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Photo: Satirdan kahraman, CC0, Wikimedia CommonsAvsallar & İncekum: golden sand under the pines
Avsallar and İncekum form a strip of all-inclusive resorts 20 to 25 km west of Alanya, about 1 hour 45 minutes from Antalya Airport. The standout is İncekum beach: fine golden sand backed by a protected pine forest. Most guests come for a relaxed family week by the pool and the sea, with Alanya close enough for an evening out.
Where to stay in Avsallar and İncekum
Hotels listed as Alanya are often here, in the stretch between Okurcalar and Konaklı. The three parts feel similar, but the beach and the evenings differ.
| Area | Character | Beach | Best for | From AYT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| İncekum | Resorts set between the pine forest and the sea, quiet in the evenings | Fine golden sand, gently sloping, pines behind | Families with small children, beach days | 1 h 45 min |
| Avsallar village | Small town on the D400 with shops, cafés, a weekly market and apartments | Sand and pebble coves below the village | Independent travellers, apartments, mid budgets | 1 h 45 min |
| Okurcalar | Large all-inclusive resorts a few kilometres further west, few shops | Sand and shingle, some hotel piers on rocks | All-inclusive stays, a slightly shorter transfer | 1 h 40 min |
Times are daytime drives from Antalya Airport. From Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport it is about 70 minutes.
Things to do
İncekum beach
İncekum beach is the reason most people choose this stretch. The sand is fine and golden, the water gets deep gradually and a band of pine forest runs right behind the beach, so there is shade within a few steps. Much of the beach is used by the resorts, but there are public sections too.
İncekum Nature Park
The İncekum Nature Park (İncekum Tabiat Parkı) protects the pine forest along the shore. It is a picnic and camping area with its own stretch of beach, popular with Turkish families at weekends. A small entry fee applies; bring water and something to sit on.
Avsallar village and market
The village has a main street with small supermarkets, pharmacies, cafés and shops for beach gear and souvenirs. A weekly market brings fruit, vegetables, spices and textiles; ask at your hotel which day it is held this season, or see our market days. Türkler, just to the east, is similar and a little quieter.
Alarahan and the Alara valley
Near Okurcalar, a Seljuk caravanserai (Alarahan) stands on the Alara river, with the ruins of Alara castle on a rock above the valley. It is a short drive inland and makes a calm half day away from the beach.
Day trips
Alanya is 20 to 25 minutes east by dolmuş, taxi or car: the castle, the harbour and Cleopatra Beach are covered in our Alanya guide. Westwards, Side and the Manavgat market and river are about 45 minutes away; see Side and Manavgat, and more ideas under day trips.
Getting there and around
Antalya Airport is about 100 km and 1 hour 45 minutes west along the D400; see the Antalya Airport to Avsallar transfer guide. Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport is closer, about 70 minutes; see Gazipaşa to Avsallar and all routes under airport transfers and Gazipaşa transfers.
Dolmuş minibuses run along the D400 between Avsallar, İncekum, Konaklı and Alanya through the day. Many resorts also run a shuttle into Alanya. A car is only needed for the inland valleys.
When to go
The beach season runs from May to October; June and September are warm without the peak crowds of July and August. Spring and autumn suit walks in the pine forest and trips inland. See the weather by month and estimate costs with the holiday budget calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is İncekum good for families?
Yes. The sand is fine, the water deepens slowly and the pine forest gives shade, which is why most resorts here are built around families.
How far is Avsallar from Alanya?
About 20 to 25 km, roughly 25 minutes by car or a little longer by dolmuş along the D400.
Which airport is closer to Avsallar?
Gazipaşa-Alanya is closer, about 70 minutes. Antalya has far more flights and is about 1 hour 45 minutes away.
Is there nightlife in Avsallar?
Very little: a few bars and cafés in the village. For nightlife, go into Alanya in the evening.
Should I choose Avsallar or Alanya town?
Avsallar and İncekum for a quiet resort week on a sandy beach; Alanya town if you want to walk to restaurants, the harbour and the castle. Compare the wider area in Side or Alanya.