Antalya is the Perfect Place to Buy a Holiday Home
The holiday vibes of Antalya in Turkey are everything you would expect from a destination filled with sun, sea and sand. Nestled on the stunning Mediterranean coast of Turkey with picturesque beaches, historic landmarks, and vibrant nightlife, Antalya easily attracts tourists. The lush greenery twins with the Mediterranean Sea and Taurus mountains, also means Antalya, instantly captivates.
This explains why Antalya is the top destination in Turkey for beach holidays and holiday home sales. Hosting roughly 13 million tourists every year, it nearly outranks Istanbul, and many foreigners and Turks own summer holiday homes in Antalya in various districts stretching across the Mediterranean coast. This proves Antalya is the perfect place to invest in a holiday home, but if you want to know more about those summer holiday vibes, read on.
Welcome to Mediterranean Antalya in Turkey
Back to the Beginning of Antalya
Antalya's fascinating history dates back to ancient times. This major port city played a crucial role between the East and the West. It was founded in the 2nd century BC by the Attalid dynasty of Pergamon. The Attalids established the city as a significant commercial and cultural hub, quickly growing in importance. Over the centuries, the ancient Greco roman city was ruled by various empires and dynasties, including the Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans.
Each ruler left their mark, and their influence is seen in the architecture and culture of Antalya today. However, the rise in international and domestic fame started in the 1970s when holiday packages became the mainstream norm for the Middle class and not just the elite. From there, Antalya has just grown to become a worthy seaside destination. Two reasons are Lara Beach and Konyaalti Beach.
Lara Beach in Antalya
Lara Beach, promoting the idyllic picture postcard of crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings, is perfect for soaking up the sun, eating fresh seafood, swimming, or relaxing on the sand. The beach, well-equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas, also offers beach bars and restaurants to enjoy refreshing drinks and snacks alongside water sports activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides. Nicknamed Turkey's version of Las Vegas, this neighbourhood is highly desirable because of large, all-inclusive hotels that offer world-class facilities and amenities. You can't get any closer to beachfront living than this.
The Sandy Beach of Konyaalti in Antalya
Konyaalti Beach quickly gains popularity among tourists and locals alike. Boasting of golden sand and stunning sea and mountain views, the beach is well-maintained with various activities, including sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. But Konyaalti Beach isn't just about the beach.
In addition to its natural beauty and cultural attractions, Konyaalti offers several dining and entertainment options, including seaside fish restaurants. The nightlife scene is also lively, with plenty of bars and clubs. In addition, Konyaalti has been the scene of much infrastructure investment by the local council, boosting its popularity. Such is the popularity of many people looking to buy holiday homes in Konyaalti, but there isn’t enough on the market.
More Beautiful Beaches of the Antalya Province
For blue flag beaches, get out and about in the larger province. You won't be disappointed. This section of the Turkish coast boasts the best golden beaches. Famous blue flag beaches include Cleopatras in Alanya and Patara Beach on the outskirts west region. For more secluded beach experiences, Cirali Beach is great. About an hour's drive from Antalya, this beautiful beach is near the famous Chimera Flames, burning from the rocks.
Cirali is shared with Olympos Beach, also home to the ancient ruins of Olympos, which are worth visiting. Belek Beach is famous, and the town is renowned as Turkey's golfing capital. Other stunning beaches include Kapatus and Kemer. If beachside living is what you want, Antalya won’t disappoint with Antalya's best beaches.
Delights in Kaleici - The Old Town
If you're looking for history on the southwest coast, Kaleici old town is the place to go. The well-preserved Kaleici district, known as Antalya's old town, is the perfect place to step back by wandering the narrow cobbled streets. The stunning architecture features Ottoman-style houses with wooden balconies and red-tiled roofs that are home to boutiques, cafes, and restaurants serving local cuisine.
The old town walls built during the Roman period reflect the city's past and several historical landmarks, including Hidirlik Tower, Yivli Minaret Mosque, and Hadrian's Gate. In addition, the Ottomans significantly impacted the city by building many structures that still stand today, including the Clock Tower. Kaleici kind of blends the old with the new to provide a great place for relaxation and discovering the heart of Antalya.
More Attractions in Antalya City
Antalya Aquarium is Europe's largest tunnel aquarium, with over 40 species of fish and marine life. The highlight is the 131-meter-long tunnel filled with exotic sea creatures, including sharks, rays, and turtles. For those interested in exploring the cultural heritage of Antalya, the Antalya Museum houses an impressive collection of artefacts and exhibits. The museum covers an area of over 7,000 square meters. It has 13 display halls featuring presentations from the prehistoric to the Ottoman period.
When the sun sets, Antalya comes alive with its vibrant nightlife. The city's clubs, bars, and restaurants cater to all kinds of party-goers. The Lara Beach area features open-air clubs with stunning sea views, while in Kaleici, rooftop bars and jazz clubs excel in laidback vibes. During summer, locals of Antalya love the outdoor nightlife scenes.
Bountiful Shopping in Antalya
Shopping in Antalya is an experience like no other. The city has massive malls, boutiques, souvenir shops, and markets offering various shopping options. Migros is the largest and most popular mall, catering to all shopping needs, with over 200 stores, cinemas, bowling alleys, restaurants, and cafes.
Another great shopping destination, Deepo Outlet Center, offers fantastic designer brands at discount prices. The mall also features restaurants and cafes, so you can refuel between shopping sprees. For more traditional shopping experiences, Antalya's markets are not to be missed. For example, the Antalya Bazaar in Kaleici hosts vendors selling spices, textiles, handmade crafts and souvenirs.
Summer Holidays Spent Sailing the Turquoise coast
Put aside golden sands because sailing in Antalya is top-notch. The turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea are perfect for cruising around while enjoying the stunning coastline views. Choose from many sailing options, including private yacht rentals, boat trip tours, or romantic sunset sails with your loved one.
The Turkish Riviera promotes luxurious resorts and impressive golf courses. From many small harbours during summer, the boat trip tours depart to sail the coastline; hence you can explore all those hidden bays and coves. Most boat trip tours of the Turkish coast also include lunch onboard while you admire the stunning scenery. Part of holidaying in Antalya is enjoying the sailing scenes.
Ancient Ruins to Explore
The Antalya region of Turkey features fascinating ancient ruins with intriguing glimpses into the ancient world. An impressive ancient city, Perge, founded in the 7th century BC, was an important trade centre in ancient times. The well-preserved Perge ruins are home to an old theatre, stadium, agora, and impressive temples, including the Roman Temple of Artemis and the Apollo Temple.
Other ancient cities and ruins include Olympos, an important port city in ancient times, and Aspendos, home to the best-preserved theatre in Turkey that holds the annual ballet festival. The region also boasts several impressive ancient Roman ruins, in Side. (More about historical places in Antalya.)
Land of Legends Theme Park
Land of Legends Theme Park offers visitors an exciting mix of rides, shows, and attractions that will pump your heart and adrenaline. This sprawling complex covering 60,000 square meters of land, is one of Turkey's largest theme parks. The park divides into several areas, each with a unique theme. Explore the Aqua Park, Adventure Park, and Dream World to discover 40 rides, including thrilling roller coasters.
For more tamer and family-friendly rides, head to the Ferris Wheel and Magic Train and watch the spectacular shows and performances. The park's live entertainment is also top-notch, from acrobats to dancers to musicians. In addition, the park's 5D cinema allows visitors to immersive themselves in movies and feel like part of the action. Find out about the attractions of the Land of Legend Theme Park.
Enjoy Republic Square
Republic Square in Antalya City Centre draws in locals and tourists alike. This vibrant public space is decked out with an array of amenities, making it an ideal spot for everything from people-watching to cultural events. The city centre square is easily accessible by foot or public transportation. As soon as you step into Republic Square, you can feel the energy and excitement permeating the air. The square, surrounded by shops, cafes, and restaurants serving delicious dishes, is ideal for refreshing breaks from sightseeing.
The architecture and surrounding buildings mix modern and historic charm and character. A notable feature of Republic Square is the impressive statue of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. The figure stands tall and proud to symbolise Turkish history. Republic Square hosts annual cultural events and festivals to showcase local artists and musicians. From traditional Turkish music to contemporary dance performances, something exciting always happens.
The Larger Antalya Area of Turkey
The Antalya area covers more than 20,000 square kilometres and is bordered by the Taurus Mountains to the north. The region divides into seven districts housing more than 2 million people enjoying 400 kilometres of coastline. First up is Belek town. With over 14 golf courses, Belek has become a golfer's paradise. The town also boasts stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters for relaxing and unwinding.
Kemer town has lively bars, a beautiful town square and a harbour from where tourists can take boat trips. Kemer also features several beaches, including Moonlight Beach. For more laid-back experiences, Side Town's quaint ambience and vibes attract many. Visitors can wander and enjoy traditional Turkish food at local restaurants in the town's old area.
Finally, Alanya is the most famous town and is a resort in its own right. Many foreigners buy holiday homes in Alanya, simply because it provides everything they need and they don't ever have to travel to Antalya city centre. There are many smaller destinations, but the wide choice proves why Antalya is a top destination in Turkey to own a holiday home.
Conclusion
So, as you can see, Antalya's profile is all about summer living, making it the perfect place to own a summer holiday home. If you are considering this, see our portfolio of apartments and villas for sale here. Each listing contains everything to know, including how to arrange viewings.
Additionally, suppose you are looking for a holiday home to rent out during summer. In that case, we can also advise on the short-term and long-term rental rules and regulations here in Turkey. Just get in touch with us today. We are Turkey Homes, and we've helped hundreds of people buy their holiday homes in Antalya.
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