Stoic, misty mountains meet a blue and tranquil shoreline. The golden sun warms you as you wander from the beach through a quaint little European town. You stop for a cup of tea and a piece of baklava — and pay less than two pounds.
Where can you find such a picturesque yet affordable dream? Antalya, one of Turkey’s most beautiful destinations, makes this a reality. Many visitors are discovering the charm of affordable rentals in Antalya as they explore the stunning coastline — whether you’re looking for a cosy apartment or a spacious villa, there are plenty of options to suit every budget.
Situated on the Mediterranean, on what’s known as the Turquoise Coast, Antalya is an affordable paradise of intriguing historic sites, legendary hikes and views, and high-end yet affordable dental treatment. If you’re planning to visit Europe but don’t want to return to the UK with an empty bank account, here are several reasons to make Antalya your destination.
Unbelievable Prices
In general, the cost of living in Turkey is lower than in other European countries — utilities are typically cheaper, which keeps operating costs for businesses low. But the main reason a trip to Antalya is so affordable is the exchange rate between the British pound and the Turkish lira: one pound is worth around 42 lira, so you’ll only need about £6 for a nice meal in Antalya.
Historic Sites in and Around Antalya
Old Town (Kaleiçi)
Travel back to the days of the Roman Empire by visiting Hadrian’s Gate, an architectural delight built in the second century AD to honour the Roman emperor Hadrian. The gateway is made predominantly of white marble and decorated with reliefs of flora and fauna native to Antalya. Through Hadrian’s Gate (also called the Three Doors), you enter Kaleiçi — Antalya’s atmospheric old town, a maze of narrow cobbled streets lined with restored Ottoman mansions, boutique hotels, antique shops, cafés, and bars, many with lovely views over the Mediterranean.
At the heart of Kaleiçi stands the Yivli Minaret, the fluted 13th-century tower that is the symbol of Antalya, alongside the old clock tower on Kalekapısı Square. Wander down to the old marina (Yat Limanı), a picture-perfect Roman-era harbour ringed with restaurants and boats offering coastal cruises. Other highlights include the Kesik Minare (Broken Minaret), the Roman-era Hıdırlık Tower, and the small pebble cove of Mermerli Beach tucked beneath the old walls. From Işıklar and Konyaaltı, a nostalgic tramway runs right along the seafront — an easy and scenic way to reach the old town.
Phaselis
Hadrian’s Gate is a mere appetiser for even a casual history buff. From Antalya, you can also visit the ancient city of Phaselis, which makes for a perfect day trip with a variety of incredible ruins and a tranquil bay for swimming. Another ancient city with swimming opportunities — and a chance of seeing Caretta turtles — is Patara. According to myth, it’s the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and you can explore ancient baths, churches, and a granary.
Myra
Perhaps the most visually striking set of ruins can be found in Myra. “The Place of the Supreme Mother Goddess” features awe-inspiring tombs cut into a rocky hillside, and you can also visit one of the best-preserved amphitheatres in the Lycian region. From Myra’s historically significant port, you can add a boat trip to visit several smaller sites and swim around glittering coves.
Beautiful Beaches
Antalya is a beach town, so it’s no surprise that its beaches are a key feature. It’s said that Queen Cleopatra fell in love with the crystalline waters of the Antalya seaside — one of the most popular beaches is even named after her. Just along from Cleopatra Beach you’ll find Damlataş, which has attractions like the breathtaking Damlataş Cave, a natural 15,000-year-old formation featuring iconic stalactites and stalagmites, whose air is said to have healing properties. You’ll find Cleopatra Beach in Alanya, around 130 km east of the city centre.
In the city centre itself, you can head to the most popular beaches, Konyaaltı and Lara. Konyaaltı, on the western side of Antalya, is a slightly rocky beach, while Lara, on the eastern coast, offers both cliffs and sandy stretches. Both are popular, and there are also private cliff beaches offering great comfort for their guests. If you’re after a resort experience — popular with families — Lara Beach is perfect, with many classy hotels along a sandy strip and calm, temperate water.
For those looking for the perfect Instagram or TikTok location, head to Kaputaş — a beach of soft, yellow sand set between vast cliffs, with a pirate’s grotto to visit for the more active beachgoer. These are just a small sample of the 20-plus beaches you can choose from around Antalya.
Exploring Antalya’s City Centre
Beyond the old town, Antalya’s modern city centre has plenty to offer. Stroll through the palm-lined Karaalioğlu Park, a large clifftop park with sweeping sea views and the ancient Hıdırlık Tower at its edge, or take in the panorama over the marina from Cumhuriyet (Republic) Square.
History lovers shouldn’t miss the Antalya Museum, one of Turkey’s largest and most important archaeological museums, with a remarkable collection of statues and artefacts recovered from the ancient Lycian and Roman cities nearby — it’s an easy ride on the nostalgic tram towards Konyaaltı.
For a natural spectacle, visit the Düden Waterfalls. The Upper Düden falls tumble through a leafy park just inland, while the Lower Düden falls plunge dramatically straight into the sea along the Lara coast — only a short drive from the centre, and best seen from a boat.
Medical and Dental Treatments
One of the more surprising attractions of Antalya is its dental clinics. Dentists in the UK are expensive, and dealing with the NHS can be a hassle. In Antalya, dental clinics are luxurious and offer first-class treatment for a fraction of the price.
Clinics here can offer such affordable prices thanks to low overheads and government support for medical tourism, and they use the latest technology. Dental school in Turkey is also incredibly competitive, so only the brightest students graduate to become dentists. Many patients look for the top dental centres for implants in Turkey because of the high quality of care and the experienced specialists trained in the latest techniques.
From veneers and gum contouring to dental implants and a full smile makeover, you can find all of the most important — and usually expensive — treatments in Antalya. Many clinics also offer attractive discounts and all-inclusive Turkey teeth packages, making it even more affordable. In addition to dental treatment, many tourists come for procedures such as hair transplants and cosmetic surgery, which are also far cheaper here than in the UK.
Shopping & Relaxing Between Appointments
Antalya is also a fantastic place to shop — from the traditional Antalya Bazaar and the palm-lined boutiques of Atatürk Boulevard to modern malls like MarkAntalya in the centre and the Deepo Outlet near the airport. Most convenient of all for our patients is TerraCity, a large, modern shopping centre with international brands, restaurants, a supermarket, and a cinema — located just a few minutes from our dental clinic in the Fener area. It’s the perfect place to relax, grab lunch, or catch a film between your appointments.
Outdoor Adrenaline and Adventure Sports
From ziplining and canyoning to scuba diving and horseback riding, there are many outdoor adventure sports waiting for you in Antalya. If you’re on a family trip, you might enjoy a boat cruise — you’ll find ones that include snorkelling, as well as a pirate-themed cruise that will give your kids a magical experience.
Have you ever fantasised about finding the lost city of Atlantis? An achievable version of that dream is to visit the sunken city of Kekova. You can take a boat tour, or get up close to the ruins by kayaking out there.
For those who love to be on the move, there are ATV quad-bike tours, or you can pile the family into an open-air jeep for an off-road safari. For even more adrenaline, there’s parasailing and white-water rafting. Another option is to walk through Sapadere Canyon, where you’ll see beautiful plants and animals and marvel at astounding rock formations — the tour ends at a stunning waterfall where you can swim to cool off.
You may also want to consider the Land of Legends theme park, which has a variety of rollercoasters as well as tamer rides. There’s even a shopping avenue with big-name brands like Armani, Lacoste, and Adidas — open day and night, it’s a visually stunning outdoor shopping experience.
Legendary Hiking
Perhaps the most famous thrill on offer is the Lycian Way hike. This 540-kilometre path runs between Antalya and Fethiye and takes around 30 days to complete. Along the way, you’ll see countless Greek and Roman ruins and historic sites, as well as amazing coastal views. You can start in either Antalya or Fethiye, though most prefer to finish in Antalya to relax on the seaside after such a long journey. There are several routes to choose from, so you can tailor the experience to your preferences.
Vibrant City and Nightlife
Antalya itself is a bustling yet charming city, with activities for all types of visitor. You can join an electric-bike or scooter tour, or put on your walking shoes and explore on foot. There’s also an aquarium boasting the world’s longest tunnel aquarium, along with four themed aquariums for the whole family to enjoy. The city has some very large waterfalls too, which you can see from a boat tour often packaged with a cable-car ride.
You’ll also want to check out the Antalya Bazaar, which offers a mix of traditional and modern wares, while Atatürk Boulevard — a pristine avenue lined with palm trees — provides plenty of shopping for those with a keen sense of fashion. If you lean towards the traditional, wander around the old town quarter of Kaleiçi, with its cobblestone streets and buildings dating back to the Ottoman era, where you can browse antiques or stop for tea at a calm café.
After all your activities, you’ll want good food to recharge. Antalya offers everything from traditional Turkish cuisine to international dishes, and from fine dining to street food — perfect for any budget. The city’s nightlife is diverse and exciting too, with something for everyone: take the family on a night-time boat cruise or to the Land of Legends’ evening show, or, for those with friends, enjoy the many bars and clubs where you can dance and try Turkish drinks like rakı. There are frequent concerts and events to look out for as well.
Start Planning Your Trip to Antalya Today!
It’s time to get out your planner and start organising your dream holiday. Antalya is one of Turkey’s top tourist destinations, so it’s easy to find and book flights to its very modern airport — see our guide on how to travel to Turkey from the UK to plan your journey. With so many incredible activities, historic sites, and movie-ready beaches, you’re sure to have the trip of a lifetime.
Interested in the dental treatment you could have in luxury while visiting Antalya? Get in touch with Smile Dental Turkey today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Uğur Gültekinler D.D.S. graduated with his dental degree from the Faculty of Dentistry in Izmir, Turkey, in 2003. With over two decades of experience, he has developed a deep passion for cosmetic dentistry, using only the finest techniques and most advanced materials to create beautiful smiles.
Co-founder of Smile Dental, one of Turkey’s most advanced dental clinics, Uğur Gültekinler D.D.S. is our lead smile designer — combining years of hands-on expertise with cutting-edge digital smile design technology. Working closely with each patient, he tailors treatments to individual goals using his extensive knowledge in dental crowns and veneers.
Uğur Gültekinler D.D.S. is fluent in Turkish and English.
