The large and bustling seaside resort of Alanya is located on the Antalya coast in southwestern Turkey and is famous for the gift that Mark Anthony gave to Cleopatra. Alanya is divided in two by a large rocky peninsula, with beautiful sandy beaches to the east and west. Backed by the Taurus Mountains, this popular beach resort offers a mix of old and new with modern hotels, lively nightclubs, restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, ancient ruins and captivating minarets. Alanya offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets. From self-catering accommodation to all-inclusive hotels, Alanya has something for everyone.
The fortress district on the rocky promontory houses the old town of Alanya, which is in stark contrast to the main tourist hub. Here you will find a port area by the sea, small winding streets, interesting hillside cafes, ancient towers and ruins, mosques and castles. Around the port area you will find tea houses, restaurants serving delicious seafood dishes and relaxing bars.
Situated at the eastern end of the Turkish Riviera, also known as the Turquoise Coast, Alanya is close to some of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey. With over 600 miles of incredible coastline and warm, clear Mediterranean waters, most of the beaches along this stretch have been awarded the EU Blue Flag for cleanliness. To the east of the peninsula is Keykubat beach, popular with tourists and locals alike. This large bay is close to the city center and offers many beach bars, sun loungers, parasols and shops. The beach has its own lifeguards and a variety of water sports including jet skiing and parasailing. There are two popular beaches to the west of the peninsula, Cleopatra Beach and the adjoining Damlatas Beach. Cleopatra Beach is excellent for families with children, as the fine sandy beach gently juts out into the beautiful crystal clear waters. As on Kykubat beach, cafeterias, beach bars, lifeguards, sun loungers, umbrellas and water sports are offered here. Adjacent to Cleopatra beach is Damlatas beach, where you will find the huge Damlatas caves. These caves are one of the biggest attractions in Alanya with stalactites, stalagmites and columns that are thousands of years old. You will also find sun loungers, umbrellas and snack bars along the beach. For a calmer day, you should visit the valley and the Dim River, where you can enjoy excellent swimming conditions.
Alanya is an excellent choice as a holiday destination, not only for its beautiful beaches but also for its culture. There’s plenty to do and see here, including excursions to the ancient amphitheater of Aspendos, diving in the warm, crystal-clear sea, jeep safaris, and boat trips to nearby sea caves.
Many festivals are held in Alanya throughout the year. The start of the tourist season is marked by the Festival of Tourism and Art that takes place at the end of May or beginning of June. This is a great event for the whole family with Whirling Dervish shows, folk dances and lots of music including traditional Turkish, pop and classical music. Visit during September and October for the Alanya Days festival with live jazz performances throughout the city.
Alanya enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers with maximum temperatures of 31°C and short, mild winters. If you are looking for warm weather and cheap accommodation, the best time to visit is in April or May when temperatures are around 21-24°C, or in September and October when temperatures are around 26°C. June, July, and August is when the resort experiences its hottest temperatures, is busiest, and hotel prices are highest. The winter months of November to March are not a good time to visit as during these months the weather deteriorates with temperatures averaging between 16C and 21C. The probability of rain increases considerably during the winter months.
