🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad who has spent several months in Antalya, Turkey, I can confidently say that this city has a unique charm that will captivate your senses. With its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture, Antalya is an excellent choice for remote workers looking for a balance between work and play. The city has a laid-back vibe, with a mix of traditional and modern architecture, and a thriving expat community. As an Antalya digital nomad, you’ll find that the city offers a great quality of life, with plenty of opportunities to explore and experience new things.
One of the reasons why nomads love Antalya is its affordability. The cost of living in Antalya is relatively low compared to other major cities in Europe, making it an attractive destination for remote workers on a budget. Additionally, the city has a well-developed infrastructure, with reliable internet, coworking spaces, and a range of accommodation options. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore ancient ruins, or hike in the surrounding mountains, Antalya has something for everyone.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood to live in Antalya, there are several options to consider. Here are a few of my favorite areas:
- Lara: This coastal neighborhood is popular with tourists and expats, and offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly apartments to luxury villas. Lara is known for its stunning beaches, water sports, and vibrant nightlife.
- Kaleici: This historic neighborhood is located in the heart of Antalya’s old town, and is filled with narrow streets, charming shops, and historic landmarks. Kaleici is a great place to experience the city’s rich culture and history.
- Konyaaltı: This neighborhood is located on the western side of the city, and is known for its beautiful beach, scenic views, and range of outdoor activities. Konyaaltı is a popular spot for hiking, biking, and water sports.
- Muratpaşa: This neighborhood is located in the city center, and is a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Muratpaşa is home to many coworking spaces, cafes, and restaurants, making it a great spot for digital nomads.
Each of these neighborhoods has its own unique character, and the best one for you will depend on your personal preferences and priorities. As an Antalya digital nomad, I recommend exploring each area to find the one that feels most like home.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Antalya is relatively low compared to other major cities in Europe. Here are some approximate costs to expect:
- Rent: A one-bedroom apartment in a central neighborhood like Kaleici or Muratpaşa can cost around 2,500-3,500 TRY (approximately $430-$600 USD) per month.
- Food: Eating out at a mid-range restaurant can cost around 20-30 TRY (approximately $3-$5 USD) per meal. Groceries can cost around 50-100 TRY (approximately $8-$17 USD) per week for basic items.
- Transportation: A monthly public transportation pass can cost around 130 TRY (approximately $22 USD). Taxis are also relatively affordable, with a typical ride costing around 20-30 TRY (approximately $3-$5 USD).
- Coworking: A monthly membership at a coworking space can cost around 500-1,000 TRY (approximately $85-$170 USD).
Overall, the cost of living in Antalya is around 30-50% lower than in major cities like Istanbul or Ankara. As an Antalya for remote workers, this makes it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget.
Internet & Coworking
Antalya has a well-developed internet infrastructure, with reliable and fast connections available throughout the city. The average internet speed is around 49 Mbps, making it easy to stay connected and productive. Here are a few coworking spaces and cafes that I recommend:
- Antalya Coworking: This coworking space is located in the heart of the city, and offers a range of membership options, from hot desks to private offices.
- Kaleici Coworking: This coworking space is located in the historic Kaleici neighborhood, and offers a range of amenities, including high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and a rooftop terrace.
- Cafe Roma: This cafe is located in the Muratpaşa neighborhood, and is a popular spot for digital nomads and remote workers. They offer fast internet, comfortable seating, and a range of food and drink options.
Antalya has a growing digital nomad community, with a range of meetups, events, and groups available. Here are a few resources to get you started:
- Antalya Digital Nomads: This Facebook group is a great place to connect with other digital nomads and remote workers in the city.
- Nomad List Antalya: This online community is a great resource for finding coworking spaces, accommodation, and other resources for digital nomads.
- Antalya Expats: This Facebook group is a great place to connect with other expats and digital nomads in the city, and to find out about upcoming events and meetups.
Culture & Lifestyle
Antalya is a city with a rich culture and history, and there’s always something to do or explore. Here are a few tips for navigating the local culture and lifestyle:
- Language: While many locals speak some English, it’s still a good idea to learn a few basic Turkish phrases, such as “merhaba” (hello) and “teşekkür” (thank you).
- Food: Turkish cuisine is delicious and varied, with popular dishes like kebabs, baklava, and Turkish delight. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as fresh seafood and traditional Turkish breakfasts.
- Dating: Antalya is a relatively conservative city, and dating customs can be quite traditional. However, there are still plenty of opportunities to meet new people and make connections.
- Nightlife: Antalya has a vibrant nightlife scene, with a range of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from. The city is also home to many festivals and events throughout the year, including the Antalya Film Festival and the Antalya Jazz Festival.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to obtain a visa to enter and stay in Turkey. The most common type of visa for digital nomads is the Tourist Visa, which is valid for up to 90 days. You can apply for a tourist visa online or at a Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country.
If you plan to stay in Turkey for longer than 90 days, you may need to apply for a Residence Visa. This type of visa is typically required for digital nomads who want to stay in the country for an extended period.
It’s worth noting that Turkey is currently developing a Digital Nomad Visa, which will allow remote workers to stay in the country for up to 1 year. However, this visa is still in the pilot phase, and it’s not yet clear when it will be available to all digital nomads.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are a few practical tips to help you navigate life in Antalya:
- SIM cards: You can purchase a SIM card at the airport or at a local phone store. The most popular providers are Turkcell, Vodafone, and Avea.
- Transportation: Antalya has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and trams. You can also use taxis or ride-hailing apps like Uber.
- Safety: Antalya is generally a safe city, but it’s still a good idea to take some basic precautions, such as avoiding traveling alone at night and keeping an eye on your belongings.
- Weather: Antalya has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is in the spring or fall, when the weather is warm but not too hot.
