Regions

There are so many wonderful places to buy property in Turkey. Unless you spend time in each and every one, the choice can become overwhelming. Here you will find our Turkish resort guide to Alanya which will hopefully be useful!Alanya is situated on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. It is about two hours’ drive east from the larger city of Antalya (the names are similar so don’t get them confused!) It is both a vibrant and busy working town, as well as a vast beach resort. Between the Mediterranean sea and the Taurus mountains, there is history abound in Alanya’s old quarter. Set on a dramatic rocky peninsula, this town has seen its fair share of change over the years. From its’ 13th Century Castle and Red Tower to modern apartments and beachside developments, this area has it all. On the eastern side of the peninsula you will find a fortified harbour, beachside developments and extensive tourist facilities. Alanya offers miles of sandy beaches, as well as a bustling town-centre and modern apartment buildings which overlook the sea. Alanya town centre has everything you might need either as a tourist or resident, including shops, restaurants, hospitals and schools. As a resort it has a very broad appeal. Younger holidaymakers as well as retired or pre-retired homeowners both feel welcome and at ease.If you want to know what the climate is like, and how warm it is all-year-round, the area is well-known for its banana plantations and orange groves!Alanya has incredible sandy beaches, divided in two by the peninsula. On the Western side the 3km Damlataş beach is hugely popular. Known by some as ‘Cleopatra’ beach as legend has it that the Egyptian queen once swam in the bay!Property buyers in Alanya have a number of options. On the northern edge of the town, properties and developments are more elevated, and newer apartments enjoy greener areas and more space. Second homeowners might also buy in one of the suburbs of Alanya, which balance a more authentic property feel (many of these locations were once small villages in their own right before being subsumed by Alanya) with easy access to all the amenities of the town centre. Over on the Eastern side of the peninsula, slightly less popular with international buyers, districts such as Kargicak, Tosmur and Obakoy have a good choice of apartments. In terms of who buys here, the area is particularly popular with European buyers including Irish, Dutch, Scandinavians and Germans. British buyers also find the area appealing and like to escape to their holiday homes when the dreary British winter comes. That said, there are perhaps other resorts which are more popular with British buyers.

The Bodrum Peninsula protrudes into the Aegean Sea on the South West coast of Turkey. It has a real mix of upmarket, chic resorts and laid-back, old-fashioned coastal villages. Mass tourism and Turkish tradition seem to live together very happily here. Bodrum caters for every type of tourist and would-be homeowner, and includes a number of smaller, sub-resorts. This is our Turkish resort guide to Bodrum.Like many resorts dotted along the gorgeous Turkish coast, Bodrum was once a quaint fishing village. The Land of the Eternal Blue Homer, the famous Greek poet, once described the area around Bodrum as “the land of the eternal blue”. The Mediterranean meets the Aegean, where azure waters lap against spectacularly sunny beaches and rugged coastlines. Some 3,000 years later, and every Summer, Bodrum welcomes over one million visitors to its shores. Incredible!Over the last 10-15 years investment has poured into Bodrum’s incredible marina developments. To illustrate the rise in profile, celebrities like Bill Gates and Roman Abramovich have moored their yachts here. It is the St Tropez of the Aegean.Yes, Bodrum has a vibrant nightlife and a plethora of bars, cafés and restaurants. When you’re not dancing the night away or sampling cocktails, you can take a lovely stroll around the picture-perfect white-washed alleys of townhouses. In addition, there is also plenty of local history to soak up. Families will love it as there are plenty of things for the kids to do, lots of family-friendly restaurants and safe beaches.Similarly, as with many coastal towns, planning restrictions are in place to protect the skyline. There are no high-rise developments or apartment blocks here. Instead, by protecting the lovely character of the existing townhouses and coastline, you’ll be able to own a slice of Aegean life! The Property Market in Bodrum Although the property market here is long-established, foreign ownership only accounts for a small proportion of sales in Bodrum. Consequently, it is not as susceptible to changes in foreign property trends. Bodrum has seen strong capital growth over a number of years now, partly due to the domestic demand.With the hillsides and peninsula of Bodrum, the appeal for many property buyers here are the views. You’re pretty much guaranteed a sea view of some description, whether you are looking for a luxury villa or a compact apartment. The surface area of properties might be slightly smaller than in other, flatter regions of Turkey, but the amazing views and enviable lifestyle make up for a few square meters less in your bedrooms.Prices are also higher in Bodrum than in other resorts; it is perceived to be more desirable. There is a premium to owning property and living here. For those who don’t choose to live here all year round, strong rental yields can be had from Easter through to October.If you’re looking potentially to live in Bodrum all-year-round (and with this weather and sea views, why would you not want to?!) there is a small and friendly expatriate community, as well as excellent international schools.Bodrum is well-situated from an infrastructure perspective, being just 30 minutes’ drive from Bodrum Milas Airport.

Dalyan is an extraordinary coastal town. It has historic ruins which wouldn’t be out of place in an Indiana Jones movie. The area features stunning rivers and deltas perfect for lazy boat trips and exploring the coastline. It was even the site of a famous legal and conservation battle about loggerhead turtles versus property developers. Spoiler alert: the turtles won. Both a significant holiday destination and a sleepy fishing village, this is our Turkish resort guide to Dalyan.Situated 24km from Dalaman, in many way Dalyan is a laid-back little town. Home to around 5,000 permanent residents, the population swells to tens of thousands in the Summer. It is an excellent base for visiting the neighbouring attractions and incredible natural features. These include the ancient site of Kaunos, the freshwater lake of Köyceğiz with hot springs and the Iztuzu beach.In the Summer the fertile waterways bring an armada of boats from Marmaris and Fethiye, eager to explore. It offers a real breath of fresh air from the major tourist centres. Iztuzu BeachNow known as ‘Turtle Beach’, it has a long stretch of soft sand. Relax under the warm Mediterranean sun and swim in calm, shallow waters. Perfect for families with little children.Dalyan became (in)famous in 1986 with a controversial legal battle between developers and conservationists. Developers planned to build a luxury hotel on nearby Iztuzu beach, a renowned hatching ground for loggerhead turtles. At loggerheads (!) for years, the conservationists won their legal fight, an the beach is now protected by statute. As a result, the town has since marketed itself as a bastion of ecology (take it with a pinch of salt when you see all of the usual tourist stuff in the town centre), and you’ll see the turtle motif everywhere! If you don’t come back from holiday with a turtle soft toy, key-ring or t-shirt, something has gone very wrong. Dalyan Sites The maze-like river, the Dalyan Çayı, is at the heart of the village. Many hotels, ‘pansiyons’ (B&B) and restaurants line the river’s east bank. Naturally travelling by boat is the only way to navigate from site to site. Boats heading downstream pass the spectacular fourth-century BC temple. The ancient Lycian tombs are hewn into the cliffs and date back to the Roman period. Just stunning, particularly at sunset.Wonderful bays and coves are created as the river wraps around numerous islands. If all you want to do is find a beautiful remote beach and not move for several hours, Dalyan is for you. Food and Drink Both the old village and the town centre have a choice of restaurants, bars and cafés. Unlike other resorts, the nightlife is much calmer. Some bars will stay open late, but there are not scores of nightclubs as you might find across the water.If you’re a sucker for a local market, you won’t be disappointed. Every Saturday a loud, vibrant market takes over the streets. Practise your negotiation skills with the Turkish street-sellers and find a bargain! When you have finished shopping, park up in a local restaurant and enjoy the area’s most popular menu item, Gözleme (filled pancake). 

With huge appeal for British citizens, Fethiye is one of Turkey’s well-known coastal resorts. Its’ Mediterranean climate, fine natural harbour, wonderful beaches and pine forests have made it extremely popular over the last ten years. With a fascinating history and multiple tourist hot-spots, here is our Turkish resort guide to Fethiye.Let’s talk about the weather first of all. Fethiye has a gorgeous Mediterranean climate. You’ll enjoy long, hot, dry summers (with a daytime average of 34°C (93°F)) and cool, rainy winters averaging 16°C (61°F).Fethiye has become almost an umbrella term for several smaller areas, each with their own style. These include Ölüdeniz, Ovacik and Hisaronu. In this Turkish resort guide to Fethiye, we have to mention the harbour. Fethiye has one of the finest natural harbours in the entire region. It is nestled to the south of a delightful bay. An earthquake levelled Fethiye back in 1958, sparing only the remains of the ancient city of Telmessos. Some 60 years later the town is yet again a thriving hub for the region. It is a major focus for yacht cruises, a season business which is busy with tourists from Easter to October.Furthermore, the town makes a great base for exploring the coastline and visiting some lovely seaside and coastal resorts and villages.The area round Fethiye has developed significantly, but the natural barrier of dense pine forests restricts building. With much of the area protected, Fethiye has the freedom to improve but not expand.For individuals or investors looking to buy property in Turkey, Fethiye offers some of the most affordable – but in some cases, the most luxurious – property available along the coast.You might be searching for a seafront villa with incredible views and access to the beaches, or a compact apartment you can lock-up-and-leave during your stays here. Alternatively, you might be looking to make an investment and benefit from the very long and profitable rental season. Whatever your project, Fethiye and its surrounds will probably have something to suit.

Similar to Fethiye the region is made up of a number of smaller areas or communities. These are usually a village or small town plus a stretch of the coast. Two of the most popular, which merge into one larger resort, we will cover here and give you an overview. This is our Turkish Resort Guide to Hisaronu and Övacik.Hisaronu is a tourist resort which has developed vastly since the 1980s. Originally a small village it’s now one of the largest resorts when considered alongside its’ close neighbour Ovacık. Today Hisaronu is a lively resort with restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shops. Let’s start with HisaronuFunnily enough, Hisaronu was never meant to be a resort. In nearby Ölüdeniz building development is restricted, and so an ‘overflow’ was needed for holidaymakers coming for the gorgeous beaches. When Ölüdeniz  couldn’t cope with the volume of tourists, Hisaronu became the logical choice for development. To quote Jeff Goldblum in Jurassic Park, “Life will find a way” . Over 20-30 years Hisaronu developed its own identity and became a significant holiday resort itself. It is particularly popular with British holidaymakers and second homeowners, being close to Ölüdeniz as well as the Blue Lagoon.Övacık Övacık is a small village which adjoins the resort of Hisaronu. The village comprises mostly of private villas and apartments as well as some small hotels. It enjoys a more sedate pace than its’ neighbour, and is perfect those looking for a quieter destination. The village is on the foothills of the Babadağ mountain. Its’ elevated position means peace, relaxation and a gentle breeze blowing in from the coast. If you are looking to buy a property in Turkey with a view, this is a great option. Views across the valley can be breath-taking, particularly when the sun sets.It is easy to forget you are only 10 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Ölüdeniz and Hisaronu.Like many destinations in Turkey it is quieter in the off-peak months (October to Easter). In the summer the village comes alive with a fantastic market on Monday and shops, bars and restaurants.We hope you have found this Turkish resort guide to Hisaronu and Övacik useful

Istanbul is one of the world’s greatest cities. It is one of the few examples of a city which straddles two continents, Europe and Asia. With a population of some 15 million, it is a melting pot of cultures where East meets West. It offers both an extraordinary experience for tourists and holidaymakers. For property investors it is also a hugely attractive option for a vibrant metropolis experiencing huge growth. Expatriates who decide to invest in or make Istanbul their home get to live in a bustling city with an incredible history. For business professionals or companies wanting easy access to both Europe and the Middle East and Asia, it is immensely convenient. In this brief guide to Istanbul we’ll look at the history and the present day of this city where cultures collide and flourish. Hagia Sofia One of the most spectacular religious buildings in the city, and recognised globally as an important monument of ancient civilisation. It might be a stretch to suggest it could be the ‘Eighth Wonder’ of the world, but many consider to to be right up there with the best of the best. For anyone who is awe-struck by cathedrals and major religious buildings, Hagia Sophia exhibits both Christian and Muslim features.Hagia Sophia literally means ‘Divine Wisdom’ in Greek. The earliest recorded use of the building, which dates from 537 AD, is as an Orthodox Christian Church. Later it was transformed into an Ottoman imperial mosque before its’ present day use as a significant religious and cultural museum.Topkapi Palace Dating from 1472, the Topkapi Palace was the residence of the Sultans and the nucleus for all Ottoman power for 400 years. Any guide to Istanbul will tell you that, along with Hagia Sophia, this one of Istanbul’s most visited historical tourist attractions.If you want to get a sense for the money and power which used to flow through Istanbul as the city established itself as the gateway between East and West, this is the place to visit. Spending some time wandering the palace’s grand pavilions and vast, opulent harem will offer a glimpse into what life in Istanbul used to be like ‘at court’. Eventually the sultans tired of city life and along with their courtiers and harem moved out to the coast. Along the shores of the Bosphorus, grand, over-the-top palaces were constructed to show-off wealth and prestige to those arriving from across the seas. Boating on the BosphorusOne of the ways in which tourists and holidaymakers take in the sprawling nature of Istanbul is with a yacht cruise along the Bosphorus.This is an opportunity to channel your inner millionaire (billionaire even!) as you gently sail down the Bosphorus.  It is the sea which naturally separates the two sides of Istanbul, and the two continents, Europe and Asia. The Bosphorus connects with the Black Sea in the North and the Sea of Marmara (where do you think Marmaris gets its name from?) to the South.From your yacht it is possible to take in all of the major sites of the city, including the famous Ottoman palaces and manor houses as well as Hagia Sophia and other attractions. Maiden’s Tower (featured in a Bond film) is an ancient lighthouse which stands watch over the southern end of the strait of Bosphorus. From the viewing platform at the top there are again incredible vistas of this majestic and architecturally-fascinating city. Present-Day Istanbul Since the 1990s, Istanbul has seen phenomenal development. It’s one of life’s truisms that if you see a town or city with a lot of cranes, it is expanding. That has certainly been the case with Istanbul over the last few years.Complementing the rich history of the city are the modern housing developments, commercial offices and a wealth of facilities. There are both affordable and luxury residential options on the outskirts of the city, and pockets of once-run-down suburbs of Istanbul have been revitalised. There are more green spaces, family-friendly neighbourhoods and practical solutions for busy professionals. The wealth is not all concentrated in the hyper-centre, as it once was. Istanbul aspires to be a culturally and financially accessible city for the mainstream, as well as the super-rich.Foreigners – both holidaymakers and property investors alike – are attracted to the perceived quality of life, the laid-back culture and history (guides to Istanbul are available for first-hand tours of the city), delicious food and shopping. So much shopping.Many global brands have a presence in Istanbul now, to leverage the spending of the city’s many wealthy inhabitants. There are both modern shopping malls as well as more classically-Turkish shopping districts with boutique shops. Looking for a truly authentic Turkish shopping experience? The covered markets – including the world-famous Grand Bazaar – are where you want to be. Lose time wandering the hundreds of stalls and haggle for cheese, art, textiles or antiques. Buying property in Istanbul For anyone looking to buy property in Istanbul, it can be exciting, daunting and a massive lifestyle decision. For investors, families or first-time buyers, deciding where to buy in Turkey’s largest city can be overwhelming. There are 39 different city districts to choose from!Istanbul offers a huge diversity of property options, one of the reasons which makes it so appealing. Firstly, It has all the benefits of a major city going through growth. Secondly, it has the added strategic advantage of being able to access three different markets and regions at once.Most importantly, the growth offers many investment opportunities on both the Asian and European sides. For instance, rental yields are strong. Similarly there is potential for capital appreciation if you do your due diligence and invest wisely. Developers are out to attract everyone, from those looking for bargain studio homes to luxury mansions. Where is the Best Place to Buy Property in Istanbul?There is no one-size-fits-all approach. It will depend on your objectives, budget and lifestyle needs – if any. There are many desirable neighbourhoods including Beyoglu, Galata, Fatih and Sultanahmet on the European side of the city. On the Asian side, Kadikoy and Uskudar are popular with investors.Naturally in central districts prices per square meter are higher. A lack of new building and supply controls any depreciation, so central Istanbul properties are always a solid-long-term bet.On the other hand, the lowest property prices are in the outlying neighbourhoods which are still developing. They might be receiving investment and gradually developing, but in terms of capital appreciation it is a much longer game. Districts like Kucukcekmece and Bakirkov are good examples where there are bargains to be had, but be prepared not to see much capital growth for years. Districts like Sisli and Nisantasi are much more upmarket, and are close to the central business district of Maslak. Lots of local professionals and expatriate business people will choose to invest or live in these areas. The Housing Market in Istanbul In terms of both residential and commercial transactions, Istanbul is Turkey’s consistently top-performing property market. This is unlikely to change anytime soon.A combination of the ‘citizenship by investment’ scheme and lucrative currency exchange markets meant that 2018 was a record-breaking year. Investors flocked to take advantage of citizenship and working rights if they invested a minimum amount and kept the property for three years.The Istanbul market is in full redevelopment and regeneration mode, and this is likely to continue for some years. At the same rate that inner-city buildings are being refurbished, new homes are being built in outlying neighbourhoods. Council districts are investing in infrastructure, green spaces, health, education and shopping areas.The ambition of the city can seen in several projects. Substantial capital infrastructure investment like the Istanbul New Airport. Future mega-projects like the Istanbul Canal bypassing the Bosphorus and linking the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Plus hundreds of smaller projects right across the city. It is exciting time to be thinking about buying in Istanbul whilst the growth curve is in the ascendency.So whilst this all sounds great, on the other hand, don’t be a fool and rush in.You require careful navigation when buying in a city with this much ‘going on’ and where the cultural and political climate will have an impact on future ROI.We can help! If you don’t know where you want to buy, just get in touch, we’ll have a chat about your requirements and lifestyle preferences, and come back to you with some suggestions!

With a long-established and upmarket reputation, Kalkan is a lovely Turkish resort on the Mediterranean coast. This is a small but quaint town that holds huge appeal for international property buyers. Handily, it’s located just four hours from Antalya airport. It is relatively untouched by mass tourism and the locals say this is a place to fall in love with. The Sunday Times compared it to Tuscany or the Dordogne. The Guardian describes it as “the Italian Riviera minus the poseurs”. There’s a lot to cover, so this is our Kalkan Resort Guide!The old fishing town, harbour and classic whitewashed townhouses hold an immense appeal. Holidaymakers return year after year to this sweet coastal resort. Located between Kas and Fethiye, international buyers as well as Turks invest in second homes here. With an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, its appeal is obvious. Looking for a picturesque coastal town with guaranteed sunshine and a longstanding Greek influence? Kalkan is the place. This stretch of the Mediterranean coastline is truly stunning, and Kalkan enjoys an elevated position overlooking the bay. What a view! If busy, vibrant resorts and coasts lined with fancy hotels and swimming pools aren’t your thing, this enchanting town could be just for you. Genuinely unspoilt, with breathtaking beaches. With narrow streets which wind down from the town to the bay, you could be forgiven for thinking you are in a much warmer and sunnier version of Cornwall!For property buyers and investors looking for a romantic and upmarket destination coupled with history and gorgeous architecture, Kalkan ticks all the boxes.The most popular type of property in Kalkan are luxury villas or apartments. Prices start at €100,000 for a one-bedroom apartment through to €400,000 for a four-bedroom villa. Luxury villas are available along the waterfront from €1,000,000. Views are always hugely sought-after, and the gradient of the Kalkan coastline helps many properties to have lovely vistas over the bay. If you have an infinity pool to enjoy it just seals the deal.In terms of access, Kalkan has access to two international airports, with Dalaman just 2 hours drive. 

Marmaris and Icmeler One of the larger holiday towns on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, Marmaris is a long-established favourite with holidaymakers. It is also extremely popular with property investors and those looking for a holiday home in year-round sun. Marmaris will suit those looking for a lively beachfront resort with plenty of restaurants, bars, shops and nightlife. The neighbouring village of Icmeler is smaller and runs at a more sedate pace. We’ll go through the differences and the similarities, helping you work out where to buy. This is our Turkish resort guide to Marmaris and Icmeler. Guide to Marmaris Turkey is a vast, diverse and spectacular country. One of the most visited countries in the world, there are a number of very popular holiday destinations along the coast. One of them is Marmaris. Every year hundreds of thousands flock to this lovely beach resort. In the winter, the population of Marmaris is around 30,000. This is composed primarily of locals and permanent expatriate residents. In the summer months, however, the population can swell up to 300,000, ten times as much.Once a modest fishing village, Marmaris is now well-known and well-visited tourist resort.If you’re thinking of buying property in Marmaris and bringing the children, it’s worth noting that it is a family-friendly resort. Marmaris has excellent education, health and social facilities. There are state schools and two colleges, as well as plenty of sporting and recreational facilities for families.Marmaris enjoys good weather all-year round, and spectacularly hot summers. What is there to do in Marmaris?Marmaris is home to several of Turkey’s most amazing attractions, including the Dalyan Turtle Beach, Marmaris Castle and the natural pools of Pamukkale.Of course, as with many areas of Turkey, the beaches are spectacular. The beautiful beaches offer sunbathing and swimming in crystal blue waters, plus a range of watersports activities.You should definitely make time to go on a cruise around the coastline. Relaxing on board a yacht as you explore the coast of Turkey and the marine life is a ‘must do’.If you’re looking to buy a property in Turkey with easy access to natural beauty, Marmaris is an excellent choice. Beautiful pine forests, long walks along the coastline and stunning beaches mean there is no shortage of places to see and visit. And all very instagrammable!Marmaris is a working town all-year-round, and so there are plenty of stores and shopping malls to cover all the bases – from essentials to tourist trap bargains like homemade jewellery and fake Rolex watches! Guide to Icmeler Icmeler offers a more sedate, chilled-out version of Marmaris, across the bay. Just a few miles from Marmaris, along the coast, Icmeler offers an opportunity to avoid the crowds. Same climate, similar views, lovely forests and beaches, just without the hustle and bustle. Still with plenty of cafés, bars, shops and restaurants – but without the nightclubs.  Well, there’s one disco. One.There are some lovely restaurants and bars along the beachfront, many of which are open late. Many of the hotels will put on entertainment for their guests or to tempt in non-residents to dine and drink – you’ll often find a belly-dancing night happening somewhere.Also, worth noting that many people consider that Icmeler’s beach is much better than Marmaris. It has a wide sand and shingle beach curving around the bay. The promenade runs all the way to Marmaris is lined with bars, restaurants and shops. If you need some shade (unless you’re a complete sun-worshippper, you will do!) there are palm and eucalyptus trees dotted along the beachfront.There are plenty of shops for essentials and tourist purchases, but if you’re some heavy-duty tourist shopping (leather bags, turkish rugs etc) then Marmaris is your best bet.And let’s not forget… … the incredibly beautiful backdrop of thousands of hectares of undulating pine forest, with Marmaris visible across the bay. Watersports are available around the bay, including pedalos, jet-skis, banana boats and paragliding. It is also an amazing place to go snorkelling – the marine wildlife is amazing. If you have a waterproof camera or Go-Pro, bring it!For couples a romantic meal and a stroll along the beach are what makes Icmeler very special. From the centre of the town, a walk into the original historic fishing village takes about 15 minutes. An evening stroll will offer a sunset view across the bay and the island of Keçi Adasi.All of this makes it a popular spot for property buyers or investors looking to buy an apartment or villa to rent to families or professional couples.We hope you have found our Turkish resort guide to Marmaris and Icmeler useful – and look forward to seeing you in Turkey soon!

Located 45 minutes to the east of Antalya airport, Side is a relaxed, family-friendly coastal resort. Our Turkish resort guide to Side should cover everything you need to know.On the Mediterranean coast, Side has a pretty seafront and harbour area. There are gorgeous beaches and a plethora of Greek and Roman ruins. There is so much on offer for those days out when you aren’t bronzing by the pool.The countryside is verdant and fertile, thanks to the proximity of the nearby River Manavgat. Furthermore, the town of Manavgat has some spectacular waterfalls which are well worth a visit and is very instagrammable! Who buys property in Side? The area is very popular with a number of international buyers including British, German and Scandinavian. The family-friendly aspect of the resort has huge appeal. It isn’t too sprawling or noisy, and families feel safe on the charming beach and in the town. What is the appeal? With lovely beaches, a historic harbour, waterfront bars and restaurants and cobbled streets, Side is the ideal coastal town. With the dramatic backdrop of the Taurus mountain range, and located just 45 minutes from Antalya Airport, it is the perfect combination. What’s more, for golfers, the award-winning golf course at Belek is a short distance away.The area has benefitted from major investment, including a wonderfully-long promenade which has made it much easier to stroll between the little villages along the coastline. Revolting buildings from the 1980s have been replaced with slick, fashionable waterfront restaurants and there are a number of 4 and 5 star hotels in development.Regulations stipulate that no new-builds can be over four storeys. This protects the coastline from being dwarfed by vast developments, and will help Side to retain its’ charm and family-friendly appeal.Typical properties in the area include apartments within easy reach of the coast, 3-4 bedroom villas on developments with their own garden and shared facilities. International buyers don’t tend to settle in the centre of the town, but will prefer a property within easy reach of the town and beaches. Smaller villages along the coast, like Ilica, are also attractive for foreign property buyers. Like many towns along the rugged coastline of Turkey, a peninsula splits the beaches into two. The ‘west end’ is more developed than the east, with hotel resorts and private stretches of beach.  The east beach is preferred by the locals – quieter, stonier and without as many amenities.Further beaches are a short walk or taxi drive away at Colakli, Sorgun and Kumkoy. For property buyers wanting to benefit from being close to Side but away from the more tourist areas, there are several villages within 10-15 kms which might suit. Illica is a friendy Turkish village which is about 10 minutes’ drive west of Side. It connects with the family-friendly pedestrianised seafront of Kumkoy. This is an area very popular with holiday home owners, and a good place to buy a property for letting to holidaymakers. Kumkoy has seen significant investment over the last few years.Drive further west again and you will come across Colakli. This village has its own beach as well as shops and services, but also a large holiday park which offers other facilities including a pool, gym, restaurant and bar.Evrenski, close to Colakli, has a beautiful beach. You will also find a small marina, watersports and restaurants. For those wanting to buy somewhere with good access to fishing or boating, Evrenski is a good choice.It’s worth remembering that with all of the villages we’ve mentioned here, they sit in between the dramatic Taurus mountains and the coastline. Elevated properties have amazing views of both the Mediterranean and the mountains.