(Editor’s note: This is Pt. 2 in a two-part guide for Digital Nomads in Antalya. You can jump to Pt. 1 here.)
Despite having more than one million inhabitants, I’m always surprised by how often I meet people I know on the streets of Antalya. Located in the south of Turkey, this metropolis with a small city vibe is slowly becoming a popular hub among digital nomads.
But is it worth it? I’ve spent more than three months here, and I can confidently say, “yes, it is!”
Below is a complete guide for digital nomads in Antalya. We will discuss coworking and accommodation options, the cost of living, and things to do in the area.
Cost analysis
Unfortunately, Turkey has one of the highest inflation rates in the world. When I first visited back in March 2023, the Turkish lira was equal to roughly 0.050 euros. Today, the conversion is 1 Turkish lira = 0.023 euros (May, 2025). This is why you won’t find prices on some menus, as owners would need to change these almost weekly.
• Your biggest expense will obviously be your rent. Prices vary dramatically depending on what you’re looking for. However, with some planning, I could pay between 450 euros and 600 euros for a room close to the centre. If you wait for the very last moment or are looking for an apartment all by yourself, the price might increase.
• A dinner out can be relatively cheap compared to most Western European countries. However, don’t expect South Asian prices. If you know where to eat, you can have a nice dinner for 10 euros or less. Of course, there are also plenty of places where you can have a more luxurious experience.
• You can expect to pay about 50 euros for a month in a coworking space, and groceryshopping can be quite cheap in places such as SOK and small stores. Try to buy your veggies from local stores rather than supermarkets, as prices are highly inflated there.
Long story short, Antalya is between Western and Eastern Europe when it comes to prices, being more expensive than Bulgaria, but obviously less expensive than Germany.
Useful Information For Digital Nomads In Antalya
Here are a few extra points you may want to consider before your trip to Antalya.
Visas
Of course, this changes depending on your nationality. If you’re from a European Union country, you can easily stay in Turkey for three months every six. Unfortunately, citizens of other countries, including Australia and the United States, need to apply for an e-visa. However, there are plenty of exceptions, such as New Zealand, Guatemala, Japan and more. You can find all visa-related information on the official website of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Wi-Fi
On average, I never had problems with Wi-Fi until I started working on this post. The sky had been cloudy all day, and the internet suddenly stopped working in my apartment.
Coincidences? Probably not.
That said, I always had strong and reliable Wi-Fi in all accommodations, coworking places and cafés.
Vegetarians in Antalya
Being vegetarian in Antalya can be quite demoralising as the veggie culture is definitely not widespread yet. That said, there are quite a few dishes you can still enjoy.
• Cig kofte: This dish is not only veggie but is actually vegan. You can find stands serving this dish made with bulgur and veggies everywhere. It can be either served in a wrap or next to lettuce.
• Kumpir: another must-try. This sort of jacket potato is extra filling and highly delicious. Unfortunately, the toppings are not always the best, so choose carefully.
• Pide: A sort of pizza with plenty of toppings to choose from.
• Desserts: Of course, Turkey is vastly famous for its dessert, so don’t miss the chance to try semolina ice cream, baklava and other delicious sugary-packed treats.
Language Barriers
Unfortunately, from my personal experience, most Turks don’t speak English unless they work in the tourism sector. Unfortunately, Turkish is an incredibly difficult language, so don’t expect to be fluent after a month here. Luckily, there are plenty of expats to bond with, as well as Middle Easterners who have been living in the country for decades and speak English fluently.
Turkish people are also very kind, so while you may not be able to have a deep conversation with all of
them, everyone will try to help you even without speaking your language if you ever need something.
Transportation
Antalya is well connected, even though everything in the city centre is within walking distance. This city is home to an airport, a bus station with buses heading to all the main cities in the country, and two trams. Prices are very cheap.
Sim Cards
Contrary to transportation, SIM cards are incredibly expensive. I still remember the shock of hearing that I had to pay 40 euros for a single SIM card – yep, 40 euros! If it’s your first time in the city, it may be worth it, but I don’t recommend it if you’re an experienced traveller or have been here several times. Just stay without the internet whenever you go out. It may seem like a distant memory nowadays, but I can assure you it’s doable.
Best Time To Visit
Avoid the summer at all costs! Why? Antalya is not only incredibly hot but also very humid. Being there in September felt like torture, so I can’t imagine August and July. On top of this, these months are in the high season, so everything will be more expensive. Ideally, you want to plan your trip in the fall, such as late September, October and November, or spring, in April, May and early June.
You will find fewer tourists, cheaper prices, and perfect weather conditions for hiking or swimming.
Things to do in Antalya
There are plenty of things to do in Antalya for outdoor enthusiasts. This city is located on the Mediterranean Sea and is a short drive from the Taurus Mountains. Here, you can enjoy a day at the beach, go for a diving tour or spend the day sailing. The nearby mountains are also perfect for hikes, camping adventures, and climbing. This city also offers a few day-trips for all types of tourists.
Popular day trips in Antalya:
• Goynuk Canyon is the place to go if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush. Body rafting is quite popular here, but you will also find a zipline and hiking opportunities.
• Mount Chimaera is another popular destination. This mountain is particularly renowned for its always-burning fires, attracting tourists from all over the world. This naturally occurring phenomenon has fascinated humans for centuries, and a temple dedicated to Hephaistos, the Greek god associated with fire, was built here. Most people come at night to make the most of the fires on site.
• Lastly, Pamukkale is one of Turkey’s most popular tourist attractions. Literally meaning “cotton castle,” this place is about a 3-hour drive from Antalya, and it’s worth checking out despite the distance. With its many hot springs, with temperatures going from 35 °C to 100 °C, these travertine terrace formations are not only a dream for the eye, but also for your tired body, which will surely feel the benefit of a warm bath.
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Read more about Turkey here in Dispatches’ archives.
Cristina Miceli
contributors, and her work has been featured on several publications, including The Cabo Sun,
Bookmundi, SleepingInAirports, and more. Cristina is a huge promoter of slow travelling and
prefers long train rides to quick flights, analogue photography to selfies, and unknown towns to
massive metropolises. When she’s not writing breaking news or reporting her latest adventures, you may find her
drinking way too much tea, reading whatever book she found on the road, or playing her
classical guitar. Cristina has travelled to more than 30 countries on three continents, always slowly. One of her proudest achievements is a trip from Italy all the way to Gambia, avoiding planes.
