Holidays in Alanya

A resort in Turkey with the most favorable conditions for a beach holiday. Cleopatra Beach is well equipped for comfortable swimming and sunbathing. Alanya offers plenty of activities for young people, and is interesting for shopping enthusiasts and family tourists. The city has discos and nightclubs, spa centers and recreation areas for children. The hotel cluster includes luxurious five-star and four-star complexes with developed infrastructure, as well as lower‑rank hotels. There are many fish restaurants and venues specializing in high‑end meat dishes, small pubs and cafés, fast food outlets and snack bars. The historical architectural monuments leave an unforgettable impression.

Where it is located

Picturesque Alanya stretches at the foot of the Taurus Mountains on the Mediterranean coast. The city, built on the Pamphylian plain, is washed by the waters of the Anatolian Gulf. The surrounding landscapes are typical of the Mediterranean – rocky hills are covered with traditional vegetation, broadleaf and coniferous forests. Alanya is 137 km from Antalya Airport. The significant distance from the airport means a long transfer to the final destination. The long journey can cause discomfort for children, so parents should be prepared for these nuances. The city is small, but in the holiday season its permanent population (100 thousand people) doubles.

When it’s best to go

The best time to visit Alanya is from late spring to late autumn. In October the velvet season ends and life in the resort town quiets down. The peak season falls on the summer months, but in terms of comfort June and September are preferable, when the water temperature is +25°C. In summer there is virtually no rainfall, and the air temperature is around +29°C.

In winter months, the air in Alanya is humid but not too cold. The minimum recorded temperature is +10°C. This period is not comfortable for a beach holiday, but it is quite suitable for spa enthusiasts, lovers of historical sights and those who want to save money on their trip.

What to do

Alanya is traditionally considered a beach resort. Hotel complexes have their own access to the beach area stretching for several kilometers. Even if a tourist stays in a hotel without direct beach access, they can still relax comfortably on the clean, well‑maintained Cleopatra Beach. The entrance to the water is gentle, without drops and obstacles, which makes Alanya suitable for families with small children. If a strong wind blows from the mountains, staying in the bay will not reduce the quality of the holiday.

The beach has a developed infrastructure that allows tourists to grab a snack, ride on watercraft such as bananas, tubes, water skis, go on a rafting trip for a dose of adrenaline, go fishing, windsurfing, yachting or diving. In Alanya, such types of tourism as caving, trekking and mountaineering are well developed.

In the surroundings and in the resort itself there are many historical sights built by the Seljuks.

• Red Tower
  The symbol of the city. Built on the seashore to watch over the harbor. The brick walls remember events that have taken place from the 13th century to the present day.
• Ancient Suleymaniye Mosque
  The first mentions of the mosque date back to the legends of the 13th century. Three centuries later, the temple was remodeled. It has survived to the present day in this form.
• Fortress walls
  A medieval structure stretching for 6.5 km. It descends right down to the sea. The walls are crowned with 40 towers that were used to monitor the surroundings of the city. The sentries on the watchtowers were the first to signal the approach of the enemy. Today the eastern part of the wall is the most picturesque place.
• Damlataş Cave
  Its age is 15,000 years. The fantastic appearance of the inner part of the grotto has made it popular among tourists. The authentic stone pattern is created by stalactite and limestone deposits. The microclimate inside the cave, formed by Mediterranean climatic conditions, is optimal for the treatment of respiratory organs.
  Recently, a cable car was opened in the city – another way to make your holiday more varied and impressive.

Alanya is attractive for lovers of vibrant evening entertainment. Young people are offered discos and nightclubs. One of the most popular is the Auditorium Club.

The resort is popular with shopaholics who enjoy visiting local shops and shopping centers to buy jewelry, silk fabrics, leather goods and textiles.

Where to eat

The variety of dishes offered in snack bars, at street stalls and in inexpensive cafés is simply astonishing for anyone visiting Alanya for the first time. Among local fast‑food dishes, döner kebab is especially popular. It is made from thinly sliced, fried meat, flatbread, lettuce, tomatoes and sauces. In essence, it is the same as a hot dog but in Turkish style.

Prices in Alanya are not low, but every visitor can still enjoy seafood, try sea bass or other fish grilled. Portions in restaurants and cafés are large, and the chefs do their best to treat foreign guests.

• Bumba Cafe & Bistro
  A venue with a good selection of fish dishes and wines. It welcomes tourists visiting the local sights (it is located in the Red Tower area). It serves excellent octopus, fish, salads, crabs, calamari and seafood cocktails. The restaurant windows offer a magnificent view of the local landscapes. Cozy atmosphere and quite reasonable prices.
• Marina Restoran
  Specializes in Turkish cuisine. It offers guests an excellent choice of fish dishes, including sturgeon, shrimp, seafood cocktails and grilled assortments. The wine receives good reviews. The restaurant serves guests outdoors and offers dinner in a romantic atmosphere.

What to combine it with

Alanya has everything necessary for tourists with different preferences to spend a wonderful holiday on the Mediterranean coast.