Forget Barcelona and its increasingly anti-tourist feel, Nice with its luxurious and expensive beach clubs, and don’t even think about going to overcrowded Dubrovnik, where you can’t even stroll the streets in peace without touching a stranger’s shoulders.
The Mediterranean Sea is the most magical place on earthbut you won’t find the Old World allure you crave when you’re jostling for a lounge chair on the beach, or waiting in line several long minutes for a gelato cone that tastes anything but homemade.
Were Travel off the pathAfter all, over the past few years we’ve made it one of our goals to uncover the Mediterranean’s best-kept secrets, from the undeveloped beaches of Albania to the pristine golden sands of Northern Cyprus – but there’s only one place that has completely stolen our minds (and hearts):
People have been sleeping on Alanya for far too long
Located on the southern coast of Turkey (or as it is now officially spelled: Türkiye), Alanya is a laid-back beach town that has had a reputation as a wellness destination since ancient times.
We could go further and call it the best destination in the Mediterraneanbecause honestly, we don’t see how exactly it could be overthrown, but don’t take our word for it: take Cleopatra’s, the Egyptian queen herself, who reportedly came all the way from the Nile to swim here.
Back to Alanya itself: it is a medium-sized port city with around 364,000 inhabitants – much smaller than neighboring Antalya, and also much quieter.
While Antalya is a busy seaside resort hotspot with more than 11 to 14 million tourists per year, Alanya’s all-time highlight has been 6+ million so far. In other words, it is far from a hidden gemas it still attracts more than 1/3 of all visitors to this Turkish region, but it’s not exactly overrun by mass tourism either.
A gateway to the ancient world
For many, the main draw of the Mediterranean is its rich Greco-Roman heritage and well-preserved historical sites, and if you’re a history buff with a soft spot for monuments dating back thousands of years, Alanya won’t disappoint.
To start with: that of the city beautiful old town is criss-crossed with pedestrian-friendly streets, lined with bazaar-style shops and Turkish family restaurants passed down from generation to generation.
You will find the monument at the ocean Kizil Kuleor ‘Red Tower’, a medieval stronghold built all the way back in 1226, with the sole purpose of guarding the entrance to Alanya harbour. It is now home to the city’s Ethnographic Museum, and you should definitely not miss this visit.
Right next to the Red Tower, embraced by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Seathe 13th century Alanya shipyard (or Tersan) was built by the Seljuk Turks, a Turkic people who controlled the city in the Middle Ages, and it is where they built and repaired warships.
As you make your way through the maze-like Old Town, littered with Ottoman minarets and traditional houses with covered balconies, and up the hill you will eventually reach KalesiAlanya’s main castle, also built by the Seljuk Turks on top of an older Byzantine fortress.
It has no less than six kilometers of walls, approximately 140 towers, in various levels of preservation, and numerous other reservoirs.
A beach fit for a queen
Of course, it’s not a Mediterranean holiday until you’ve taken an early afternoon dip in a pool-like, crystal clear sea.
Just a 5-minute walk from the Old Town, Cleopatra Beach is Alanya’s most famous swimming spotand a long stretch of golden sand backed by cafes and beach bars. In case you’re wondering: yes, Cleopatra herself is said to have visited this beach during her stay in Alanya.
The nearest beach, another 5 minutes’ walk, Damlataş is just as clean, and its shallow, calm waters and easy access from central Alanya make it a popular destination for families.
However, if you’re looking for some peace and quiet and smaller crowds, Portakal Beach is the place to go: a half-hour walk along the coast, or a 10-minute taxi ride, it has beautiful mountain scenery in the background and a mix of sand and pebbles along the coastline.
East of Alanya, a longer 20-25 minute drive, is the scenic, soft-sand Mahmutlar Beach, which is the closest you can get to a tranquil beach experience, especially in the late afternoon. However, it is far from the city center so you will have to take a taxi or take the local bus.
The cheapest all-inclusives anywhere in the Mediterranean
If you ask us, in addition to its age-old charm and countless beautiful beaches, a big part of Alanya’s appeal is its unrivaled affordability compared to most Mediterranean centres. In fact, it was recently crowned the cheapest all-inclusive destination in the Old Sea.
An all-inclusive stay in October Ramira city hotelan adults-only accommodation with a private pool and a full breakfast in the heart of the old town will cost you just $76 per night.
With two swimming pools, a spa and wellness centre, a private beach and a ‘fantastic’ breakfast, Villa Zonnebloem Hotel is equally cheap, with all-inclusive deals to the tune $77 per night.
Even if you’re tempted to splurge on a five-star hotel with a fancier guest list and a heightened sense of luxury, the opulent Senza Sunset Beach Hotel will bring you back $267 per night.
Eat lavishly for cheap
When it comes to food and other daily expenses, Alanya is not only affordable, but also affordable to steal of an agreement.
According to estimates of Numbeowhich were last updated in September to reflect Turkey’s fluctuating prices, this is the amount you should spend as a tourist in the old city:
- Cheap local restaurant: a simple meal with a drink costs an average of $7.17
- Mid-range restaurant (3-course menu for two): expect to pay about $34.65
- Fast food combination: a kebab-style wrap with a drink or similar takeaway costs approximately $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 at a local bar
- Imported beer (0.33 liter bottle): prices range from $2.77 to $4.79
We cannot recommend it for Mediterranean dishes at budget-friendly prices Enberi Café high enough. From wood-fired pizzas to vegan sandwiches to freshly caught seafood, their menu is extensive and they have stunning sea views for days.
To Antalya this fall
The best destination on the Mediterranean does not have its own airport, but that is perhaps the main reason why it is not yet completely spoiled.
To get there, most tourists fly to Antalya airport (AYT), and rent a car, use an intermunicipal bus, or arrange a private transfer to travel the remaining 130 miles (about 2 hours) to Alanya.
If you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort, chances are your hotel can provide a shuttle service, which is already included in the room rate. You are advised to contact them in advance to confirm pick-up arrangements.
Subscribe to our latest posts
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
