I lived in Turkey for several years, and I still visit regularly to see my husband. I’ve noticed a real boom in the number of remote workers choosing to relocate to different parts of the country; making it a hotspot for this coming year. To help you decide whether or not this move is for you, this digital nomad guide to Turkey will tell you everything you need to know.
About Turkey
Turkey is a huge country that sits between Europe and the Middle East. Many people think that Istanbul is the capital city, but that title belongs to Ankara. Istanbul is, however, by far the largest city and one of my favorite places in the whole world. According to recent statistics , an estimated 16,047,000 people live in Istanbul alone.
But it’s not all about Istanbul, because there are some amazing towns and cities to visit, including vibrant Izmir , Ankara itself, and Antalya to name just a few. The south coast is definitely where it’s at during the summer months thanks to the many amazing beaches to chill out on. But, for me, the best things about Turkey are its wonderful blend of old and new, and the friendliness of the people – you won’t struggle to make friends.
There’s no shortage of things to see and do across Turkey. This is a country with a huge amount of history and countless archaeological sites to explore. Of course, there’s also the food to try ; I guarantee you’ll fall in love with all the different kebabs and street food.
Living in Turkey As a Digital Nomad
Over the last few years, Turkey has become a great spot for remote workers, and you’ll find many work-friendly cafes and coworking spaces in large towns and cities. Internet across the board is generally high quality, although I do find that using my phone as a hotspot works better than the WiFi in some places.
The most popular places for digital nomads are Istanbul , Izmir, Fethiye , Antalya, and Bodrum. However, you’ll find remote workers pretty much all over the country. Other than in the east and southeast, which tend to be more traditional and rural areas, it’s easy to meet other like-minded people and network if you choose.
Turkey also has a relatively low cost of living, which I’ll talk about in more detail a little later. While finding accommodation can be a bit tricky, there are many options for sharing rooms with other remote workers, and the cafe vibe/nightlife scene is fantastic for getting out there and enjoying your time off.
Life in Turkey is pretty chilled out, except for the heart of Istanbul which is always incredibly fast-paced. Yet, even there, there’s something electric and exciting in the air. As a digital nomad in Turkey, you won’t struggle to find a hidden gem or tourist hotspot during your downtime.
Is Turkey Safe?
As a potential digital nomad in Turkey, you’ll certainly want to know whether or not it’s safe before you make a choice. I’ll tell you from personal experience that I never felt unsafe in Turkey, even in Istanbul. However, that’s not to say that you don’t need to use your common sense, especially in large cities, and definitely in Istanbul.
Don’t walk around on your own at night, avoid bringing valuable items with you when you’re out and about, and dress conservatively if you feel the need to do so. It’s about following your gut and simply being careful, just like anywhere else in the world. However, do be cautious if you’re in Beyoğlu, Istanbul at night, as it’s known for pickpockets, scams, and generally all the things you want to avoid.
Despite that, Turkey is a safe place , and even before I met my husband, I never had a problem when I was walking around on my own. One thing you should avoid however is protests; if you see any large gatherings, just walk the other way – you never know how they may turn on a dime.
Best Places to Live in Turkey
Working remotely in Turkey isn’t a difficult experience, and it’s certainly an enriching one. However, it does depend on where you choose to base yourself. To help you out, I’ve come up with a list of the best places to live while working remotely.
1. Istanbul
Istanbul is Turkey’s biggest city by far, and it’s a vibrant place that has a wonderful blend of ancient and modern. It’s also the only city in the world that straddles two continents, connected by the huge Bosphorus Bridge. There are many great places to stay , and you’ll find plenty of traditional spots to visit here, amazing history, great food , and some of the best nightlife in the country.
I may be a little biased because Istanbul is my favorite place, but you don’t have to just take my word for it; there are so many digital nomads who call this place their temporary home. There are tonnes of coworking spaces and some great cafes; you can even sit outdoors in a park during the summer months and get some work done with an amazing view.
The vibe across the board is friendly and welcoming, and you’ll meet plenty of people, both local and international. The only downside of Istanbul is that it’s immensely busy; I’ve never seen traffic like it in my life. But, when you push that part aside, there are only advantages left to consider.
Best Areas to Live in Istanbul
Istanbul is huge, and it’s hard to pinpoint where the actual center is, although the general consensus is Taksim , with Sultanahmet noted as the historical center of the city. Staying in Taksim isn’t the best idea, simply because it’s packed with noise—nightclubs often play loud music until around 6 am—and it’s more expensive because of its attraction. However, there are some areas not so far away that provide a more authentic vibe while still being within easy reach.
For me, Beşiktas is the best place for digital nomads. I like the feel of this neighborhood—it feels local but still offers plenty of great attractions, and it’s a little cheaper than some of the other more central parts. You’ll also find some great coworking spaces here, and it’s very easy to get the ferry over to the Asian side and Uskudar and Kadiköy , which are other great areas for remote workers.
Beyoğlu is the closest area to Taksim and extends down to Karaköy and Galata. You might find life slightly more expensive in this area, but if you can share with another digital nomad, you’ll find plenty of fantastic cafes to work from. Then we have Fatih , which is close to Sultanahmet and the most historical part of the city. There are some cheap Airbnbs to be found in this area and a much more traditional way of life, which may call out to you.
Coworking Spaces in Istanbul
As a digital nomad in Istanbul, you’ll find some solid coworking spaces to choose from. Here are three of the best:
Workinton , Ni ş anta ş i: Located close to the center of Beşiktaş, this popular and vibrant coworking space is the ideal place to meet other digital nomads.
Galata Business Center , Beyoğlu: With a branch on busy Istiklal Street, this is the best place to combine shopping, a bit of sightseeing, and some work at the same time.
CoBAC , Eminönü: CoBAC is one of the most popular coworking spaces, and it’s located just over the Galata Bridge, so you can enjoy history while you work.
Things To Do in Istanbul
There is a ridiculous amount of things to see and do in Istanbul , but these should definitely be on your list.
Bosphorus tour: A boat trip down the Bosphorus is a great way to see the cityscape without the traffic.
Dolmabahçe Palace : Within walking distance of Beşiktaş, this palace is so opulent, it will blow your mind.
Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque : I’ve grouped these two because they’re next door to one another. If you want to see some history, be sure to head to Sultanahmet and check out these two famous spots.
Topkapı Palace : Another of Istanbul’s Ottoman palaces, Topkapı has one of the most stunning views over the Golden Horn and is completely breathtaking on the inside.
Princes’ Islands: For me, one of the best things to do on a day off is to take a day trip to the Princes’ Islands. It’s a total change of pace and makes for the perfect day trip from Istanbul.
2. Izmir
Living as a digital nomad in Turkey will likely cause you to look toward Izmir , and that’s no surprise. Izmir is a vibrant, youthful city that has a real cosmopolitan feel. Despite that, there are countless ancient ruins around it, including one of my favorite spots— Ephesus.
Located on the west coast, Izmir is lapped by the warm waters of the Aegean, and being a large university city, it’s got a busy and eclectic vibe. I think Izmir is one of the best places in the country for shopping, thanks to its amazing malls and great bazaars, including the famous Kemeraltı area.
Life as a remote worker in Izmir is made easy by plenty of coworking spaces and cafes, and an outdoor living style during the long summer. It’s easy to get around, and it’s a particularly walkable city, with plenty of opportunities to meet other expats and remote workers.
Best Areas to Live in Izmir
The three best areas in Izmir for digital nomads are Konak , Bornova, and Alsancak. These are all quite central and are linked by buses, however, you can easily walk from Konak to Alsancak in around 20 minutes at a moderate pace. During the summer months, it’s quite pleasant to walk around the city – the walk between these two areas along the coastal promenade is one of my favorites.
Alsancak is a lively area that has some of the best nightlife; this is the part of Izmir I liked the best. You won’t find many coworking spaces in this area, but there are more than enough great cafes to spend a few hours, or you could sit outdoors under a shady tree and check out the view. Konak is a little quieter, and there are some coworking hubs around this area, but again, I much prefer to enjoy the cafe vibe, and it’s a great spot to connect with other remote workers.
Bornova is a little further away from these two areas, but it’s a university area with a youthful vibe, and you’ll find a lower cost of living in terms of eating out and nightlife. Again, there are plenty of cafes to work from, and if you like shopping malls, this is the main area in the city for splashing the cash.
Coworking Spaces in Izmir
The coworking scene in Izmir is growing. Here are a few of the best spots I’ve found.
Withco Coworking : Withco is a popular coworking spot between Konak and Alsancak that offers daily passes. You will need to reserve your spot ahead of time, but you’ll get your own desk and unlimited refreshments throughout the day.
Originn Coworking : Set in busy Bornova, Originn is another high-quality coworking spot that offers different passes depending on your needs. The price is a little lower than Withco, but the space isn’t quite as large.
Lokasyon Coworking : The only downside of this Bornova coworking space is that the staff don’t speak the best English and the website is all in Turkish. However, once you get past that, I found this to be a great coworking spot.
Things To Do in Izmir
I enjoyed the outdoor feel of Izmir, and the mild winters in this part of the country mean it’s always possible to spend some time outside. Here are some of the best things to do with your days off in Izmir.
Ephesus : This is my number one recommendation when you’re anywhere near this area, and it’s an ancient city that will blow you away. There is no better way to spend your day off.
Shopping in Kemeraltı: At the far end of Konak you’ll find Kemeraltı market . It’s the ideal place for haggling, trying different foods, and grabbing some bargains.
Walk the Kordon: The waterside promenade between Alsancak and past Kemeraltı is a great free thing to do when you have some spare time. I love how calm it is; even though it’s in the middle of a city, it has a super relaxing vibe to it.
Visit Çesme : Around an hour away from Izmir you’ll find the beautiful beach town of Çesme, which makes for the perfect day trip. I think the beach here is one of the best in the country, and the seafood is divine.
3. Fethiye
If you want a laid-back beach vibe within close reach of some of the most stunning natural sights possible, it has to be Fethiye. Hands down, this is one of my favorite places in Turkey, and many digital nomads agree with me as it’s become a magnet for remote workers over the last few years. It’s not surprising at all once when you witness the stunning views here.
Fethiye is a small city that extends outward to include several beach resorts, including Ölüdeniz , Hisarönü , and Çalış. However, Fethiye itself has some great beaches if you want to stay in the center of the city. It’s a very digital nomad-friendly area, most people speak English, and I found the internet to be high quality. Plus, days off spent at the beach are a literal dream come true.
While accommodation in Fethiye may cost a little more than in some other areas, particularly if you try to stay in the center of Ölüdeniz, it’s possible to find some low-cost Airbnbs, and it’s still cheaper than most of Europe. Fethiye has very hot summers and mild winters, making it a year-round spot to meet countless other travelers, digital nomads, and holidaymakers.
Best Areas to Live in Fethiye
The Fethiye area is quite large, which means there are plenty of neighborhoods to choose from. Ölüdeniz is my favorite part of this area, hands down, but it’s also the most expensive and therefore not a good idea to base yourself there. I recommend basing yourself nearby and visiting regularly – it’s truly beautiful.
The central part of Fethiye itself is a good place to stay as it’s close to nightlife, beaches, and shops, and you’ll find some good Airbnb options. Hisarönü is another good option and here, you can often find villas on Airbnb for a reasonable price. Local buses run over to Fethiye City and down to Ölüdeniz frequently from here, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants for nightlife if you choose.
Another option is Çalış. This is a beach area which is packed with hotels and B&Bs. Again, you’ll find Airbnbs for a good price, but you might also find another digital nomad to share with as this is a particularly popular area for remote workers. You can easily get over to Fethiye and buy supplies from the bazaar while still enjoying the beach on your days off.
Coworking Spaces in Fethiye
Fethiye’s coworking scene is slowly growing, and there are a couple of great quality spots to try. However, you won’t struggle to find suitable cafes, many beachside, to work from.
Lokal : Located in the center of Fethiye City, this popular coworking space offers a modern place to work and several membership options.
Hipokampus : This is another popular spot for digital nomads, and it has an enviable seafront location, meaning you get a great view while you’re working – talk about motivation.
Things To Do in Fethiye
The Fethiye area is famous, and there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Personally, I’d head to the beach with every spare second, but if you want to see some of the most popular spots, here are some of my recommendations.
Blue Lagoon : I love this stunning beach, and while it can get extremely busy during the summer months, don’t let that put you off. You can even parasail over it if you’re feeling adventurous as Ölüdeniz is one of the top spots in the world for the sport.
Butterfly Valley : A boat trip to this beautiful island will only take two hours of your time, and it’s a great way to enjoy the beauty of the area and soak up the sun.
Kayaköy: The beautiful yet abandoned village of Kayköy is a short distance away from Fethiye, and although you’ll need comfortable walking shoes for this one, it’s a stunning location to explore.
Saklikent Gorge: If you’re visiting Fethiye in the heat of summer, I’d highly recommend heading to Saklikent Gorge. Not only is it beautiful in nature, but the temperature is always lower deep in the canyon; making it an ideal spot to cool off.
Lycian Way: The Lycian Way is a long-distance hike between Fethiye and Antalya, taking you through some of the most important parts of ancient Lycia. There are many ruins en route and some great little guest houses to stay in.
4. Antalya
Life as a digital nomad in Turkey doesn’t get much better than it does in stunning Antalya. This is a huge city and province that’s lapped by the glittering Mediterranean and experiences up to 13 hours of glorious sunshine per day during the hottest month of July.
I was a little confused about where to go when I first looked at Antalya, so make sure you know whether you want to go to the city itself or whether you’re looking to head to a beach resort. Some resorts in the province include Alanya , Belek , Lara , Kemer , and Manavgat. For me, the beaches in the Antalya region are some of the best in the world, not just Turkey, and it’s a very easy area to travel around.
The city of Antalya is a wonderful place to base yourself as a digital nomad and you can easily venture out to the nearby resorts from here. Konyaaltı Beach is a huge, sweeping area where you’ll meet people from all over the world and I loved walking around the old castle area and drinking Turkish coffee.
Best Areas to Live in Antalya
Konyaaltı is the beachside part of the city, and there are some great hotels and hostels in this part, however, rental prices are higher here, as well as in the historic Kaleiçi area. The good news is that you may find another digital nomad to share with. I liked the Konyaaltı area because I could wander down to the beach whenever I had some spare time, and you’ll come across lots of like-minded people around here.
Another beachside option is Lara , which is where a lot of the huge hotels are based. Despite that, there are many Airbnbs, and you can often find a cheaper deal if you’re staying for longer. Lara is within walking distance of the center of Antalya, toward the Kaleiçi side, and is a great place to visit on a sunny day—of which there are plenty!
A couple more residential options are Döşemealtı and Muratpasa. I liked Muratpasa because it had a much more “homely” feel, however, it’s quite far from the beach, and you’ll need to use taxis and buses if you want to go to the city center. Döşemealtı is a good choice for those who like the countryside and outdoor spaces; there are some great hiking spots, and I enjoyed the more traditional feel.
Coworking Spaces in Antalya
Antalya has a thriving coworking scene, and there are quite a few to choose from. I found the daily and monthly pass prices to be a little higher than in Fethiye or Istanbul, but they’re good quality spots regardless. Here are three of the best.
Work C : This is a very popular coworking space in the center of Antalya, and it offers a modern and comfortable environment for getting through your task list. I found the internet to be of great quality, and I could easily make video calls without any issues. They also offer free, unlimited tea and coffee.
Creawork : Located in Muratpasa, Creawork is a great coworking spot for networking and collaborative work. Daily passes are a little cheaper than Work C, as it’s not quite as central, but it’s easy to reach with public transport.
Mozaik : This is a great coworking space, centrally located in Konyaaltı. I spent a few days here, and it’s very close to the beach, with reasonable daily prices for both shared areas and private desks.
Things To Do in Antalya
The Antalya region is huge, and there are so many things to see and do. I’m still trying to get through them all after all these years, but there are some definite highlights to put on your list first.
Duden Waterfalls : Between Antalya city and Lara Beach you’ll find the dramatic Duden Waterfalls. One minute you’re walking along the coastline and the next, there’s a huge waterfall thundering down- look out for the rainbows.
Jeep safari in the Taurus Mountains: Give yourself a day off and head into the Taurus Mountains for a day of off-road fun. I had a great time on this trip, although do remember sunscreen because that sun is intense.
Visit Alanya: Just under two hours drive from Antalya is the coastal resort of Alanya and it’s one of my favorite spots in the region. It’s so laid-back, and Cleopatra Beach is without a doubt one of the best places to spend a day in the sun.
Visit Side’s Ancient city : The Apollo Temple is one of the most famous sights in this area, and when the sun is setting, the view is simply breathtaking. Dating back to the 7th century BC , the ancient city is packed with ruins, including a huge amphitheater.
Explore Kaleiçi and Hadrian’s Gate: The area around the old castle is a wonderful place to explore, and I enjoyed the traditional vibe. While it can be busy around this area, it’s worth the effort, and Hadrian’s Gate is a Turkish highlight. You’ll definitely need your camera for the sweeping views over the coastline.
5. Bodrum
Bodrum has become a prestigious and sophisticated city over the last few years, and it’s not unusual to see celebrities enjoying the coastline from their private yachts.
Many digital nomads base themselves in Bodrum, however, it’s definitely an area for people with a slightly higher budget. I’ve noticed that rent in Bodrum is noticeably higher than in other large towns and cities, at around 15,000-20,000TL ($500/$670) per month, and most restaurants fall into the high-end category.
Despite that, Bodrum does have major advantages as a digital nomad hub. It has good quality internet, plenty to see and do during days off, and it has an international feel to it; making it easy to meet other remote workers. You can cut costs by eating at home, and perhaps sharing accommodation, and if you love the beachy/outdoor vibe, it’s definitely somewhere for you.
I like Bodrum for its exclusive feel, but it’s not somewhere I would think about staying for more than a few months. However, during the summer, it’s a great base for beach lovers, and there are plenty of day trip locations within easy reach.
Best Areas to Live in Bodrum
Living in the center of Bodrum, or nearby Bitez, isn’t ideal for digital nomads unless you don’t mind spending a fortune on overpriced hotels and villas. However, there are a few smaller areas just outside the main center of town that are ideal for cutting costs and are still very accessible by car and bus.
My favorite part of Bodrum is Konacık, and it has quite affordable housing options if you’re willing to search. Here, you’ll find a slower pace of life, and while the center isn’t far away, it’s less focused on tourism, and more on day-to-day living. The city center is only ten minutes away, and there are some cute cafes to spend your days working if you want to get out of the house.
Another good option is the beach resort of Gümbet , just ten minutes away from Bodrum, and a lot cheaper. Here, you’ll find some affordable Airbnbs and hotels, and the beach is beautiful. Nightlife around here is a lot more laid-back and less “uptight” than Bodrum city center, and again, more affordable.
