Is It Safe to Visit Antalya, Turkey? A Look at Safety Concerns

With stunning beaches, ancient ruins, vibrant bazaar shopping, and mouthwatering cuisine, Antalya is one of Turkey’s top tourist destinations. But with terrorism and political unrest in Turkey in recent years, is Antalya safe for travelers? Here’s an in-depth look at the risks and how to visit Antalya safely.

Overview of Safety in Antalya

Overall, Antalya is a relatively safe city to visit. Violent crime is rare and the charming historic Old Town district of Kaleiçi can be explored on foot day or night. However you should take normal safety precautions as in any major city

• Remain alert for pickpockets and bag snatchers, especially in crowded tourist areas.

• Don’t walk alone at night and avoid poorly lit back streets.

• Only take registered taxis and know common taxi scams.

• Watch your food and drinks to avoid spiking.

• Beware of sketchy strangers who approach you

The biggest safety concerns in Turkey are the threat of terrorism and political unrest. While the risk is relatively low in Antalya compared to Istanbul and Ankara, you should still remain vigilant in public places.

Violent Crime Risks

Violent crime is rare in Antalya. Muggings, armed robberies, and assault are uncommon. However, you should take precautions:

• Avoid deserted areas and parks at night. Stick to busy, well-lit streets.

• Don’t flash expensive jewelry, cameras, or cash.

• Keep wallets and purses close to your body and secure.

• Don’t accept rides or invites from strangers.

• Try to travel in groups rather than alone.

Hotels and resorts may have higher risks of sexual assault, especially around nightclubs and bars. Female travelers should not accept drinks from strangers.

Pickpockets and Scams

The most common crimes in Antalya are non-violent such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and scams. Prime targets are crowded areas like markets, public transit, and tourist sites.

Taxi scams are also common. Only use official taxis with meters, and know the approximate fare beforehand. Ignore touts offering rides.

Some people also report scams where a local person befriends you then pressures you to pay for a meal or services. Use caution interacting with overly friendly strangers.

Terrorism and Unrest

The biggest safety concerns for Turkey are terrorism and political unrest. While Antalya itself has little risk, isolated attacks have occurred in the past.

Maintain vigilance in public areas like hotels, restaurants, tour sites, and transport hubs. Avoid political rallies and protests. Monitor local media and alerts during your trip.

The coastal regions away from the Syrian border are generally safer than large cities like Istanbul and Ankara. But anything can happen, so be prepared.

Health and Medical Risks

Antalya and surrounding resort towns are very modern, with excellent hospitals and medical facilities. However, travelers should take precautions:

• Only drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.

• Check food has been thoroughly cooked and avoid street vendors.

• Use mosquito repellent and nets to prevent insect bites.

• Use high SPF sunscreen as the Turkish sun is extremely strong.

• Carry basic first aid supplies and medications you might need.

• Have international health insurance in case of a major illness or injury.

The closest major hospital to Antalya is Antalya Training and Research Hospital. Your hotel or tour guide can also recommend facilities.

Safety Tips for Families

Antalya and the Turkish Riviera are great destinations for families. Here are some tips for keeping kids safe:

• Supervise children closely in public places and install a GPS tracker app on their phones.

• Don’t let kids play or swim alone. Appoint an adult to watch them.

• Have kids memorize your hotel name and emergency contacts.

• Avoid poorly lit areas at night. Return to hotels before dark.

• Look for family friendly restaurants and amusement parks.

• Travel with kid-friendly medication, first aid, sun protection, and extra food/snacks.

• Book a family room or adjoining rooms in hotels instead of separate ones.

Is Antalya Safe for Female Travelers?

While relatively safe, female travelers should take some extra precautions in Antalya:

• Avoid walking alone at night. Stick to populated streets.

• Dress modestly. Turkey has conservative cultural norms.

• Ignore catcalls or intrusive questions from men. Don’t feel pressured to reply.

• Only use registered taxis or airport transfers arranged by your hotel.

• Decline invitations or offers from male strangers.

• Don’t accept unsealed food or drinks. Watch your glass at bars.

• Stay in female only dorms or private rooms in hostels.

Is Public Transportation in Antalya Safe?

Antalya’s public buses, trams, metro, and domestic flights are very safe. But tourists should remain alert:

• Watch your valuables and bags, especially in crowded trams or metro cars.

• Have small change ready to pay fares to avoid flashing money.

• Use Google Maps or apps to navigate and know your stop in advance.

• Sit near other passengers or near the driver.

• Avoid empty or isolated bus stops at night.

• Pre-book airport transfers or official taxis rather than hailing one.

So Is Antalya Safe to Visit?

Absolutely – Antalya is a very safe city for travelers who take normal precautions. Violent crime is rare, and the stunning beaches and ancient ruins can be enjoyed peacefully. However, it pays to be alert in crowds, watch your belongings, and avoid questionable situations with strangers. With sensible precautions, Antalya offers a world-class Turkish Riviera vacation spot for all ages.