Budget Travel to Alanya 2024
Welcome to Alanya!
Alanya is a popular seaside destination that is located in the south of Türkiye. It´s a city with stunning natural beauty, rich history, and lively culture and is a perfect choice for budget-conscious travellers.
In this budget-friendly travel guide, we will give you all the information, tips, and recommendations that you need for exploring Alanya without breaking the bank.
There are plenty of affordable attractions and activities in Alanya, as well as inexpensive accommodation and low-cost transportation options. Alanya is a smaller and cheaper version of Antalya and has a laid back vibe.
It is ideal for families, older travellers and people who are looking for a holiday town that is easy to get around and offers great attractions, activities and beaches.
We will give you all the information and travel tips you need to help you plan an affordable and memorable holiday in Alanya.
Key Takeaways
- There are many beautiful beaches like Cleopatra Beach, Dalmataş Beach and Halk Beach.
- You can explore historical attractions such as the Red Tower, Alanya Castle, and the Alanya Archaeological Museum.
- Don’t miss other exciting attractions like Damlataş Cave, Alanya Old Town district, and the Alanya Teleferik (Cable car).
- There are several nearby attractions like Dim Cave, the Dima River, Tazi Canyon, and Sapadere Canyon as well as some great boat trips.
- There is affordable shopping in Alanya’s lively bazaars.
- You can choose from many budget friendly accommodation options such as guest houses, and low-cost hotels.
- Foodies can enjoy budget-friendly dining with lots of delicious and inexpensive Turkish cuisine.
- You’ll also find out how to travel to Alanya using low-cost flights and intercity buses.
Where is Alanya?
Alanya is a beautiful seaside resort that is situation on the Mediterranean coast of Southern Turkey. It is located about 800 kilometres south of Istanbul, approximately 130 kilometres along the coast from Antalya, and just over 200 kilometres north west of the island of Cyprus. The nearest airport to Alanya is located about 40 kilometres away in the town of Gazipaşa.
Map of Alanya
The Best Beaches in Alanya
Cleopatra Beach
One of the most famous beaches in Alanya is Cleopatra Beach (Kleopatra Plaji) and it´s a popular sunspot for both tourists and locals alike. As you may have guessed, it´s named after the famous queen of Egypt who supposedly swam in its turquoise waters more than two thousand years ago.
This beach stretches for about 2km and is located close to the town centre and is a very clean and organised place with golden sands and clean bathing waters. There is a lovely walking path that runs parallel to the beach with many nice cafes and restaurants.
There are plenty of sun loungers and beach umbrellas available along the beach with nearby showers and toilets. The beach is not free and you will need to pay a small fee to use the loungers and its facilities. You can order drinks from their bar and there are friendly waiters who will bring drinks to your lounger.
The prices of soft drinks are very reasonable. However, alcoholic drinks tend to be expensive in Turkey, due to high taxes. If you like drinking alcohol, then perhaps you should try a local beer, such as EFES, which is not bad and is probably your cheapest option.
Budget travellers can save money by walking further along the beach, away from the town. It´s free and you can easily find a quiet place to put your towel on the sand and take your own drinks.
Dalmataş Beach
This lovely sandy beach is also located at the end of Cleopatra beach and near the town centre. It is just a short walk from the famous Dalmatas Caves.
It is a free beach that also has free sun loungers, but you should arrive there early in the summer to get one. There is also easy access for people who are physically challenged and parts of the beach are wheelchair friendly.
It is an ideal beach for families, and water sports lovers as there is diving from the rocks as well as some jet skiing. There is a nice and relaxing atmosphere on the beach.
Municipal Beach (Halk Plaji)
This is another good option for budget-conscious travellers. The beach is free and there are also some free loungers and beach umbrellas available.
You will find mainly locals and Turkish tourists on this beach, and it gives you a great chance to chat and get to know the friendly Turkish holiday makers and learn about the local culture.
Remember that Turkey is very hot in the summer and the best time to visit the beach is in the morning or late afternoon. Furthermore, sun protection is quite expensive in Turkey, so bring plenty with your from your own country to help save money.
Waterparks in Alanya
In addition to the stunning its beaches, Alanya is home of two water parks that can offer hours of fun and entertainment. The parks feature amazing water slides, wave pools as well as lazy rivers. They are a great option for a day of family-friendly adventures.
Alanya Aquapark
This waterpark is centrally located and easy to get there if you are staying in town.
- Adult 21 Euros
- Child 17 Euros
There is another water park called Water Planet Aquapark, but it is located about 40 kilometres form Alanya and unless you rent a car, it is difficult to get there.
The Historic Sea Walls
If you like mediaeval history, then you are going to love the amazing history of Alanya. The city boasts many amazing historical attractions that are unmissable for culture lovers, most of which have very reasonable entrance fees. This makes it a great place for budget-conscious travellers.
At the end of the harbour area, you can´t miss the impressive sea walls. These walls were built by the Seljuk Turks after taking control of the city in the early 1200s to protect the city from invasion.
Walking along the top of the historic defensive sea walls is a wonderful experience, especially at sunset, when there are usually almost no tourists around. The narrow beach below where the golden sands meet the stone walls is the ideal place for a unique sunbathing experience.
Just on the other side of the sea walls you will see a long and narrow sandy free beach, which in my opinion is one of the most unique beaches in Turkey and in the late afternoon it is fairly quiet and is a great place to watch the sun go down.
The Red Tower
Just behind the sea walls are several interesting attractions, including The Red Town (KiziKale) was built in the 1227-28 century to protect the port. There are some great views from the terrace at the top.
There is a garden area between the Red tower and the sea walls with plenty of trees to give you shade from the sun, as well as a few vey nice and budget-friendly restaurants. You can even just have a drink there if you are feeling thirsty and need to take a rest.
The Old Shipyard
Another attraction behind the sea walls is the shipyard. This is situated in the same complex, near to the Red Tower, but a little further along the impressive defensive stone walls that run along the coastline.
The 13th century shipyard is made up of five arched sea entrances that lead to the interior ship building area. The cost of visiting both sites is just a few euros.
Alanya Castle
Sitting on the top of the hill in the town centre is the unmissable and splendid Alanya Castle. It is a fascinating place, not only because it takes you on a journey back through time, but also because of the amazing panoramic views of the city that you get from the historic towers of the castle. You can get there on foot, by cable car, by bus or by taxi.
The castle was originally founded by the Greeks in the first century B.C, although what can be seen of the castle today is thanks to the work of the Seljuk Turks and Ottomans. The grounds of the castle are quite extensive with maze-like pathways and tunnels.
It can take you a couple hours to see it properly, including a visit to the Alanya Castle Museum which is located within the castle area. if you visit Alanya, it is a must-see attraction and costs less than 5 euros to visit.
The Archaeological Museum
For history lovers the Alanya Archaeological Museum, which is located next to Ataturk Park in the town centre, is definitely worth a visit. The museum is divided into two parts, an archaeological section and ethnographic section.
The museum houses a wide range of historical artefacts, including many Roman, Lydian and Ottoman works of art as well as many everyday ancient objects. It´s open from 8.00 to 19.00 in the summer months and costs 140 lira (just under 5 euros)
Alanya Old Town
A lovely way of spending your afternoons and early evenings is taking a relaxing walk through the charming Alanya old town district. In this part of town, you will find lots of pretty narrow streets and plenty of cute traditional Turkish houses.
In this part of town you will also find many souvenir shops and stalls that sell traditional crafts and other interesting items which can make ideal gifts. However, the Friday market is probably a cheaper place to buy souvenirs.
It is also a lots of nice and inexpensive coffee shop where you can sit and relax and drink a Turkish coffee . If you´re feeling hungry, you can either try some delicious street food or sit down order a snack and do some people watching.
Alanya Teleferik (Cable Car)
For a unique holiday experience, you can take a cable car ride on the Alanya Teleferik which is located near the town centre, just across from the museum.
The trip to the top of the steep hill to Alanya Castle only takes about 3 or 4 minutes but offers holidaymakers a great experience with some amazing views along the way.
From the top you can get panoramic views of the city, with its stunning blue coastline, and the dramatic Taurus Mountains in the background. It´s a great place to take stunning photos of this beautiful town.
If you’re Turkish or have a Turkish resident’s card, the price is 280 Turkish Lira (about 10 euros), for foreign Tourists the price is around 15 Euros return. Students can get a discount if they have an International Student discount card. It is possible to save money by buying a one-way ticket to the top and by walking down the hill.
Dalamataş Cave
In addition to the beaches and historical attractions, Alanya offers several other local sites that are worth exploring.
You should continue your adventure with a visit to Damlatas Cave, a natural wonder that is believed to have healing properties. The cave is located about 3 kilometres from the town centre and getting there is a pleasant walk.
However, if the weather is too hot you can always jump in a local minibus, called a Dolmuş for about 50 cents and you can get there in just a few minutes. (Tell the driver to stop at Dam-la-tash / ma-a-ra-suh). He will stop the minibus when you get there. Alternatively use your GPS on your phone to make sure you don´t miss your stop.
The cave is 30 metres deep and 15 metres high and the rock formations are fascinating. In the summer it opens from 10.00 to 19.00 and it only costs about 2 euros to enter.
Excursions from Alanya
Boat Trips
If you’re looking for a unique way to discover Alanya’s coastline, then you shouldn´t miss the opportunity to go one of the many boat trips that are on offer at Alanya Harbour.
These boat trips offer you panoramic views of the city and the sometimes you can even the chance to spot dolphins along the way. Prices start from about 20 Euros.
The boat trips on the huge pirate ships are probably the most popular ones, and can offer a fun holiday experience, especially for families with kids. However, for older travellers the music they play onboard can be very loud and irritating after a while.
There are other trips on smaller boats that also offer you the chance to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. Some of these boats don´t play music onboard, ask before buying a ticket.
Dım Cave and Dim River
The Dim Cave is located just 20 minutes from Alanya and is one of the largest caves in the country and a place of incredible natural beauty. The organised tour is usually combined with a visit to the nearby beautiful Dim River.
This trip usually costs around 20 euros per person. Alternatively, if you are on a tight budget, you could get a bus from Alanya bus station to the village of Kestel and from there catch a taxi or dolmuş minibus to get to the cave. However, getting a taxi back to the village after your visit to the cave might be an issue.
Tazi Canyon
Another amazing excursion is one that visits the Tazi Canyon, the ancient city of Selge, and Adam Rocks. It is a great combination of nature and history, but it´s more expensive at just under 50 euros per person but includes lunch.
Sapadere Canyon
Lastly, located deep in the wild Taurus mountains is the Sapadere Canyon with its hiking paths and waterfalls, is a place of great natural beauty. The canyon is located about 40 km from Alanya, and an excursion costs around 30 euros.
Shopping in Alanya
You can enjoy the lively shopping scene in Alanya by visiting the one of the bustling bazaars, wandering around the old town, or even a modern shopping mall. However, for traditional handicrafts and traditional Turkish products, you should try to go to the bazaar in Alanya.
Friday Market (Çuma Pazaar)
There are many small stalls scattered around the city. However, the largest market in the city is the Friday market, which not only sells food and cloths, but also lots of items that could make great and affordable souvenirs. It is located in the heart of the town every Friday, get there early, as it can get hot walking around at midday in the summer months.
Accommodation in Alanya
Finding the right accommodation is important way of reducing your holiday expenses. Thankfully, Alanya offers a wide range of options to suit every budget traveller.
Unfortunately, there are no hostels as such in Alanya, unlike in other the large seaside resort, such as Antalya which offers several dormitory style hostels.
However, if you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodation choices in Alanya, you should consider staying in a Turkish guest house (Pansyon). They usually have a more intimate and cosier atmosphere than a hotel.
Furthermore, these small guest houses often offer simple but often includes a traditional Turkish breakfast. It is a great way of experiencing local hospitality at a reasonable price.
For tips and more information on accommodation please check the complete guide on where to stay in Turkey
Room & Apartment Rental
Airbnb.com and hometogo.com both offer well-priced apartment rental. However, only Airbnb also offers room rental which is probably the cheapest way to find cheap accommodation. This option offers budget-conscious travellers a bedroom in shared accommodation in the home of a local.
This can be a pleasant experience and you can get first hand tips and advice from your host. However, you should always check out the location to be sure that it is not too far away and look at some of the comments left by previous guests.
Apartment rental prices have increased significantly on Airbnb in Turkey in recent years. It is now sometimes cheaper to stay in a hotel than to rent an apartment. This is especially true if you are travelling solo.
If you have a large family or are travelling in a group, renting an entire apartment can offer good value for money. Compare prices to see which option is best for you.
Budget Hotels
For those seeking a bit more comfort, Alanya has plenty of economic hotels to choose from. Accommodation generally becomes cheaper as you get further away from the city centre. However, the inconvenience and expense of getting transport into town every day may sometimes counterbalance the lower prices.
In the heart of the city, you can also find plenty of economical accommodation options that may be slightly more expensive but much more convenient. It is also possible to find a small hotel that offers a pool without breaking the bank. Here are a few budget hotels that are centrally located and are reasonably priced:
- Kleopatra Carina Hotel 2 stars, centrally located.
- En Vie Beach Hotel 2 starts, near the harbour.
- Kleopatra Bebek Hotel 3 star, centrally located.
- HMA Apart Hotel 3 star. near the harbour.
It’s essential to research and compare prices. Of course, travelling in Spring or early summer, or even early autumn is the best time to get a great deal and enjoy pleasant weather.
You can use Google maps to find a hotel. It is good method because it shows you both the location and price of the hotel. From there you can do a little research to find out more information about its facilities, availability, and recommendations.
What to Eat in Alanya
When it comes to eating out in Alanya, you’ll be happy to know that you don’t have to empty your wallet to enjoy delicious Turkish cuisine. The city offers a lot of budget-friendly places to eat where you can try authentic Turkish food and drinks inexpensively.
There are parts of Alanya where you will also find typical western fast food, such as burgers, pizzas, etc. However, many of these Western fast-food options are often more expensive and less delicious than Turkish cuisine. Although sometimes it is just nice to eat a burger and French fries and forget about the calories.
For a taste of local flavours, you should head to the bustling street food stalls that are scattered throughout Alanya. Here, you’ll find lots of mouth-watering options, from sizzling kebabs and juicy gözleme (savoury filled pancakes) to crispy falafel.
If you prefer a sit-down dining experience then Alanya offers a range of budget-friendly restaurants that serve up delicious Turkish cuisine.
The best budget -friendly ones are usually called “Lokantas.” These types of restaurants is a must-try if you’re looking for typical dishes like a bowl of delicious soup, a plate of juicy Adana kebab, or Turkish stuffed eggplants.
For more tips and information, please check out the complete guide to Turkish food on a budget.
Where to Eat in Alanya
One popular budget-friendly restaurant in Alanya is Arap Mehmet Kebap Solunu which is located in the heart of the city. This hidden gem is known for its generous portions, friendly service, and affordable prices. You can feast on kebabs and traditional Turkish mezes while enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Another great option is the restaurant called Lost in Alanya, which is a place full of great food and a great atmosphere, including sometimes live music. It is not cheap, but it is also not expensive and it is a must for a good evening meal near the heart of the city.
If you’re in the mood for seafood, Cadde Balık Restaurant is a must-visit fish restaurant that also serves meat. It is located near the Alanya water park and offers a wide selection of fresh seafood dishes at affordable prices. There aren´t many foreigners there and they only speak Turkish, so get you google translator out to order your meal.
Remember that in Turkey as in most countries, ordering fish is nearly always more expensive than ordering meat dishes. Vegetarian dishes, such as falafel are always the cheapest option. Meze starters are often served at the beginning of a meal and are numerous small plates with tasty dips, etc.
Getting to Alanya
Flights to Alanya
It goes without saying that the best way to get there is via Alanya-Gazipaşa Airport (GZP). The airport is located about 40 kilometres from Alanya and outside the main summer season, flights can be less frequent and more expensive.
However, there is another alternative and that is to fly to Antalya Airport (AYT) which is approximately 115 kilometres from Alanya. Taking a taxi from Antalya Airport to Alanya will cost you a lot of money. Therefore, you would need to get a taxi to Antalya bus station and cost a direct bus for less than 10 euros to Alanya bus station.
Antalya Airport is much bigger and has a lot more low-cost international and domestic flights than Alanya. For that reason, sometimes it is just cheaper to get an early morning flight to Antalya and a bus to Alanya.
For tips and information on flights to and around Turkey, please check the complete guide to air travel in Turkey.
International Flights
Of course, it is easier to look out for cheap flights to Gazipaşa Alanya Airport on a low cost carrier, such as:
- Pegasus Airlines
- Corendon Airlines
- Sunclass Airways
- Get Jet
- Finn Air
- Norwegian Airlines
You should find out which of these airlines fly from city near you and join their mailing list for special offers and discounts. Sometimes booking your tickets in advance can also help you get the best fares.
Alternatively, you should consider flying during off-peak seasons or on weekdays as that can also make it possible to find cheaper tickets.
Most of the international European flights that go to Alanya leave from Scandinavian countries, Germany, and the Netherlands. There are only a few flights from the UK to Alanya and in the low season you will probably have fly to Alanya via Istanbul.
Domestic Flights
There are also domestic flights that can connect travellers to Alanya.
- Istanbul International – Turkish Airways 1h.30m
- Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen – Pegasus Airlines 1h.20m
- Ankara – Turkish Airlines 1h.10m
Flights from Istanbul to Alanya are usually cheaper with Pegasus Airlines, but be careful with the baggage allowance, you will have to pay extra if you take a lot of luggage.
Getting to Alanya City Centre from the Airport
There are taxis available 24/7 at the airport and you should expect to pay about 25-30 euros for the 40 km trip to Alanya.
There is also a much more economical Airport shuttle buses (Havas) that runs regularly throughout the day between the Airport and the city centre.
You can pay on board with a credit card or cash. You´ll need to show your passport when buying the ticket. When you arrive in the town centre you can get a cheap taxi to your hotel or guest house.
Intercity Buses to Alanya
If you are travelling around Turkey, the most inexpensive way to reach Alanya is by taking an intercity bus. Turkey has an extensive bus network that connects major cities, including Alanya.
When travelling by bus, it’s advisable to compare schedules and prices from different bus companies to find the most suitable option for your journey. The best way to do this is by using an online app such as Busbud, you can even book your ticket online to make life easier.
Intercity buses offer comfortable seating and amenities, making the journey enjoyable. Unlike in some other countries, they do not have an onboard toilet, but they have regular stops where you can stretch your legs, use the toilet, and grab refreshments.
For more tips and information about travelling by intercity buses in Turkey, please check out the complete guide.
Routes and Journey Times
Distances in Turkey are big, so if you are planning on travelling from Istanbul to Alanya by bus, you probably should try to break it up into by at least having one stopover along the way.
Starting point | Duration of Bus Ride | Bus Company |
Istanbul | 15 hours | Flikbus / Pamukkale |
Izmir | 11-12 hours | Isparta / Akdeniz |
Antalya | 3h.30m | Flixbus / Pamukkale |
Konya | 4h.20m | Kontur |
Cappadocia (Goreme) | 13-14 hours | Flixbus |
Getting from the Bus Station to Alanya City Centre
The bus station is located at the top of the hill at the back of Alanya. You could walk down the hill in about 20 minutes with you luggage if you are feeling energetic.
However, if you are tired after a long bus journey, you will probably just want to get a taxi to your accommodation. To get to the town centre costs around 4 euros, depending on the location and time of day.
There are also city buses, but you need to have a city bus pass. If you are on a tight budget then you can get a shared minibus for about 50 cents and you can pay in cash.
Getting Around Alanya
When exploring Alanya, you’ll be glad to know that getting around doesn’t have to be expensive. The city offers budget-friendly transportation options that let you to travel around town.
Fortunately, the city isn´t very big, so if you are staying near the centre, you will probably be able to get around everywhere on foot. If you plan to travel to neighbourhoods that are further away from the town centre, then you can take a bus, or a shared minibus called a dolmuş.
If you go by bus, you need to buy a city travel pass called a KentKart and top it up with money before using it on your bus trips.
This makes it complicated for tourists because you cannot pay in cash on the bus and finding a place to buy a KentKart is often not easy and the people who sell them don´t often speak any English.
Alternatively, taking a dolmus is often an easier option because you can pay in cash (use small notes, as the driver will not change a large bank note) and the trip on average costs about 50 cents. However, you need to know which minibus is going to your destination and where to get off.
When to Visit Alanya
The summertime can be busy and a little expensive in Alanya. Accommodation in Alanya is generally cheaper than in Antalya but flights to Alanya can sometimes be more expensive. Furthermore, the summer heat can be extreme, especially during the middle of the day.
For many budget travellers, avoiding July and August is not only good for your budget but also healthier for your skin. April, May, June, September, and October are probably the best months of the year to visit the city on a budget.
These days many retired travellers, especially from northern Europe like to spend the entire winter in Alanya, making the most of its winter sun and lower prices.
Is Alanya Worth Visiting?
To sum it up, Alanya is a top tourist destination that offers a variety of attractions and experiences for budget-conscious travellers. This charming coastal town is the perfect destination for those seeking an affordable yet unforgettable holiday get away.
It has stunning beaches, several fascinating historical sites, delicious food, and inexpensive accommodation options, Alanya has something to offer everyone.
If Alanya was my main travel destination I would recommend a stay of at least one week. If I were on a tour of Turkey, I would probably stay there for at least two full days.
Every year millions of tourists take a trip to Turkey, especially to seaside resorts such as Bodrum, Marmaris and Antalya. However, if you decide to discover Alanya you will definitely not be disappointed. Personally, I can´t wait to get back there.
