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Turkey has exploded in popularity with both tourists and digital nomads over the past 2 years, and it’s easy to see why.
Warm hospitality, low cost of living, easy 90-day e-visas, and vibrant cafe culture make this country a great fit for remote workers.
Istanbul is understandably the most popular destination, offering the best of both Europe and Asia alongside capital city infrastructure.
But these days, many digital nomads are ditching the capital city for sunny beach destinations.
The “Turkish Riviera” stretches nearly 400 picturesque miles from the Aegean coast to the Mediterranean. It’s home to countless beach destinations with the seaside work-life balance many nomads are looking for.
Here are the top four beach destinations in Turkey for digital nomads right now:
Izmir
Izmir’s crystal blue waters and laid-back pace of life make it an attractive alternative to popular Istanbul. Digital nomads flock to Izmir because they can give up the capital’s crowds without giving up big city infrastructure or buzzing cafe culture.
Some digital nomads are surprised to find a strong remote work infrastructure below the seaside city’s bohemian surface.
Internet speeds average over 35mbps. Free Wi-Fi is widely available throughout the city; in fact, there are over 7,200 free internet connections in Izmir.
The most popular coworking option is WithCo, a sprawling complex with every amenity you could imagine down to nap rooms and yoga studios for just $4 per day or $60 per month. For longer-term digital nomads looking to build community in Izmir, Originn creative hub is a great coworking option.
Izmir’s work-friendly coffee shop game is giving Istanbul a run for its money. Favorites include:
- Hoi Coffee and Plants – This hip space is full of greenery and solid work tables, with the added bonus of being super pet-friendly.
- Becca Coffee – A light and airy cafe with solid wifi and tons of seating, including patio outlets at nearly every table.
- Eye Opia – Come with your devices pre-charged to enjoy sea view and hipster vibes.
- Coffee Chaplin – This chain is full of Turkish remote workers and students every day, so you and your laptop will have company.
- Maia Coffee House – Top-notch coffee quality is worth arriving early to snag some of the limited seating.
Izmir is generally walkable, albeit hilly. The city’s clean, modern, spacious tram system and various buses will get nomads around the city easily.
But getting around Izmir isn’t boring. Most of the tram line features sea views, while scenic ferries take travelers across the Aegean. A free historic elevator on the quirky Dario Moreno street will save visitors some steps while offering an ascending sea view (and some odd Italian elevator music).
When the work week is over, digital nomads can make a weekend escape to the quaint beach town of Çesme, explore Ephesus archaeological site, or take a dip in the Insta-famous Pamukkale water terraces.
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Bursa
Bursa used to be the most underrated big city in Turkey. Today, digital nomads are catching on to the well-kept secret of Bursa’s beauty.
The fourth largest city in Turkey features impressive Ottoman architecture, super clean streets, and modern remote work infrastructure.
Coworking spaces like The Workery and Worqzone offer great nomad amenities in quiet, modern environments. You’ll also find plenty of local and international remote workers on their laptops at Good Call Cafe.
Digital nomads won’t have any problem staying connected in Bursa. Internet speeds average 32 mbps and there are 5,700 free Wi-Fi connections available throughout the city.
Nomads looking for an authentic taste of Turkish culture and daily life will find a perfect fit in Bursa. While the city isn’t known primarily as a beach town, the region’s diverse terrain includes both mountains and beaches along the Sea of Marmara.
Pebble beaches in Güzelyalı and Mudanya have crystal clear waters and very few crowds and are only 30 minutes from the city center. You can take 1/M or 1/GY buses to the seaside for less than a dollar or a taxi for about $15.
In fact, you’ll likely get an introduction to these beaches on your arrival in Bursa. The easiest way to get to Bursa is by a speed ferry from Istanbul.
Fethiye
This underrated coastal destination is perfect for digital nomads who like breathtaking work views and adventurous weekends in nature (and don’t mind a few hills).
When they close their laptops, digital nomads can enjoy the turquoise waters of Ölüdeniz Tabiat Park’s blue lagoon, get out into the pristine nature of Kabak Valley, or take a water taxi to Calis Beach. The city is also a major paragliding hub and famous hiking stop along the Lycian Trail.
While there are nearby luxury holiday destinations, the city itself isn’t jam-packed with resorts like Antalya or Bodrum. Fethiye is more like their laid-back cousin.
Wi-Fi speeds in Fethiye are a little slower and less stable than bigger coastal cities, but still average about 20 mbps.
Digital nomads shouldn’t worry too much about the internet, though. Coworking spaces like Lokal, Hipokampüs, and Study Cafe are as well-equipped as they are popular. The city is also home to dozens of trendy laptop-friendly cafes, like Köşe Kahve and Cofhilus Coffee House.
Antalya
With big city infrastructure, breathtaking beaches, and a fascinating history, why wouldn’t Antalya be the number one choice for digital nomads?
Well, it’s one of the absolute hottest destinations in Turkey. Peak summer can border on unbearable, with temperatures climbing into the 40s Celsius (>104° F). Tourists jump into the sea to beat the heat, while locals retreat to cooler mountain houses.
Antalya is also one of the most touristic cities, thanks to its expansive resort complexes stretching out from the city all along the regional coastline. Beyond the beaches, travelers also come to Antalya for its ancient ruins, historical old town, and impressive fortresses and castles.
If you can handle the heat or travel in the off-season, Antalya is an amazing choice. It’s a truly international city with an active global community and plenty of digital nomads to join.
It’s easy for digital nomads to stay connected and productive in Antalya. Internet speeds in Antalya average 30 mbps. There are 4,400 free Wi-Fi connections throughout the city.
Digital nomads can knock out their work at a handful of top-notch coworking spaces for under $10 per day or $80 per month, including Work C, CreaWork, and community-focused Coworking Antalya.
The city also boasts hundreds of trendy cafes full of remote workers, including The Sudd, Cozy Coffee House, Palmenhaus, and Poe Coffee House.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Dee
Tuesday 4th of July 2023
Marmaris and Bodrum are so much nicer. Antalya is occupied by Russians and chain hotels. Tacky.