Alcohol in Alanya: Prices, What to Drink & Tips

If you enjoy a drink on holiday, here's the honest lowdown: alcohol in Alanya is fairly pricey thanks to high Turkish taxes, and imported spirits in particular can cost more than back home. But it's widely available, and there are easy ways to keep costs down — drink local (Efes beer, Turkish wine, rakı), avoid the priciest tourist-front bars, and make the most of happy hours. Here's what to drink, what it costs, and how to be savvy about it.

Can you even drink in Alanya?

Yes. Although Turkey is a majority-Muslim country, alcohol is legal and freely available in Alanya — bars, restaurants, hotels and shops all sell it, and the tourist areas are very much geared to it. There's no issue with having a drink. Away from the resorts in more local or rural spots it's a little less prominent, so just read the room and drink respectfully, as you would anywhere.

Is it expensive?

Compared with the cheap-Turkey reputation, yes, it can be — alcohol is heavily taxed, so it's one of the bigger holiday expenses. The pattern to know:

• Imported spirits (whisky, vodka, gin, cocktails) are the priciest — often more than UK prices at tourist bars.
• Local drinks (Efes beer, Turkish wine, rakı) are much more reasonable.
• Tourist-front & harbour bars charge a premium; back-street and local bars are cheaper.
• Shops/supermarkets are cheaper than bars for the same drink.

What to drink (the good-value locals)

• Efes — the popular local lager, your best-value beer.
• Turkish wine — increasingly good; reds like Öküzgözü are worth a try and cheaper than imports.
• Rakı — the national anise spirit, drunk with water (it turns cloudy) and the traditional partner to meze and fish. A proper Turkish experience.
• Cocktails — fun at happy hour, but watch the price (and they're often very strong).

Sticking to these over imported brands is the single easiest way to keep your drinks bill down.

How to save on drinks

• Drink local, not imported — the biggest saving by far.
• Happy hours & 2-for-1 deals are common at tourist bars; look for the signs.
• Buy from a shop for drinks in your room or on the balcony — far cheaper than the bar.
• Bring duty-free — picking up spirits at the UK airport on the way out can save a lot if you like imported brands.
• Consider all-inclusive if you drink regularly (see below).

All-inclusive: often the drinker's friend

Here's the practical maths: because drinks out are expensive, all-inclusive often pays for itself quickly if you enjoy a few drinks a day. For many UK visitors who like a relaxed poolside drink, it's the single biggest reason all-inclusive works out better value in Turkey. We weigh it up in all-inclusive vs eating out, and on the cost side see is eating out cheap?

A sensible word

Drinks in Turkish bars — especially cocktails — are often poured very strong, and the heat makes alcohol hit harder and dehydrate you faster. Pace yourself, alternate with water, go easy in the midday sun, and you'll feel far better for it. For more, see staying safe in the sun, and always agree a taxi home rather than walking alone late — see staying safe.

Frequently asked questions

Is alcohol expensive in Alanya?
Fairly pricey, thanks to high taxes — imported spirits especially can cost more than at home. Local drinks like Efes beer, Turkish wine and rakı are much better value, and tourist-front bars cost more than back-street ones.

Can you drink alcohol in Alanya?
Yes. Although Turkey is majority-Muslim, alcohol is legal and widely available in bars, restaurants and shops, especially in the tourist areas. Just drink responsibly and respect local norms away from the resorts.

What should I drink to save money?
Stick to local — Efes beer, Turkish wine and rakı are far cheaper than imports. Shops are cheaper than bars, and happy-hour deals are common.

Is all-inclusive worth it for drinkers?
Often yes. Because drinks out are expensive, all-inclusive can pay for itself quickly if you enjoy a few drinks a day.

For more on food and drink, see our Alanya food & drink guide. Questions about anything food or drink related? Message us on WhatsApp — we're local and happy to help.