Why Alanya Isn't Just a Holiday Resort
Many people come to Alanya for two weeks and end up staying for years. This city on Turkey's southern coast has a unique way of captivating you: warm seas nine months of the year, mountains rising right behind you, and a genuinely vibrant city life. There's no sense of an artificial tourist-trap here; people work, study, raise families, and go to the market on Fridays.
Alanya's permanent population is around 350,000, which nearly doubles in the summer. This creates an interesting balance: the infrastructure rivals that of a large city, yet the pace of life maintains a laid-back Mediterranean charm. This is why the idea of looking for a rental apartment in Alanya or settling down for the long term often crosses people's minds after their first visit.
Beaches and the Sea: What to Choose, When to Go
The city's icon is Cleopatra Beach, located to the west of Alanya. Its white quartz sand is truly a rare feature for Turkey, and that's precisely what makes this beach so special. Equipped with sun loungers, showers, and cafes, the beach operates from May to October, and entry to the sandy area is free.
Besides Cleopatra, there are other beautiful spots for swimming in the city. Keykubat Beach is located to the east of the city; it's a longer beach and less crowded on weekdays. Avsallar Beach is about 15 kilometers further east and is perfect for those who seek tranquility. It's worth noting that during peak season, prices at establishments around Cleopatra Beach can become surprisingly high. According to local press reports in the summer of 2026, two cans of Coca-Cola were sold for 400 Turkish Lira at a beachside cafe. This serves as a reminder of how important it is to bring your own water or choose places a little further from the beach.
Best Time to Swim
In Alanya, the sea reaches a comfortable 22 degrees Celsius starting in May and stays warm until late November. The peak of the season is July and August, when water temperatures climb to 28-29 degrees Celsius. In September and October, the beaches are much quieter, and the sea is still excellent. Many locals consider this period the ideal time for swimming.
Food, Markets, and Daily Life
Much of Alanya's daily life revolves around its markets. The central market in the Obaköy district sets up on Fridays, selling vegetables, fruits, spices, clothing, and household goods. Food prices here are significantly lower compared to supermarkets. In summer, a kilogram of tomatoes costs 5-8 Lira, and peaches and apricots are not products that have traveled across half the country; they are fresh, in-season goods.
Alanya offers restaurants to suit every taste and budget. The İskele district, home to the old harbor, is packed with fish restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood; a satisfying fish meal can be had for 200-400 Lira per person. In the city center, there are many Turkish kebab shops where lunch can be enjoyed for 80-120 Lira. European cuisine and cafes offering multilingual service can be found in the Oba district and along Atatürk Boulevard.
Transportation and Getting Around the City
Public transport in Alanya operates via the "dolmuş" system. These minibuses run on fixed routes from early morning until midnight, costing approximately 15-20 Lira depending on the distance. For trips to Gazipaşa Airport, located 45 minutes from the city center, it's much more practical to hire a taxi or arrange a transfer in advance.
- Dolmuş from the center to Mahmutlar district — approximately 20 minutes, 15-18 Lira
- City taxi — approximately 50 Lira starting fare plus meter
- Daily scooter rental — between 300 and 500 Lira depending on the season
- There's a bike path along the coast, but uphill cycling without an electric bike can be quite challenging
The vast majority of long-term residents, especially if they live in districts like Oba, Avsallar, or Konaklı, which are 10-20 kilometers from the center, prefer to use a car.
Districts: Where to Live and Their Differences
Alanya consists of several distinct districts, each with its own unique character. The city center stands out with its shops, restaurants, heavy tourist traffic, and the historic castle atop the rock. The Oba district, east of the center, is calmer and more residential; it's home to a higher concentration of local Turkish families, and the infrastructure is well-developed. Mahmutlar, on the other hand, is notable for its dense development and a large number of foreign residents, including many international investors.
Those seeking long-term accommodation in Alanya often choose Oba or Avsallar. Rental apartments in these districts are more affordable than in the center; moreover, quality of life factors such as quiet streets, greenery, and proximity to the sea are often superior. As an interesting data point, as of mid-2026, the rent increase rate in Alanya remained more moderate compared to Antalya as a whole, where the average rent increased by 26.2% to approximately 27,000 Lira per month.
Healthcare, Education, and Infrastructure
Healthcare services in Alanya are provided through public hospitals and private clinics. Alanya Training and Research Hospital, the city's main public hospital, is located in the Oba district and operates 24/7. Private clinics catering to foreigners are active in the city center, offering services with English-speaking interpreters.
For families with children, this information is important: Alanya has schools and kindergartens offering international education programs, as well as various private Turkish schools. The annual cost of private education starts from 3,000 Euros. The school issue becomes critical, especially for those obtaining a residence permit (İkamet İzni), as a residence permit in Turkey grants the right to education in public schools on equal terms with citizens.
Practical Information for Newcomers
To live in Turkey long-term, you need to obtain a foreign tax identification number; this number can be acquired at the tax office within a single day. Without this number, it's not possible to open a bank account, sign a rental agreement, or transfer utility subscriptions. A residence permit is applied for through the Directorate General of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi Müdürlüğü) by making an online appointment via e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr.
- Foreign tax identification number is obtained free of charge upon presentation of a passport
- To open an account in Turkish banks, a tax number and a residence permit or rental agreement are required
- Electricity and water subscriptions are transferred through the relevant municipal service units
- SIM cards can be obtained from Turkcell, Vodafone, or Türk Telekom stores with a foreign passport
Life in Alanya requires a certain adaptation period; however, the vast majority of those who complete the bureaucratic procedures say it's all worth it. The city offers a rare combination: sea, mountains, delicious food, warmth, and alongside all this, a genuinely functioning urban life.
Year-Round Culture and Social Life
Alanya is not just a summer city. During the winter months, when tourists are almost non-existent, a completely different life emerges: neighborhood cafes, evening strolls along the beach, and hikes into the mountains. Alanya Castle, built in the 13th century during the reign of Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat, is open to visitors year-round. The ascent on foot takes about an hour, and from the observation deck, the entire city and coastline unfold before your eyes.
Around the city are the Damlataş and Dim caves, which are worth seeing at least once. Damlataş Cave is known for its microclimate, which local doctors claim is beneficial for respiratory ailments; entry costs approximately 60 Lira. Boat tours around Kızılkule and along the coast operate from April to October, with full-day tours including lunch costing 400-600 Lira per person.
If you're considering a long-term move to Alanya, we recommend starting by renting apartments in different neighborhoods for a month or two. This is the best way to get a feel for the city and truly understand where you'll feel most comfortable before making any long-term decisions.