Konyaaltı is a district located on the western border of Antalya province, situated on the southern coast of Türkiye. Adjacent to Antalya city center, this district encompasses both urban and rural settlements. Konyaaltı, which gained district status in 2008 by separating from Muratpaşa with the Metropolitan Municipality Law, is today one of Antalya's developed districts in terms of tourism and settlement. It is surrounded by Muratpaşa to its east, Kemer district to its west, Döşemealtı to its north, and the Mediterranean Sea to its south. The district is known for Konyaaltı Beach, the Beydağları mountain range, and its natural areas.

^{Konyaaltı Beach ( Kültür Portalı)}

History

Historically, Konyaaltı is located in the western part of the ancient Pamphylia region. Traces of settlement in the region date back to the Lycian and Roman periods. Roman-era ruins have been found especially around Liman Neighborhood. During the Ottoman period, the current lands of Konyaaltı were defined as the western villages of Antalya center, which was a district (kaza) affiliated with the Teke Sanjak. The district's boundaries were shaped throughout the 20th century with Antalya's westward expansion, and it officially became a district in 2008.

^{Old Antalya-Cliffs ( Antalya Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism)}

Geography and Climate

Konyaaltı district is located on the Mediterranean coast, west of Antalya Bay. Its natural boundaries are defined by the Antalya-Kemer road to the west and the foothills of the Beydağları mountains to the north. Konyaaltı Beach stretches for approximately 7 km along the district's southern coast. In the district, besides the Beydağları mountains, which are an extension of the Taurus Mountains, there are also rivers such as Boğaçayı and Sarısu. Under the influence of the Mediterranean climate, summers in the district are hot and dry, while winters are mild and rainy. The annual average temperature is around 18–20°C, and the average precipitation is approximately 1000 mm. Summer months are cooler in high-altitude settlements.

Population and Demographics

According to 2024 ADNKS data, the total population of Konyaaltı district is 215,480. Approximately 49% of the population consists of men, and 51% consists of women. The district's population has shown a steady increase since its establishment in 2008. Konyaaltı is a district that receives migration from all corners of Türkiye. It is a preferred living area, especially for university students, retirees, and tourism sector employees. Additionally, there is also a resident foreign population in the district. This situation has led to the emergence of a multilingual and culturally diverse social structure in the district.

^{Antalya Population-2024 (Nufusu)}

Economy

The economy of Konyaaltı district is primarily based on the service and tourism sectors. Although large-scale agricultural activity is limited in the district, greenhouse farming and citrus production are carried out in rural areas. The industrial zones located in the district host small and medium-sized enterprises. Hotels, cafes, restaurants, and entertainment venues along Konyaaltı coast are among the main sources of tourism revenue. Housing and commercial investments are also notable in the district; particularly along the coastal strip, luxury housing projects and the real estate market are quite vibrant. This situation largely shapes the economic profile of the district.

Tourism, Culture, and Cuisine

With its beaches and coastal arrangements, Konyaaltı is one of the favorite destinations for both domestic and foreign tourists. Konyaaltı Beach is a Blue Flag beach, open to public access free of charge. There are walking paths, bicycle lanes, and social facilities along the coast. The district also features entertainment and cultural facilities such as Antalya Aquarium, Aktur Park, and Antalya Cultural Center. Tünektepe Cable Car and Sarısu Recreation Area, located within the Beydağları Coastal National Park, are prominent places for nature tourism.

Konyaaltı's culinary culture generally bears the traces of Antalya's regional cuisine. Stuffed zucchini flowers (kabak çiçeği dolması), hibeş, tomato civesi, and bitter orange jam are among the widely known delicacies in the district. Due to the multinational settlement and tourism influence in the district, options from world cuisines are also becoming widespread. This situation supports gastronomy tourism.

^{Antalya's Unique Delicacy Tahini Piyaz (Source: Arda's Kitchen)}