Holiday homes, airbnb and villas in Antalya

Accommodation in the 'Pearl of the Mediterranean'

On witnessing Antalya's beauty for the first time, King Attalos labelled the land as 'Paradise on Earth', a fitting nickname for the striking landscape of this Turkish coastal haven. It has since been described as the 'Pearl of the Mediterranean' and 'The European Solar Capital' among other desirable titles, making it easy to see why so many holidaymakers flock to its golden shores, which are sun-glazed around the entire year. Despite its renowned coastal position and waterside attractions, Antalya has established its Roman town into a hub of Turkish culture, meaning it is a city break in its own right. This city's ability to fit a historical city break and beach escape into one location mean it is one of the most desirable places to choose a holiday rental in Turkey so browse the thousands of properties available in this eastern utopia. Whether you desire a townhouse in the very midst of this vibrant city centre or a tranquil room with a view over the water, there is the perfect holiday letting in Antalya which is just waiting to be secured.

When to visit

Thanks to its position on the Mediterranean coast, a summer holiday in Antalya promises a hot climate throughout the peak season months of June to early September. This climate can get a little overbearing, especially in the midday sun, and attractions are unsurprisingly at their busiest, so think about avoiding these months if you want a cooler climate and quieter attractions. Instead, opt to visit between March and early June, or September to October, when the region is still sunny and likely to be dry, but the conditions are perfect for exploring.

How to get there?

Located in the southern coast of Turkey, Antalya can be reached conveniently from the UK by air, with budget airlines such as Jet2 and easyJet offering cost-effective flights from London Heathrow, Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham direct to Antalya airport. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes, with an additional journey of just four kilometres south to the heart of the city from the terminal. Hop to the centre by jumping aboard the 600 bus, flagging a taxi, or by renting a car which will allow you to explore the extent of Antalya's beauty, or the entirety of Turkey's grace. Renting a car is similarly a great opportunity to experience other other popular Mediterranean coasts, especially if you are a beach lover. Choose a holiday villa in Kalkan which is a quaint southern seaside only three hours from Antalya, and trade the hustle of this Turkish city for a slower pace in a traditional fishing town. If you are already enjoying the rich Turkish culture in a traditional holiday apartment in Istanbul then the only efficient way of hopping to Antalya is to fly, with journey's from the capital to the southern seaside taking around one hour and 20 minutes.

Where to stay

Kaleiçi/Old Town

Expect winding cobbled streets, grand historic structures amongst Ottoman-style jewels which make up the old town quarter of this Turkish town paradise. Kaleici is bursting with bed and breakfast options in its traditional townhouses, where you can escape to a romantic kingdom and revel in the ancient charm which this city is so well known for. Boasting a host of treasures which showcase the towns timeless past, you can wander your weeks away and allow yourself to stumble across the Saat Kulesi (clocktower) and the Tekeli Mehmet Paşa Cami, Antalya's most important mosque which dates back to the 18th century.

Lara

With an emerald water fringing its white sandy beach, it is unsurprising that the most prestigious hotels and holiday homes are discovered in the Lara neighbourhood. A slice of this high life does not need to come at a cost; however, as you can secure a luxury apartment rental in Lara for a surprisingly low and affordable price. Wake up in a bedroom with a view of the beryl Mediterranean coast, before bathing on Lara beach, which has a blue flag recognition for its clean sands and crystal clear water.

Alanya

Though this is a little drive from Antalya, Alanya is an unmissable destination for the foodies among us, making it the perfect place to reserve a self-catered apartment rental which is surrounded by a range of delicate eastern flavours and spices. Whether you want to sample Turkish street food in a reasonably priced joint along the shore, or you want to splash out in one of the exclusive Mediterranean restaurants or European inspired grills, you certainly won't go hungry in Alanya.

Kemer

Located just south of Antalya, the mountainous resort of Kemer is the perfect location to choose a traditional holiday home with a garden on the southern Turkish coast. The shores of Kemer kiss the foot of the. Majestic Taurus Mountain complex, which separates central Anatolia and this seaside resort, while being a popular location for mountain climbing and mystical forest hikes. Leave your accommodation early to delve into a fun-filled adventure for the whole family, where you reach great heights and take in the unique views by catching a cable car to the peak of Tahtali Mountain.

Belek

Antalya has established a name for itself in the health and well-being industry, and this is primarily down to the number of Turkish spas and fitness centres in Belek, where visitors can look forward to a spa experience like no other. The most famous of these spas is 'Hamam on the Beach', a golden sanctuary with faultless reviews on the sands of Belek, which offers a host of treatments, from hot stone massages to a soak in a Turkish bath. Reserve a romantic beachfront villa in Belek where you can wake up the sound of the sea, meaning you a guaranteed a therapeutic experience, which will leave you feeling rejuvenated and revived, whether you visit a spa or not.

Kas

The fishing town of Kas is a 3-hour hop from Antalya, but you should not let this distance put you off choosing a beautiful beach villa on its unspoilt coastline, especially if you are into your water sports. Yes, it is true that this tiny town is leading the way in the global diving scene, and there are countless diving companies who are ready to show you the underwater world of Turkey, no matter what past experience or diving ability.

What to do in Antalya

Gaze upon Hadrian's Gate

Recognised as the most beautiful monument in Antalya, Hadrian's Gate has captivated visitors to Antalya since 130 AD, when it was first constructed to mark Emperor Hadrian's visit to the city. Now labelled as the 'gateway to the city', this Roman masterpiece is an unmissable landmark along the bustling Atatürk Boulevard, so don't leave the city without a commemorative photo of the gate.

Bathe on Konyaaltı Beach

There is no denying that many tourists choose Antalya primarily for its beaches, and Konyaaltı, along with Lara is the most popular in the area, so there is no better place to spend some time in Antalya, than on its sun-glazed shores. The fun doesn't need to end at the going down of the sun above Konyaaltı Beach, as this resort only comes alive further at night, when its restaurants, bars and clubs open their doors.

Swim by the Duden Waterfalls

These two waterfalls are Antalya's most mesmerising natural wonders, as they create a cascade which takes place as the Duden River spills into the cliffs which surround the city. If you aren't afraid of getting a little wet, then you can even jump into the water and try swimming around the cliffs, or you can stay on the boat if you would prefer. However you choose to spend your time at falls, you will not be disappointed.

Explore the old town quarter

Countless restaurants, boutique stores and music venues crawl the cobbled streets of Kaleiçi, so allow yourself some time to get lost in this traditionally Turkish neighbourhood. Once you have had enough of these maze-like streets, you can observe the ancient quarter from above from the top of the Kaleiçi Panoramic Elevator.

Visit Antalya's Archaeological Museum

Showcasing the greatest collection of crafted statues and artistic artefacts that were created in times such as the Roman and Byzantium period, meaning this is a Turkish treat for history, art and archaeology lovers alike will admire.

Unwind in a Turkish Bath

Known locally as a 'hammam', Turkish Baths have sprouted up across the entire city, and are increasingly popular with locals and tourists alike. This is not surprising, however, when you consider that Turkish Baths set the standard across the globe for spas which are inspired by their streaming baths, saunas and treatments. Experience an authentic Turkish spa experience for yourself, where you can leave the bustle of this eastern city at the door for a little while.