Located along the beautiful Turkish Riviera, Antalya is quickly becoming a hotspot for digital nomads looking for all year warm weather, community and plenty of activities to get into. With its Mediterranean charm, rich history, and modern amenities, this coastal gem offers an ideal setting for remote workers looking to elevate their lifestyle while staying productive. Let's dive into what makes Antalya a top destination for the location-independent workforce.

Where to work in Antalya

For this blog post, I focussed on the Old Town but Antalya has many different cowork and cafe options along the coast:

Coworking Antalya: a great spot for some deep work by the harbour, if I was looking for a place to start my digital nomad story in Antalya, I would begin with this space and WhatsApp community. They have regular activities and meet ups to suit all kinds of remote worker.

Arabica Coffee: while you need a Turkish number to be able to access the wifi here, this was still one of my favourite remote work cafes for the space and that you didn’t feel like you were overstaying your welcome. The staff are really friendly and made some great drinks suggestions.

The Beaver Coffee: I think this is a good little pit stop in the middle of the Old Town and a good coffee, but it felt like unless you got there early, you wouldn’t find a comfortable space to work (under the AC anyway). But if you’re looking for a new place to work from, or are happy working in the heat, then this may be for you!

Varuna Gezgin Cafe: another space I was drawn back to for lunch as well as a remote work sesh. This is a cosy restaurant with a great menu and decent wifi, hidden away from the main streets.

The Sudd Coffee: another spot I was a little hesitant about and I felt weird asking the guy twice for the wifi password, but the coffee was great and I used the time here to hotspot from my phone. Perhaps I’m just not hipster enough for places like these, ha?!

Paul’s Place: while the wifi and tea was great here, there is limited space in the cafe space and it kind of felt like having my laptop out for longer than half an hour was overstepping my welcome (especially when the cup of tea is about 50p). But the atmosphere was still great and maybe with a bigger order, I might have felt differently.

EspressoLab (it was still being built when I was there, but I believe it is now open. In Istanbul, I typically default back to visiting here to work and grab a decent flat white).

Where to stay in Antalya

For the first time visitor to Antalya, we seem to flock to the Old Town and that seems to be a useful way of doing things to first get to know the town and the community. However, if I were to come back, I would probably pick somewhere in Konyaalti Beach and travel in to the Old Town so I felt less like I was in ‘action’.

The first place I stayed in was a private room in a hostel, but there was a restaurant on two sides of the room, and I could everything! So not exactly conducive to sleep or general privacy. Then the second place I stayed in was quieter just off of one of the main streets, but it was a hostel dorm which I just don’t feel like I can hack anymore.

I think it entirely depends on what you’re looking for, because for the remote workers looking for the ‘work hard, play harder’ life, this could be exactly what you’re after! But if you’re interested in some quiet and privacy, then I wouldn’t say the Old Town is the best place for this. It also doesn’t have an easy to access beach. So if this is a must for you, I would again pick the Konyaalti area.

Things to do in Antalya

One of the benefits of staying in the Old Town is that a lot of the activities on offer do depart somewhere in the vicinity. And there is also so much to see and do within the area itself, from historical sites to beach clubs, like:

1. Hadrian's Gate: marking the entrance to the Old Town, this well-preserved triumphal arch is a must-visit on your way in or out to the new town.

2. Antalya Museum: one of Turkey's largest museums, it houses an impressive collection of artefacts from the region's history.

3. Düden Waterfalls: these spectacular waterfalls, both the upper and lower falls, offer a refreshing escape from the city heat. There are different tours available where you can see them up close.

4. Konyaaltı Beach: this long, pebbly beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.

4. Local Bazaars: the Old Town Bazaar is absolutely something that you have to explore on your way to the harbour, but there are other lesser-known markets like the Yeşilbahçe Bazaar for a slightly more local experience as well.

Day Trips and Weekend Getaways from Antalya

If you’re based in Antalya for a little bit longer, you may want to factor in some other places to visit a little further out of town, like:

1. Pamukkale: famous for its white travertine terraces, this UNESCO World Heritage site is about a 4-hour drive from Antalya (and can be booked as a day tour with transfers).

2. Cappadocia: while it's a bit far for a day trip (about 7 hours by car or a one hour flight), it's perfect for a long weekend. While I’d advise staying a little longer, it is a bucket list experience to see the hot air balloons at sunrise and wander around the fairy chimneys.

3. Kekova and Sunken City: a 3-hour drive takes you to this unique area where you can take a boat tour to see the underwater ruins of an ancient city.

4. Saklıkent Gorge: About 3 hours away, this 18 km long canyon offers hiking and rafting opportunities.

5. Kaş: This charming coastal town, about 3 hours from Antalya, is perfect for a relaxing weekend by the sea.

6. Or take a longer road trip along the Turkish Riviera, making your way along the coast to Izmir. Why not extend your travels and take a bit of time to see more of this beautiful country!

Türkiye is one of those countries that you can just keep exploring and you’ll always find new things to see and do!

Why Antalya is Ideal for Digital Nomads

Overall, Antalya stands out as a digital nomad destination for several reasons:

1. Cost-Effective Living: your money goes further here, allowing for a higher quality of life.

2. High-Speed Internet: most areas in the city offer reliable, fast internet connections essential for remote work.

3. Work-Life Balance: with its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and outdoor activities, Antalya makes it easy to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

4. Growing Digital Nomad Scene: the increasing number of remote workers is fostering a supportive community and infrastructure.

5. Strategic Location: Antalya's international airport makes it easy to explore other parts of Turkey and nearby countries.

6. Year-Round Appeal: whether you prefer bustling summers or quieter winters, Antalya has something to offer in every season.

Always consult the Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date visa information, as requirements can change. However Türkiye has just recently released the Digital Nomad Visa, which could of interest for those looking to stay longer in a very welcoming country with so much to offer!

So, would you like to ski in the morning and have dinner on the beach?

Han x