Living in Alanya: What You Need to Know Before Putting Down Roots

Why Alanya is more than just a holiday resort

Many people come to Alanya for a fortnight and leave with the feeling they've seen it all. In reality, what they've seen is just the hotels, the beach, and a handful of restaurants along the promenade. The real Alanya only reveals itself to those who stay longer and step out of tourist mode to tune into the city's own rhythm.

Located on the Mediterranean coast within Antalya province, the city has approximately 350,000 permanent residents. It's neither a small town nor a sprawling metropolis — it's a perfectly human scale where the sea is within walking distance and the market is five minutes away by scooter. This is precisely why it's worth noting the growing number of people searching for apartments to rent in Alanya, wanting to spend a few months by the sea.

There's a topic that's been frequently discussed in the city lately: granting Alanya separate provincial status. Supporters argue that managing such a dynamic city from Antalya is inefficient. This debate clearly demonstrates that Alanya has long outgrown being just an ordinary resort town and is now claiming its own administrative identity.

Sea, beaches and coastal life

The biggest draw for those who come here is, without doubt, the Mediterranean. Alanya has several city beaches, the most famous being Kleopatra and Keykubat. Kleopatra Beach is located on the western side of the city; its sand is fine and light-coloured, and the gentle slope into the water makes it ideal for children and those seeking a calm swim.

The swimming season starts in April and lasts until November; during summer months, the sea temperature reaches 28 degrees. City beaches are free; however, sunbed and umbrella rental is available in most places — a daily set costs around 100–150 lira on average. Those wanting to escape the crowds can head to beaches in Avsallar or İncekum; there, both visitor numbers are lower and nature is more pristine.

Towards the end of May, Alanya's fishing boats prepare for the new season: The marina comes alive, crews check their equipment and sort out their nets. In the early morning, the marina is one of those places where you feel the city's real pulse, not the tourist facade.

Water activities

Beyond beach enjoyment, the sea in Alanya is an activity sector in itself. From May to October, dozens of operators offer diving, snorkelling, boat tours and water skiing. A particularly popular route is the boat tour around the rocky promontory topped by the medieval Alanya Castle, taking in sea caves along the way.

• Diving: Beginner course including equipment approximately 50–70 Euro
• Boat tours: Group tours departing from the city marina start from 20 Euro per person
• Kayak or SUP board rental: 150–200 lira per hour at Kleopatra Beach

Fishing from the promenade along the coast is a free pleasure enjoyed by both locals and visitors year-round.

Restaurants, markets and local flavours

Food culture in Alanya is a story in itself. In tourist neighbourhoods, you'll find plenty of restaurants with colourful menus written in ten different languages and waiters hustling for customers — but these aren't really recommended. The real cuisine is hidden in the back streets of the old town and in neighbourhoods where local people live: Obagöl, Avsallar, Tosmur are among the best.

At the market — the weekly bazaar — produce is half the price compared to supermarkets. In Alanya, markets operate on different days depending on the district: the central market is on Fridays, while the Mahmutlar market runs on Saturdays. Seasonal vegetables, spices, homemade olives and freshly squeezed fruit juices — all these are part of the ordinary yet indispensable weekly rituals for those living here permanently.

Where to eat fish

While the fish restaurants lining the coast are the obvious choice, they're not always the best. Genuinely fresh fish at honest prices can be found in small eateries in the harbour district. You need to check freshness yourself: eyes should be bright and clear, gills red, and the smell should be the clean scent of the sea itself — if there's no sharp odour, that's good.

• Bluefish, sea bream and sea bass — the most common fish types on menus
• Average bill for fish meal and garnish at a non-touristy establishment: 200–350 lira
• Meze — traditional starters — definitely order separately; they're often more flavourful than the main course

For breakfast, choose Turkish breakfast cafés over hotel buffets: a spread of tea, white cheese, olives, eggs and fresh bread for 80–120 lira will fuel you for half a day.

Culture and city events

Alanya isn't just about sea and food. The medieval castle on the rocky hill, the Red Tower at the harbour and the underground Damlataş Cave — all these are not merely tourist spots but parts of living city history. The castle is open to visitors year-round; entrance fee is approximately 100 lira.

In May, at the foot of the Red Tower, the International Folk Dance and Music Festival was held with participants from seven different countries — a magnificent event with live performances, an open-air stage and free entry. Such events keep the city vibrant and colourful even for those who've lived here for years. The city's calendar is quite packed: May 19th brings the commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day, while late May sees the Feast of Sacrifice extending over a long holiday period; during this time some shops are closed and the streets fill with families.

Must-sees beyond the beach

Sapadere Canyon, located in the mountains behind the city, offers a half-day route — an easy walk between rocks and water. You can reach it by rental car or by excursion coach for about 15 Euro. Dim River waterfalls and the creek of the same name, lined with trout restaurants, is one of the main spots where local families catch their breath at weekends.

• Damlataş Cave: Open from morning hours, entrance approximately 80 lira, right next to Kleopatra Beach
• Sapadere Canyon: About 30 km from centre, paid entrance, approximately 100 lira
• Dim River Valley: Restaurants by the water, grilled trout, cool and shaded even in scorching summer heat

These places are open from spring to autumn; during peak season it's better to go early morning, as crowds reach maximum levels after midday.

Practical details of living in Alanya

The question of how to arrange long-term accommodation rental in Alanya occupies many people's minds when they come here. Recently in the city, the conditions for obtaining residence permits in Turkey have been frequently discussed: a proposal to reduce the property value threshold required for residency to