Alanya

Historic beach resort on Turkey's Mediterranean coast where golden sands meet ancient fortresses. Just two hours from Antalya, Alanya delivers brilliant beaches, legendary Cleopatra vibes, and proper Turkish hospitality.

✨ Why visit Alanya?

• 🏖 70km of stunning beaches including famous Cleopatra Beach

• 🏰 Medieval Alanya Castle perched on a dramatic peninsula

• 🌊 Blue Flag beaches with crystal-clear Mediterranean waters

• ⛰ Taurus Mountains backdrop creating spectacular scenery

• 🎢 Europe's largest waterpark plus loads of water sports

🎉 Good to Know

• 🤩 Fun fact: Legend has it that Cleopatra herself swam at Alanya's most famous beach after receiving it as a gift from Mark Antony. The sand was supposedly shipped in from Egypt just for her! Now you can swim where royalty once did.

• 🍽 Must-try: Fresh grilled fish straight from the Mediterranean at harbour restaurants. Order balık ekmek (fish sandwich) from beachside vendors, or try mantı (Turkish dumplings) at local spots. The seafood here is brilliant.

• 🚗 Getting around: Dolmuş minibuses run constantly along the coast connecting all beaches and the town centre for just a few lira. Taxis are cheap too, or rent a car to explore hidden coves and mountain villages at your own pace.

🏨 Top hotels in Alanya

Long Beach Hotel Alanya - Massive resort with impressive aqua park featuring water slides, pirate ship, and drop pool. Five swimming pools including infinity pool with sea views and saltwater pools. Swim-up rooms let you jump straight into your private pool. Multiple restaurants including Asian and Italian options, plus eight bars. Perfect for families wanting everything on-site.

Cook's Club Alanya - Adults Only - Stylish adults-only hotel (12+) right on Kleopatra Beach with vibrant atmosphere and on-site DJ. Large outdoor pool, spa facilities, and private beach area. Modern rooms with colourful traditional patterns. The Cantina restaurant serves international flavours and vegan options. Just a short walk to Alanya town centre and 4km from the castle.

Prestige Alanya - Family-friendly resort 20 minutes from Alanya centre and Cleopatra Beach. Spacious standard and family rooms with vibrant colours. Main buffet restaurant with market-style layout serving huge selection of international and Turkish dishes. Great value option with everything you need for a relaxed break.

Kleopatra Beach Hotel - Traditional family-friendly hotel right by the beach. Outdoor pool, kids pool, and spa facilities make it brilliant for families. Simple, comfortable rooms perfect for a laid-back break. Restaurant, poolside bar, and beach bar (extra charge). Activities include billiards, table tennis, beach volleyball, and watersports.

Numa Port Hotel - All about the views! Gorgeous harbour location with scenic Alanya Bay vistas from private balconies. 24-hour drinks service because you're on your jollies. Choose from standard rooms or suites with jacuzzis. Just 10-minute walk to the beach along the harbourfront. Special packages available for birthdays, anniversaries, and honeymoons.

🎯 What to do in Alanya

🏖 Things to do for beach lovers

• Spend days on legendary Cleopatra Beach with its golden sand and crystal-clear waters

• Explore hidden coves like Damlataş Beach near the famous dripping caves

• Try parasailing, jet-skiing, and banana boating at Keykubat Beach

• Take a boat trip along the 70km coastline discovering secluded swimming spots

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Things to do for families

• Visit Europe's largest waterpark Sealanya with dolphin shows and aqua park

• Explore Alanya Castle - kids love wandering the medieval fortress with sea views

• Discover Damlataş Cave with its unique microclimate and stunning stalactites

• Ride the cable car up to the castle for breathtaking aerial views over the coast

🍽 Things to do for foodies

• Sample fresh grilled fish at harbour restaurants with Mediterranean views

• Try mantı (Turkish dumplings) and gözleme at traditional lokanta eateries

• Visit local markets for Turkish delight, spices, and fresh produce

• Book a Turkish cooking class to learn authentic pide and kebab techniques

🎉 Things to do for party animals

• Hit the harbour area's bars and clubs with live music till late

• Join boat party tours with DJ sets and swimming stops

• Explore Alanya's vibrant club scene along the main strip

• Check out beach clubs hosting sunset parties with Mediterranean views

🗓 When to visit Alanya

June to September (Peak season perfection) - There's a reason everyone flocks here in summer! Temperatures hit 30-32°C with virtually zero rain and endless sunshine. Every facility's open and buzzing - water sports centres, beach clubs, restaurants all operating at full capacity. The sea's bathwater-warm, perfect for swimming and water sports. Beaches will be busiest and prices reflect the popularity, so book early for best hotel choice. September's slightly cooler at 28°C, brilliant if you want guaranteed sunshine without quite as much heat.

April to May, October (Brilliant value) - Proper good shoulder season. April-May reach comfortable 20-24°C, lovely for exploring the castle and caves without melting. The sea warms up gradually, gorgeous by late May. October still delivers 24-26°C with seawater that's retained all that summer warmth - sometimes the best swimming of the year. Hotels offer better rates and most restaurants and attractions stay fully operational. Slightly quieter than peak summer but still plenty of atmosphere.

November to March (Off-season) - Much quieter with some hotels and tourist facilities closed or running reduced hours. Temperatures drop to 10-20°C - pleasant enough for sightseeing but too cool for serious beach days. You'll get rain occasionally, especially December-January. Best for exploring historical sites without crowds and experiencing authentic Turkish life. The castle, caves, and museums stay open year-round. Only recommended if beaches aren't your main priority.