Is Antalya Safe? Here’s What You Need To Know

As with any destination, there are always safety concerns to consider before planning a trip. But let’s clear one thing up right off the bat: Antalya is safe for travelers.

That being said, it’s always important to practice common sense and awareness while traveling anywhere.

In this guide, we’ll talk about safety tips for solo travelers, female travelers, and expats. We’ll cover the safest areas in Antalya and a few things to avoid (common scams included).

Is Antalya Safe For Tourists?

The short answer is yes, Antalya is safe for tourists. While there may be some petty crimes like pickpocketing or scams, overall the crime rate in Antalya is low. In fact, Turkey is a fairly safe destination.

Of course, as with any destination, it’s always important to practice common sense and awareness while traveling.

Keep an eye on valuable belongings, don’t walk alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and be aware of common scams (more on that below).

Is Antalya Safe To Travel Now?

Antalya is safe to travel to now. Like in most countries, Covid-19 restrictions are not an issue anymore.

Aside from Covid, there were also major earthquakes in Turkey earlier this year. These horrific events took place far away from Antalya, and the area has not been affected. Therefore, Antalya is safe to visit at the moment.

Why Is Antalya “Dangerous”?

Why does Antalya have a reputation for being dangerous?

Antalya is not generally considered to be a dangerous city, and it is a popular tourist destination with a lot to offer visitors.

Some possible reasons for this reputation could include the perception of Turkey as a country.

The country has had a horrendous natural disaster recently with earthquakes taking the lives of thousands of people. So this may be the main reason it is currently considered dangerous.

Also, Turkey has experienced some security issues and political instability in recent years, which has led to some negative perceptions of the country as a whole.

Like any other popular tourist destination, Antalya may have some corrupt individuals who prey on visitors. Tourists may be targeted for scams or theft, which could contribute to a perception of danger.

It is important to note, however, that Antalya is generally considered safe, and millions of tourists visit the city every year without incident.

The Safest Areas In Antalya

Antalya has many safe areas, but the safest and most popular areas for tourists are Lara Beach, Antalya City Center, Konyaalti, and Dosemealti.

Now, it’s worth researching a bit more to find out where you should stay. Depending on your interest, you may like certain areas more than others.

Below you’ll find a short summary of the safest areas in Antalya:

• Lara Beach: Located on the east side of Antalya, Lara Beach is a popular resort area with many hotels, restaurants, and shops. The area is generally considered safe, and there is a large police presence in the area.
• Antalya City Center: The city center of Antalya is generally considered safe, and it is a popular area for shopping, dining, and sightseeing. There are many historic landmarks and museums in the area, and it is a popular destination for tourists.
• Konyaalti: Konyaalti is another popular beach area located on the west side of Antalya. It is a family-friendly neighborhood with many restaurants and cafes, and there is a park that runs along the coast that is popular with locals and tourists alike.
• Dosemealti: Dosemealti is a residential area located on the outskirts of Antalya. It is a quiet neighborhood with many parks and green spaces, and it is popular with families.

Things To Avoid In Antalya

Apart from practicing common sense and awareness, there are a few things to avoid in Antalya.

First, watch out for common scams. These include the following:

• Fake guides
• Taxi scams
• Street vendors
• Pickpocketing

Now, let’s take a look at a few so that you can understand how to avoid them.

Fake guides: Beware of people who approach you and offer to be your guide around the city. They may overcharge you, take you to tourist traps, or even steal from you.

Taxi scams: Some taxi drivers may overcharge or take longer routes to your destination. Always insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before getting in the taxi.

Street vendors: Be cautious when purchasing from street vendors, as some may overcharge or sell counterfeit products.

Pickpocketing: Pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas, as is the case anywhere in the world. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid carrying too much cash.

Clubs and bars: Some clubs and bars may have high prices, and visitors should be careful not to leave their drinks unattended to avoid being drugged. This isn’t hugely common, however, it has been known to happen.

Overall, just use common sense and be cautious in Antalya, as with any destination. And remember that the majority of the locals are kind and genuine – it’s just a tiny minority that may try to scam tourists.

So, you may be wondering what not to do in Antalya to avoid being scammed. The answer is simple: trust your gut, do your research, and stick with reputable companies or recommendations from locals or other travelers.

Driving In Antalya

Driving in Antalya can be safe, but it can also be challenging for visitors who are not used to the traffic conditions and driving culture in Turkey. There are a few things you should consider before attempting to drive in Antalya.

Traffic in Antalya can be heavy, especially during peak tourist season. Drivers should be prepared for lots of traffic and delays, and be patient when driving.

The driving culture in Turkey may be different than what visitors are used to, with more aggressive driving and less adherence to traffic rules. Visitors should be prepared for this and drive defensively.

It’s also important to note that some roads in Antalya may be in poor condition or narrow, with sharp turns and steep inclines.

If visitors are not comfortable with driving in Antalya, there are many other transportation options available, including buses, taxis, and organized tours.

Antalya For Solo Travelers

Antalya is generally considered a safe destination for solo travelers. The city is used to welcoming visitors from around the world and has a good tourism infrastructure with many hotels, hostels, and other accommodations that cater to solo travelers.

Some things to keep in mind are: Always be aware of your surroundings and stay alert, especially in crowded tourist areas. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas at night.

Avoid carrying large sums of cash or wearing expensive jewelry or watches. Keep your passport and other important documents in a secure place.

When booking tours, use reputable companies and avoid dealing with strangers who offer unsolicited services.

Respect local customs and laws, and avoid behaviors that may be considered disrespectful or offensive

Overall, solo travel in Antalya can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience as long as you stay safe and aware of your surroundings.

And don’t forget to have fun and meet new people – Antalya is a great destination for solo travelers looking to experience the beauty and culture of Turkey.

Antalya For Female Travelers

Antalya is a great destination for female travelers too, but it’s essential to use caution, especially if you’re traveling solo.

In general, Turkey has a good reputation for solo female travelers, but there are a few things female travelers should keep in mind when traveling here.

Turkey is a Muslim country, and it is important to dress modestly, especially in more conservative areas. This means covering shoulders and knees and avoiding revealing clothing.

It’s also good to keep in mind that Turkey is a patriarchal society, and women may face some gender-specific challenges, such as unwanted attention or harassment.

It is important to be aware of cultural norms and expectations and to adapt your behavior accordingly.

Like in any destination, there are areas that are safer than others. It is recommended to stay in well-lit, busy areas with a lot of foot traffic, and to avoid isolated areas or areas with few people around.

Antalya For Digital Nomads And Expats

Antalya is becoming increasingly popular with digital nomads, as it offers a combination of beautiful scenery, a good climate, an affordable cost of living, and good infrastructure for remote work.

The city has a variety of cafes, co-working spaces, and other amenities that are ideal for remote workers, and there is a growing community of digital nomads who have made Antalya their home base.

The Old Town, or Kaleici, is a popular spot for digital nomads, as it offers charming streets lined with cafes and restaurants, and a historic feel.

Other popular areas include Konyaalti Beach, which has a variety of cafes and beach clubs, and Lara Beach, which is a bit further from the city center but offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Always keep an eye on your valuables, and consider getting travel insurance for peace of mind.

Extra Safety Tips

Now that we’ve covered a few essential safety tips for Antalya, here are some additional recommendations to keep in mind:

• Keep an eye on your drinks when in a club or bar to make sure they are not spiked.
• Use official taxis when traveling.
• Be respectful of Turkish culture and customs, including being mindful of religious sites and dressing modestly.
• Use reputable tour companies

Antalya Travel Insurance

As a traveler, it’s always important to have adequate travel insurance. In case of an emergency or unexpected event, having insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection.

We recommend SafetyWing for comprehensive coverage in Antalya and throughout your travels in Turkey.

Personally, I’ve been using SafetyWing for several years now, and I’ve had great experiences with them.

So do yourself a favor and don’t leave home without travel insurance – it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Final Thoughts On Safety In Antalya

While Antalya can be a safe destination for travelers, it’s important to exercise caution and common sense.

It was said multiple times, but always trust your gut and listen to any warnings from locals or fellow travelers.

And remember, safety isn’t just about avoiding danger – it’s also about respecting local culture and customs.

So have a fantastic time in Antalya, but do so responsibly and respectfully.

Are you traveling to Turkey soon? Read one of the following guides:

• Turkey SIM card
• Best places to live in Turkey
• Is Istanbul safe