In Photos: Turkey's Impressive Sand Sculpture Festival

Every year, sand artists from around the world flock to Antalya, Turkey to show off their sculpting skills at the International Sand Sculpture Festival. The result: 10,000 tons of sand-turned-breathtaking sculptures. Following some sort of loose theme (think: Hollywood) the sculptures fill Antalya's Lara Beach with more than four miles of temporary faces, characters, objects, and scenes carved into the landscape.

Thanks to the area's mild weather, the sculptures remain intact for an average of eight months. Visitors can also learn about the various sculpting techniques from the artists on-site or through a documentary that's shown on the grounds at night. Speaking of nighttime entertainmet, the sculptures are lit up once dusk hits making the scene a sight not to be missed. The creations ahead are made only of water and sand, although we hear the type of sand is key to a successful sculpture—so much so that some artists bring their own special varieties with them.

Erika Owen is the Audience Engagement Editor at Travel + Leisure. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @erikaraeowen.