World cities with address
• Abbiatigrasso, Italy
• Sebastopol, USA
• Hersbruck, Germany
• Yes, Australia
•Hartberg, Austria
• Engen, Belgium
•Kristenstad, Finland
•Pegastro, Spain
• Naramata, Canada
• Wryszel, Poland
• Matakana, New Zealand
Cittaslow is an international association of municipalities founded in Italy in 1999. It was founded under the leadership of the mayor of Greve in Chianti, Paolo Saturni, by the mayors of four small cities in Italy (Brazil – Francesco Guida, Orvieto – Stefano Simici and Positano – Domenico Marrone) to bring the Slow Food movement to Urban dimension. “Cittaslow” means “slow city”. These standards, which were 59 when the Union was established, were updated in 2013 with a study conducted by the International Scientific Committee, and the number rose to 70.
(tags for translation)Antalya