What to Do in Alanya? Best Tips for Your Trip to Turkey’s Riviera
Alanya is a charming coastal town stretching between the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the lush green foothills of the Taurus Mountains. Located east of Antalya, Alanya is one of Turkey's most popular holiday destinations, renowned for its historical and natural beauty. With its sunny weather, clear sea and rich cultural heritage, Alanya attracts both local and foreign tourists throughout most of the year. With a history spanning thousands of years, the city bears the traces of many civilisations, including the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman empires. Even a few days spent here will take you on a journey through history and immerse you in the peaceful atmosphere of the Mediterranean.
So, what to do in Alanya? Where to visit in Alanya? Let's explore together!
General Information About Alanya
Alanya, a district of Antalya, has a population of over 364,000, which can double during the summer months due to tourism. The city centre features a harbour, beaches, shopping streets and entertainment venues, while the surrounding area offers bays, historical buildings and natural beauty waiting to be explored.
The climate is typical of the Mediterranean, with hot, sunny summers and mild, rainy winters. Approximately 300 days of the year are sunny, making Alanya suitable for tourism all year round. During the summer months, daytime temperatures can exceed 30°C, while sea water temperatures range between 25–29°C.
How to Get to Alanya?
The fastest way to reach Alanya is to use Gazipaşa–Alanya Airport. Located approximately 41 km from the city centre, this airport has direct flights from many cities in Turkey and some European cities. You can reach the city centre from the airport by HAVAŞ buses, taxis or car rental services.
Alternatively, you can fly to Antalya Airport and reach Alanya by road in about 2 hours. For those planning to come from Istanbul by private car, the distance is approximately 800 km and offers an enjoyable route that takes an average of 10 hours.
For those who prefer to travel by bus, there are regular services from many cities in Turkey to the Alanya Bus Terminal.
When to Visit Alanya?
The most popular time to travel to Alanya is during the summer months (June–August). During this period, the sea temperature is around 25–29 °C, which is ideal for beach activities.
If you don't want to holiday in hot weather, spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are also great choices. During these periods, the weather is milder and there are fewer crowds. These months are the best time for those who want to go trekking, on cultural tours and nature tours.
In winter, Alanya becomes more appealing to those who want to explore historical and natural beauties rather than sea tourism, thanks to the Mediterranean's mild climate.
Alanya's Most Popular Restaurants
Alanya is a destination rich in culinary diversity. You can find both local delicacies and examples of world cuisine in the restaurants and cafes along the coast.
2 Brothers Place – Located near Kleopatra Beach, this restaurant stands out for its warm atmosphere and delicious food.
The Irish Pub Alanya – A popular spot for those who want to enjoy live music in the evenings.
Havana Beach Club – A stylish venue that can be enjoyed both for daytime beach fun and evening meals.
Additionally, tasting fresh seafood at the fish restaurants in the harbour area offers an unforgettable experience.
Places to See in Alanya
Alanya Castle
Built in 1226 by Seljuk Sultan I. Alaeddin Keykubat, this magnificent castle attracts attention with its 6.5 km long walls, 140 towers and hundreds of cisterns. The Süleymaniye Mosque, Ottoman houses and various museums within the castle reinforce the historical atmosphere.
Red Tower and Shipyard
The 33-metre-high, octagonal Red Tower is the symbol of Alanya Port. The historic shipyard next to it is one of the rare structures from the Seljuk period.
Museums
Alanya Archaeology and Ethnography Museum: It houses artefacts from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. The bronze statue of Hercules is one of the most striking pieces.
Atatürk House Museum: The house where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk stayed during his visit to Alanya reflects the lifestyle of the period.
Alanya's Most Beautiful Bays and Beaches
Alanya is famous for its blue flag beaches.
Cleopatra Beach: With its golden sand and clear sea, it is the most popular beach.
Incekum Beach: With its fine sand and shallow sea, it is ideal for families.
Emirgan (Ulaş) Beach: Offers a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by nature.
Keykubat and Portakal Beaches: Attract attention with their central locations and water sports facilities.
In addition to these, those who want to discover more isolated bays can take boat tours to reach the hidden beauties of Alanya's coastline.
What to Do on Holiday in Alanya?
Visit the historic Alanya Castle and Shipyard.
Explore the museums and learn about the history of the region.
Sunbathe and swim on the beaches, and take part in water sports.
Have a picnic in natural areas such as Ulaş Bay.
See the city from different angles with a jeep safari and cable car.
Explore the bays of the Mediterranean on yacht tours.
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