Natalie Over the last year, there has been an increase in people asking if Antalya is a good place to live. This coincides with increased tourism, expat living, and real estate sales since Antalya now ranks alongside Istanbul in popularity. People from around the world flock to popular tourist destinations, and this affects other industries. But of course, what is there not to like?
From 300 days of sunshine a year to the glorious Mediterranean coast, this idyllic destination earns much fame. However, as we know, holidaying and living there are entirely different lifestyles. So, in this article, we delve into reasons why expats like the province, the disadvantages, the areas they head to, and popular questions and answers about setting up a home in Turkey.
Why Antalya is a Good Place to Live
Before we start, a few facts are worth knowing.
- Antalya, on the southwestern Turkish coast, is along the Mediterranean Sea and part of the larger region known as the Turkish Riviera or “Turquoise Coast,” which is known for stunning beaches and clear blue waters.
- Antalya’s rich history dates to ancient times. The king of Pergamon, Attalos II, founded it in 150 BC as Attaleia. Since then, various civilisations, including the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, have influenced it.
- As a former port during Roman times, facilitating trade and movement along the Mediterranean, today, this vital tourist hub draws millions of visitors each year to historical sites and beautiful landscapes.
- Historically, Antalya features several ancient ruins, including Hadrian’s Gate, a monumental arch built in honour of Roman Emperor Hadrian in 130 AD. Other notable historical sites include the Hidirlik Tower and the ancient Perge ruins nearby. Alexander the Great also spent time here.
- The geographical region has a Mediterranean climate characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This climate boosts the popularity for tourism, during summer. However, it makes the province a major centre for agriculture, producing citrus fruits, bananas, and pomegranates, benefiting from fertile soil.
- Antalya province stretches over 20,000 square kilometres and is known for its diverse geography, including mountains, forests, and a lengthy coastline. The backing Taurus Mountains rise sharply from coastal plains, providing stunning backdrops.
- With a population of approximately 1.5 million, Antalya is the largest city on the Turkish Mediterranean coast, but swells during peak tourist seasons. The city’s numerous hotels, resorts, and leisure activities cater to both domestic and international visitors, with over 14 million tourists arriving each year.
1: The Best Beach Days in Hot Summers
The beach distance to most neighbourhoods is ridiculously close so everyone can tap into that seaside lifestyle. Additionally, Antalya leads the way in beach tourism simply because publications like Trip Advisor often quote the beaches as the best in Turkey. Ones that continue to rank include Lara Beach, famed for all-inclusive, themed hotels behind it, which led to the nickname the Las Vegas of Turkey.
Konyaalti Beach earns fame, mainly thanks to Beach Antalya Life Park. Cleopatra Beach in Alanya receives thousands of reviews every year, mostly positive. Heading to the province’s outskirts with the same name, Kaputas Beach is a sandy beach famed for the backing mountain canyon and clear blue waters.
2: 6th Most Popular Global City for International Arrivals
One way to judge how good a Turkish city is to count the international arrivals through tourism. People won’t flock to any coastal town lacking vibrancy or attributes. In 2024, Antalya was the 6th most visited city, ranked by Euro Monitor International, with 19.3 million visitors. Additionally, they say, “US, Turkey and China are expected to be the destinations with the highest volume growth of international arrivals by 2030.” Euro monitor credits infrastructure improvement and global marketing to the growth. This proves their ambition to become a global powerhouse.
3: The Real Estate Market and Housing Options
Antalya attracts several types of buyers, from those looking for a good real estate investment to those who want a holiday home, and then retirees looking for a beautiful destination year round. With various types of properties and numerous destinations, house hunters always find what they want, whether luxury villas, penthouses, or three-bedroom apartments near local amenities. With low council tax to pay and numerous incentives for foreign investors, the housing market presents various opportunities for those who want to stick down roots in a foreign country.
4: Development and Public Services
The local council says its vision is “to increase regional development, with nature, history, tourism, agriculture, and trade.” It wants to be a world destination with a plan, rules, and identity. If you go to the Metropolitan Municipality website, you will see that they have just released their four-year strategy plan. Living somewhere where the local council is actively planning and investing, with extensive services, makes an area highly desirable, rather than neglected cities.
Antalya council has had eight objectives that they want to achieve.
- To be resilient to disasters in line with the principles of Modern Disaster Management
- To be compatible with climate change and be environment and nature-friendly
- To increase the brand value of culture, art, sports, and tourism
- To increase quality living spaces by creating the appropriate infrastructure.
- To develop agricultural capacity by supporting production and producers
- To develop equitable and inclusive support services for social needs
- To develop sustainable urban and rural transportation practices
- Ensure financial sustainability and improve institutional capacity through effective resource management
5: The Transport Network and Antalya Airport
Used by 131 airlines that operate direct flights to 327 destinations worldwide, Antalya International Airport handles between 26 to 30,000,000 passengers every year. The state-of-the-art airport has won awards and operates frequent flight schedules year round, should you want to nip back and see the family.
Aside from that, Antalya sits on the main D400 highway that runs from the east to west of Turkey, which means getting around is easy since coastal resorts and towns sit just off the road. The central bus station (Şehirlerarası Otobüs Terminal) in Kepez connects with regular schedules to other cities across Turkey. Other small minibus services, known as dolmus, run to local areas. You never need to drive a car unless you want to have your own schedule.
6: Already Existing Expatriate Community
Across the central regions, already existing expat communities can help ease the transition for people new to living in Turkey. Additionally, some companies operate services at affordable costs, such as translation and residency applications, so should you need to complete any red tape, someone will help. Some expat groups met locally for hobbies or to support local charities, while others met in local bars. Within coastal regions, the presence of foreigners is well established, and you don’t have to worry about racism or feeling lonely. Turks are incredibly welcoming and brim with hospitality.
7: Daily Amenities and Healthcare Options
Antalya’s city centre has the best shopping and nightlife scene in Turkey’s Mediterranean region. With various options, from local markets for grocery shopping to massive shopping centres and boutiques, amenities are everywhere, including for eating out and partying. There are so many attractive options. Aside from that, the other concern that newbie expats have is access to quality healthcare. Private hospitals offer services, from cosmetics to emergencies, and suit those who opt for private health insurance. State hospitals like Murat Pasa Serik and Anatolia Hospital will suit those who sign up for social security and Turkey’s healthcare program.
8: Outdoor Activities and Places of Interest
Life has never been boring since the whole province geared up for a fun but comfortable lifestyle. Whether this is exploring ancient cities, golfing on courses that Tiger Woods has, white water rafting in Koprulu Canyon, hiking the Lycian way, or heading to the Land of Legends amusement park. Head up in the cable car of Mount Tahtali and enjoy a romantic dinner at sunset, or splash the cash in colossal shopping malls. Attend cultural events at the Glass Pyramid and Cultural Centre, or head to Belek, which once hosted the G20 summit and famous world leaders like Barack Obama. You can lead a healthy lifestyle in the great outdoors.
What are the Disadvantages of Living in Antalya?
When looking at the whole province as a destination for expatriates, we struggled to find the disadvantages. Within the province, what one place lacks, another town will offer. Such is the diversity; everyone will find what they are looking for. Some people ask if the language barrier will be a problem. But most locals speak foreign languages, including English, German, and Russian. For those times when you need translation, several companies offer their services. The two main disadvantages we came up with were…
Crowding in Summer: The population isn’t static. During the peak of tourism seasons and on Turkish public holidays, people flock, and sometimes, crowds are everywhere. If this concerns you, look at the smaller coastal resorts instead of living in the centre.
Rent Prices: Average rent costs have increased dramatically lately. This isn’t a problem for those who own their property, but if you plan to rent, even for six months, don’t expect to find a bargain.
People Also Ask
What are the Best Areas to Live in Antalya?
Well, take your pick. An extensive collection of destinations shines across the province. There are nineteen official districts. Within the Antalya centre, there is high demand for the Konyaalti area. However, supply is low, and prices are higher. Hence, new developments are taking place in nearby neighbourhoods and are rising in popularity. People look at Kepez or Murat Pasa, but once again, the latter is in their heart and features Kaleici’s old town, hence the low supply, high prices model. It is about finding what suits you because every official district we discuss next has something unique to offer.
Alanya: Another big city with doorstep access to amenities, Alanya grew to become a fully-fledged destination. Daily amenities are plentiful, and the main centre features the famous Cleopatra beach. Types of properties vary from budget studio apartments to large villas so that house buyers will be in their element.
Akseki: This inland town with roughly 11,000 residents isn’t highly populated in expat circles. There are 51 neighbourhoods, but living here might be dull in winter since Turks leave their holiday homes and return to central cities.
Aksu: Home to Antalya airport and just 18 kilometres from the main city centre, Aksu rose in popularity thanks to new developments in Altıntaş. Aksu also hosts tourists who visit the ancient Perga and Kursunlu waterfalls.
Demre: Known for Myra ruins and the church of Saint Nicholas, aka Santa Claus, Myra sees tourists trickling through. However, it is more of a rural working town rather than one geared up for coastal living and tourism.
Dosemealti: Divided into 32 neighbourhoods, Dosemealti is 12 miles from Antalya city centre. The location is inland, covering 265 square miles, so residents are not near beaches. Most people know it because the area features Termessos’ Ancient ruins.
Elmali: Sitting inland, Elmali belongs to the Beydaglari mountain range. It covers 60 neighbourhoods and, in recent years, attracted tourists looking for the ancient stone house architecture.
Finike: Best known for oranges, Finike breaks down into 22 neighbourhoods. Although some tourists trickle through out of curiosity, it remains off the beaten track of mainstream tourism. However, the yacht marina features highly on the Turkish Riviera.
Gazipasa: At one stage, Gazipasa, on the outskirts of Alanya, was unheard of, but then the new airport opened, and slowly, tourism and expats started flocking. Along the coastline, a construction ban prevents new buildings since the area attracts nesting loggerhead turtles, and there are 53 neighbourhoods to choose from.
Gundogmus: At the foot of Geyik mountain, Gundogmus consists of 29 neighbourhoods. It is off the grid, and most youngsters have left to seek tourism work in main coastal resorts. Aside from an Ottoman Mosque, the main reason to visit is for nature walks.
Ibradi: Because of the mountain location, Ibradi receives lower temperatures. With only nine neighbourhoods, it boasts several nearby historical sites but stays off mainstream tourism grids.
Kas and Kalkan: Kas includes neighbouring Kalkan, famed for its luxury villas. Kas maintains a rustic, fishing village vibe. The popular town boasts of historical Ottoman houses and is vastly different from neighbouring and upmarket Kalkan.
Kemer: Kemer featuring large, all-inclusive hotels with pebble beaches with water sports is home to Olympos National Park, which features the Mount Tahtali cable car ride. A large marina attracts boats and this is a frequent destination for German and Russian holidaymakers.
Kepez: Sitting on the edge of the Konyaalti district, Kepez is popular with house hunters. It includes 69 neighbourhoods and the main bus station. Despite the central location, housing prices per square meter are surprisingly affordable, making this a favoured area.
Konyaalti: Home to the beach with the same name, Konyaalti has seen extensive development over the last ten years, which boosted the reputation as an ideal place to live. Unfortunately, housing supplies are low, instead sending house buyers to nearby Aksu. All year round though, people flock to the beach, nearby attractions, and picnic parks.
Korkuteli: Sitting inland, the landscapes vary drastically here, from low plains towards the coastline to rolling hills of plateaus. With 59 neighbourhoods, there is more interest as Turks flock to buy holiday homes for cooler temperatures.
Kumluca: A larger district with 41 neighbourhoods, Kumluca is well known because the soil provides excellent conditions for growing fruit. It is the fastest-growing local economy and earns respect for Olympos’ ancient ruins. On the Adrasan coastline, there are several hotels.
Manavgat: As one of the first areas to capitalise on natural landmarks for tourism, Manavgat has long been a favourite for the low but fast-rushing waterfall and surrounding tea gardens. Afterwards, people visit the local market.
Murat Pasa: Home to Kaleici’s old town, Murat Pasa is the most central district and beating heart. It comprises 55 neighbourhoods, and other well-known landmarks include Hadrian’s Gate, the archaeological museum, Duden waterfalls, Karaalioglu park, Yivli mosque, hairlike tower, and two big shopping malls.
Serik: Sitting on the outskirts of Antalya centre, Belek is mostly known for the Land of Legends theme park, the ruins of Aspendos, and Belek, the golfing capital of Turkey. Belek hosted the G20 summit in 2016. Belek has many expats and people who own holiday homes.
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