Millions of tourists come to the Antalya region every year, and the question I get more than any other is: should I go to Alanya, Belek, or Side? I've been working in this region for 11 years. I know every area personally not from brochures, but from actually being there. Each place has a completely different concept, a different atmosphere, and a different type of traveller it suits best. Let me walk you through them one by one.

Part 01 / 04

Belek: Where Turkish Tourism Reaches Its Peak

Belek is simply on another level when it comes to hotel standards. The prices are higher, yes but what you get in return is a service quality that honestly has very few rivals anywhere in the world. I'm not exaggerating when I say that. I've visited these resorts as part of my work and the attention to detail is extraordinary. There are staff on the beach whose only job is to wipe your sunglasses clean when you come out of the water. That's the level we're talking about.

Belek is also one of the biggest golf destinations in Europe. The number of golf resorts here is remarkable, and because of that, the area attracts tourists all 12 months of the year. If you're a golfer or if you want the most polished, high-end all-inclusive experience Turkey has to offer, Belek is your answer.

Part 02 / 04

Lara: Big Resorts, Close to the City

Lara is closer to Antalya city centre about 18 km out and it reaches a very similar standard to Belek in terms of hotel quality. The Kundu strip in the Lara area is full of large five-star resorts that welcome huge numbers of both local and international tourists every season. If you want the resort experience but also want to be near an actual city, Lara makes sense.

Another big advantage is how close it is to Antalya Airport your transfer on arrival day is short, which is always a relief after a long flight. The most famous beach in the area is Altınkum, a long sandy stretch that gets busy in the summer. Lara is also near Düden Waterfall, which is one of the more dramatic natural landmarks in the region a waterfall that drops straight off a cliff into the sea below.

Part 03 / 04

Kemer: Crystal Water, Boat Bays, and Year-Round Tourism

Kemer is one of the leading holiday destinations not just in Turkey but in the whole Mediterranean. It's more affordable than Belek and Lara, and with its various sub-districts it welcomes a huge number of tourists all 12 months of the year. The sea here is something else genuinely crystal clear and a deep blue that catches your attention the moment you arrive.

What I always tell people about Kemer is: set aside a couple of days for a boat tour. The coastline around Kemer has some of the most beautiful bays in Turkey and you can only properly reach them by sea. The ones you absolutely should not miss are Üç Adalar (Three Islands), Phaselis, Ayışığı, Maden, and Kleopatra bays. Each one is different and each one is worth it. Kemer is also excellent for water sports the conditions there are ideal for it.

Part 04 / 04

Alanya: The Most Fun You'll Have on the Turkish Coast

Alanya is one of the largest districts of Antalya province and honestly, it's the place I recommend most. I live and work here, so I know it inside out and I'm still recommending it, which should tell you something. Compared to Lara, Kemer, and Belek, the hotels here are easier on your budget without the quality gap being anywhere near as big as the price difference suggests.

If you want to treat yourself a little good food, pool, beach, the full package you have to visit Day One Beach Club. It's one of those places that surprises people who aren't expecting much from the Alanya dining scene. Don't skip it. And while you're here, make sure you go up to Alanya Castle. The view over the bay from up there is genuinely one of the best views in the whole region.

But honestly? The main thing Alanya has that the others don't is energy. This is the most fun destination on this coastline. Nightlife, boat trips, jeep safaris, the castle, the caves, the cable car there's something happening every single day of the week. You will not be bored here.

Common Questions

Alanya vs Antalya Regions: Frequently Asked Questions