Hotels
The best hotels in Alanya: five resorts on the coast west of town
From the walls of Alanya's castle you look straight down on Cleopatra Beach, a long curve of sand and turquoise water, and across to the harbour and the thirteenth-century Red Tower. Behind the town, the Taurus Mountains rise steeply. Alanya is a real Turkish town with a beach in the centre, and along the coast in both directions are some of Turkey's biggest family resorts.
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Alanya sits on the Turkish Riviera, about two hours east of Antalya, and is one of the most popular holiday towns in Turkey. In the middle of town a rocky peninsula juts into the sea, crowned by a Seljuk castle, walls, old houses and views along the entire coast. On either side are long beaches: Cleopatra to the west and the eastern beach towards Mahmutlar.
The town is lively, with bazaars, restaurants and nightlife, and prices are lower than in many Mediterranean resorts. Along the coast west of town, in Konaklı, Avsallar, Türkler and Okurcalar, are the big all-inclusive resorts, often with water parks and kids' clubs. The nearest airport is Gazipaşa, about 40 minutes away, while Antalya, with more flights from the UK, is two hours west. All five hotels in this guide are on the coast, where the best resorts are. Links go to Hotels.com, and we always choose the hotel before the link.
In short: where to stay in Alanya
All the hotels in this guide are on the coast west of Alanya, because that is where the best-reviewed resorts are. Families who want a water park and kids' club will be happiest at Okurcalar. For a shorter trip to town, the castle and Cleopatra Beach, choose Avsallar and Incekum, about 20 minutes away.
Our first choice: Granada Luxury Beach. Check availability and prices
Best for families: Granada Luxury Resort Okurcalar
Best for a first visit: Granada Luxury Beach
Best for value: Kirman Leodikya Resort
Best for activities: Arycanda Kirman Premium
Best for water sports: Mylome Luxury Hotel & Resort
How to choose a hotel in Alanya
Town or resort: in town you get restaurants and life, but the hotels there are simpler. The resorts west of town have everything but are 20 to 45 minutes away.
Pick the right airport: Gazipaşa is about 40 minutes from town, Antalya around two hours. Check where your flight lands before choosing a hotel.
All-inclusive is the norm: coastal resorts are nearly always sold all-inclusive. Check whether the à la carte restaurants cost extra.
Road between hotel and beach: some resorts sit across the coast road from the beach, with an underpass or bridge. Check if that applies.
High summer is very hot: July and August are scorching. With small children, May, June, September and October are often better.
A short list on purpose: we have kept the list to five resorts we would choose ourselves, which is why it is shorter than most of our guides.
The pool
The pool at Granada Luxury Beach.
Avsallar and Incekum: the resort coast west of town
West of Alanya lie Konaklı, Avsallar and Incekum, with long sandy beaches, pine woods and large resorts. Incekum beach at Avsallar is one of the finest on this coast, and town is about 20 minutes by car.
Granada Luxury Beach: big and complete in Avsallar
Granada Luxury Beach stands on the beach at Avsallar, with many pools, water slides, a spa and a wide choice of restaurants and activities, all included.
It is right for families and friends who want a big resort with plenty to do, and it works well for long stays with something new every day. It is large and busy in summer, so anyone after peace should look elsewhere. Incekum beach nearby is long and shallow, ideal for children.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Granada Luxury Beach
The pool
The pool at Arycanda Kirman Premium.
Arycanda Kirman Premium: activities from morning to night
Arycanda Kirman Premium stands on the beach along the resort coast west of Alanya, with ultra all-inclusive dining, six restaurants, a spa, a bowling alley, a nightclub and pool bars. The gym runs yoga and group classes, and the beach has volleyball and morning yoga.
It suits couples, friends and families with older children who want plenty to do without leaving the resort, and who value good food and a spa. It is a big, lively hotel with shows and music in the evening, so anyone after quiet nights should ask for a room away from the pool area.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Arycanda Kirman Premium
The pool
The pool at Granada Luxury Resort Okurcalar.
Okurcalar and further west: the family resorts
Further west lie Türkler and Okurcalar, with beaches, pine woods and some of the most family-friendly resorts in the area. Alanya is about half an hour away.
Granada Luxury Resort Okurcalar: a water park and a kids' club
Granada Luxury Resort Okurcalar stands on the beach at Okurcalar, with a water park included for guests and six restaurants. There is also a spa with thalassotherapy and a hamam, a beach bar and a pool bar. Breakfast is a buffet, and everything else through the day is included.
It is our family pick, because children can slide and swim all day without leaving the resort. Adults get a spa and some peace when the kids' club is open. It also suits big groups of friends. It is large and busy in school holidays, and Alanya is about half an hour away by car.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Granada Luxury Resort Okurcalar
The beach
The beach at Kirman Leodikya.
Kirman Leodikya: a family resort at Okurcalar
Kirman Leodikya Resort stands on the beach at Okurcalar, with large pools, water slides, a kids' club and all-inclusive dining. The gardens are green and spacious.
It is our value pick, giving plenty for the money in a resort with good standards. It is well suited to families and couples who want beach, pool and a calm evening atmosphere. It is about half an hour from Alanya, so take a taxi or bus to see town, and the small local bazaar in Okurcalar makes a pleasant evening stroll.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Kirman Leodikya
The pool
The pool at Mylome Luxury Hotel & Resort.
Mylome Luxury Hotel & Resort: water sports and beach bars
Mylome Luxury Hotel & Resort stands by the sea west of Alanya, with ultra all-inclusive dining, six restaurants, three beach bars, a spa and a gym open around the clock. On the beach you can water-ski, try parasailing or join a yoga class.
It suits couples and friends who want to be active by day and have restaurants and music in the evening. It also works for families with teenagers. It is a new, large resort with a fast pace in high season. The distance to Alanya means a taxi or bus when you want to see the castle and harbour.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Mylome Luxury Hotel & Resort
When to book
Summer: June to August is high season, with high temperatures and full resorts. Book early for school holidays.
Spring and autumn: April, May, September and October are the best months for many, with a warm sea in autumn.
Winter: November to March is mild and quiet, with low rates. Many resorts close, but the town carries on.
Our first choice in Alanya
Granada Luxury Beach
We recommend Granada Luxury Beach because it is a big resort with plenty to do, all included. It sits on the beach at Avsallar, with many pools, waterslides, a spa and a wide choice of restaurants. It works well for families and friends on longer stays.
Hotels in Alanya: frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to stay in Alanya?
Along the coast west of town, at Avsallar and Okurcalar, are the best resorts. For town life and Cleopatra Beach you can stay in Alanya itself, but check reviews carefully before you book. Avsallar is closest to town, about 20 minutes away, and Okurcalar further west.
Which airport is closest to Alanya?
Gazipaşa is about 40 minutes from town. Antalya has more flights but is around two hours away, so check where your flight lands. Many hotels offer transfers, so ask when you book. Gazipaşa is small, so flights there run less often in winter.
Is Cleopatra Beach good for children?
Yes, it is long and sandy with a gradual slope. In summer it gets busy, so arrive early in the morning. The water is clear, and in summer there are usually few waves. Parasols can be hired on the beach.
Is Alanya cheap?
Food, drink and hotels cost less than in many Mediterranean resorts, especially outside high season. Haggling is normal in the bazaars. Check what is included if you choose all-inclusive, as drinks and restaurants vary. Prices in the bars along the harbour are higher than in the side streets.
What is there to see in Alanya?
The castle, the Red Tower, the harbour and the Damlataş cave with its stalactites. Boat trips along the coast and the cable car up to the castle are popular. A day trip to Sapadere Canyon in the Taurus Mountains is also popular in summer.