I’ve got to be honest, before booking a last-minute trip to Antalya, Turkey, I hadn’t heard of this destination before. Antalya is home to Land of Legends, a hotspot for tourists all over Europe seeking great weather and plenty of activities during their holiday. Very popular amongst families, it’s likely that many people who visit have been saving and looking forward to their vacation for a long time.
However, little did I know that just one theme park resort would have everything I’d been looking for. Imagine a Barcelona city break, the Dubai cultural scene and Disneyland magic all in one place. If that interests you, let me introduce you to Land of Legends.
Land of Legends
The theme park is often described by locals as the ‘Turkish Disneyland,’ and yet all around the world, people are happy to travel all the way to the USA, Asia or Paris to experience the Disney magic.
So why would you need to visit another theme park in Turkey? Of course, Disney parks offer that extra element of nostalgia, and Land of Legends is different in many ways, but its individual character and charm will draw you in.
Turkey is an ideal destination for many British and European travellers, particularly when looking for cost-effective options. Most families won’t have the opportunity to take their children to Disneyland Florida, for example. Whereas, in Britain, aside from destinations like Spain and Greece, major airlines will market their convenient packages suiting all budgets every year.
In Turkey, you’re almost guaranteed a Mediterranean climate with hot weather all year round. And the Land of Legends theme park will provide you with a place to stay with everything you’d want and need from a vacation. Trust me, you certainly won’t want to leave.
The fun begins
Of course, we can’t discuss Land of Legends, without a special mention of the exhilarating theme park. Similar to Six Flags Amusement Parks in the US, here you will find enough rollercoasters, water slides and several shows that will fill your day with excitement and adventure.
The park is divided into different areas, such as Aqua Lands filled with exciting waterslides of all sizes, or Adventure Land to experience thrilling rollercoasters and commendable shows. But if you need a quick break from the adrenaline, head over to The Stadium where you’ll find dedicated dolphin trainers showcasing their dolphin’s incredible showmanship and talent. Waves of applause fill the stadium during the performance, while you can also opt to learn more about each dolphin, how they are compassionately cared for and even take the opportunity to meet them personally.
Whoever you visit with or whatever you’re looking for, the theme park at Land of Legends will surely provide a day of fun, excitement and an experience you’ll never forget.
Accommodation that suits all
If you want to spend more than one day at the theme park, similar to many Disney resorts, guests can expect several accommodation options to suit their preferences. With each accommodation, you’ll gain free access to the park where you can ensure that you experience everything that is on offer.
The most popular, and admittedly most expensive option, is The Kingdom Hotel. Here, you will find over 400 bright rooms that are colourfully designed for children, while adults can enjoy their time relaxing and partaking in luxurious activities such as a visit to the award-winning spa and Turkish bath.
Perfect for families, The Kingdom Hotel is a true showstopper with several room options to suit your preferences. However, if you’re looking to travel without children, or just want something more subtle, there are options for you.
Whatever ‘luxury’ means to you, Land of Legends offers it. Examples of other hotel options include the ‘Rixos’ hotels, such as Rixos Beldibi, Rixos Downtown Antalya, Rixos Premium Belek, and Rixos Park Belek. All of these hotels have their own charm, ambience and look, yet all offer free access to the Land of Legends park and a free transfer.
Sophisticated dining at Nemo
So, you’ve had a little bit of Disney magic, now it’s time for the Dubai culture. You may have heard of the famous ocean-inspired restaurant in Dubai, Ossiano Dubai. This high-end dining experience can be found in Atlantis, The Palm, and offers a one Michelin-star fine dining experience while the graceful sea life swims right by you through the aquarium to create a true underwater experience. While dining, sea life glides right by you through the aquarium to create a true underwater adventure.
Although it’s very difficult to compete with the luxury Dubai fine dining, Land of Legends certainly comes close. At a fraction of the price, Nemo Restaurant & Lounge features an enchanting atmosphere while guests can dine on modern Eurasian cuisine, combining modern European seafood with Pan-Asian flavours.*
Similar to the Dubai restaurant, Nemo draws inspiration from the ocean and features an underwater aquarium so diners can witness the elegant sea life glide past their table. Affordable luxury comes to mind with the refined design and décor, varied food options and overall mood.
While Land of Legends offers plenty of fun and excitement, if you’re seeking a little more sophistication, Nemo has what you need. You can visit as a romantic date night, bring your children, or even request for them to organise a special occasion or moment. Whatever you’re there for, it will certainly be a dining experience that you’ll never forget.
A night to remember
When walking through the gates of Land of Legends, you’ll be greeted with an open shopping area available for you to browse at your leisure. However, as the sun sets, lights begin to sparkle across the whole scene, allowing you to stroll the street surrounded by magnificent beauty and colour – also providing the perfect Instagram opportunity!
While the lights glimmer, a spectacular show begins. The Chimera Fountain show takes place each evening, while all visitors gather around the stunning fountain to watch the lights and water perform a choreographed dance to hypnotising music.
For those who have visited Barcelona, you may be familiar with the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. Here, the fountain’s waters dance against the evening’s dark backdrop, presenting a show that you never want to end. And Land of Legends’ Chimera Fountain show is no different.
You can feel the magic in the crowd during each evening performance. Yet, once it’s (unfortunately) over, you can continue the fun by returning to shopping and dining without worrying about returning back home.
So, if you can’t get to Barcelona, don’t worry. While both performances have their own significant charm and history, the Chimera Fountain show offers the same elements of magic, choreography and ‘wow factor,’ while you can still indulge yourself in everything that the Land of Legends has to offer. Seems like a deal to me!
If the fountain show isn’t enough, visit on a Thursday or Saturday to be treated to the legendary musical boat parade. These romantically elegant boats float on the street’s canal, featuring well-refined characters to create an intimate and captivating experience.
The exquisite parade boasts several individual boats that have their own theme, featuring beautiful lights that add a pop of colour to the magical performance. The impressive details and costumes tell a mythical story beyond one’s imagination, while an enchanting and mystical feeling of emotions rushes through your body as you admire each character’s individual charm.
Again, the parade is free to watch and very popular. So, if you’re visiting Land of Legends on Thursday or Saturday, it is certainly not one to miss.
Adventure awaits you at Land of Legends, Antalya. Experience adrenaline, elegance, sophistication and an unforgettable vacation where you can find highlights from several destinations in just one place.
