Kestel is a district 6 km from the centre of Alanya. Once a separate village, it is now a residential suburb with its own beach, schools and a modest resort infrastructure. Anna and Mikhail Smirnov's family have been living here for three years now.
Why Kestel of all places
"We looked at Mahmutlar, but there are too many tourists there and it's noisy in the evenings. Kestel is calmer, and yet a 10-minute dolmuş ride gets you to the centre. And — importantly — there is a private Russian school here."
Cost of living
- Renting a 2+1 in a complex with a pool: €520/month
- Aidat (complex maintenance fee): €60/month
- School (private, bilingual): €380/month per child
- A grocery basket for a family of 4 for a week: €110
What they didn't like
"In winter the district empties out. Half of the Turkish neighbours leave for Ankara, half of the Russians for Russia. If you want a lively scene year-round — this isn't the place."
What they came to love most
The Friday market by the Kestel mosque, where the first cherries and quinces appear in May. And long walks to the Dim River — along the new promenade, past the fishing boats.