Mahmutlar: Alanya's apartment town by the sea

Mahmutlar lies 10–15 km east of Alanya centre and is less a resort than a seaside town of apartment blocks. Thousands of Germans, Scandinavians, Russians and Ukrainians live here for months or all year, drawn by a long beach with a promenade, mild winters and prices that are noticeably lower than in Alanya itself.

Where to stay in Mahmutlar

There are few classic hotels; most visitors rent an apartment in one of the high-rise complexes, many with a pool, garden and gym. The closer to the coast road and the beach, the more shops and restaurants you have within walking distance.

Times shown are from Gazipaşa-Alanya airport (GZP). From Antalya Airport (AYT) it is about 2 hours 20 minutes (Antalya Airport to Mahmutlar).

Things to do

Beach and promenade

The beach runs for several kilometres along the whole town, mostly coarse sand mixed with pebbles, with sunbeds in front of the beach bars and free sections in between. The promenade behind it is the town's living room: walkers, joggers and cyclists in the morning, families in the evening. Water shoes help where the pebbles are larger.

Tuesday market

Mahmutlar's weekly market on Tuesday is one of the biggest around Alanya, with fruit and vegetables, cheese, olives, spices, household goods and plenty of clothing. Go early in summer, before the heat. See our market days page for other towns.

Dim river, Dim cave and Alanya

A few kilometres west of Mahmutlar, the Dim river flows down from the mountains; restaurants on platforms over the cold water are a local favourite in summer, and Dim Cave lies a short drive inland. Alanya's castle, Cleopatra Beach and the harbour are 20–30 minutes away by dolmuş or city bus. More ideas in our Alanya guide and on the day trips page.

Getting around

Dolmuş minibuses and city buses run along the coast road between Mahmutlar and Alanya throughout the day, so you can manage without a car if you stay near the main road. For the hillside complexes in Kargıcak or trips inland, a hire car or taxi is more practical.

The nearest airport is Gazipaşa-Alanya (GZP), about 30 minutes east, but it has far fewer, mostly seasonal international flights; see Gazipaşa Airport transfers. Most visitors fly into Antalya, about 135 km away (Antalya Airport transfers).

When to go

July and August are hot and humid, and the town is at its fullest. May, June, September and October are the best months for the beach. Mahmutlar is also one of the few places on the coast that stays alive in winter: many long-stay residents come from November to March for mild, sunny days, although rain and cooler evenings are normal. Check weather by month and plan costs with the holiday budget calculator.