By Justin Mays:
Antalya is the perfect choice for those who wish to experience the Turkish Mediterranean lifestyle in all its glory. Whether it is buying a property or renting one, Antalya is country’s one of the most cosmopolitan areas. This region is amongst the preferred choice of ex-pats because most towns and villages make them feel right at home. Hundreds of foreigners reside in the Antalya region making it the second most popular place in Turkey for tourism, and foreign house sales. The area offers a good standard of living with amenities like transport links, shops, bars, nightlife, and banking.
How to choose where to stay in Antalya?
Living in Antalya means good quality of life at less cost. Choosing where to live in Antalya can be tough because of the many beautiful options it offers. There's just one tip, choose the neighborhood basis your vibe.
Kaleici- For first-timers
Kaleici is the perfect area if it's your first time in Antalya due to its prime. You'll be in the middle of a great selection of restaurants, bars, and shops. Kaleici is the historic center of Antalya with many structures dating back to the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman eras. The region has cobbled streets, several old stone houses, parks, viewpoints, souvenir shops, markets, restaurants, bars, and cafes. Yivli Minare Mosque, also known as Alaaddin Mosque, is one of the first Islamic buildings in Antalya and should be visited for the Seljuk art and architecture. The Saat Kulesi, or the Clock Tower, is a part of the historical city wall that illuminates at night. You can take a boat tour from Kaleici marina and go to Konyaaltı Beach, Falezler, Katilacak, Lower Duden Waterfall, and other towns like Kemer, Side, and Alanya. Most of the houses date back to the 18th and 19th centuries and have been converted into boutique hotels, restaurants, and handicraft shops. You can buy high-quality carpets, traditional textiles, fabrics, and embroidery. Meyhanesi taverns and restaurants offer traditional Turkish drinks and food such as meze and rakı. Check out the Kaleici Museum if you are interested in the history of the Antalya region and learn more about the traditional Turkish culture. The Kaleici Panoramic Elevator connecting the harbor is a glass elevator that offers stunning views of Antalya Bay. The Old town also offers great nightlife with bars, clubs, and cafes. You can enjoy a great nightlife harbor in clubs and restaurants with a lovely view of the ocean.
Konyaalti Beach: For a family-stay
Konyaalti Beach is close to the old town and its beautiful beach is safe for little ones. There are a lot of activities for children in Aqualand & Dolphinland, Antalya Aquarium, and Ataturk Park. Due to its prime location and proximity to the city center, Konyaalti is perfect for sunbathers who stay in the old town. Konyaalti Beach is a 13 km long beach offering amazing views of the Mediterranean sea, cliffs, and the Taurus Mountains. This beach with fine pebbles and sand has been awarded “Blue Flag ” beach for its clean and clear water. There are multiple beach bars, cafes, and restaurants on the beachfront playing live music occasionally. Migros shopping center and other shopping places are within walking distance with a good selection of local and international brands. The Beach Park is a great place for watersports such as parasailing, jet skiing, and diving in shipwrecks. The eastern end of the beach has vibrant nightlife scenes for those who like to party. The Tunektepe Teleferik cable car takes you to the viewpoint of Tunektepe Hill to enjoy the charming views of the mountains and the ocean. The area has plenty of accommodation options from luxury hotels to budget guest houses.
Lara Beach: For a luxury stay
Also known as the Las Vegas of Turkey, Lara Beach is home to many luxury resorts such as Aska, Liberty, Concorde, Delphin, Lara Barut, Swandor, Titanic Mardan Palace, and IC Hotels Green Palace with many mid-range, 3-star, 4-star hotels, and guest houses as well. It's a great place for all-inclusive beach holidays for couples and families. It is a popular destination for families with children due to its clear, turquoise, and calm waters as well as many playgrounds for kids. On the west side of the beach are free public beach areas with free showers, restrooms, changing rooms, sunbeds, and umbrellas. Most of the beach is privately owned by 5-star resorts with water activities such as swimming, paragliding, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. The beach clubs offer great nightlife. Shopping is also not an issue with the Lara Beach Shopping Centre, Terra City Shopping Mall, many leather shops, and Souvenir shops. You can experience Sandland, which is an open-air museum with sand sculptures created by international sculptors. The bus takes half an hour from the Old Town and the Antalya Airport is just ten minutes away by rental car, shuttle buses, public buses, and taxis.
Belek Beach: For golf, thermal spas, and luxury hotels
Belek is famous for couple and family trips due to its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, theme parks, golf courses, and proximity to tourist sights such as the Roman Theater, Aspendos, and Perge ancient city. Kadriye Beach on the west and Bogazkent Beach on the east offer a stunning dune landscape whereas the Kumkoy beach resort is more premier with luxurious facilities. Belek is Turkey’s one of the biggest golf destinations with good weather, and modern international facilities. Many resorts have their personal golf courses. Another attraction is the 2nd century AD with the ruins of the antique basilica, agora, and grottoes, and hosts the International Opera and Ballet Festival each year. Koprulu Canyon offers plenty of outdoor adventure activities like white-water rafting, trekking, horseback riding, safaris, and camping. The Land of Legends Theme Park is a huge entertainment park. With attractions such as a fairy tale castle, water park, and adventure park, it is also known as the Disneyland of Antalya. Belek is great for trying Turkish cuisine and seafood and having fun at the bars and nightclubs which offer lively nightlife. Try Belek hammams (Turkish Baths) for an authentic Turkish spa experience including body scrub, massage, skincare, and tea. There are plenty of all-inclusive resorts, as well as budget hotels offering daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Olympos Beach: For nature lovers
Olympos attracts a lot of backpackers, couples, families, and hippies due to the beautiful nature, gorgeous beaches, and historical sites. It is a natural pebble beach with crystal clear blue water and no cars are allowed here. You can also see the loggerhead, and Caretta turtles laying their eggs on the beach. Restaurants and accommodations are just a 5-10 minute walk from the beach. Adrasan Beach is just a short drive away with plenty of hotels, cafes, water sports, and beach activities. The Olympos archaeological site in the city has the temple gate, Acropolis hill, Necropolis church, and Olympos theater. You can also experience the Eternal Flame of Chimaera (Yanartas) on the Lycian way where the flame burns on its own and never dies. You can reach there by renting a car. Olympos offers all kinds of accommodations (mid-range and budget hotels, tree houses, bungalows, and camping sites). Many guest houses can also help in organizing activities such as mountain biking, hiking, yoga, scuba diving, paragliding, boat tours, and ATV tours.
Alanya: For a quieter Antalya
Alanya is situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Taurus Mountains. Tourists from Germany, Holland, Scandinavia, and Russia visit here for beautiful beaches, an impressive 13th-century castle, Red Tower, and the historic fortified harbor. Cleopatra Beach is one of the most beautiful Turkish beaches with crystal-clear water and numerous water sports. Alanya Fortress is another beautiful attraction built in the 13th century. Kizil Kule (Red Tower) is one of the most prominent monuments. You can take a boat tour to the Pirate Cave, Damlatas Cave, Lovers’ Cave, and Fosforlu Cave. You can also take a day's trip to the Side to see ancient ruins such as the Roman Theater and the Side Museum. Around the town, there are plenty of shops, a farmer’s market, and a Cuma Bazaar. There is also a good selection of restaurants, cafes, discos, and nightclubs to chill at.
The most luxurious areas of Antalya
Antalya is amongst the top Turkish districts with the highest prices in real estate. The city is known for its distinctive tourist nature that attracts millions of tourists every year.
Kas District is the most luxurious with a price of 5,067 TRY per square meter.
Side’s Old Town can also be slightly expensive with numerous bars, restaurants, pubs, and open-air clubs.
Also known as the Las Vegas of Turkey, Lara Beach is all about luxury with opulent resorts and many 4-star hotels.
Kalkan is known for high-end luxury villas with the latest architectural trends and styles.
Antalya: The Best Place to Buy Property in Turkey
Antalya is not only an excellent destination for a vacation but also the second most popular investment city in Turkey. You can easily find people of different nationalities here. This city has a mix of Turkish culture and a European touch! Numerous people also live in Antalya throughout the year; therefore, it has a sizeable ex-pat community.
Every year, large amounts of foreigners buy apartments and villas across Antalya as summer homes, to rent for income, a real estate investment or to reside. From budget apartments in Mahmutlar to large and luxury villas in Kalkan, the assorted real estate portfolio suits are great for many buyers including first-time purchasers.
Antalya undoubtedly is a great place to buy property. Here we have some listed properties for sale in Antalya that you might be interested in. You can go through the photos, detailed descriptions, and other specifications. Contact us if you wish to find out more about the properties. Our team will be more than happy to assist you!
Prime Property Turkey will help you choose the best place to live in Antalya according to your budget and priorities! Now that you know the best neighborhoods of the city, let's help find your home too!