Living in Alanya: Tips for Foreigners

Alanya is a popular tourist destination in Turkey due to its rich historical heritage, natural beauty, warm seashore, mild climate, and plenty of archaeological monuments. For all ex-pats who call Alanya home, life is perfect. Peaceful, serene, low-cost living, and 300 days of sunlight every year makes Alanya a perfect destination. Alanya is one of several ex-pat hotspots hosting an influx of foreigners.

The local government's recent efforts to advertise Alanya to a global audience have resulted in a surge in tourists and foreign property buyers. Alanya is rising as a destination, and it is important to learn about Alanya and its numerous components, which makes it a perfect place to own a property and live among its lovely streets. Alanya is a year-round tourist destination in Turkey, a city that embraces all religions and ethnicities, and has ancient languages and civilizations. All willing investors are advised to live in Alanya. In general, foreigners seek to acquire property in Alanya for many reasons, that we are going to discuss in detail in this article.

What are the Advantages of Living in Alanya?

• Wise financial decision: For many people, the financial benefits are numerous. Due to the cheap costs per square meter, most foreigners who migrate there have a well-rounded financial portfolio and can buy a home straight immediately. Some coastal districts, like Mahmutlar, have property values that are half that of other Aegean coast locations. Alanya satisfies the dream of living by the sea by offering outstanding value for money, both in terms of property prices and monthly living expenditures. Also, living in Alanya is not at all expensive, and it is even less expensive than living in European cities. Fresh fruits and vegetables are available at reasonable costs all year at the local market.

• Touristic character: Alanya district has a special touristic character that adds to the city's beauty. The existence of a great number of various tourist attractions has made it a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world, with a high number of visitors arriving each year. These tourists visit its coasts and historical sites, appreciate the beauty of its lovely nature, and eventually become engrossed in its charm, deciding to stay and live in Turkey for the rest of their life. Moreover, in Alanya being your unique self is encouraged in a global culture that attracts people from all over the world, including Brits, Germans, Russians, Turks, and Middle Easterners. The variety of pubs, restaurants, and stores across Alanya is proof of this.

• Climate and nature: Like a painting by a creative artist whose passion is for the love of this city, Alanya's attractive environment is merged with a warm geographic climate. In most seasons of the year, the average temperature in this city is moderate, with a relatively chilly Mediterranean winter. The coastal line in Alanya that connects the Taurus Mountains to the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the presence of many attractive beaches including Cleopatra Beach, Demirtas Beach, and Ince Kum Beach, add to the splendor of the charming nature present there. In addition, the region's flowing waterfalls, muddy forests, sea valleys, fresh rivers, and dark caves make Alanya a unique tourist destination in Turkey. Alanya has become a real-time investment destination, especially in the real estate area, due to the above-mentioned remarkable tourism features and a mild climate, with a growing demand for real estate from all foreign nationalities, to live in the arms of beautiful nature in Antalya in general or Alanya in particular.

• Choices of Lifestyle: The choice is something that humans yearn for. We enjoy it, whether it's something as easy as what to eat for breakfast or what to do, or something more difficult like where to live. Alanya provides many options in this sense. A few communities, hotels, and cafes cater to individuals who want to live on a budget, while others cater to those who want to live in grandeur. Local enterprises such as restaurants and tea cafes can help you indulge in all things Turkish or village trips if you wake up one morning wanting to do so. Expat clubs and societies, on the other hand, provide an international vibe to mix or catch up on home stories. Simply adjust the day's theme to how you're feeling because everything and anything is right outside your door. You'll never run out of options.

What are the Cons of Living in Alanya?

• The humidity is high: Summer humidity levels can become unpleasant when combined with the scorching heat, making it difficult to breathe for some people. You'll probably feel moist/sweaty again by the time you get out of the shower and dress.
• High waves: The seas of Alanya, and hence the Mediterranean, are substantially wider than the waters of the Aegean. In the afternoon, the waves get bigger, and you might not be able to swim if they are too big.
• Bills for electricity: If you aren't acclimated to temps in the 40s, your air conditioner will likely run nonstop during the summer. Even if you don't like the heat, having an air conditioner is necessary to remove some of the humidity. As a result, anticipate your summer bills to skyrocket.
• Nightlife: In the winter, the exciting nightlife fades away, and instead, you'll notice more people out and about in tea gardens (cay bahcesi) to pass the time.

What are the Best Places to Live in Alanya?

Here you can find the Best Places to Live in Alanya

1. Damlatas

The gorgeous Damlatas Beach in Alanya, located in front of the interesting Damlatas Cave, will wow you with its crystal-clear water and natural beauty. Damlatas Beach, near Damlatas Cave, is ideal for seaside recreation. It's the eastern end of Cleopatra Beach. Damlatas Beach, like its neighbor, has excellent golden sand and crystal blue water. Diving and snorkeling are popular activities on Damlatas Beach. With diving goggles, you may marvel at the diverse marine life and the amazing underwater world of Cleopatra Bay. The 250 m sandy beach is 100 m wide. So, finding a calm location on the beach should be easy. The cool stalactite cave is right next to Damlatas Beach. More on Damlatas Cave can be found in our Damlatas Cave guide. The Alanya Archaeology Museum and Cleopatra Beach are both within walking distance. Exploring the city's nightlife is also easy in this neighborhood. Kizil Kule, Alanya's nightlife district, and the waterfront are both walkable.

2. Tosmur

Tosmur is a new calm district located 7 kilometers east of Alanya's city center. The sandy beaches at Tosmur are some of the bests in the region. The area's key attractions are its gorgeous terrain and pleasant environment. Tosmur is known for its lemon and orange trees, a cave with an underground lake, and a river that flows into the sea. There are parks, children's playgrounds, shops, and restaurants in this well-kept green district. Foreigners choose to buy real estate in this location because the residential complexes have excellent infrastructure: in addition to saunas, pools, gyms, gazebos for picnics, barbeque areas, tennis courts, and other amenities are prevalent.

3. Kestel

Kestel is a coastal district of Alanya. It is easily accessible, being 140 km from Antalya and 7 km from Alanya. Kestel is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, from the Taurus Mountains to the Mediterranean Sea. Due to its numerous attractions, it is favored by both Turkish and foreign visitors. Kestel has two vacations and lives. You may remain high in the mountains and experience Kestel's peace. The mountainside offers fewer attractions. This offers spectacular Taurus Mountains scenery and a peaceful environment. On the other side of the district is Kestel's stunning natural beaches. This area of the district is more likely than other parts of Alanya but still peaceful. You may enjoy cafes, pubs, restaurants, and tours.

Kestel features various five-star hotels, B&Bs, and holiday rentals. Each property is carefully planned for your holiday enjoyment. Kestel has various properties for sale if you want to settle or buy a second house. Most flats are in complexes, while most villas are in sites. The homes are stylish and pleasant. They are also good investments. There are many things to do in Kestel. It is close to Alanya's center, so you can easily engage in activities there. You can also swim in Dim Creek. Alanya Castle is conveniently accessible. Kestel is just 20 minutes away from Cleopatra Beach. You may drive or use public transportation to the famed beach. Kestel is a quiet district accessible to all excursion and leisure options. It's a place to enjoy yourself with family and friends. It features magnificent nature and amenities.

4. Mahmutlar

Alanya is located 10 kilometers east of Mahmutlar, which is in the Turkish province of Antalya. In the winter, the population is 15,000; in the summer, the population is 60,000. The construction of holiday homes and flats for European tourists has completely modified the town's landscape. Roads and utilities have been upgraded to accommodate the rising tourist population. Mahmutlar Beach is a popular tourist destination. The sea and beach are both sandy, though there are some buhrstones in some areas. Natural vegetation covers a portion of the approximately five-kilometer-long shoreline. The entrance to the beach is completely free.

How is Life in Alanya?

Alanya is a popular destination for many visitors these days. According to a recent newspaper, there were 31,500 foreigners representing 82 different nationalities living in the country all year round at the time of the latest count. The statistics were issued by the Alanya Foreigners Council, which was founded 15 years ago to ensure that foreigners, who make up 10% of the population, could integrate into the community. Alanya has been nicknamed “Turkey's Mini version of United Nations" because of the multicultural mixing of local Turks and foreigners. Of course, Alanya's Mediterranean coastline location is a huge draw, and that is one of the reasons why foreigners select Alanya as their permanent residence.

Although Alanya is a touristic town, its colorful life does not end with the season. Everything that makes people’s lives easier is open in the winter. That's why many people buy flats and villas in Alanya for both vacation and relocation. The language barrier is nonexistent here. English is spoken by most of the people in Alanya. If you encounter a local who doesn't speak English, they will find someone who does. The city is continually evolving into new parks, schools, hospitals, beaches, etc. Alanya is treated with care and respect by the mayor and other local citizens. In 2018, he was named Turkey's Best Mayor. This location is particularly eco-friendly. No dangerous major industries nearby. You have the coastline, banana plantations, mountain rivers, and beautiful forests. Alanya also has a low cost of living. Always fresh produce is cheaper than in most European countries. Real estate and other services are also reasonably priced.

Why Should You Move to Alanya?

People love Alanya's warm climate, beautiful beaches, pleasant people, and affordable flats and villas. The Turkish Lira also has a great value compared to the Pound, Euro, or Dollar, making your stay in Alanya quite affordable.

• Turkey raises interest rates: Most foreigners save in high-interest bank accounts (10-15%) and live off the monthly interest. So, they never have to spend money and live for free.
• Lifestyle: For thousands of ex-pats in Alanya, life is perfect. Peaceful, tranquil, low maintenance, and sunny for 300 days a year.
• Cost of living: Living in Alanya is not expensive, even cheaper than in European cities. Fresh fruits and veggies are available all year round at very reasonable costs.
• Health system: Dental and optical services are excellent in Turkey and far less expensive than in Europe. The same goes for non-prescription medicines.
• Public Transport and Airport: 40km Gazipasa 120km to Antalya airport Alanya is easy to walk around, and public transport is available.
• Hospitality: Turks believe visitors are God's guests. ay-Tea is virtually free

Is Moving Alanya Easy?

Yes, Alanya is a small, but lovely, up-and-coming tourist location worth visiting. Some of the interesting things to do and places to visit at this secret getaway will astound you. If you're planning to move to Turkey and aren't sure if Alanya should be the place you going to reside at, keep reading. We've compiled a list of things to do in Alanya and the surrounding area that might help you decide. We have a feeling you'll be glad you have chosen this city as home.

What are the Requirements for Moving Alanya?

Maintain financial control, especially if you own property in your home country. Know your incomes and expenses, as well as unforeseen bills like household repairs. Make a spending plan and stick to it. If you receive a wage or pension in a foreign currency, keep an eye on exchange rates. Upon arrival, register for a Turkish residency visa and, if you don't have a privacy policy, enroll in the government's SGK insurance. Take advantage of existing ex-pat communities, which can be a valuable source of information. Making Turkish friends provides an additional source of support with a unique perspective. It will assist if you learn as much of the language as possible, try Turkish foods, and attend cultural events such as weddings.

What is the Easiest Way to Move Alanya?

The easiest way to move to Alanya is by buying a property. Alanya has risen to become a major player in the Turkish market over the previous decade. The property portfolio, which was once overshadowed by Antalya's main town center, is now all-encompassing, and the region has key importance. The cost of flats and villas is even more appealing. Due to a large supply of houses and land suitable for construction, costs per square meter have remained low, making Alanya some of the finest value real estate in Turkey. This is currently an added benefit, as the exchange rate assures that foreigners receive more Turkish lira in return for their home currency.

As the region has evolved, so have the services and amenities, ensuring that people have all they need right at their fingertips. The opening of Gazipasa airport, which serves both domestic and international flights, was a significant factor in its rise. To give you a sense of how important Alanya is, it is part of the Antalya district and accounts for a third of the region's tourism. Officials from the council want to increase this by broadening tourist nationalities and tourism specialties, so the region's future looks promising.

What is Daily Life in Alanya Like?

Daily life and costs are also significantly lower than in similar cities. Everything you might need in town is within easy reach and offers a diverse selection of choices. Alanya's local economy is growing at a quick rate. Government offices, health clinics, medical stores, parks, shopping malls, and small local businesses are all easily accessible. The newly constructed roadways make traveling by vehicle or bus more convenient. Transportation across the city is simple, convenient, and rapid. The majority of people who look for property in Alanya do so to spend the summer or winter there, but the city is more than just a tourist destination; it's also a culturally active city where people may reside for years. Alanya has more to offer than sun, sand, and sea.

How do Turks Behave Towards Foreigners in Alanya?

Turkish people in Alanya are tolerant and kind, with an interest to learn about other cultures. Alanya is a city that welcomes people of different races, religions, and languages. Being able to communicate in Turkish is quite beneficial. Learning a few phrases in Turkish will be helpful to keep in touch with Turkish people.

What is the Cost of Living in Alanya?

Alanya is a very affordable place to live. The local market sells fresh fruits, vegetables, and various sorts of meat at extremely low prices throughout the year. Water, energy, phone, and internet fees are all factors of Alanya's low cost of living. Alanya's cost of living is slightly lower than that of a typical metropolis. The average price of a hotel room is less than the average price of a vacation rental.

What are the Prices of Houses in Alanya?

Alanya, a small resort town on Turkey's Anatolian coast, has set a new high for apartment price increases. According to the local newspaper's November 2020 house price index, the surge in apartment prices in Alanya reached a new high of 85.32 percent! The average cost per square meter of housing in Alanya grew from $292 to $541 from November 2019 to November 2020.

The cost of a luxury apartment has climbed dramatically. Mahmutlar has had the fastest pace of growth. In Mahmutlar, the following is the lowest cost of secondary flats in luxury residential buildings with a wide range of amenities, including spa options:

Home	price
1+0 (studio apartments, 40-50 m2)	$43,000-45,000
1+1 (one-bedroom apartments, 60-70 m2)	$53,000-50,000
2+1 (two-bedroom apartments, 100-125 m2)	$77,000-81,000
3+1 (three-bedroom apartments and penthouses)	$107,000-113,000

 

What is the Cost of Rental Apartments in Alanya?

When it comes to the costs of renting a house in Alanya:

the home	price
Monthly rent of 1+1 apartment in the city center	$167
Monthly rent of a 1+1 apartment on the outskirts of the city	$108
Monthly rent of a 3+1 apartment in the city center	$200
Monthly rent of a 3+1 apartment on the outskirts of the city	$167

 

What is the Cost of Food in Alanya?

Some of the pricing is shown in the table below:

The product	The price bread bread
Bread loaf (250 mg)	$0.17
Egg tray	$1.2
1 kg of chicken	$2.5
1 kg of apples	$0.6
1 liter of milk	$0.6
1 kg of local cheese	$2
1 kg of tomatoes	0.7
1 kg of oranges	$0.65
1 kg of bananas	$1.3
1.25 liters of water bottle	$0.25
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	$3
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	$13
McMeal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	$3
Domestic Beer (0.5-liter draught)	$2
Imported Beer (0.33-liter bottle)	$3
Cappuccino (regular)	$1.5
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	$1.5
Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle)	$0.75
Water (0.33-liter bottle)	$0.3

 

How is Public Transport in Alanya?

Alanya's public transportation is efficient and convenient. It has modern buses with great capacity. It is intended to make transport easier for everyone in Alanya, including students, children, the elderly, and those with special needs. Alanya's bus network covers the entire city. Buses will carry you anyplace you desire for $0.4 cash. One of its most essential features is that all buses are air-conditioned and big enough to accommodate baby carriages and wheelchairs. Also, the bus doors swing open, allowing the elderly and those with special needs to board and exit comfortably.

To make travel safer, all buses include security cameras and a monitor that indicates the bus's route and next stop. It also has two doors or three depending on the model; one for entering and paying with cash or a city card, and one for departing. This reduces congestion and keeps the buses ordered. Bus routes are well-known. Buses are numbered and serve broad regions, and bus stations are plentiful. Bus schedules are available online or at major bus stations. They may not be constant at times, but this is due to traffic.

How is Safety in Alanya?

Alanya is a popular tourist destination and a reputable city, so visitors and residents may find it to be relatively safe. The people of Alanya are well-known for their courtesy and honesty. Citizens will gladly support you if you are in a difficult situation. Citizens follow the law, and the city's police department is known for its strictness and fairness. You can always rely on the help of the residents. It is one of the Turkish cities that is safe from natural disasters due to its distance from tremors and earthquake lines. The presence of international protection in the territory, as well as the fact that it is not subject to asylum processes, further distinguishes it.

Can You Work in Alanya?

To apply for a work visa, foreigners living in Alanya must first get a residency permit that is valid for at least six months. Foreign nationals who meet this condition must fill out an online application. Foreigners visiting Alanya on a tourist visa, on the other hand, are not able to apply for a work permit. Such foreigners can submit their applications to Turkish Consulates in their respective countries, together with the requisite papers.