Antalya is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey. But what is it like to live in Antalya?
In this interview, Dania shares her experiences and practical tips for anyone who is moving to Antalya or is simply interested in what life in Antalya is really like.
This interview is part of the Ask an Expat series. In this series, I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. I try to help paint an honest picture of the ups and downs of life abroad, share tips about moving to the place the expat now calls home, and information about what to see and do here.
Living in Antalya, Turkey
Name: Dania Demirci
Age: 45
Hometown: Borger, Texas, USA
Her Story:
”I’ve always had a passion for travel and learning about cultures and languages.
I had friends that were moving to Antalya to start a travel agency and they asked me if I’d like to be part of the new venture. It was an opportunity that I excitedly said ‘Yes!’ to.
I quit my job in communications, sold all my things, and moved to Antalya, Turkey. It was the hardest and best thing I’ve ever done.
After several years in Turkey, I met and married a Turk. We continued living in Antalya for several years, then returned to the United States for about 10 years.
We eventually decided we wanted to move back to Antalya so that our kids could experience Turkish culture, learn the language, and travel.”
Why Did You Move to Antalya?
”Antalya is where my husband and I met and married 13 years ago.
We wanted to take our kids back to learn more about the culture and language, plus go to the same places we loved to explore along the Turkish coast.”
What Do You Like About Living in Antalya?
”I love that I can be outside almost all year round.
Antalya is located on the Mediterranean Sea, is surrounded by the Taurus Mountains and has around 300 days of sunshine per year. We swim in the summer, hike in the Spring and Fall, and go skiing in the winter. It’s an outdoor lover’s paradise.
In addition to loving the outdoor options in Antalya, we love Turkish food and exploring parts of Turkey that we’ve never been to.
Also, Turkish hospitality is second to none. There is so much to learn about community coming from Western culture. It’s a valuable experience for our whole family.”
What Do You Dislike About Living in Antalya?
”The heat and humidity in August are brutal.
We try to take a break from the coast and head somewhere north that is cooler.”
Is Antalya Safe as a Place to Live?
”Yes, we feel safe living in Antalya with our family.
There are many misconceptions about Turkey, with safety being one of them. We take precautions we would take in any country, such as not gathering in large crowds or protests and being aware of our surroundings.”
What Is Your Favorite Thing to Do in Antalya?
”There are many great things to do in Antalya.
We enjoy anything that has us in or close to the water. That includes swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, rafting Koprulu Canyon, hiking Saklikent Gorge, or a boat trip on the Turkish coast.”
What Is Your Favorite Place to Hang Out in Antalya?
”There are a few favorite restaurants that we go to often.
For Turkish breakfast, we love to go to Sari Demlik. You pay one price per person, and they bring out a feast that our whole family loves.
For lunch or dinner in Antalya, you’ll often find us at Pasa Bey Kebap near the Antalya city center. They have great staff and their lahmacun is some of our favorite in town.”
What Is the Expat / International Community Like in Antalya?
”The expat community has grown so much in the last 10 years. You’ll find expats in Antalya of all different nationalities.
We love the diversity and connecting with so many different people. You’ll find British, Australian, American, and Russian expats just to name a few.
You’ll find expat groups that meet up to connect, go hiking, go to concerts, have coffee, etc.
You can join the Antalya Expat community on Facebook to ask questions and get connected before or after you arrive. They are a helpful Antalya expat group.”
Any Tips for Moving To / Living in Antalya?
”If you’ve never been or have only made short trips to Antalya, my best advice is to do your research.
The laws for residency, where you can live in the city and inflation has things changing at a rapid pace.
You can start out applying for a residency visa so that you can get a feel for the city and what areas you would enjoy living in.
The cost of living for a family of four is currently around $2000 USD. That makes the cost of living in Antalya significantly lower than in many other parts of the Mediterranean and definitely lower than in the USA.
Inflation has been on the rise though so the cost has increased somewhat in the last couple of years.”
Any Resources You Found Useful During the Process of Moving to and Building a New Life in Antalya?
- Antalya Kart – an app and website to get you set up with public transportation in Antalya.
- Turkey Ministry of Interior – for residence permits.
- Sahibinden.com – to find places to rent in Antalya.
- Italki – to learn Turkish online.
Is There Something You Just Have to See or Do When You Are in Antalya?
”Antalya is a place where you can combine enjoying the history of the area with beach days.
I would visit the ancient city of Perge or Aspendos, explore the old town and harbor of Kale Ici in the Antalya city center, and then head to one of the local beaches to swim in the sea.
If you like to hike, head up to the mountaintop ruins of Termessos, an ancient city that Alexander the Great could not conquer.”
About Dania
Dania Demirci is an American living on the Mediterranean coast in Antalya, Turkey, and the creator behind Adventurefolio.com.
Dania helps families have fun and confidently plan their trips to Turkey.
About Antalya, Turkey
Antalya is a city and popular tourist destination on the Turkish Mediterranean coast.
It’s the fifth-most populous city in Turkey with around 1.4 million people in its metropolitan area.
With a good airport offering many inexpensive flights Antalya is the gateway to the Turkish Riviera (also known as the Turquoise Coast because of its blue waters).
The city boasts both great beaches and a rich history.
Antalya was first settled around 200 BC and remnants can still be found of the city’s time as a major Roman port.
Thanks to its warm climate, the holiday season here lasts from the middle of April until the middle of October.
Also Read:
- 5 Great Reasons to Move Abroad
- Things to Consider Before Moving to Another Country
- 15 of the Best Beaches in the World – including one in Turkey
- What’s It Like to Live in Limassol, Cyprus – Interview With an Expat
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Fantastic post. Never heard of this place. Thank you!