Discovering the Turkish Riviera: Coastal Havens for Mind, Body, and Soul
- International Property Alerts
- October 10, 2025
In 2018, I relocated to Kaş, a charming town on the Turkish Riviera, seeking a fresh start after leaving a corporate law career and navigating a marital separation. At 52, I craved a place to feel truly at home. Having fallen in love with Turkey years earlier, Kaş’ serene seaside and relaxed pace drew me in. Despite being alone and unfamiliar with the language, I quickly adapted to its welcoming rhythm. For those considering a similar move, browsing an international real estate website can be a helpful way to explore property opportunities in the region.
Kaş: A Mediterranean Gem Blending Asia and Europe
Kaş’ main square pulses with life, reminiscent of Italian or Spanish café culture. Locals and visitors gather to sip Turkish tea, enjoy stunning sea views, and watch children play alongside friendly street dogs. The Friday market is a vibrant hub, offering fresh produce, cheeses, olive oil, honey, spices, and handmade crafts. It’s more than shopping, it’s a community event buzzing with energy. Don’t miss the gözleme, a savory crepe filled with delights like eggplant or mushroom, my personal favorites.
Cobblestone streets lined with Ottoman-style homes, their balconies blooming with flowers, lead to quaint shops and eateries framed by bougainvillea and the sparkling Mediterranean. The town’s vivid colors against whitewashed buildings create a postcard-worthy scene.
History abounds in Kaş. The Antiphellos Theatre, a 1st-century BCE Hellenistic marvel built from local limestone, once hosted 4,000 spectators. Today, it’s a serene spot for yoga or watching the sunrise over the sea. For relaxation, a Turkish hamam offers an invigorating scrub, steam, and massage, leaving you refreshed and glowing, though the exfoliation can feel intense at first!
Kaş is a playground for adventurers and relaxation-seekers alike. The old marina teems with excursion boats, while a newer one hosts yachts. Activities like parasailing, horseback riding, hiking, and scuba diving thrive here, and the music scene surprises with meyhane taverns playing traditional tunes and cafés offering jazz or Turkish classics. Affordable local buses (under $1) and walkable streets make car-free living easy, with daily strolls along the turquoise coast a must.
Kalkan: Sophisticated Coastal Charm
A 30-minute drive from Kaş, Kalkan blends old-world allure with modern comforts. Once a fishing village, it now caters to an international crowd with cobblestone streets, artisan boutiques, and family-run restaurants. English is widely spoken, and the weekly farmers’ market attracts expats and tourists.
By day, Kalkan exudes elegance with swims in crystal waters or sunset aperitifs. Its dining scene shines, offering lavish Turkish breakfasts with menemen (a flavorful egg dish), honey-drizzled yogurt, olives, börek, and homemade jams. Evenings bring rooftop dinners of grilled seafood and live music or DJs at lively bars.
Fethiye and the Blue Lagoon
An hour from Kalkan, Fethiye is a bustling waterfront town with cobblestone streets, traditional markets, and a scenic promenade. Its fish market is a highlight, where vendors sell fresh catches and restaurants grill them to order, a lively, sea-to-table experience.
Ölüdeniz Beach, or the Blue Lagoon, is Fethiye’s crown jewel, with powdery sands and aquamarine waters framed by mountains. The Lycian Way, a 300-mile trail from Fethiye to Antalya, offers hikers stunning views of forests, cliffs, and ancient ruins like rock-cut tombs and sunken cities. Nearby Antalya, a health and spa tourism hub, provides luxury resorts and top-tier medical facilities with all-inclusive packages.
Cost of Living in Paradise
In Kaş, I initially rented a one-bedroom apartment for $250 a month, but prices have risen to about $500, including utilities and internet, for a modern place outside the pricier town center. My monthly expenses, including food, total around $1,000. Groceries remain affordable: fresh bread or simit costs under $1, seasonal produce like lettuce is $1 or less, and seafood ranges from $3 per pound for anchovies to $6 per filet for salmon. Chicken is $3 a pound, beef $5, and lamb $10. Restaurant prices align with Western Europe, though alcohol is pricier due to taxes.
Kalkan is about 25% more expensive, with one-bedroom apartments starting at $1,000 monthly. Many expats own homes there. Fethiye, with a larger local population, offers apartments for around $500 a month, plus access to more services like furniture and hardware stores. Internet is reliable, and infrastructure improvements have reduced water and power outages.
Life as a Single Woman
Kaş feels more European than Asian, blending Mediterranean vibes with Turkish culture, marked by mosques and the call to prayer. As a secular nation, Turkey is religiously tolerant, though non-Muslim places of worship are rare outside major cities. I’ve felt safer here than anywhere else, a sentiment echoed by visiting friends. Still, check travel advisories and avoid protests or border areas.
The Expat Experience
Kaş hosts a small expat community of digital nomads and artists. Kalkan’s larger, vibrant expat scene, especially British retirees, thrives on social connections. Fethiye’s diverse expat community enjoys English-speaking services and activities. English proficiency varies: Kaş locals are learning more, Kalkan is English-friendly, and Fethiye’s tourism sector is fluent, though older generations speak less English. For those considering a long-term stay, exploring smart strategies for buying property abroad can help make the transition smoother and more secure.
Monthly costs for a couple start at $900 in Fethiye, $1,000 in Kaş, and $1,500 in Kalkan, depending on lifestyle. Local deals on long-term or off-season rentals save money. Facebook groups like Friends of Kalkan and Fethiye Expat Forum connect expats and locals.
Living in Turkey Long-Term
Turkey offers short-term residence permits, renewable for up to two years, requiring proof of financial stability (e.g., pension income) or property ownership. After eight years, you can apply for indefinite residency. A digital nomad visa is available for those aged 21-55 with a university degree and $36,000 annual income from non-Turkish sources. Citizenship is possible through a $500,000 investment in property or business.
Turkey’s Medical Tourism
Turkey excels in medical tourism, with top facilities in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya offering affordable, high-quality care. Many hospitals are Joint Commission International-accredited, providing advanced treatments like robotic surgery alongside traditional therapies like thermal baths. Cosmetic surgery, dental care, and hair transplants cost $2,000-$4,000, far less than the $10,000 US average. If you’d like guidance on relocating or investing near these world-class healthcare hubs, feel free to contact us for expert support.
Turkey’s culture, hospitality, and beauty have captivated me, inspiring two novels. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or a new home, the Turkish Riviera delivers.
FAQ
What makes Kaş, Kalkan, and Fethiye unique?
Kaş blends local charm with a relaxed pace, ideal for those seeking authenticity. Kalkan offers sophisticated comfort with an international vibe. Fethiye is a vibrant, budget-friendly hub with iconic attractions like the Blue Lagoon.
How safe is the Turkish Riviera for solo travelers?
As a single woman, I’ve found Kaş exceptionally safe, a view shared by friends. Exercise standard precautions, check travel advisories, and avoid protests or border areas.
What are the visa options for long-term stays?
Turkey offers a short-term residence permit (up to two years, renewable) with proof of financial means or property ownership. After eight years, apply for long-term residency. A digital nomad visa requires a degree and $36,000 annual income from non-Turkish sources. Citizenship is available via a $500,000 investment.
How affordable is healthcare in Turkey?
Turkey’s medical tourism is world-class and cost-effective. Procedures like cosmetic surgery or hair transplants cost $2,000-$4,000, compared to $10,000 in the US. Facilities in Antalya and Istanbul offer advanced treatments and holistic therapies.
What’s the cost of living like?
Monthly costs for a couple start at $900 in Fethiye, $1,000 in Kaş, and $1,500 in Kalkan. Groceries are affordable (e.g., $1 for bread, $3-$6 for seafood), but alcohol is pricier due to taxes. Long-term rentals offer savings.
How can I connect with expats?
Join Facebook groups like Friends of Kalkan, Fethiye Expat Forum, or Kaş and Kalkan Community for Holiday and Friendship to meet expats and locals.
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