First impressions stay with you forever
Alanya greets you differently depending on when you arrive. In summer, it is the hum of tourist buses, the scent of sunscreen, and the queues at Cleopatra Beach. In November, it is the silence, the fishermen along the coast, and a coffee in a quiet cafe overlooking Alanya Castle. Both offer their own unique beauty, and it is this combination that keeps the city vibrant all year round.
For those staying longer than three weeks, the city begins to change you in subtle ways. You start greeting the neighbor, knowing where to get the best morning simit, and learning which day fresh fish arrives at the Oba market. Alanya stops being just a holiday destination and becomes a place you call home. This is why—whether you are searching for an apartment to rent in Alanya or making long-term plans—the topic of property is always part of the conversation for everyone who came for two weeks and ended up staying a year.
Beaches: There is more than just Cleopatra
Cleopatra Beach is the most famous in the city and truly magnificent: fine white sand, clear water that deepens gradually, and excellent infrastructure. In summer, especially in July and August, it gets quite crowded as local families join international visitors. The ideal time for a peaceful swim is before nine in the morning.
However, the city has other beaches that not all visitors know about. The beach in the Kestel area is quieter and simpler—almost deserted on weekdays. In Mahmutlar, there is a long stretch of pebbles where locals relax at their own pace. Finding an apartment near the sea in these neighborhoods is often more affordable compared to the center, and you are still just a short walk from the water.
When to go swimming
The sea in Alanya is warm from May to November. In May, the water is around 22 degrees, while in August it reaches 28-30 degrees. October is one of the best months: the crowds thin out, the heat mellows, and the sea remains warm. Many expats consider autumn the ideal time to live in the city.
- Cleopatra Beach — central location, advanced infrastructure, sunbed fees start from 150-200 TL
- Kestel Beach — quiet, mainly preferred by locals
- Avsallar Beach — long, pebbled, ideal for those who like open space
It is worth noting that construction work in Alanya is officially restricted between May 15 and October 15. This decision was made to protect the comfort of both residents and visitors throughout the season, so construction noise is minimal during this period.
Food and markets: How the locals eat
Tourist dining spots in Alanya are a world of their own; the city's authentic cuisine, however, is something else entirely. Along Gazipasa Street and the surrounding lanes, dozens of small cafes line the streets; a lunch consisting of three courses here costs 150-250 TL. Local eateries focused on Turkish diners open early and stay open until late, offering a cozy, home-like atmosphere.
The markets are a delight in their own right. The weekly market in the Oba district is held on Fridays and is known as one of the best in the city: it is overflowing with fresh vegetables, spices, olives, local cheeses, and clothing stalls. The Mahmutlar Market is held on Wednesdays. For those living in a rented apartment or those considering a long-term rental in Alanya, knowing the market calendar can lead to significant savings on grocery bills.
Must-try dishes
The tradition of Mediterranean cuisine blended with a Turkish touch is very strong in Alanya. Dining on fresh fish in coastal restaurants—especially during the autumn and winter months when bluefish and sea bream are in season—is an essential experience. Eggplant dishes, lentil soups, and kofte (meatballs) are staples of the local daily diet.
- Oba Weekly Market — Friday, early morning
- Mahmutlar Market — Wednesday
- Fish market next to the harbor — daily, early morning is best
If you are looking for something more exclusive, the restaurants on the castle cliffs offer refined Mediterranean cuisine with a view of the bay—the prices are a bit higher, but the atmosphere is definitely worth it.
Active holidays and nature near the city
Alanya is surrounded by the Taurus Mountains, offering opportunities that many visitors do not even realize exist. Hiking trails, waterfalls, and canyons begin just 30-40 minutes from the city center. The Dim Stream (Dim Cayi) Canyon is one of the most accessible options: it stays cool even in July, and the riverside restaurants built right over the water, along with the Dim Cave (which can be visited for a symbolic fee), are its highlights.
Rafting on the Dim Stream, jeep safaris in the mountains, coastal diving—all are active from April to October. Yacht tours depart from the harbor every day during the season; a full-day tour including lunch costs approximately 600-800 TL per person. For those considering property on the Alanya coast, proximity to these activities is often a deciding factor.
City activities
There is plenty to explore within the city itself. The Red Tower (Kizil Kule) by the harbor is the symbol of Alanya; it was built in 1226 during the reign of the Seljuk ruler Alaaddin Keykubad. It takes about 40 minutes to walk up to the castle, and a breathtaking view encompassing the entire bay awaits you at the top. Entry to the castle area requires a ticket, approximately 200-250 TL.
- Dim Cave and Dim Stream Canyon — 30 minutes from the center
- Red Tower and Alanya Castle — in the city, within walking distance
- Diving centers around the harbor — open from April to November
- Yacht tours — every day during the season, departing from the central harbor
In winter, the city's pace slows down but never stops. Locals take walks along the coast on Ataturk Boulevard, and cafes and restaurants keep their doors open; many residents consider the lack of tourist crowds the greatest privilege of living here off-season.
Practical life: What you need to know
Alanya is a multinational city, and this is felt in everyday life. People from many countries live here. Many shop signs are written in several languages. Finding an English-speaking doctor, lawyer, or real estate agent is no longer difficult—it has become an integral part of the city's infrastructure.
The legal status for foreigners has been a frequent topic of discussion recently. According to data from the Alanya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ALTSO), the city loses approximately 60 million Euro every month due to residence permit restrictions, and there has been a noticeable decline in the number of foreigners with residence permits lately. The issue of the Turkish residence permit (ikamet izni) remains highly relevant for those planning to live here permanently, and it is essential to consult with a local lawyer.
Transportation and getting around the city
The backbone of urban transport in Alanya consists of dolmuş (minibuses); they run regular routes from early morning until late at night. The fare is approximately 20-25 TL. Dolmuş operate frequently between districts such as Avsallar, Mahmutlar, Oba, and the center. While taxis are available, they are more costly for daily use.
- Dolmuş — primary mode of transport, routes cover most of the city
- Scooter or car rental — common choice among expats for mountain trips
- D400 highway — connects Alanya to Antalya, a journey of about 2 hours
For those visiting Alanya for the first time and thinking of staying, the most important practical advice is this: spend your first two or three weeks in different neighborhoods—the center, Oba, Mahmutlar—before making any rental or more permanent decisions. The city has a different character in every corner, and everyone eventually finds the spot that suits them best.