From Spain’s Costa del Sol to Dubai’s glittering skyline and Greece’s postcard islands, the world is full of dream destinations. Yet one Mediterranean city continues to surprise international travelers and investors alike: Alanya.
With its extraordinary coastline, welcoming culture and remarkable affordability, Alanya competes easily with – and often outshines – many famous global hotspots. Let’s see how it compares.

1. Beach Life: One of the Longest and Cleanest Coastlines

Few destinations can rival Alanya when it comes to beach access. The city stretches along more than 70 kilometers of uninterrupted coastline, home to legendary shores like Cleopatra Beach with its soft golden sand and crystal-clear water.

• Compared with Spain: Popular resorts such as Marbella or Malaga offer beautiful beaches but they are often crowded and heavily commercialized.

• Compared with Greece: Greek islands provide charm, yet many beaches are small coves reached by boat or car, while Alanya offers long, walkable promenades directly connected to the city.

In Alanya, beach life is not an occasional activity – it is a daily lifestyle.

2. Food Quality: Mediterranean at Its Best

Turkish cuisine is frequently ranked among the top in the world, and Alanya is one of the best places to experience it.

Fresh Mediterranean fish, organic vegetables from Taurus Mountain villages, olive oil, citrus fruits and traditional mezes create a culinary scene that is both healthy and affordable.

• A seaside dinner in Alanya often costs one third of what you would pay in Italy or France.

• Street markets overflow with locally grown produce – something Dubai or many European capitals simply cannot match.

Food here is not a luxury; it is part of everyday happiness.

3. Affordability: Luxury Without the Price Tag

Perhaps Alanya’s strongest advantage is value for money.

Whether you are a holidaymaker, retiree or property investor, Alanya allows a high standard of living without the financial pressure felt in many international hotspots.

4. Hospitality: Where Strangers Become Neighbors

Turkish hospitality is famous worldwide, and Alanya is its shining example.
The city hosts a large international community from Europe, Russia and the Middle East, yet it has preserved a warm, small-town spirit.

Unlike some over-touristed destinations where visitors feel like just another number, in Alanya:

• shop owners remember your name,

• neighbors invite you for tea,

• newcomers integrate easily into local life.

This sense of belonging is something money cannot buy.

5. Sunny Days: A True Year-Round Destination

Alanya enjoys around 300 sunny days per year – more than Nice, Barcelona, Lisbon or Miami.

• Winters are mild and bright, perfect for long seaside walks.

• Summers are hot but comfortable thanks to the sea breeze and mountain air.

For digital nomads and second-home owners, this reliable climate means real year-round usability, not just a short holiday season.

6. Accessibility: Close to Everything

With two international airports nearby (Antalya and Gazipaşa-Alanya), the city is easily connected to Europe and the Middle East. Flight times are shorter than to Thailand, the Caribbean or Bali, yet the lifestyle is equally attractive.

7. Investment Perspective: Global Quality, Local Prices

While property prices in Lisbon, Dubai or the French Riviera have reached record levels, Alanya still offers:

• modern residences near the sea,

• strong rental demand,

• excellent long-term growth potential.

For investors seeking a Mediterranean lifestyle without Mediterranean price tags, the city represents one of the last truly balanced markets.

The Verdict

When measured by beaches, food, affordability, hospitality and sunshine, Alanya doesn’t just compete with global hotspots – it often wins. It offers the charm of Southern Europe, the comfort of modern infrastructure and the warmth of Turkish culture, all at a fraction of the cost.

For those looking for a place to live, holiday or invest, the question is no longer “Why Alanya?” but rather “Why anywhere else?”