Alanya holidays

How to reach Alanya

• Flight time: Flights to Antalya take around 4 hours 25 minutes from London.

• Transfer time: Alanya is roughly 125km from Antalya Airport, a 2-hour taxi or 3-hour bus ride (30 minutes to the city centre, then 2 hours 30 minutes to Alanya).

• Price: Reckon upwards of TRY2,000 (£45) if you taxi directly to Alanya. A Havaş shuttle into Antalya costs TRY130 (£3), and a one-way bus ticket from the Antalya Otogarı to Alanya costs about TRY200 (£5).

Best time to visit Alanya

Alanya’s Mediterranean climate gives enormous leeway, so the activities you have in mind will likely be the clincher in pinpointing the perfect time for your Alanya holidays.

• April to June sees highs ranging between 22°C and 30°C and low rainfall, ideal if exploring cultural sights or getting outdoorsy is the game plan.

• July to August is prime time for Alanya’s beautiful beaches and lively nightlife. Rain is rare, sunshine is abundant, and temps hover in the mid-30s.

• September to November sees temperatures drop incrementally, from 31°C to 27°C to 23°C, and rainfall gradually increase as the months wear on. The cooler evenings are pleasant for al fresco dining or exploring Alanya’s harbour area.

• December to March is mild, highs reaching 17°C even in January and February. December and January can be wet, but the rain starts to clear up going into February. These months are tourist-lite, perfect for a more relaxed holiday experience.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Turkish is the official language. A Merhaba (hello) is always welcome, but you can get by using English.

• Currency: Turkey uses the Turkish Lira.

• Getting around: Public buses and dolmuşes (shared minibuses) are convenient for local travel. They’re cheap as chips, but you’ll need a Kentkart or contactless bank card to pay the fare on city buses (dolmuş services take cash). Taxis are also available, but confirm that the meter is running or agree on a price beforehand.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 220V (frequency 50Hz). Turkey uses type C and F plug sockets.

• Time zone: Turkey is 3 hours ahead of GMT year-round.

• Required travel documentation: UK citizens need a valid passport (at least one blank page and an expiry date at least 150 days after arrival). Tourists can holiday visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Best things to do in Alanya

Holidays to Alanya offer beautiful beaches, iconic monuments, nightlife and plenty of scope for outdoor activities.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Alanya Cable Car (Teleferik): Cabling up to Alanya Castle from Damlataş Beach is an unforgettable experience offering picture-perfect views over the turquoise waters, especially in the early morning or evening.

• Damlataş Cave: One of Alanya’s natural wonders, with superb stalactites and stalagmites.

Best districts

• Old Town: Tucked inside the fortress’ walls, Old Town Alanya is almost like a living history museum, its narrow streets chock-full of monuments like the Süleymaniye Mosque.

• Tosmur: East of the city centre, this laid-back neighbourhood blends natural beauty – a river flowing to the sea, an underground lake, beaches and citrus groves – with modern amenities.

Parks and gardens

• Alanya Belediyesi 100 Yıl Atatürk Park: Right behind Damlataş Beach, this well-manicured park is the perfect place to take a shady break from the sand.

• Alanya Belediyesi Devlet Bahçeli Yaşam Alanı Park: This expansive hilltop park has plenty of interesting features, an ornamental pool, a 35m flagpole, an amphitheatre and ginormous “Alanya” lettering. The views are pretty fantastic, too.

Museums

• Alanya Archaeological Museum: This well-curated museum offers everything from mosaics and sarcophagi to coins and calligraphy.

• Red Tower (Kızıl Kule): Dominating the harbour, this soaring red-brick tower would be worth visiting in any case. The ethnographic museum, with its Ottoman-era clothing, carpets and other handicrafts, is a bonus.

Historical monuments

• Alanya Shipyard (Tersane): South of the Red Tower and accessible on foot via the reconstructed sea wall, this is one of the few surviving Seljuk-built shipyards in Turkey.

• Sinek Castle: Alanya Castle hogs the limelight, but it’s not the only one worth seeing in Alanya. Some 6km from the city centre and long gone to rack and ruin, Sinek Castle has the spellbinding charm of long-abandoned places.

Day trips in the area

• Alara Han Caravanserai: Commissioned by Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I in the 13th century, this was the last lodging on the trade route between Alaiye (present-day Alanya) and Konya. Today, it’s back in the hospitality business as a venue for Turkish Nights.

• Sapadere Canyon: Roughly 1 hour’s drive east from Alanya and traversed by a 750m-long walkway, with waterfalls and clear blue pools for swimming – heads-up, the water is freezing – this gorge is genuinely stunning.

Activities for families in Alanya

Alanya is a lovely family destination with plenty of green space, beaches and waterparks.

• Playgrounds: Lined with shady trees and loads of play equipment, Barış Manço Park is one option, but most of Alanya’s parks have playgrounds.

• Family-friendly beaches: Kleopatra Beach is famous for its golden sands and shallow waters (just be aware, it gets deeper after 8–10m). Many beaches also offer paddleboarding and other water sports.

• Waterparks: A little ways from Kleopatra Beach, Alanya Aquapark offers over 20 water slides, rafting challenges and a wave pool.

• Boat trips: Your mileage will vary on how much you want to take a pirate-themed tour (younger kids will likely find the ships irresistible), but there are traditional gulet cruises, too, with stops for swimming and snorkelling.

Free things to do in Alanya

There’s plenty to do on Alanya holidays, even if you’re on a shoestring budget.

• Free museums: Dedicated to Atatürk, the Alanya Atatürk House Museum has reams of memorabilia (he stayed here in 1935). But move beyond the ground floor, and you’ll find period rooms with themed displays showing how wealthy Alanya families lived in the 1930s.

• Festivals and free events: Alanya hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including free open-air concerts and folk dance performances. The International Alanya Jazz Festival in October is a particular highlight.

• Beaches: Alanya’s beaches are one of its calling cards. Alanya Municipality Public Beach is a favourite with locals, with free sunbeds and brollies, though, as you can imagine, they get snapped up like hotcakes.

• Markets: Even if you don’t go to buy, it’s worth checking out local markets such as the Cuma Pazarı (Friday Market) to experience local culture.

Wellness in Alanya

• Traditional body care: For a genuine Turkish bath experience, try one of Alanya’s historic baths. The Grand Alanya Hamam is a favourite, where you can enjoy a full exfoliation, traditional foam massage and deep cleanse.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: Alanya’s surroundings offer fantastic hiking opportunities, from leisurely coastal paths to more challenging mountain trails. The Alanya Castle Trail is particularly popular, winding through the hillside with rewarding city and sea views.

• Rafting: In the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, the upper parts of the Dim River are popular with paddlers.

• Paragliding: Paragliding is hard to beat for an adrenaline rush. Flights typically take off from the Taurus Mountains and land at Kleopatra Beach.

• Scuba diving: Several reputable dive centres offer courses and excursions to coral reefs, caves and shipwrecks just offshore. Pirate and Phosphorus caves are hot spots.

• Jeep safaris: A popular way to explore the rugged terrain around Alanya is by joining a jeep safari. These excursions take you through pine forests, over hills and to hidden villages, with plenty of stops for breathtaking photos.

Beaches to enjoy on Alanya holidays

Alanya holidays are a beach lover’s dream, offering stunning stretches of sand, crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, family-friendly fun, or water sports, Alanya’s beaches have something for everyone.

• Cleopatra Beach: The most famous beach in Alanya, Cleopatra Beach is known for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Legend has it that the beach was a gift from Mark Antony to Cleopatra. With its calm waves and excellent facilities, it’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the scenic views.

• Keykubat Beach: Located near the town centre, this long stretch of sand offers a lively atmosphere with plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby. It’s a great spot for families, with shallow waters ideal for children and opportunities for paddleboarding and snorkelling.

• Damlataş Beach: Found at the base of Alanya Castle, Damlataş Beach is famous for its unique location and natural beauty. Its proximity to the Damlataş Cave makes it an excellent choice for those who want to combine a beach day with a bit of sightseeing.

• Portakal (Orange) Beach: For a quieter experience, Portakal Beach provides a more laid-back vibe. This spacious beach is perfect for unwinding, and its slightly stronger waves make it a favourite for water sports enthusiasts.

• Incekum Beach: Located a short drive from Alanya, Incekum Beach is known for its soft, fine sand and shallow waters. Its family-friendly atmosphere makes it a popular choice for those travelling with children.

• Fugla Beach: A hidden gem, Fugla Beach offers a peaceful escape with calm waters and fewer crowds. It’s a great spot for a serene day by the sea.

Alanya’s beaches are a highlight of any visit, offering a mix of lively and tranquil spots that cater to all preferences. Whether you’re lounging on Cleopatra Beach, exploring hidden coves, or enjoying thrilling water sports, Alanya’s coastline promises unforgettable seaside memories.

Local dishes in Alanya

One of the best parts of holidays to Alanya is tasting the rich flavours of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, which uses plenty of fresh, local ingredients and has unique culinary traditions.

Some typical dishes

• Piyaz: Made with parsleyed dried beans, onions and sumac and a smooth tahini, lemon and vinegar sauce, this salad is unmissable if you are holidaying anywhere in the Antalya Province.

• Kızartma: This simple dish consists of fried vegetables – aubergines and chilli peppers or courgettes are popular combos – served with a garlicky tomato sauce.

Meze dishes

• Yaprak Ciğer: Thinly sliced sautéed liver is the star of this red onion, parsley and sumac salad.

• Kalamar Tava: Flavoured with herbs or pepper flakes and served with lemon wedges and a garlic or yoghurt sauce for dipping, fried squid rings are a local favourite.

Meat dishes

• Köfte: There are veggie-only exceptions, but for the most part, these patties are made with minced beef or lamb and served fried, stewed or grilled.

• Şiş Tavuk: Chicken marinated in olive oil, lemon and garlic, spit-roasted over coals.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Izgara Çipura: Freshly caught or farmed (the former is more expensive but tastier), seasoned with olive oil and herbs, grilled sea bream is a firm favourite.

• Midye Dolma: Stuffed with rice, herbs and spices, these plump mussels need just a squeeze of lemon to enhance the flavour.

Street food

• Gözleme: Filled with cheese or spinach and baked on a griddle for a crisp finish, this Turkish flatbread makes a great light breakfast or afternoon snack.

• Simit: If you like bagels, you’re in luck. Simit is very similar, ring-shaped, sesame-topped and deliciously crunchy.

Sweets and desserts

• Baklava: When countries still fight over who invented it, you know it will be good. This nutty syrup-drenched filo pastry is sweet, sticky and oh-so-satisfying.

• Lokum (Turkish delight): These chewy, sugary cubes are traditionally flavoured with rosewater, lemon, mastic, mint or pistachio.

Local drinks

• Ayran: Made with yoghurt, cold water and salt, this dairy beverage provides a cooling balance to the spices in Turkish cuisine.

• Rakı (Aslan Sütü): This anise-flavoured spirit is typically drunk diluted with water, which turns it white, giving rise to its “Lion’s Milk” moniker.