Exploring Antalya on a budget is now easier than ever, thanks to a wide selection of inexpensive hostels. Antlaya is located on Turkey’s stunning Mediterranean coast which is also known as the Turkish Riviera and offers visitors a blend of breathtaking landscapes and rich history at an affordable price. For travellers looking to stretch their budget, some hostels offer rates as low as 14 euros in a mixed dorm in the summer of 2024.
Antalya’s hostels cater to all types of tastes, with something to please nearly every budget-conscious traveller. Whether you’re looking for lively nightlife and making friends, or just a place for a peaceful retreat, you´ll find somewhere that suits you. When deciding where to stay, make sure to look for locations that not only fit your budget, but also match you style of travel.
Key Takeaways
- Antalya offers hostels with rates as low as 14 euros.
- There are lots of different types of hostels, from party spots to quiet retreats.
- Try to look for hostels with good amenities, accessible and locations.
- Some hostels have both mixed dorms, female-only dorms and individual rooms.
- Several hostels include lockers, breakfast, and towels. Check what is included.
- Try to get up-to-date information, read the 2024 reviews left by previous guests.
About Antalya
Antalya, a large coastal city in Turkey, is famous for its stunning Mediterranean beaches and ancient ruins. It’s a popular holiday destination for travellers who want to relax on one of its many beaches, discover its historical sites and nearby Roman cities such as Perge, or even experience one of the many adventure trips into the mountains and rivers that surround the city.
The city is located on the southwestern coast of Turkey, bordered by the Taurus Mountains. This geographic location provides travellers with a spectacular backdrop of mountains meeting the sea. It is one of the few places in the world that is sometimes possible to sunbathe on one of the beach with snow-capped mountain in the background during the wintertime.
Antalya’s history dates back to ancient times. King Attalus II of Pergamon founded Antalya in 150 BC, and it later developed into an important Roman port city. The Kaleiçi district is the old town and it still has narrow streets and ottoman-style houses which have been restored and renovated. Key sights include the Antalya Museum, Hadrian’s Gate, (a Roman arch), the Antalya Clock Tower, the bazaar area, the Old Port and Duden Waterfalls. See the Antalya travel guide fore details.
The weather in Antalya is typically of the Mediterranean. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild and sometimes wet. This makes it an attractive location year-round and prices for accommodation are usually are cheaper in the low season. Travelling around the city is fairly easy, with a reliable public transport system that includes buses and trams. For those who prefer to explore the city at their own pace, renting a bike is simple and some hostels even rent bikes to their guests at very affordable rates
Affordability
Antalya hostels cater to travellers on a budget. Prices can range from 14 to 24 euros per night for a dorm room in the summer months, and they are often even lower out of season. These prices often include amenities like free wifi, breakfast, and shared kitchen facilities. This makes it easier for travellers to save on food and internet expenses, stretching their budget further.
Some hostels include complimentary breakfast, which is always a good way to reduce your eating expenses. They may also include the use of a towel, which means less hassle when it comes to washing. I consider that a decent hostel must include air-conditioning, as it can get scorching in Antalya in the summer.
Social Environment
Hostels in Antalya are known for their excellent social scene. Many hostels organise activities such as pub crawls, beach outings, and cultural tours, which help create a sense of community among guests. For solo travellers, this can be a great way of meeting like-minded people. Places like Be Bold Hostel and Flaneur Hostel have comfortable communal areas where guests can socialise, eat, and relax together.
Cultural Experience
Staying in a hostel in Antalya offers the opportunity to have wonderful cultural experiences, meeting not only people for all around the world but also locals. Hostels often give you the chance to engage with Turkish culture through organised tours, cooking classes, and cultural nights.
What to Consider When Choosing a Hostel
Selecting the right hostel in Antalya involves considering various factors, such as location, amenities, security, and types of rooms. Taking these things into account will help to make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable.
Location and accessibility
The hostel’s location is critical. It should be close to major attractions like the Old Harbour, Hadrian’s Gate, and beaches. Staying in a central location helps saves time and lower travel costs. For me. Kaleici (the old city district) is an excellent location and perhaps the best place to stay. It is located in the heart of Antalya and is within walking distance (1 km) of the beach. Fortunately, this part of town is home to many of Antalya’s top hostels.
You should try to look for hostels with god public transportation links and situated near to bus or tram stops. This makes exploring the city easier. If the weather isn´t too hot it´s easy to get to most places near the city centre on foot. It’s also important to have shops, restaurants, and cafes nearby. Hostels rarely have a swimming pool, so staying near a beach is a good idea. Luckily, there are many lovely beaches in the town, including Mermerli, Lara, and Konyaalti Beach.
Security Measures
Safety is really important when choosing a hostel. Check if there are security features like key card access, lockers, and 24-hour reception. These factors help keep your belongings secure. Check if the hostel has CCTV cameras in common areas, (not bedroom or bathroom) and also if it has secure entrances. These add an extra layer of security, especially for solo travellers. In my opinion, a decent hostel should also provide lockers for its guests.
The Types of Rooms Available
Many hostels offer various types of rooms. Options range from dormitories up to 8 people, normally for backpackers to private single and double rooms for more privacy, but of course these come at a higher price. For solo travellers or those of you who are are on a budget, dorm rooms are a suitable choice. They are cheaper and offer a chance to meet other travellers, which for me is an important part of having a good holiday.
There are also female-only dorms that are perfect for solo female travellers. Check if the hostel offers en-suite bathrooms or shared common areas and facilities. This can affect your decision based on your comfort preferences. In Antalya it gets hot so, I would always look for a place with an outdoor terrace or garden with shade.
10 Best Hostels in Antalya
Exploring Antalya without spending a fortune is easier if you know where to look. Various top-rated hostels have central locations and are within easy walking distance of both the beach and old town. Many of the hostels which are located in Antalya have exceptional amenities, catering for travellers with different preferences.
1: Hostel Vague
The hostel boasts a relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff. The hostel boasts a wonderful location and architecture; it’s a renovated Ottoman-era house with a garden and common areas. The property is located in Kaleici, a mere 1 km away from Mermerli Beach. Air-conditioned dorms and private rooms are available. Starting price: 17 euros per night; towels and lockers are available. The positivity of the staff, the amenities and location make it my first choice. It offers real value for money, so book early.
2: Be a Bold Hostel
The atmosphere is lively and friendly, with numerous events taking place. It´s perfect place for socialising. It has a modern and bright design, which is visually very pleasing. Common areas include an outside terrace and kitchen. Bicycles for rent. Air conditioning, lockers, and towels. 4/6 mixed and female-only dorms, plus private rooms. Starting Price: 24 euros per night. It is a trendy place and a bit more expensive but is probably worth it if you want a bit more luxury.
3: Flaneur Hostel
This is another highly recommended stylish hostel and it is conveniently located in the heart of Kaleiçi. The hostel has a pleasant terrace overlooking the city, along with communal spaces such as a kitchen and lounge. You can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, they provide towels and it´s less than 1 km to the beach. They also offer numerous social events, especially in the evening. There are 4 / 6-person mixed dorms and female-only dorms, as well as individual rooms. Prices start at 19 euros per night.
4: Role Street Hostel
This is a modern and stylish hostel that is a highly recommended place to stay in Antalya. The beach and old town are just a 5-minute walk away. There is a lovely garden with a sun terrace, a restaurant, free wifi, air conditioning, and lockers. It is excellent value for money. Mixed dorms and individual rooms for 4–6 people. Prices start at 16 euros. I love this place and I could rate it on an equal position to Flaneur.
5: Berlin Hostel
This hostel in Kaleici is basic yet clean and well-organised. The hostel offers free wifi, parking, and a garden with a shared lounge and bar. Breakfast is available for 4 euros extra. The hotel offers 24-hour reception and luggage storage. There are start 8-person mixed dorms, bunk beds start at only 14 euros per night, making it the cheapest hostel in the city.
6: Lords Hostel
Situated above a pub / restaurant, this hostel is friendly and a good place for people who are looking for social activities and like drinking. There is free wifi, towels are included, but no lockers. 7-person female dorms and 4-6 mixed dorms, with prices starting at 15 euros
7: Kuyu Beergarden Hostel
This is one of the best cheap hostels in Antalya and offers great value for money. The hostel is located in the Kaleici town centre. It has a focus on social life with a shared lounge and bar that offers a wide range of beers. Air-conditioning, free wi-fi. The prices for the 4-person female dorm and the 7-person mixed dorm start at 15 euros.
8: Funky Monkey Hostel
Apart from the irritating name of this place, it was very difficult to book a room on the website. In the end I just gave up. The reviews about the hostel were positive on the whole, but as far as I can see it´s located a little too far from all the action, so for that reason, it goes near the bottom of the list.
Hostels 9 & 10 are Not Recommended – Gold Coast & City Hub Hostel
Despite some positive reviews for both of these hostels, I have decided not to recommend either of them. The reason for this is related to their discriminatory policy against older people. At Gold Coast, the maximum age is 43 years old in dorms, and at City Hub, it is 40. Maybe they have a good reason for this rule and I understand that some people might prefer to stay in a dorm with only young people. However, personally, I find their age policy unacceptable in this day and age.
How to Book Hostels in Antalya
Booking a hostel in Antalya is straightforward, with various options available for convenience and affordability. Using online platforms and direct booking are the two main methods to secure your stay. Using Online Platforms Online platforms offer an easy way to compare prices, read reviews, and find the best hostels. Websites like Booking.com and Hostelworld are popular choices. These sites let travellers filter by price, rating, and amenities. Booking.com frequently allows you to pay for your accommodation on arrival and allows you to cancel 24 hours in advance. Remember to check if breakfast or other perks are included in the price before making a booking.
Direct Booking Tips
Booking directly with the hostel can also be beneficial. Some hostels have their own websites. Personally, I’m uncertain about the comfort level of providing my credit card details to a hostel website. The cancellation policy is also usually not as good as on larger platforms. A couple of hostels have their own websites that badly designed and make it very difficult to book a room. It actually made me give up trying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-rated hostels in Antalya for budget travellers?
Top-rated hostels for budget travellers in Antalya include Vogue, Be Bold, and Flaneur Hostels; of course, there are many other highly rated options. These hostels offer private and shared accommodations with lots of positive reviews from travellers.
What is the average price of a hostel dorm in Antalya?
Antalya offers affordable accommodations with good amenities. The average cost of a hostel is around 20 euros per night for a larger size dorm, with the lowest price being 14 euros and the highest 24 euros. If you want to stay in a small dorm, for example 4 person, you should add a few euros to these prices.
Are there budget-friendly hotels in Antalya?
Lily Town Hotel and Ni Hotel Lara are two budget-friendly hotel options near the city centre. They have high customer ratings and are suitable for travellers looking for comforts without high costs. See the budget accommodation guide in Turkey for more information on finding cheap accommodation.
How Can I get from Istanbul to Antalya?
There are several ways to do this; the cheapest way is by catching an intercity bus, and the most expensive way is by taking a domestic flight. You can find cheaper flights on budget airlines like Pegasus, Ajet, SunExpress, etc. If you want to know more about finding cheap flights in Turkey check the air travel guide. If you decide to take a bus, the journey is quite long, taking around 10 hours. There are several stops along the way. You should try to go on a luxury bus, with bigger seats and more space and take a night bus. For more information see the intercity bus guide to Turkey. t
Final Thoughts
Antalya is a great place for a budget-friendly holiday because there is so much to do and see there, Unlike many of parts of Turkey, the city offers a lively nightlife scene. There are also fantastic beaches and lots of interesting excursions that can make you holiday memorable. Accommodation is always one of the major holiday expenses and staying at a hostel is an excellent way of reducing your spending, as well as meeting lots of interesting people. However, I believe to really enjoy a hostel you need to be an open-minded and sociable person.