Hailed as the gateway to Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, Antalya is renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. Devoted aficionados return time after time, captivated by its summertime charms. But look a little deeper. There’s so much more to the city than a once-a-year holiday destination.

From the diversity of its geography to the mix of rich history and modern-day architecture, Antalya offers a seemingly endless array of activities and attractions. Its location and amenities are why many people from other nationalities buy property in Antalya as an overseas base – for a year-round destination, it’s hard to beat.

The best beaches

It’s impossible to talk about why Antalya is such a wonderful place without mentioning the beaches. Konyaaltı, near the city centre, is one of the most popular with visitors and Antalya residents alike, with clean waters and excellent facilities.  In spring or autumn, away from the fierce heat of high season, there are few places better to enjoy a tranquil morning watching the world go by.

It is, however, predominantly pebbly – so if you prefer uninterrupted swathes of golden sand, head to Lara Beach. It boasts coveted Blue Flag status and is also home to the Antalya Sand Sculpture Museum. Thanks to some 300-plus days of sunshine each year, you can enjoy Antalya’s beach life no matter what the season.

The ideal base for getting out and about

The diversity of Antalya’s geography is what makes it so attractive to people seeking property in Turkey. Keen skiers can head inland to the winter resort of Saklikent, around 45km away. Located on Bakırlıdağı in the Taurus mountains, it’s easy to reach and offers around 10km worth of pistes at varying altitudes and skill levels, along with chalets, apartments and equipment hire.

Another of Antalya’s attractions is its proximity to Belek and a number of championship-level golf courses. Golfers are spoiled for choice, with thoughtfully designed courses set amid stunning natural scenery. The facilities at these centres are outstanding – indeed, Carya Golf Club, is rated by the renowned Top100GolfCourses.com as not only the best in Turkey, but 39^th overall in its Continental Europe rankings.

The Boğaçay Creek marina project

If proof were needed that Antalya rightly deserves its title as Turkey’s tourism capital, the Boğaçay Creek Marina project is it. The city is determined to further enhance its reputation as a thriving, cosmopolitan hub for British, European, Russian, Arab and American expats and those seeking to make a savvy property investment.

It will be part of the wider Konyaaltı Coastline project, which will see the famous beach extended to around 40km – making it the longest in Turkey. The development will be carried out to strict environmental standards and boast a range of ultra-modern facilities. With parks, walkways and intelligently planned infrastructure, the prestige of mooring their craft and owning property nearby will be hard to resist for the well-heeled yachting community.

Everything you need for everyday living

Famed though it is as a tourist destination, Antalya is a busy working city and offers all the day-to-day facilities you’d expect. It’s another reason why so many see it as more than a holiday resort and decide to buy real estate in Antalya so they can settle here permanently or visit more often.

Medical care is excellent, with government and private hospitals offering a full range of treatments and specialisms between them, from cancer care to cosmetic surgery. The airport is a short drive away, with easy connections to Istanbul and direct flights throughout the winter to some destinations.

You’ll find pretty much everything you need in the city centre but, if you prefer, there are also some excellent out-of-town shopping malls nearby. The Agora, for example, is just a couple of kilometres away and has three floors of assorted stores, entertainment and eateries. It’s also right next door to IKEA, always popular with those who have bought homes in Antalya and in need of furniture, home essentials and decorations!

Immerse yourself in history

The famed Old Town, Kaleiçi, is Antalya’s historic centre. The walled city features architecture from a number of eras, including Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman. It’s picturesque, fascinating, and yields new attractions each time.

The cobbled streets lead you to ancient monuments such as Hadrian’s Gate, built by the Romans in the second century to honour the Emperor Hadrian, or the Kesik Minare, once a Roman temple before it was converted to a Byzantine church and then a mosque. You’ll find authentic artisan shops selling everything from carpets and textiles to jewellery and antiques, not to mention bars and restaurants galore. It’s a treasure trove you’ll find it all too easy to lose yourself within.