Antalya
The home of sun, sea & (currently) half of Russia.
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A major city and international tourist destination on Turkey's southern coast.
Antalya is a blend of pristine beaches, historical landmarks, and modern luxury. Known for the charming old town area, Kaleiçi, with its narrow winding streets and Ottoman-era architecture.
Given the current strains on accommodation in the city, it's not a place I'd currently consider establishing a base. Worth reconsidering in the future.
Given the current strains on accommodation in the city, it's not a place I'd currently consider establishing a base. Worth reconsidering in the future.
Given the current strains on accommodation in the city, it's not a place I'd currently consider establishing a base. Worth reconsidering in the future.
Given the current strains on accommodation in the city, it's not a place I'd currently consider establishing a base. Worth reconsidering in the future.
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Summary
Having enjoyed all my previous trips to Turkey, in the Autumn of 2022 I wanted to visit as many places on the southern coast, doing a week stint in each place. Adana was the next natural stop on from Fethiye.
Accommodation
Whilst the area has always been popular with Russian tourists, the events of last couple of years have seen a dramatic influx of temporary residents, fundamentally changing the local market. In lieu of any suitable apartments i opted for the Suite Laguna Hotel which was fine for a week stay.
Places to work
There's a number of coworking and coliving options available, yet many of them are currently at capacity. If intending to work from one of them, you would be best advised to check availability in advance.
Value
Accomodation aside, prices were very similar to the rest of the country making eating out and daily living expenses affordable.
Working hours
Turkey adheres to GMT+2 in summer, reverting to GMT+3 in winter due to the absence of daylight saving time practices.
🇪🇺 Consider working European hours from Asia?
Where to stay
Antalya is an enormous city so for ease of convenience I would suggest one of the two options below.
Konyaaltı
Kaleiçi
Where to work
Work C
A 30 minute walk from the centre of Antalya, Work C provides a a number of hot desking options as well as private offices. Filter coffee and Turkish tea is in plentiful supply in the kitchen.
The office has a great quality fit out and comfortable desks but the was about peak capacity during the duration I was there making it a bit too loud and uncomfortable. Situated a little bit out of the centre means there isn't a great selection of food options nearby either.
However, the staff are super friendly and eager to help and I would definitely return for a short stint once it has quietened down.
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Remote work visa
If staying for a prolonged period, you may want to consider a dedicated visa for this destination.
This country is actively working on a visa support for remote workers.
Check your government website for details of how to obtain a tourist visa.
Citizen Remote is a great source of up to date knowledge for everything to do with remote work visas.
Safety
Off-work
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Explore the Old Town
Antalya's old town is home to a host of small cobbled streets, intertwined with bars and places to eat. Kaleici (as it is locally known dates back to Roman times and preserves remnants of various civilizations, including Byzantine, Ottoman, and Hellenistic periods.
Hike up to Döner Gazino
It's worth heading up here for panoramic views of the city - if you are feeling adventurous there are some vaguely marked paths starting from around here on the map.
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Head to Konyaaltı Halk Plajı
Only a short walk from the Old Town, Konyaaltı Halk Plajı has a long stretch of clean sandy beaches with a host of coffee shops and bars. Also an ideal place for a morning run.
Duration & season
Antalya is renowned for being blisteringly hot in summer. October was mild and and at no times uncomfortable. One week was sufficient for me on this occasion and was happy to move onto the next city. Would consider returning if it was easier to find a decent apartment.
Food & drink
People
A popular international tourist destination, which draws in holidaymakers from across Europe during the peak the summer months. There is something of a burgeoning remote work community here with several Facebook groups and coliving spaces providing more community orientated options.
This area of Turkey has always traditionally been popular with Russians and that has increasingly the case since the War in Ukraine. The density of Russians in the city is currently so high that I was actually greeted in Russian several times (by Russians), much to my bewilderment.
Exercise
Beachfront Run
Tünektepe Manzaraları
Verdict
Positives
- Beaches on your doorstep.If looking for easy access to beaches, not many cities can compete with Antalya.
- It's a large, busy working city.Even though it is a renowned tourist hotspot, the city still has a bustling feel.
- Options for coliving if that is something which interests you.It's not something I explored but the availability is there.
Negatives
- Poor availability of Airbnbs.The influx of people to the city as a result of the War in Ukraine has put a huge dent in supply and pushed prices way up.
- Not a great deal of speciality coffee shops.As trivial as that sounds, a coffee is hard to come by.
- High density of tourists.Compared to other large cities like Izmir or Ankara, Antalya felt more transient.
- Higher likelihood of getting ripped off.This was one of the few locations in the country had been overcharged.
Tips
- I would reassess in a few years time.Personally, I would be in no rush to return to the city until the political landscape alters.
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