The Best Places to Live in Turkey
In recent years, Turkey has gained popularity not only as a destination for holidays but also as a permanent home for many people from around the world. With its sunny days, delicious food, warm-hearted people, and generous nature, Turkey offers a second home to many foreigners, and especially the British.
But where exactly should one live in Turkey? Which town or city could be the ideal spot to start a new chapter in life?
Let’s take a look together.
Fethiye – For Those Seeking Both Nature and Community
Fethiye is without a doubt one of the most preferred destinations for British Cittizens living in Turkey. It’s not just the sea—here you’ll find mountains, valleys, forests, ancient cities, and even butterflies.
The turquoise lagoon of Ölüdeniz, the colourful paragliders descending from the famous Babadağ, hiking through the icy waters of Saklıkent Canyon, the camping vibe of Kabak Bay, and the historic stone paths of Kayaköy...
Fethiye is perfect for those who want to live close to nature but still be part of a vibrant social scene. As you watch the sunset at Çalış Beach, you're very likely to hear friendly British accents all around you. That’s because Fethiye has a large and welcoming British community. Hisarönü and Ovacık are especially popular for detached houses and lively neighbourhood life.
Dalyan – The Harmony of Nature, History, and Tranquillity
About an hour from Fethiye, Dalyan is a peaceful riverside town nestled in a natural setting and rich in history.
The reed-lined Dalyan River, the ancient Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliffs, the protected Iztuzu Beach (home to caretta caretta sea turtles), and natural mud baths make Dalyan truly unique. Life here flows more slowly and peacefully. Yet if you want to socialize, it's easy to meet other foreigners at small riverside cafés or while exploring the quiet streets.
Kalkan – A Blend of Elegance and Calm
Neighbouring the town of Kaş, Kalkan is a small but sophisticated seaside town. It’s known for its hillside villas with sea views, boutique hotels, and fine restaurants. Kalkan is especially popular among Brits who want a quiet lifestyle without sacrificing quality. While summer gets a bit livelier, the rest of the year is peaceful, and the views are always stunning.
Bodrum – For Those Who Love Art, Life, and Energy
Bodrum is one of Turkey’s most cosmopolitan coastal towns—a place where ancient ruins meet modern living. The lively town centre offers nightlife, art galleries, and international cuisine, while areas like Gümüşlük, Yalıkavak, and Bitez offer quieter, nature-friendly options right by the sea. The town is also well-equipped: year-round healthcare, shopping, an international airport, and schools make it ideal for both holiday homes and full-time living. There’s also a significant British community here as well as Germans and people from other countries, which makes settling in even easier.
Antalya – Big-City Comfort with Mediterranean Charm
Antalya offers the perfect mix of resort-town beauty and modern urban living. With its international airport, well-developed healthcare and education systems, shopping malls, beaches, and historic sites, it provides an “all-in-one” lifestyle. In neighbourhoods like Lara and Konyaaltı, you’ll find modern apartments and gated communities, while in Kaleiçi (the Old Town), you can enjoy charming stone houses and a nostalgic vibe. The city hosts a large number of foreigners, making social integration smooth. People from the Germany, Russia, UK and Scandinavia make up a vibrant international mix—many of whom live here year-round.
Alanya – A Lively and Affordable Seaside Life
Located east of Antalya, Alanya is especially popular with Germans. But more Brits have started to come as well in recent years.
It’s a great choice for those looking to live by the sea without breaking the bank, and the local lifestyle is active and welcoming. There are wide promenades, clean beaches, cafés, and plenty of shops.
With a warm climate all year round and a relaxed pace of life, Alanya is ideal for those who love sunshine and a social environment, but prefer a town that’s more relaxed than chaotic.
Warm People and a Rich Food Culture
One of the biggest surprises for many foreigners moving to Turkey is the genuine and friendly nature of the people. Smile at someone and they’ll smile back. Ask for directions, and you might be offered tea along with help. Hospitality is deeply rooted in the culture.
And the food? It’s far more than just kebabs. Zeytinyağlı artichokes, gözleme (stuffed flatbread), mantı (Turkish dumplings), fresh mezes, cheeses, herb-rich salads, and of course, Turkish breakfast...
Every region has something special to offer your tastebuds. Local farmers' markets are full of fresh produce, and meals here are not just about eating—they’re about sharing, slowing down, and enjoying life.
Conclusion: Turkey is Ready for Your New Life
With the nature of Fethiye, the tranquility of Dalyan, the elegance of Kalkan, the energy of Bodrum, the city comforts of Antalya, and the seaside charm of Alanya, Turkey is more than a holiday destination—it's an ideal place for a new life, especially for Brits, Germans, and other foreigners seeking beauty, comfort, and community.
Whether you dream of waking up to birds in your garden, strolling by the sea at sunset, or making new friends at a cozy café, you’ll find it all in Turkey. For more information about where to live in Turkey or to discuss with our property consultants, please click on the Contact Us link here. Alternatively, for our complete list of properties, see our property for sale in Turkey list.
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