Turkey’s extended miles of beaches and coastlines along the Black Sea to the north, the Aegean to the west and the Mediterranean to the south, alongside the inland Sea of Marmara, have played an important role in the prominence of the country as a desirable and affordable location.
Average living costs of over 40% lower than those in the UK, a warmer year-round climate and the accessible property prices, which can be as much as 70%+ cheaper than comparable British real estate, have led to Turkey being regarded as one of the most in-demand destinations for retirees.
Experts in the Turkish real estate market and property hotspots, Property Turkey, highlight some of the beachside locations that are currently attracting the greatest interest, while clarifying some of the aspects British nationals considering a relocation should bear in mind.
An Overview of the Coastal and Resort Regions Across Turkey
Most foreign national buyers will be familiar with a specific area or coastline, but it may be worth exploring alternative locations across the country, as there are distinct differences in lifestyle, amenities, and tourist influxes during peak summer months.
The Aegean is in western Turkey and is generally seen as a quieter, more relaxed area, with cooler summer breezes that take the edge off the heat. Its towns tend to be traditional and historic, including Izmir, Bodrum, Kuşadası and Marmaris.
In the south, the Mediterranean coastline offers hotter weather, which may be suited to retirees looking for guaranteed warmth year-round, and is nicknamed the Turkish Riviera due to the significant number of resorts and golden sandy beaches.
Both coastlines are well suited to retirement living, but there are further differences in average living costs, transport infrastructure across towns and cities, and practical considerations such as the availability of local healthcare services.
Turkish Aegean Retirement Locations for Scenery and a Peaceful Pace
Those prioritising a quiet lifestyle and relaxed surroundings typically prefer the smaller coastal communities on the Aegean. Many have flatter terrains and less mountainous roads, an important element for older adults with limited mobility or for whom walking up and down steep paths would be unviable.
Fethiye has an established expatriate community, whereas Bodrum is a more metropolitan and livelier alternative. It offers a marina, sailing, and fine dining, appealing to retirees who enjoy water sports or want to live in a place with berths for their own boats.
Kuşadası is equally popular, with less seasonal crowding than the larger, better-known resorts, yet it offers a mix of modern amenities and access to natural scenery around the Dilek Peninsula.
These towns are close to the larger facilities in Izmir, which is more developed and urbanised, with hospitals and shopping centres, while offering a balance of outdoor living and a coastal lifestyle.
Retirement Destinations on the Turkish Riviera for Retirees With Children and Grandchildren
While retirees may primarily look for a place to live themselves, many need to consider how suitable their holiday home or retirement property is for family members, especially if they expect to host regular visits from younger relatives who may find little to do in a semi-rural or quiet village.
The ideal may be to look for coastal areas that remain quiet enough to be pleasant year-round, with sandy beaches with shallower waters suitable for swimming and paddling and parks and promenades for cycling and walking.
Antalya is often regarded as one of the best places for families on the Mediterranean coastline. It offers the sandy Lara Beach, and large theme parks and attractions for children, including an aquarium, the Land of Legends, and the old town.
However, foreign national retirees can look slightly further afield to ensure they are close to the tourism capital without being in the city centre, with options like Adrasan and Çıralı within a short distance.
Çıralı is about an hour and fifteen minutes from Antalya, with local restaurants serving fresh fish, boat trips to Suluada, and connections to the Lycian Way. The town also has a Tuesday bazaar, good swimming conditions at Çıralı Beach, and is surrounded by forests and orange groves.
Choosing an Active Turkish Coastal Community to Retire To
Many retirees remain healthy and active, and those who aren’t keen on a quieter lifestyle or who intend to use their retirement years to enjoy hobbies and sports may have different priorities.
Fortunately, Turkey’s diverse coastlines are suited to various pastimes, from sailing and swimming to paddle sports, snorkelling, and hiking along the walking routes that traverse the cliffs, mountains, and bays.
The Turkish Riviera is well positioned to cater to a wide range of water sports and boating, with major centres in Marmaris and Fethiye, the latter of which is near the Ölüdeniz Lagoon and the Lycian Way for hiking and biking.
If these are perceived as too lively or noisy during the busier summer seasons, alternatives within Muğla Province may appeal, including lakeside living at Köycegiz or the small coastal town of Kalkan, which is known for its cobbled streets and clear waters.
Retirees who enjoy golf might also consider Belek in the Antalya Region, east of Antalya itself, on the Mediterranean Sea, which offers several highly rated golf courses, beaches, historical sites, and spa resorts.
General Considerations When Choosing Where to Retire in Turkey
Each individual or family will have their own objectives and expectations. Although beaches and outdoor living offer compelling reasons to consider various destinations in Turkey, it is important to think about everyday conveniences and how easy retirees will find day-to-day life.
The general guidance is to visit any prospective destination in person and across different seasons to compare weather, seasonal visitor numbers, living costs, and accessibility, while also assessing whether an existing expat community is a relevant factor.
Further information about each of Turkey’s coastlines, resorts and attractions is available online by joining expat forums and community groups, or by visiting official travel guides available from Go Türkiye and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Read more about Property Turkey – Relocating to Turkey as a Professional: The Most In-Demand Locations for Foreign National Businesspeople
About Property Turkey
Property Turkey has 20+ years experience in the Turkish real estate market, with a team of experienced, friendly and independent overseas real estate consultants. Our head office is located in London, UK with regional operational offices in: Bodrum, Fethiye & Kalkan, Antalya and Istanbul.
