Alanya City Guide

Local dishes like kebabs, pide, and seafood are easy to find. International choices include Italian, Chinese, and Indian. Vegetarian options are common; vegans may need to look carefully. Many places stay open late, especially near the harbor.

Nightlife is active along the harbor and city center with many bars, pubs, and clubs playing various music.

The coffee scene mixes traditional Turkish spots and newer cafes. Specialty coffee shops are starting to appear.

Tipping is appreciated but not required. 5-10% is standard in restaurants. Rounding up fares is common for taxis. Small tips for services like hairdressers or hotel staff.

Buy SIM cards at Turkcell, Vodafone, or Türk Telekom stores in the airport or city. Turkcell has the best coverage. Passport needed for registration. eSIMs may be available but check first.

Streets are mostly clean in tourist and central areas. Waste is collected regularly; recycling exists but isn’t extensive.

Pharmacies rotate for 24/7 service. Many minimarts and some supermarkets are open late or 24/7. Hospital emergency and some food outlets run all night.

Supermarkets offer many international products, especially in tourist areas. Local fresh markets run on set days. Stores usually open 9 AM to 9 or 10 PM and stay open Sundays and holidays. Bargaining works in markets but not supermarkets.

Cards are widely accepted in supermarkets, restaurants, and big shops. Still, keep some cash for markets, small shops, and taxis.

ATMs are common, with banks like Ziraat Bankası, İş Bankası, Garanti BBVA, and Akbank. Foreign cards may incur small fees from local and your home bank.

Local schools teach in Turkish. For international curricula like IB or British, parents usually look to Antalya’s established international schools. Early application is advised due to limited spots.

The nomad community is small but growing. Many cafes offer good Wi-Fi and workspaces. Meetups happen but are informal.

Parks like Atatürk Park and coastal green areas are well-kept. Dim River offers natural green space nearby.

Flat running routes run along Kleopatra and Keykubat Beach promenades. Trails near Alanya Castle offer hills and views. Running areas are generally safe.

Several gyms and sports complexes are around the city, some open to memberships for non-residents.

Some hotels and private clubs offer tennis courts. Booking is usually direct at the facility.

Padel courts are rare but may be found at newer sports centers.

A few yoga studios exist, with some English-speaking classes in high season. Spas and Turkish baths are common.

Some gyms offer boxing, kickboxing, and taekwondo. Traditional wrestling is known locally. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Muay Thai gyms are rare.

No ski resorts in Alanya. The nearest, Saklıkent Ski Center, is 2-3 hours away and open December to April.

You can kayak, paddleboard, jet ski, parasail, and join boat tours along the beaches and harbor.

Surfing is not common due to calm Mediterranean waters and a lack of surf spots.

Dive sites include caves and reefs, suited for beginners and advanced divers. Best time is May to October. Equipment rental and certification centers are available.

Alanya has public and private hospitals, with private ones offering better care and shorter waits. English is spoken more in private and tourist season. Pharmacies are numerous and have after-hours service. Healthcare quality rates 7/10.

Tap water isn’t recommended for drinking but fine for showering and brushing teeth. Bottled water is cheap and easy to find.

There are many playgrounds, family-friendly cafes with outdoor seating, and easy access to baby supplies. Popular family spots include Alanya Aquapark, Damlataş Cave, and Alanya Castle.

Turkey is conservative and public LGBTQ+ displays are not common. Alanya reflects this, with no known LGBTQ+-specific venues.

Pet policies differ by hotel and cafe, so check before booking. Several vets are in town. Limited pet parks exist; green spaces are used for walking dogs.