The Antalya Lifestyle
The tempo of life in Antalya beats to the peaceful rhythm of the Mediterranean Sea. With breathtaking scenery and stunning beaches, Antalya’s beautiful coastal setting is often compared to the French Riviera. People from all over the world call Antalya home, which gives the city more of a multi-cultural atmosphere than a Turkish one. For those who have relocated to Antalya, it’s this cosmopolitan familiarity that makes them feel right at home.
As a prime tourist destination the city ticks all the boxes, but what are the practicalities for foreigners living in Antalya? Will an investor enjoy the same fulfillment as a resident, like they do as a visitor on holiday? In other words, does Antalya offer as good a full-time living experience as it does for a short-term holiday?
Naturally, those on holiday are willing to sacrifice certain amenities that are enjoyed at home in return for the memorable experience. However, when considering a more permanent stay, it’s necessary to consider –
- Does the city meet my expectations for a quality lifestyle?
- What amenities are available that enables me to live my best life?
The answers to these questions and more will be further explored.
Living in Antalya
Life in Antalya revolves around the seasons since the weather promotes outdoor activities. Antalya’s Mediterranean climate means warm summers and mild winters. Even though temperatures do drop in winter, they are still ideal for going out and about.
Over the course of the year the temperature varies from 41 F to 94 F, but rarely goes below 34 F, or above 102 F.
For more detailed information on the climate in Antalya please refer to:
https://weatherspark.com/y/96456/Average-Weather-in-Antalya-Turkey-Year-Round
When is the best time of the year in Antalya?
It all depends on your preferences and what you want to experience.
Spring
The spring weather is pleasantly warm, and nature is at its most beautiful with blooming flowers and lush landscapes. It’s a great time for outdoor activities and sightseeing before the summer crowds arrive.
Summer
Summer is the high tourist season with hot and dry weather. It’s the best time for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices during this period. It can be unbearable hot for outdoor activities and visiting ancient ruins.
Autumn
In early autumn the weather is pleasantly warm and the sea is still comfortable for swimming after the peak summer season. Late autumn brings cooler temperatures, but it’s still suitable for exploring the region.
Winter
Antalya has a mild winter, with daytime temperatures that can be quite comfortable, especially for travelers coming from colder climates. Just note that some beach resorts may close during this season and the sea may be too cold for some for swimming.
Daily Life
Aside from the usual outdoor activities, many foreigners enjoy living a relaxed beach-side lifestyle. They engage in various social activities with friends or as members of organized expat groups. Others volunteer for charity work, pursue hobbies, join book clubs, go on day trips or attend one of the many cultural events sponsored by the city. During the day many expats regularly meet up for lunch at a favorite café, while in the evening, others prefer Antalya’s nightlife with its many clubs, bars, and live music venues. For a more tranquil experience there are those who meet for sunrise yoga or sunset strolls on the beach.
As for shopping, the city has an abundance of markets, supermarkets, weekly neighborhood bazaars, malls and shopping plazas. In most areas there’s a supermarket within walking distance. For greater convenience, all supermarkets have phone apps for online shopping with free home delivery. Bottles of water, propane gas, fast food, and more can be ordered online and delivered to your door. There is also Amazon and a number of Turkish online shopping sites similar to Amazon, as well as online shopping in any of the several brand name stores. These include international brands like Levis, H&M, Waikiki, Armani, Adidas, and Samsonite, Ikea, Marks and Spencer, Tchibo, Zara, Mango, Yves Rocher, Rossmann, Watsons, etc. which can be found in over 10 shopping malls around the city.
Amenities in Antalya
The current metro area population of Antalya in 2024 is 1,372,000, a 1.86% increase from 2023. Research shows that when residents have an attachment to a city, they are more likely to make greater investments in its resources, in addition to those made by the local and state authority. But what is it that determines a person’s attachment and connection to their city? Three key amenities have been shown to have significant impacts on the actions and feelings of attachment by residents to their city. As a vibrant city, Antalya meets all three of these key amenity criteria, which are –
- access to arts and culture within a metropolitan area,
- the amount of time people spend visiting a downtown or city center,
- and easily accessible recreational and safe spaces.
Arts, Culture, and Entertainment
With its Mediterranean climate, lively nightlife, and diverse outdoor activities, Antalya is perfect for residents and visitors, who are looking for fun and adventure in a beautiful coastal setting. As for cultural attractions in Antalya, there are 16 museums, many art galleries, several water parks, and an aquarium. The most notable among the museums is the Antalya Archeological Museum, with 13 exhibition halls and an open air gallery, displaying more than 5,000 artifacts and having over 20,000 more in storage.
By day, the old town of Antalya is known for its cobblestone streets, charming shops, and numerous historic and ancient sights. By night, the old town transforms when soft lights illuminate the streets and the sounds of music come from nightclubs tucked away in narrow alleys between old Ottoman houses. It’s also worth noting that many clubs have beautiful views of the harbor below. Near the clock tower there are numerous upscale restaurants and cafes for smoking water pipes.
The recreational activities in Antalya mainly involve the outdoor natural environment, ranging from beautiful beaches with all kinds of water sports, to activities such as nature parks, hiking, trekking, camping, and exploring the numerous ancient ruins of Perge, Aspendos, Phaselis, Olympos, Termessos, Xanthos and Patara. All are easily accessible by car, bus, or by private tours.
Real Estate and Quality of Life
The quality of life in Antalya is the most significant factor people look at when choosing to invest in a property. Antalya is the second most popular destination in Turkey for foreign buyers. One reason for this popularity is Antalya’s varied real estate portfolio, which is comprised of off-plan, new and resale studios, apartments, and villas, accommodating buyers of all budgets. To see Antalya Development’s collection of available properties complete the inquiry form.
Many prefer to live in Antalya’s metro area, while others like the lifestyle and culture that is found in the local neighborhoods more appealing. It all depends on the needs of the person and their family. While Antalya does luxury living in style, it also has lower living costs when compared to other countries. Household bills are a fraction of what they are in the UK, for example. Many families reduce their cost of living by shopping for fresh fruit, vegetables, and other household items at the weekly bazaar (farmer’s market).
Healthcare Excellence
Healthcare in Antalya is world-class. A significant aspect of Antalya’s tourism market is the city’s internationally renowned healthcare facilities, making Antalya a top medical tourism destination. Private general hospitals and specialized clinics staffed with multi-lingual healthcare professionals cater to the needs of international patients. Other popular amenities are cosmetic, optical and dental treatments, and wellness retreats – all contributing to the quality of life enjoyed in Antalya.
Getting Around
In Antalya, you can easily get around using the well-developed public transportation network. There are no railways, but options include tramways, buses, the Nostalji Tramvayı, and dolmuş (minibusses). Taxis and shared shuttle services are also available. The city is large and spread out, so the public transit system allows easy movement across districts and attractions. You can check schedules and book transfers online for a smooth journey. Other transportation options include car rentals, e-bike, e-scooter and mobility scooter rentals. Small electric cars, motorbikes and Vespa-type scooters are also popular means of getting around the city.
Wrap Up
Life in Turkey for foreigners is diverse and unique, depending on their location and circumstances. While some retirees in Antalya may have a relaxed lifestyle, others working in Istanbul may have different daily routines. Thousands of foreign retirees living in Turkey all year round, often without fluent Turkish language skills, still enjoy a fulfilling life, mainly in the Aegean and Mediterranean coastal regions where tourism is prominent.
Foreigners can work in Turkey, but certain professions are restricted, such as dentistry, security officers, and notary officials. However, many foreigners find employment in tourism, teaching at international private schools, or with existing Turkish companies that have a workforce of Turkish people.
Turks are generally known for their hospitality and friendliness towards foreigners. They have a deep-rooted culture of welcoming guests, which extends to tourists. It’s always a good idea to research local customs and laws, and exercise respect towards the local culture when visiting any foreign country.
