Forget Barcelona and its rising anti-tourism feel, Nice with the high-life and overpriced beach clubs, and don’t even think about heading next to a jam-packed Dubrovnik, where you can’t even stroll the streets in peace without touching shoulders with a stranger.
The Mediterranean is the most magical place on earth, but you won’t find that Old World allure you’re craving if you’re battling for a lounger at the beach, or waiting in line for several long minutes for a gelato cone that tastes anything but homemade.
We’re Travel Off Path, after all, and in recent years, we have made it one of our goals to unveil the Med’s best-kept secrets, from the undeveloped beaches of Albania, to North Cyprus’ unruffled golden sands—but there’s only one place that completely stole our minds (and hearts):
People Have Been Sleeping On Alanya For Far Too Long
Straddling the southern shores of Turkey (or as it’s now spelled officially, Türkiye), Alanya is a laid-back beach city that’s had a long-standing reputation as a wellness destination since Ancient Times.
We could go ahead and call it the best destination in the Mediterranean, because quite honestly, we don’t see how exactly it can be toppled, but you don’t have to take our word for it: take Cleopatra’s, the Egyptian Queen herself, who allegedly came all the way from the Nile to swim here.
Back to Alanya itself, it’s a mid-size port home to around 364,000 inhabitants—much smaller than the neighboring Antalya, and a lot more peaceful, too.
While Antalya is a busy resort hotspot hosting over 11–14 million tourists per year, Alanya’s all-time peak has so far been 6+ million. In other words, it’s far from being a hidden gem, as it still attracts over 1/3 of all visitors to this Turkish region, but it’s not exactly swept by mass tourism, either.
A Gateway To The Ancient World
For many, the main appeal of the Mediterranean is its rich Greco-Roman heritage and well-preserved historic sites, and if you’re a History buff with a soft spot for millennia-old monuments, Alanya will not disappoint.
For starters, the city’s picture-perfect Old Town is cut through with pedestrian-friendly streets, lined with bazaar-style shops and family-owned Turkish eateries that have been passed down through generations.
On the oceanfront, you’ll find the landmark Kızıl Kule, or ‘Red Tower’, a medieval stronghold built all the way back in 1226, with the sole purpose of guarding the entrance to Alanya’s harbor. It’s now home to the city’s Ethnographic Museum, and you should definitely not skip the visit.
Right next to the Red Tower, hugged by the turquoise waters of the Med, the 13th-century Alanya Shipyard (or Tersane) was built by the Seljuks, a Turkic people who controlled the city in the Middle Ages, and it’s where they used to both create and repair warships.
As you make your way across the maze-like Old Town, dotted with Ottoman minarets and traditional houses with covered balconies, and up the hill, you’ll eventually reach Kalesi, Alanya’s main castle, also erected by the Seljuks atop an older Byzantine fort.
It has a whopping 4 miles of walls, around 140 towers, in different levels of preservation, and countless more cisterns.
A Beach Fit For A Queen
Of course, it’s not a Mediterranean getaway until you’ve gone for that early afternoon dip in a pool-like, crystalline sea.
A short 5-minute walk from the Old Town area, Cleopatra Beach is Alanya’s most famous swimming spot, and a long stretch of golden sand backed by cafes and beach bars. In case you’re wondering, yes, Cleopatra herself is said to have frequented this beach during her time in Alanya.
The next beach down, a further 5-minute walk, Damlataş is equally clean, and its shallow, calm waters, and easy access from downtown Alanya make it a popular destination for families.
However, if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, and smaller crowds, Portakal Beach is where you should go: either a half-hour walk up the coast, or a 10-minute taxi ride, it has a beautiful mountain backdrop and a mix of sand and pebbles along the shoreline.
To the east of Alanya, a longer 20–25 minute drive, the scenic, soft-sanded Mahmutlar Beach is the closest to an uncrowded beach experience as you’ll get, particularly in the late afternoons. It’s far from the city center, though, so you will either need to grab a taxi or take the local bus.
The Cheapest All-Inclusives Anywhere In The Mediterranean
If you’re asking us, besides the ancient charm and the myriad of gorgeous beaches, a huge part of Alanya’s appeal is its unmatched affordability when compared to most Mediterranean hubs. Matter of fact, it was recently crowned the cheapest all-inclusive destination in the Ancient Sea.
This October, an all-inclusive stay at Ramira City Hotel, an adults-only listing with a private pool, and a generous breakfast spread right in the heart of the Old Town, will cost you a mere $76 per night.
Boasting two pools, a spa and wellness center, a private beach and a ‘fabulous’ breakfast, Villa Sunflower Hotel is equally-inexpensive, with all-inclusive deals to the tune of $77-a-night.
Even if you’re tempted to splurge on a 5-star property with a more exclusive guest list and a heightened sense of luxury, the lavish Senza Sunset Beach Hotel will set you back by $267 per night.
Eat Lavishly For Cheap
When it comes to food and other daily expenses, Alanya is not only affordable, it is a steal of a deal.
According to estimates provided by Numbeo, which were last updated in September to reflect Turkey’s fluctuating prices, this is how much you’re expected to spend as a tourist based in the Old Town:
Inexpensive local restaurant: a basic meal with a drink averages $7.17
Mid-range restaurant (3-course meal for two): expect to pay around $34.65
Fast food combo: a kebab-style wrap with a drink, or similar takeout meals will approx. $5.97
Coffee: a Turkish coffee or a capuccino range from $1.52 to $2.44
Local beer (0.5L): expect to pay as cheap as $1.31 in a local bar
Imported beer (0.33L bottle): prices range from $2.77 to $4.79
For Mediterranean dishes at budget-friendly prices, we cannot recommend Enberi Cafe highly enough. From wood-fired pizzas to vegan-friendly sandwiches to freshly-caught seafood, their menu is extensive, and they have beautiful sea views for days.
Getting To Antalya This Fall
The best destination in the Mediterranean does not have its own airport, but that might be the main reason why it hasn’t yet been completely spoiled.
In order to get there, most tourists will fly into Antalya Airport (AYT), and either rent a car, use an intermunicipal bus, or arrange a private transfer to travel the remaining 80 miles (roughly 2 hours) to Alanya.
If you’re staying in an all-inclusive resort, chances are your hotel will be able to provide a shuttle service, already included in the room rate—you’re advised to contact them in advance to confirm pickup arrangements.
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