Oba or Cikcilli: which area to choose for living

Oba and Cikcilli are the two neighbouring areas most often chosen for permanent living in Alanya. They border each other and both are 10–15 minutes from the centre, yet their characters differ. Here we compare them on the criteria that matter to a family moving here for good.

The areas in brief

Oba is an established residential area running from the sea to the foothills, home to many Turkish families, schools and shops. Cikcilli is a newer area on the slopes above Oba, where dozens of complexes with extensive facilities and coastal views have appeared in recent years.

Distance to the sea

Oba wins here: its southern part reaches the sea, and from many homes the beach is a 5–15 minute walk. In Cikcilli the sea is 2–4 kilometres away — 5–10 minutes by car or bus. If you want to walk to the beach every day, Oba is more convenient.

Schools and kindergartens

Both areas have state and private schools and kindergartens. Oba offers more choice, and many schools are within walking distance of the residential streets. In Cikcilli, some families drive their children or use school buses.

Healthcare

Both areas are a short drive from Alanya’s hospitals and private clinics. In Oba, medical centres are closer to the residential streets; from Cikcilli the trip takes a few minutes longer.

Transport and walkability

Oba is almost flat, easy to walk and cycle, with a cycle path along the sea to the centre. Cikcilli is on the slopes: the streets are steep, so most residents get around by car. Buses serve both areas, but in Oba the stops are closer and services more frequent.

Residential complexes

Cikcilli’s main advantage is its modern complexes with resort-hotel facilities: indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, gyms, spas, tennis courts and kids’ clubs. Oba also has many complexes with pools, but more small buildings without shared facilities, where monthly charges are lower.

Views

From the upper floors in Cikcilli you get a panorama of the sea, the castle and the mountains — the very reason people love it. In Oba, sea views are mainly found in buildings near the coast and on the upper floors of tall blocks, while deeper in the neighbourhood you tend to see mountains and neighbouring buildings.

Prices

The price per square metre in Cikcilli is usually lower than in Oba, despite the higher standard of complexes. In Oba you pay extra for proximity to the sea and developed urban infrastructure. For investors, the difference plays out like this: Oba offers steady long-term rentals, Cikcilli offers price growth potential as the area develops.

Atmosphere and neighbours

Many Turkish families live in Oba, and life feels like an ordinary town. Cikcilli has more foreigners, including many Russian speakers, and life centres on the complexes with their pools and clubs.

The verdict

• Choose Oba if walking to the sea and to school matters, if you want an urban setting among local residents, and if you don’t plan to buy a car.
• Choose Cikcilli if you want a new complex with rich facilities, a sea view and more square metres for the same budget — and the family has a car.

Often the deciding factor is the specific apartment, so we recommend viewing options in both areas. Start with apartments in Oba and the catalogue of apartments in Alanya filtered by Cikcilli. For the full picture, see our guide to Alanya’s areas, and read about foreigners’ favourite area in “Mahmutlar: pros and cons”.