With its castle, long sandy beaches and lively seafront, Alanya is one of the best-loved resorts on the Antalya coast. The district stretches for many kilometres along the shore, though, and its areas feel very different: some sit close to a walkable town centre, others line a quiet coast of large resorts. This guide answers where to stay in Alanya area by area and explains who each one suits.
Getting to Alanya
Alanya is served by two airports. Antalya Airport (AYT) is about 125 km away and the drive takes close to two hours; most international flights land there. Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport (GZP) is about 40 km from the centre, with fewer flights that run mainly in season. You can book a private transfer from either: Antalya Airport to Alanya and Gazipaşa Airport to Alanya.
The centre and Cleopatra Beach
For first-time visitors the easiest choice is the stretch between Cleopatra Beach, west of the castle, and the town centre. Cleopatra Beach, with its fine sand and clear water, is Alanya’s signature. At the castle end of the beach lies the Damlataş Cave, and from there a cable car climbs to the castle for views over the town and both bays. In the centre, the harbour with the Red Tower, boat trips, restaurants and nightlife are all within walking distance. Hotels here are mostly city hotels and mid-sized hotels close to the beach.
Best for: first-timers, travellers who do not want to hire a car, and anyone who likes eating out and exploring in the evening.
East Beach, Oba and Tosmur
East of the castle, the area along Keykubat (East) Beach is close to the centre but a little calmer. Oba and Tosmur, near the Dim river, are residential neighbourhoods where everyday local life carries on; apartment hotels and family-run hotels are common. The shaded riverside restaurants along the Dim river are a treat on hot summer days.
Best for: longer stays, families and travellers who like to set their own rhythm.
Mahmutlar and Kestel
Further east, Mahmutlar is popular for longer stays thanks to its long beach, wide seafront promenade and many holiday apartments. With plenty of markets, supermarkets and restaurants, it is practical if you like to cook for yourself. Regular minibuses and buses connect it with the centre.
Best for: stays of several weeks, a calm beach lifestyle and travellers watching their budget.
Konaklı, Avsallar, İncekum and Okurcalar
The coast west of Alanya is resort country. Konaklı stays fairly close to town but is quieter; Avsallar and İncekum, the latter named after its fine sand, are family favourites. Heading on towards Türkler and Okurcalar you will find large resorts with big gardens, several pools and all-inclusive packages. These areas are also closer to Antalya Airport than the centre, which shortens the long transfer a little.
Best for: families who want to relax without leaving the hotel much, and anyone looking for all-inclusive.
Alanya hotels in our holiday packages
Our packages with flights, hotel, tours and transfers include two hotels in Alanya. Serenity Queen Hotel in Konaklı suits travellers who want a calm beach holiday not far from town. With its adults-only concept, Club Porto Amore Hotel is aimed at couples looking for a peaceful, child-free break. See the 3- and 7-night packages for both on our holiday packages page.
Things to do in Alanya
- Alanya Castle: old neighbourhoods inside the walls and views over both bays.
- Damlataş Cave: famous for its dripstones, right next to Cleopatra Beach.
- Red Tower and shipyard: the Seljuk landmarks of the harbour.
- Boat trip: sea caves and coves around the peninsula, with swimming stops.
- Dim river and Sapadere Canyon: a cool escape on hot days.
Most guided tours include hotel pick-up; you will find the options on our Alanya tours page.
When to go
The sea in Alanya is warm enough for swimming from late May to late October, and on sunny November days some people still swim. July and August are very hot and busy. September and October bring the warmest sea of the year and quieter beaches. Winters are mild, which is why many long-stay visitors spend the colder months here.
Which area should you choose?
Think about how you like to spend your days. If you want to walk out of your hotel to a beach in the morning, visit the castle in the afternoon and eat by the harbour at night, the centre and Cleopatra Beach are hard to beat. If your idea of a holiday is a pool, a sunbed and dinner at the resort, look west to Konaklı, Avsallar and Okurcalar. If you are coming for several weeks or the winter, Mahmutlar and Oba give you local life, markets and better value apartments. Families with young children usually appreciate the shallow, sandy beaches of İncekum and Avsallar, while couples often prefer an adults-only hotel or a smaller hotel in town.
Eating out and nightlife
Alanya’s nightlife centres on the harbour, with fish restaurants, cafés and late-night venues lining the waterfront. For a quieter evening, try the small restaurants inside the castle walls or the garden restaurants along the Dim river. In the resort areas to the west, evenings are usually spent at the hotel’s restaurants and shows, with taxis and minibuses available if you want to head into town.
In short
The answer to where to stay in Alanya depends on your style of holiday: the centre and Cleopatra Beach for town and beach together, Mahmutlar and Oba for long, good-value stays, and Konaklı, Avsallar and Okurcalar in the west for all-inclusive family holidays. Compare every hotel by price, rating and facilities on our Alanya hotels page.
