Antalya or Alanya: Which Should You Choose?
Antalya and Alanya sit about 125 km apart at opposite ends of the Turkish Riviera. Antalya is the larger, more cultured city with an old town and the main airport; Alanya is a livelier, more affordable beach city built around a dramatic castle headland.
Choose Antalya if…
You value an old town, museums, central location and the main international airport for short transfers and easy day trips in all directions.
Choose Alanya if…
You want softer-sand beaches like Cleopatra Beach, a hilltop castle, sea-cave boat trips, busy nightlife and generally lower prices.
Getting there
Antalya Airport (AYT) serves the whole coast; Alanya is closer to the smaller Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport (GZP), about 40 km away, while AYT is around 125 km from Alanya.
Frequently asked questions
Is Alanya cheaper than Antalya?
Alanya is generally a little cheaper for accommodation and dining, and is popular for longer-stay and budget holidays.
Which has better beaches, Antalya or Alanya?
Alanya's Cleopatra Beach has famously soft sand; Antalya offers both Lara's sand and Konyaaltı's pebbles plus more cultural sights nearby.