Guide to Antalya

Introduction

Located on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, Antalya, the chief resort of what has become known as the Turkish Riviera, gives its name to the surrounding area. Like several other cities in Turkey, it blends history with contemporary amenities to create a 21st-century destination that is attracting growing numbers of holidaymakers, second home purchasers and investors.

Antalya dates back to the second century BC. Its well-preserved Old Town, Kaleiçi, is a place of narrow streets, wooden houses and ancient fortified walls, with the minaret of the 13th-century Yivli mosque towering over it. In contrast, wide, palm-fringed boulevards lined with luxury hotels and smart shops give the newer parts of the city centre a cosmopolitan feel.

During the summer, Antalya’s yacht marina draws visitors from around the world. Its prize-winning archaeological museum is one of Turkey’s finest.

The Region

Since the 1970s, when Turkey’s tourist industry took off, Antalya Province has benefited from generous investment in such facilities as hotels, international-class golf courses, watersports centres and, more recently, ski resorts.

This is a region of astonishing natural beauty and diversity. Along the coast, sandy beaches fringe the implausibly turquoise sea. Further inland, the rugged Taurus Mountains soar majestically. Vegetation varies from tropical species to oaks and pines.

The area’s numerous historical attractions include the ancient cities of Aspendos, Perge and Side, situated on the coastal plain to the east of Antalya. This is also one of Turkey’s most fertile agricultural districts, rich in citrus groves and banana plantations.

Climate

On the coast, the climate is typically Mediterranean: summers are dry and hot, and winters mild and wet. Temperatures inland are more extreme.

Getting there

Antalya has its own international airport. Currently, no low-cost airlines operate direct flights between the UK and southern Turkey. However, reasonably priced charter flights are available to Antalya from Gatwick, Stansted and most major UK regional airports, especially during the summer.

At present, the number of flights on offer between the end of October and the end of April is limited, but the situation has improved recently, and looks set to improve further.

Property

Demand from foreign buyers has caused prices to rise at a rate of 30 per cent or so per annum in recent years, but it seems unlikely that such steep increases can be sustained in the more developed areas.

Antalya’s popularity as a holiday resort means that rental returns of up to 8 per cent are achievable for the right property in the right area. Infrastructure improvements, continuing government investment and the increasing availability of year-round flights combine to make it a good bet for both capital growth and rental yields.

The areas of Antalya most popular with foreign purchasers are Lara (to the east) and Konyaalti (to the west), both popular beach resorts. Villas and apartments are available. Expect to pay around £130,000 for a detached three-bedroom villa with pool, and from £85,000 for a two-bedroom villa, depending on location and condition. In Lara, a two-bedroom apartment with communal pool costs around £50,000.

Belek, half an hour east of Antalya, is also worth considering. As well as having outstanding beaches, it is establishing a reputation as Turkey’s premier golf resort, with several courses built to date and more under construction. Prices there represent good value but, as the area is attracting interest from foreign investors, they look set to rise.

Local life

Despite being an international destination, Antalya retains a characteristically Turkish flavour. Traditional shops, bazaars and outdoor markets coexist happily with cosmopolitan stores. Carpets, gold and leather goods are popular buys with visitors.

The many excellent restaurants serve a variety of cuisines. One of the region’s best-known dishes is piyaz, made from tahini, garlic, walnuts and dried beans.

Antalya’s nightlife is rich and varied, encompassing everything from bars, clubs and discos to traditional belly-dancing shows. A popular pastime for locals and tourists alike is to stroll along the seafront admiring the spectacular sunsets.

Numerous festivals take place between May and December, including the Golden Orange Film Festival.

Conclusion

If you’re seeking a second home or investment property in an area where the climate is similar to that of Spain but property prices are considerably lower, Antalya deserves serious consideration.

© Buy Associates Limited 2007

All circumstances vary. BuyAssociation provides general advice for guidance purposes only. It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice before making any purchase.