With its rich history, breath-taking scenery and seemingly never-ending choice of stunning sandy beaches, it’s no surprise holidaymakers flock to Turkey’s Mediterranean resorts in their thousands each year.

But amid all the jewels on offer in this particularly beautiful crown, one area stands head and shoulders above the rest. Antalya is second only to Istanbul as the most popular holiday destination in Turkey, according to official figures; some 15,567,000 tourists came to the province in 2019, travelling from 193 different countries.

Why do so many people holiday in Antalya? What is it that makes the province such a great place to visit? Here are some of the answers.

You can live a life of luxury

One of the key reasons many people choose Antalya for a dream holiday is the high standard of its hotels. The five-star Titanic Mardan at Lara, for example, is renowned for its opulent accommodation – depending on your choice, you may find your room or suite feature a marble tub, plunge pool, sauna or whirlpool. The hotel has an Olympic-size swimming pool and some 35 different places to wine, dine and relax. Other facilities include an artificial reef for snorkelling and a health spa.

All-inclusive hotels are always popular among those choosing to holiday in Antalya, and there is no shortage of options. The Lara Barut, the Delphin Imperial and the Mela Lara are just three of those receiving rave reviews and guests return time after time.

If your aim is to relax, spoil yourself and be thoroughly pampered, Antalya is the destination of choice.

It’s Turkey’s golfing capital

As any keen player will tell you, golf courses in Antalya are among the best to be found. Belek has developed an enviable reputation as a golfer’s paradise, with prestigious championship-standard courses, luxurious clubhouses and ultra-modern facilities.

Such famous names as Tiger Woods have played here, and in 2015 former US president Barack Obama enjoyed some downtime on the greens when Antalya hosted the tenth G20 summit.

Such is its popularity that golfing villas in Belek are increasingly in demand among those seeking to buy property in Antalya – after all, a luxury home close to world-class golfing facilities makes for an enticing combination!

The beaches are out of this world

The Turkish Riviera is famed for its crystal-clear blue waters, lapping at the shores of endless sandy beaches. The province of Antalya has some 350km of coastline, stretching from Kaş in the west to Alanya in the east. It includes a record number of Turkey’s Blue Flag beaches – more than 200 received the coveted accolade in 2019.

With warm Mediterranean waters and golden sands, not to mention the beauty of the Taurus Mountains as a backdrop, it’s easy to believe you’re in paradise as you lie on one of Antalya’s beaches.

The finest of dining

Eating out every day is one of the joys of being on holiday. Fine food is one of Antalya’s hallmarks and it’s safe to say you could choose somewhere different every day and not reach the end of your ‘must try’ list.

You’ll find restaurants employing world-renowned chefs, tempting your palate with exquisite culinary creations presented on the plate as a work of art. There are familiar brand names, too, nestling alongside independent, family-run establishments.

Whatever you prefer, from classic Mediterranean to traditional Turkish cuisine, you’ll find something to suit your taste.

The richest of histories

History-lovers flock to Antalya, drawn by its many ancient ruins and insight into a world of long ago. From the Temple of Apollo and the ruined city of Olympos through to the Ottoman architecture of Kaleiçi – Antalya’s old town – the region affords a fascinating glimpse into bygone ages.

The Lycian Way, a 516km route which runs from Antalya to Fethiye, in Muğla, attracts hikers from all over the world. Even those who prefer to base themselves in one resort enjoy exploring short sections and discovering more about the region’s past.

It caters for everyone

As well as its luxury hotels, another reason Antalya is so popular among tourists is that it’s still affordable for those on a budget. There are plenty of pansiyons (pan-see-on) and cheaper family-friendly options, both when it comes to accommodation and eating out.

Haggling for a bargain in the markets is part of the fun, and if you’re self-catering then you’ll find the food – especially local produce – is cheap, plentiful and delicious.

Considering buying property in Antalya?

If you’ve fallen in love with Antalya and are thinking about buying, get in touch with us. Our portfolio includes everything from luxury villas in Kalkan to sea view penthouses in Side – we’re confident we can help you find your perfect holiday home in Antalya province.