Is Turkey Still Cheap? A 2026 Price Guide for Eating and Drinking in Alanya
Alanya Travel Blog

Is Turkey Still Cheap? A 2026 Price Guide for Eating and Drinking in Alanya

E
Eren Ergul
4 min read

For decades, Turkey has been the undisputed champion of budget-friendly holidays for British tourists. The promise of sun, sea, and incredibly low prices drew millions to the Turquoise Coast. However, hyperinflation and economic shifts in recent years have left many travelers asking the same burning question: "Is Turkey still cheap?"

If you are planning a trip to Alanya in 2026, the short answer is: Yes, compared to the Eurozone, but it is significantly more expensive than it used to be. The days of the £1 pint are long gone, but your pound still stretches further here than in Spain, Greece, or the UK.

Below is a comprehensive guide to what things cost in Alanya for the 2025 season, compared to 2024, to help you plan your holiday budget.

📊 at a Glance: Alanya Price Comparison (2025 vs. 2026)

This section is designed to be a "Featured Snippet." It provides a quick reference for the most common holiday costs.

Item / Service 2025 Average (£) 2026 Estimate (£) Trend
Local Beer (0.5L - Restaurant) £2.50 - £3.50 £3.50 - £4.50 ▲ Increase
Dinner for Two (3-Course/Wine) £30.00 - £40.00 £45.00 - £65.00 ▲ Increase
Fast Food (Döner Kebab Wrap) £3.00 - £4.00 £4.50 - £6.00 ▲ Moderate
Cappuccino / Coffee £2.00 - £2.50 £3.00 - £3.80 ▲ Increase
Taxi (Short Trip - 5km) £4.00 - £5.00 £6.00 - £8.50 ▲ Increase
Supermarket Beer (Efes/Tuborg) £1.50 - £1.80 £2.00 - £2.40 ▲ Moderate
Cocktail (Beach Club) £7.00 - £9.00 £10.00 - £13.00 ▲ Increase

🍽️Eating Out in Alanya: What to Expect in 2026

Dining out remains one of the highlights of a Turkish holiday, but the gap between "tourist prices" and "local prices" has widened.

Restaurants and Fine Dining

In 2026, inflation has driven up the cost of meat and labor significantly. If you are dining near the famous Cleopatra Beach, the Harbor (Iskele), or up near the Castle, expect to pay London-adjacent prices. A high-quality steak or seafood dinner for two, including a bottle of local wine and starters, will likely set you back between £50 and £65.

However, you can still find value. If you move just a few streets back from the waterfront and look for Lokantas (traditional tradesman restaurants), you can find hearty stews, Pide (Turkish pizza), and kebabs for £10 - £15 per person.

Drinks and Alcohol

Turkey has high taxes on alcohol, which increase automatically every six months. In 2026, a pint of Efes Draft in a standard bar will hover around £4.00. Imported spirits (Gin, Vodka, Whiskey) have seen the steepest price hikes. A cocktail at a popular night club can now cost upwards of £12, which is a shock for those remembering the £5 cocktails of a few years ago.

Tip: Look for "Happy Hour" boards. Competition in Alanya is fierce, and many bars still offer "Buy 1 Get 1 Free" or discounted cocktails between 6 PM and 9 PM to lure tourists in.

🚕 Transport: Getting Around

Fuel prices in Turkey are high, and this is reflected in taxi fares.

Taxis

Taxi meters are mandatory, but the starting rate (flag fall) and price per kilometer have increased by roughly 40-50% since 2025. A standard trip from the city center to a hotel on the outskirts (approx. 10-15 minutes) will cost between £6 and £8.

Warning: In 2026, be wary of drivers offering a "fixed price" in Euros or Pounds. This is almost always more expensive than the meter. Insist on the meter (Taksimetre).

Dolmuş (Bus)

The local bus system remains the absolute budget champion. A single ride is roughly £0.60 - £0.80. Buses in Alanya are modern, air-conditioned, and accept contactless credit cards, making them the smartest way to travel if you want to save money for dinner.

🛒 Supermarket Prices (Self-Catering)

For those staying in apartments or Airbnbs, grocery shopping is still reasonably priced compared to the UK, though food inflation is noticeable.

  • Bread (Loaf): £0.30

  • Milk (1 Liter): £1.10

  • Water (1.5 Liter): £0.40

  • Cigarettes: £3.00 (Still significantly cheaper than the UK).

  • Sunscreen: £10.00 - £15.00 (Imported goods are expensive; buy this in the UK before you fly!).

Shopping at chain supermarkets like Migros, A101, or BİM will save you about 30% compared to the small "Tourist Markets" located next to hotels.

The Verdict

Is Alanya still cheap in 2026?

Yes, but you need to adjust your expectations.

While the "dirt cheap" era is over, Alanya still offers excellent value for money regarding service quality, food portions, and hotel standards. You will likely spend 25% to 30% more in 2026 than you did in 2025 for the exact same holiday.

To get the best value, avoid paying in Euros or Pounds at restaurants (the exchange rates they offer are poor) and stick to paying in Turkish Lira (TL) using a fee-free travel card.

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