The 19 Districts of Antalya
As a group, the districts of Antalya province form a large area on Turkey's southern coast. Don’t underestimate the province; Turkey’s second most popular holiday destination, expat retreat, and a central Turkish Riviera sailing hub. The region offers everything from green views to ancient history and tourist infrastructure that is second to none. From the famed Lara district to the wide range of outskirts neighbourhoods, the Antalya province is a star player and helps put Turkey on the global map.
About the 19 Districts of Antalya
1: Akseki: A Plateau Retreat
Most people haven’t heard of this district because Akseki stays off the mainstream tourism and real estate grids. Sitting inland at the foot of the Taurus mountains, only roughly 11,000 people are spread across 51 neighbourhoods. Sitting inland, think green meadows and cattle farming, rather than sandy beaches. Yet Akseki is growing in popularity among Turks for yayla tourism. Yayla means plateau; a rural Turkish tradition during summer is to retreat to yaylas for cooler weather. The mountainous district is the perfect antidote to urban living.
2: Antalya Aksu: Home of Perge
Sitting near Side town and the historical ruins, Aksu hosts day trippers who flock to see Kursunlu waterfall and Perge UNESCO heritage ruins. Agriculture, the other main trade, is a leader in tomato production.
3: Antalya Alanya: A Popular District
The Alanya region is becoming a recognised tourism hub in its own right, thanks to Gazipasa Airport and promotion by the local council. At the coastline’s eastern point, well-known historical landmarks like the castle and red tower in Alanya are awaiting confirmation on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. The area is popular with people looking at property for use as summer holiday homes.
4: Demre for Rich History
During summer, this traditional, working town sees an influx of day trip tourists eager to see the 5th century Myra ancient ruins, of which the spectacular theatre and Lycian rock tombs often appear in guidebooks. At the same time, pilgrims visit Saint Nicholas's church, who was otherwise known as Santa Claus.
5: Dosemealti
This town's name translates into pavement, reflecting an ancient road around the area. Sitting 20 kilometres inland from the centre, Termessos city ruins are its main attractions, but others include Kocain and Karain Caves, and Kirkgoz Han Caravansary, a renovation project in the making.
6: Elmali: Agriculture and Villages
Agricultural Elmali sits inland and is another destination rarely visited by foreign tourists, but it has much to offer to discover traditional Turkey beyond travel guidebooks. Elmali produces many apples sold around Turkey, yet its story revolves around the 1984 Elmali treasure. Found during an illegal excavation, smugglers took the coins abroad, but the Turkish government launched an intense campaign to get them returned home.
7: Finike: Orange Capital
Nestled on the coastline between Demre and Adrasan, foreign tourists often bypass Finike, yet Turks and those sailing the Turkish Riviera love the area. Massive orange orchards earned countrywide fame, but other places of interest, like the ancient city of Arycanda, are worth exploring.
8: Gazipasa: An Emerging Region
Gazipasa has lagged other coastal resorts for decades in capturing tourists' attention, but it is now a tourism hub. Producing oranges and bananas in abundance, idyllic beaches and ancient ruins attract both curious Turkish and foreign tourists who want to discover all the hype.
9: Gundogmus: Off the Beaten Track
As the furthest point from the coastline, remote Gundogmus sits 182 kilometres from Antalya city. Foreigners go there because of the lack of established tourism trade, but breaking down into 35 separate neighbourhoods and villages, the Karakoy castle ruins are its prominent landmark.
10: Ibradi for Nature Lovers
Sitting inland, Ibradi's main feature is Uzumdere National Park, a protected area on the shores of the Manavgat River. Wild goats, partridges, boars and hares roam, and Turks love the place for their ritual tea breaks. Beautiful scenery makes this area a pure gem.
11: Kas: Brit's Favourites
Expats and foreign holidaymakers love these two coastal towns at the far western point of the coastline. Kas, with its traditional village-like ambience, is so laid-back. Nearby Kalkan earned its reputation for luxury villas with stunning Mediterranean views. Kalkan belongs to the Kas district.
12: Kemer: An All Rounder
Kemer has many claims to fame. Cirali, a small coastal resort, has a beautiful, long beach close to the Chimaera, burning flames. Other landmarks include Phaselis historical ruins and Olympus National Park, home to Mount Tahtali, where tourists ascend in a cable car for stunning coastal landscape views. European nationalities love Kemer for its large, beachside, all-inclusive hotels.
13: Kepez in Antalya City Centre
Kepez hosts the famous and stunning Duden waterfalls. Covering nearly 300 square kilometres, it has a population of just over 600,000 and 68 neighbourhoods. Kepez is not a seaside district, but it receives a steady trickle of tourists who come to see the zoo, and people use the central bus station to get to or reach other places in Turkey.
14: Konyaalti Beach
Konyaalti beach is famed for its long stretch of sand fronting the Mediterranean. The area received much infrastructure improvement and is now a property hotspot because of its beachfront location. The name means bay under the cliffs, which aptly describes the location. Splitting down into 39 neighbourhoods, major attractions include the Antalya Aquarium.
15: Korkuteli: Burnt Ice-cream and Fruit
To try quirky regional delicacies, head to Korkuteli to taste burnt goats' milk ice cream, the local dish that surprises people with an exquisite taste. The town, 56 kilometres from Antalya city centre, excels in fruit production, as seen in low farmland, while pine forests and landscapes cover the upper region.
16: Kumluca and Adrasan
Neighbouring the Kemer district, Kumluca does a roaring trade in watermelons, one of Turkey's most loved fruits. Meanwhile, Adrasan, a sleepy coastal village, attracts off-the-beaten-track holidaymakers looking for peace away from major tourist towns.
17: Manavgat - History and Nature
As another district with many tourist attractions, Side's ancient ruins in the heart of the old town are its primary attraction. Side sits within the larger Manavgat district, known for its rushing waterfalls.
18: Muratpasa in Antalya City Centre
Although relatively unheard of, many tourists visit this area because Muratpasa is home to Antalya Archaeological Museum and Kaleici old town with the historical Hadrian’s Gate. Karaalioğlu Park is great for relaxing and taking in the scenery. Muratpasa is a great place to live and work for housing markets thanks to its central location and proximity to Antalya International Airport.
19: Serik (Home to the Golfing resort of Belek)
Once again, Serik is relatively unheard of, yet a small town called Belek receives international fame. Belek's reputation as Turkey’s golfing capital has led the city to host international championships. In 2015, Belek hosted the G20 summit. Aside from world-class golf courses, large hotels specialising in spa and wellness treatments contribute to its fame and gorgeous beaches. Belek stands independently but is part of the larger, official Serik District, and the real estate market receives much attention.
How many Districts are there in Antalya?
There are 19 districts in Antalya, five of which are central districts. they are Muratpasa, Kaleici, Konyaalti, Lara District, and Kepez. The central districts are near Antalya airport, which handles roughly 35 million domestic and international passengers annually. The central districts are known for their beach season, highlighting Turkey’s best beaches.
Which District is best in Antalya?
No district is better than another; instead, it is based on personal preferences. Some people like Kalkan on the outskirts because of large, luxury villas and sailing status, while others like Gazipasa for rural vibes and affordable apartments. History lovers will adore Demre, the central area of Kaleici and Alanya city centre, which likewise holds many ancient ruins. At the same time, others head to Belek for world-class golf courses.
What is the Nicest Part of Antalya?
Once again, this is about personal preferences. Remember, this is Turkey’s largest Mediterranean city, so there are plenty of places to choose from. Some people like the nostalgic vibes and ancient history of Kaleici, known as the old district. Others prefer Lara and Konyaalti because they host Turkey's best beaches and boast green views from the surrounding mountain ranges. Many adore the rustic vibes of Kas on the outskirts. A wide range of areas offer something unique, and the tourist infrastructure is exceptional.
About Buying Property
The housing market is one of Turkey’s best-performing, and anyone looking at apartments or villas for sale will be pleasantly surprised. Some people buy holiday homes, others to live here permanently, and others to cash in on prime areas for real estate investments. While some luxury districts exist, others excel in reasonable prices for apartments. Contact us if you want more information about the administrative neighbourhoods and neighbourhoods of Antalya, or see our full portfolio of homes for sale here.
