Is Antalya the new shopping capital of Europe?

Antalya may be on the map for being Turkey’s top beach resort destination, but there is more to this coastal location than just sea and sun. Antalya is hotting up to be the next shopping capital of Europe. This is because of its unique shopping experience that includes a blend of modern malls, designer stores and traditional Turkish markets. Here you will find everything from local craftsmanship to high-end brands, designer dupes, sportswear and even wedding dresses! I recently visited Antalya to experience its vibrant shopping culture and here are my tips on where to shop until you drop!

Bags: The one thing that Antalya is infamous for are its bags. Tourists from across the globe flock to the city to buy high quality dupes of famous designer brands. You will find these everywhere from market stalls and even inside hotels. Simply head to Lara Turizm Yolu, which is a long stretch of shops and luxury hotels and you will find multiple stores selling good quality dupes.  Remember, you can also barter the price down so don’t forget to put your best huggling skills to the test.  But for authentic designer bags, it’s generally safer to shop at large, reputable malls or official brand stores to avoid counterfeits. Try MarkAntalya Shopping Mall, which is a large shopping center that features luxury brands. It’s also worth heading to TerraCity Mall, which is another high-end shopping mall with a selection of international designer brands.

Turkish ceramic: If you’re looking for high-quality Turkish ceramics, then visit the historic old town Kaleiçi, which is home to several charming shops selling  hand-painted pottery, tiles, and decorative items. It’s a great place to find unique souvenirs and home decor.  It is also worth checking out Antalya Bazaar, which is an indoor market in the city center and a bustling spot for local artisans and small businesses. Here, you can find pottery, plates, bowls, and cups decorated with traditional motifs like the famous Iznik pattern.  If you’re willing to travel a bit, then it’s worth checking out the numerous ceramic studios, which are located  a bit outside the city center. These studios, such as Kaia Cermaic Studio, specialize in handmade Turkish pottery and are a great place to find unique, high-quality pieces directly from the artist. However, if you don’t have much time and want somewhere affordable, then I  would recommend the Side Souvenir Gift Shop, which is opposite Sherwood Exclusive Lara hotel, and sells everything from Turkish plates, bowls, pots, and even magnets. Best of all, the staff are friendly and happy for you to haggle, which adds to the enjoyment of a sale. As with most traditional bazaars in Turkey, haggling is part of the experience. It’s not unusual for shopkeepers to expect some negotiation over prices, so don’t hesitate to bargain for a better deal, especially if you’re buying multiple items. While many shops may accept credit cards, it’s always a good idea to bring cash, especially for smaller shops where they may offer discounts for cash payments.

Wedding dresses : Did you know there are several high-end boutiques in Antalya  where you can find beautiful wedding dresses that offer  a range of styles from traditional gowns to modern designs. Best of all, most can be altered or custom made at a fraction of what it would cost in the UK. One of the best places to shop for wedding dresses in the city includes Pronovias Antalya. This store is famed for high-quality materials and tailored fittings. If you’re staying  in the city center, then it’s worth checking out  Elif Bridal which specializes in both wedding dresses and evening gowns.It carries  a variety of designer brands and also offers personalized fittings to ensure you look perfect on your big day. For the best experience, it’s a good idea to make an appointment ahead of time to ensure you get ample time for fittings and alterations.

Football and sports tops: If you are travelling to Antalya with your partner, then it is only fair to visit Orion Mall, which  sells a variety of sports merchandise, including football tops, shorts, socks, trainers and caps. Here you will find football jerseys from popular Turkish teams and international clubs. But if you’re looking for official football jerseys, then be sure to check out  Sportive, which is a popular sportswear chain in Turkey that also sells jerseys and other football merchandise.

Jewellery: If you are a magpie to shiny things, then Turkey is the place for you as it is  famous for Zultanite. That’s because this unique  colour-changing gemstone is mainly found in Turkey. When buying Zultanite, always ensure that you get a certified piece, as this gemstone is rare and can sometimes be imitated or mislabeled.If you’re looking to buy Zultanite in Antalya, there are a few reputable places where you can find quality pieces.  Gül Jewellery, which is located in the heart of Antalya, is a well-regarded jeweller where you can find Zultanite and other gem stones. I would also recommend  Titan Silver 925 in the Asku area of Lara, Antalya, which sells Zultanite jewellery at bargain prices. That is because its gems are set in silver, which makes the items more affordable than other stores. The store is also open to a bit of haggling on the price and you can buy Zultanite stud earrings for around £20 to £30.

Best place to stay: If you do plan to shop until you drop then it is worth staying in Lara. It’s about 20 minutes away from the airport. I would recommend staying at one of the many hotels dotted on Lara Turizm Yolu. This is a long stretch of road that boasts luxury beach resorts, which have a stunning sandy beach on one side, and numerous  shops and malls on the other. I stayed at Sherwood Lara Exclusive hotel because of its close proximity to the shops. The famous Antalium Premium Mall is directly opposite the hotel and sells clothing, footwear, accessories, cosmetics and electronics. The hotel also sells bags and sports tops, but everything is a fixed price and more expensive than what you would buy outside. However, if you want to spend most of your trip sunning yourself on the beach and don’t want the hassle of haggling down the price, then shopping here might be a convenient option. This all-inclusive hotel is also perfect for the whole family as it features evening shows and multiple pools including an aqua park, splash park, and a private beach.