Before landing in Antalya from Thailand, we booked 5 nights in an apartment in the city centre via Booking.com so we had a chance to scout locally for our long-term accommodation.

Image Prompt: A dad carrying his baby in front of the mountains and ocean along Antalya’s coast on a beautiful sunny day. They are both smiling.

We knew we had a 3-month visa and didn’t want to book something for that long without seeing it (and the neighbourhood) first.

Organising accommodation locally on the ground has always worked well for us. You get a feel for the area, access to food and convenience, and a sense of local life. Yes, it can be stressful because you might know you’re going somewhere for months in advance yet choose not to book anything until you arrive.

It can go two ways:

  • You book ahead and have peace of mind but possibly overpay.
  • Or, you wait and land a great deal on something you never would have found online.

Of course, the downside is risk—especially in peak season.

Our Experience in Türkiye

In Türkiye, things were different. Usually, AirBnb is more expensive than booking local apartments. But here, AirBnb was cheaper—go figure!

Walking through the old town streets of Antalya.
Walking through the old town streets of Antalya.

We joined local Facebook groups and messaged SO many listings. Most were managed by agents (not owners) who wanted:

  • One month’s rent up front
  • One month’s commission
  • A deposit
  • Utilities prepaid

Meanwhile, AirBnb offered:

  • All-inclusive rates
  • Discounts for monthly stays
  • Security via the platform

AirBnb searches were strange too. From Thailand, there were limited options and high prices. But after landing in Antalya? Suddenly, loads of options popped up—cheaper and more suitable. Was it geolocation or last-minute pricing? We’re still not sure.

Final Booking & Tips

A mum holding her baby on the coast of Antalya on a pier. They are both smiling.

We reached out to five hosts. Only one agreed to show us the apartment. That’s the one we booked 😊

We ended up with a lovely, spacious 1-bedroom apartment with a kitchen and washing machine for 35,000 TL for 2.5 months (approx. 14,000 TL per month / $662 AUD).

A modern, green-and-gold apartment complex in Antalya with balconies and trees around it.
Our complex!

✅ Our Tips for Finding Rentals in Antalya

  • Stick to your budget — confidently.
  • Do your research — and know the market.
  • Be kind and respectful — negotiation goes further with empathy.
  • Offer value — we gave the host updated photos of the apartment before we left!

Not everything is about money. Sometimes being a good human is what makes the experience smoother (and cheaper!).

Til next time,

R

Similar Posts

Discovering Türkiye with a Toddler: Climbing, Culture & Coastal Living
| |

Discovering Türkiye with a Toddler: Climbing, Culture & Coastal Living

ByRenee

We spent three unforgettable months in Türkiye with our toddler — climbing epic limestone cliffs, soaking in the culture, navigating local markets, and finding long-term accommodation in Antalya. Here’s what we learned, loved, and would recommend to other traveling families.

My Turkish Bath (Hammam) Experience in Antalya: What to Expect
| |

My Turkish Bath (Hammam) Experience in Antalya: What to Expect

ByRenee

Curious about what really happens inside a traditional Turkish Bath? On Mother’s Day in Antalya, I finally experienced a Hammam—and it was raw, real, a little uncomfortable, and incredibly healing. From full-body scrubs to foam massages and cultural surprises, here’s what it was like to be bathed by a stranger and why I’d do it again in a heartbeat.