In 2025, the idea of remote working is no longer a luxury, it is a complete lifestyle movement. The Aegean coast of Turkey is taking advantage of this evolution – attracting global nomads, creatives, and online business entrepreneurs seeking space, freedom, nature, and timeless beauty.
Seaside Sanctuaries for Remote Living in Turkey
The peaceful Istanbul districts of Zekeriyaköy and Çekmeköy have long caught the attention of middle-class families and professionals looking to live away from the frenetic city centre, however, change is coming. Modern nomads in Turkey are now seeking the serenity of sun-drenched coastlines throughout the Aegean.
More than just holiday destinations, these areas are suitable for meaningful living – a return to nature and health. Data from Knight Frank’s 2024 Global Buyer Survey shows that over 25% of wealthy global investors are now prioritising lifestyle and wellness over yield when it comes to buying real estate.
- Bodrum: Home to upscale marinas and Michelin-starred restaurants, Bodrum has evolved into a hub for culture and culinary experiences. Within the Bodrum Peninsula are the neighbourhoods of Yalikavak and Gündoğan – offering luxury-designed villas, private sea access, and outstanding beach clubs. Bodrum hosts annual events including Bodrum Jazz Festival and Gümbet Summer Film Nights.
- Fethiye: Favoured by British expats and foreigners seeking affordability as well as calm. With turquoise waters and world-famous beaches including the Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley, and Kabak Bay, Fethiye is popular for nature lovers and creatives working remotely in areas such as Çaliş Beach and Ovacık. The 500km hiking route, the Lycian Way, is accessible and is rated as one of the top ten walking trails in the world by the BBC.
- Kayaköy: Originally a Greek Village near Fethiye, Kayaköy was abandoned in the 1920s and now operates as a preserved open-air museum known as the Ghost Town. Properties in Kayaköy adhere to restoration guidelines and are sought after by artists and investors with small boutique hotels and artists retreats growing in popularity.
- Urla: A growing hotspot for gastronomy, art, and wine production. Urla was once a sleepy village, but new artisan communities, farmers’ markets, and bistros have transformed it into the "Notting Hill of the Aegean" with property demand increasing in districts including Kuşçular and Bademler. The town hosts the Urla Artichoke Festival and International Gastronomy Festival.
The Allure of the Aegean: Bodrum to Fethiye by Boat
The 200-kilometre stretch along Turkey’s southwest coast between Bodrum and Fethiye is lined with hidden bays, ancient ruins including Knidos and Kaunos, and sleepy fishing villages home to restaurants and boutique hotels. Offering complete freedom for remote working and a paradise for those seeking inspiration.
The Aegean region offers some of the cleanest waters in Turkey and by far its most scenic and picturesque sailing route. Live-aboard boat or yacht lifestyles are becoming more popular as a primary residence for nomads, as more opt for blue cruising between coastal towns and stunning islands.
Data released from the Turkish Chamber of Shipping shows that since 2018, the total number of yacht berths in Turkey has grown by an impressive 23%. World-class marina developments in Yalıkavak, Göcek, and Didim have positioned Turkey as the number one sailing hub in the Mediterranean.
The ability to mix productivity with endless adventure makes this lifestyle a captivating prospect for nomads. From working on a yacht deck in the mornings, to swimming in a quiet and private bay at lunchtime, to docking for dinner in a historical town come sunset, daily routine will never be ordinary.
Bohemian Living with Connectivity and Wi-Fi
This laid-back lifestyle does not have to come at the sacrifice of quality infrastructure or modern convenience. As part of the digital expansion in Turkey by providers including Turkcell, fibre-optic Internet is now accessible in many rural and coastal parts of the country. The average Internet speed in Bodrum and Fethiye now surpasses 75 Mbps – more than enough for working remotely, transferring files, video calls, or team collaboration.
Traditional Turkish coffee houses are also transforming into hybrid places where Gen Z workers can launch and work on their start-ups using fast Wi-Fi – in the same space as elders playing backgammon and reminiscing about times past. All shared over a cup of fresh coffee side-by-side.
In Urla, co-working spaces are built next to centuries-old vineyards. Originn Coworking Urla is a restored stone building re-designed as shared workspaces, offices, and yoga workshops. Slow Creative is a hybrid creative space offering coworking, food, and community events.
In Gümüşlük in Bodrum Peninsula, the Gümüşlük International Music Festival offers acoustic evenings lined with the scent of bougainvillaea. Creative workshops are available in seaside gardens and studios.
In nearby Muğla province, Köyceğiz Hub is a co-working lounge offering ergonomic desks, fibre-optic Internet, and conference rooms for business. These new hubs are becoming indispensable for Turkey’s remote working infrastructure – allowing nomads to seamlessly work from the most remote locations.
Wellness, Simplicity, and Passive Investment
For nomads focusing on wellness, living along the Aegean coast of Turkey offers opportunities for daily swimming, barefoot walking, and access to organic markets. The climate encourages a diet rich in vegetables, olives, seafood, figs, and local wines. Modern yoga studios, holistic retreats, and natural therapies can be found throughout coastal towns.
Properties along the Aegean coast are quietly lucrative for those investing. It is not uncommon for luxury villas in Yalıkavak or Ölüdeniz to average 6% to 8% annually in short-term rental yields if managed properly. Land restrictions mean that holiday homes are easy to rent out, appreciating steadily, and increasingly in demand.
Another passive income option is yacht chartering. A report released in 2023 from the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency shows that yacht rental bookings increased by 34% year-over-year. Many yacht owners now offer luxury features such as a chef, Wi-Fi for working, and swimming experiences.
Turkish Visa & Residency Options for Remote Workers
Visitors to Turkey from the UK, Europe, and North America can typically enter the country visa-free or with an e-visa for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. For longer stays, Turkey launched a Digital Nomad Visa in April 2024, allowing remote workers to live and work in the country for one year. It also offers easy to obtain Short-Term Residency Permits and Long-Term stays if investing in real estate.
Options for Remote Workers:
- Digital Nomad Visa: Applicants must be aged 21 to 55, work for a company outside of Turkey, and meet income requirements of $3,000 USD per month.
- Property Ownership: Foreigners can apply for a one-year Turkish Residency Permit if buying property in certain areas. This permit is renewable.
- Rental Contract: Foreigners and remote workers can apply for a short-term permit if they have a valid rental contract and local address.
NOTE: Applicants must show proof of having Turkish or international private health insurance when applying for a permit. Applicants are also expected to show financial income to support themselves in Turkey.
Thinking of Making the Move?
In a post-pandemic world, global lifestyle priorities have changed, and Turkey’s Aegean coast offers a place to thrive – where digital infrastructure and natural beauty meet as one. Whether living in a stone house in Urla, a luxury Bodrum villa with solar panels, or anchoring a yacht off Kabak Bay, the opportunity to live the good life is there for the taking.
For more information about remote living in Turkey, please enquire to speak with our local advisors at Property Turkey. Explore our carefully selected listings throughout Bodrum, Fethiye, and the coast. Invest not just in property, but in a lifestyle.
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