Gazipaşa: the quiet end of the Riviera
Gazipaşa is the last town on the Turkish Riviera before the coast turns wild and mountainous. Most people know it only for its airport, Gazipaşa-Alanya (GZP), but the town itself has long empty beaches, banana plantations and an ancient city on the shore: Alanya without the crowds.
Gazipaşa or Alanya?
Gazipaşa has few hotels; most visitors stay in apartments or small hotels near the beach. If you want restaurants and nightlife on your doorstep, stay in Alanya and use Gazipaşa airport.
| Area | Character | Beach | Best for | From AYT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gazipaşa town & beach | Small farming town with a long beach, a few hotels and apartments, very local | Long sand and pebble beach, uncrowded | Peace, independent travellers, airport convenience | 2 h 40 min |
| Mahmutlar & east Alanya | Apartment towns between Gazipaşa and Alanya with full services | Long pebble-and-sand beach | Long stays with shops and restaurants nearby | 2 h 20 min |
Times shown are from Antalya Airport (AYT). From Gazipaşa airport (GZP) the town is about 10 minutes and Alanya centre about 45 minutes.
Gazipaşa-Alanya airport (GZP)
A small airport a few kilometres from the town with domestic flights and a limited, mostly seasonal choice of international routes. If your airline flies here, it is by far the fastest way to Alanya and the east of the coast: about 45 minutes to Alanya centre instead of two hours or more from Antalya.
Facilities are basic and taxis and pre-booked transfers wait outside arrivals; there is no wide choice of public transport, so book a transfer for late arrivals. See our Alanya guide for where to stay.
Things to do
Selinus
The ruins of ancient Selinus lie at the river mouth next to the town beach, with remains of a Roman monument associated with the emperor Trajan, who died here in 117 AD, and a hilltop acropolis with sea views. Few visitors, no crowds.
Beaches
The beaches around Gazipaşa are long, open and rarely busy, a mix of sand and pebbles. Some sections are nesting beaches for sea turtles in summer, with night restrictions.
Bananas and the coast road
The terraces around Gazipaşa are covered in banana plantations; small local bananas are sold at roadside stalls. East of the town the coast road climbs into the mountains towards Anamur, one of the most dramatic drives in Türkiye.
Getting there
From Antalya Airport it is about 175 km, around 2 hours 40 minutes along the D400 through Alanya. Flying into Gazipaşa saves most of that, if your route is available. Alanya is 45 minutes west by car or intercity bus.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Gazipaşa airport from Alanya?
About 40 km, roughly 45 minutes by car to Alanya centre.
Which airlines fly to Gazipaşa?
Mainly domestic Turkish airlines, plus a small number of seasonal international routes that change from year to year. Check flight search sites for your dates.
Is Gazipaşa worth staying in?
If you want a quiet, local base with empty beaches and do not mind having few restaurants nearby, yes. Otherwise stay in Alanya and use Gazipaşa only as your airport.