Portakal Beach, Alanya
The verdict
- Best for: Travellers staying in the centre who want a quick, palm shaded swim beside the marina, with cafes and the old quarter on the doorstep.
- Best spot: Under the palms toward the marina end early in the day, before the harbour front and cafes fill up.
- Know this: The appeal is convenience, not wildness, so treat it as a dip between sights and head west or east for a natural beach day.
Published 17 January 2026. Last reviewed 18 March 2026
Portakal is the palm lined town beach on the harbour side of the castle headland, named for the orange trees that give it its character and its name. This is the in town beach, a decent strip of sand set against the marina, the harbour front and the lanes of the old quarter, with palms throwing a little shade along the promenade. The water in the sheltered bay is typically calm and clear, and the whole point of the place is how close it is to everything, so you can break a morning of sightseeing with a swim and be back at a harbour cafe in minutes.
Let me be straight about what it is and is not. Portakal is a convenience beach, not a wild or natural one. It is small, central and urban, the marina is right there, and in the high season the sand and the cafes are busy. There is real charm in the palms and the harbour bustle, and it photographs prettily with the boats and the headland behind, but a slow traveller who comes for dunes, forest and quiet will not find them here. The naturalist's move is to enjoy Portakal for what it offers, an easy dip and a good lunch, and to spend the long beach day elsewhere.
It suits visitors based in the centre who value walking everywhere, and anyone who likes a marina backdrop with their swim. Who should look further afield is the traveller after space, soft sand and nature. For that, drive west to the pine backed shallows of Incekum, or cross to the long, calm eastern sweep of Keykubat, both of which trade the harbour buzz for room and green. For the softest central sand, neighbouring Cleopatra is the better swim.
Clubs on this beach
Portakal is an open central town beach of cafes and seasonal sunbed hire by the marina rather than a gated club. For a full club day with daybeds, see our Alanya beach clubs directory.
Harbour cafes and sunbed hire
The Portakal front and the marina behind it are lined with cafes, bars and seasonal sunbed hire rather than a single headline beach club. Operators, opening hours and any charges vary by season and are to be confirmed. The pleasure here is the palms, the harbour bustle and an easy lounger close to town.
No gated club on the sand
Portakal keeps the feel of an open town beach beside the marina, so there is no single flagship club fencing off the shore. The draw is the central location, the palm shade and the harbour. For cabanas and structured table service, look to the wider Alanya scene through our directory.
Portakal Beach lies on the harbour side of the castle headland in central Alanya, beside the marina and a short walk from the old quarter and the harbour front. The city is about two hours by road from Antalya airport and roughly forty five minutes from Gazipasa Alanya airport, with regular dolmus minibuses and taxis serving the centre and the harbour.
Because it is so central, walking from the old town or the harbour is the easiest approach, as parking nearby is tight in season. Bring water, sun cream and cash for the cafes and sunbed hire, arrive early for a free spot under the palms, and pair the swim with a wander round the marina and the old quarter just behind.
Reserve a day at Portakal
Tell us the date and party and we will match you to a club or sunbed terrace on or near Portakal Beach and pass on your request. No charge to enquire.
Common questions
Where is Portakal Beach in Alanya?
Portakal Beach sits on the harbour side of the castle headland in central Alanya, near the marina and a short walk from the old quarter and the harbour front. The name comes from the orange trees along the shore, and its appeal is its easy in town position rather than a wild or remote setting.
Is Portakal Beach good for swimming?
Yes, for an easy town swim. The water is typically calm and the sand decent, so it works well for a quick dip wrapped around a day in the centre. It is a busy urban beach beside the marina rather than a quiet natural shore, so set your expectations to convenience. Conditions are typical and never guaranteed, and there is no swimming safety promise.
Is Portakal Beach free?
Yes, it is a free public town beach, with sunbeds and parasols hired in season at rates that vary by operator and are to be confirmed. Because it is small and central, the open sand fills quickly in summer, so an early arrival helps if you want a free spot.
Is Portakal Beach good for families?
It can suit families who are staying in the centre, with calm water, palm shade and cafes close by, though it is a busy urban beach rather than a spacious one. For soft sand and gentle shallows for young children, the forest beach at Incekum or the long sweep of Keykubat are easier choices. Watch children near the water, as conditions are typical and never guaranteed.
When is the best time to visit Portakal Beach?
May, June, September and October give warm sea and far lighter crowds than the July and August peak. On a small central beach the shoulder months matter most, and an early morning swim before the marina and cafes get busy is the calmest time of all. The sea holds its warmth into October.
