Holidays to Alanya

From lazing the day away on cashmere-soft sands to immersing yourself in unmissable nightlife, here are some of our favourite things to do in Alanya:

• Visit beautiful beaches: Alanya boasts some of the most stunning beaches in Turkey, including the famous Cleopatra Beach. With its silk-spun sand, dazzling turquoise waters and variety of water sports, it's the perfect place to relax, unwind and soak up the Mediterranean sun.
• Try the local cuisine: Indulge in delicious Turkish cuisine on holidays to Alanya. From succulent kebabs and freshly caught seafood to sweet baklava and traditional Turkish delight, there's something to suit all taste buds. Visit the local markets and restaurants to sample authentic flavours.
• Go shopping: Alanya is a shopper's paradise, with a vibrant bazaar and numerous boutiques offering everything from handcrafted souvenirs to designer clothing. Haggle for unique treasures at the bustling Alanya Bazaar or browse the modern shopping centres for international brands and local fashions.
• Experience the nightlife: When the sun goes down, Alanya comes alive with a thriving nightlife scene. Dance the night away at buzzing bars and clubs or enjoy laid-back evenings at traditional Turkish taverns. With a wide range of entertainment options, there's something for every taste and mood.
• Attend special events: Throughout the year, Alanya hosts a variety of exciting festivals and events that showcase the region's culture and traditions. From the colourful International Culture and Art Festival to the thrilling Alanya Triathlon, there's always something going on. Make sure you check what’s on before you travel.

Add Alanya’s top attractions to your holiday itinerary and tick the Red Tower, Alanya Castle and Damlataş Cave off your wish list.

• Alanya Castle: This 13th-century fortress has amazing views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Explore its labyrinthine corridors, visit its historical exhibits and discover its hidden secrets. The castle's strategic location and impressive architecture make it a must-visit attraction.
• Red Tower: This distinctive 13th-century tower once served as a defensive structure protecting the harbour. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Alanya. Visitors can climb to the top to admire panoramic views of the coastline and explore the on-site museum to learn about its fascinating history.
• Damlataş Cave: Discover the natural wonder of this 15,000-year-old cave, known for its unique rock formations and healing properties. The constant temperature and high humidity are said to provide relief for respiratory ailments, making it a must-visit for health enthusiasts.
• Alanya Harbour: This picturesque harbour is a hub of activity, with colourful boats bobbing in the water and bustling bazaars selling unique souvenirs. Dive into the electric atmosphere, soak up the sun and admire views of Alanya Castle and the Mediterranean Sea. Stop at a local café for Turkish tea or indulge in fresh seafood as the catch-of-the-day is brought in.
• Alanya Archaeological Museum: Journey through time at this fascinating museum, which showcases artefacts from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman eras. Marvel at the ancient statues, pottery and mosaics that tell the interesting story of Alanya's history.

Spend your days unwinding on Blue Flag stretches or check into a beautiful beach hotel where you’ll be steps away from the sand.

• Cleopatra Beach: This 2km stretch of radiant sand is Alanya's most famous beach. It boasts Blue Flag status and is perfect for swimming and sunbathing, with plenty of sun loungers and parasols available to hire. Water sports like jet skiing and parasailing are particularly popular here, and the beach is backed by a busy promenade lined with cafés and bars.
• Damlataş Beach: This small but picturesque beach is located at the foot of Alanya Castle. It's known for its unique cave, which is said to have healing properties. It has a mix of sand and pebbles, with clear waters ideal for snorkelling. It's a great spot for a relaxing day by the sea.
• Portakal Beach: Situated west of the harbour, Portakal Beach is a hidden gem. This pretty pebble cove is a secluded spot with calm, turquoise waters. It's popular with locals and offers a more authentic experience. There are a few small cafés nearby serving fresh seafood and traditional Turkish dishes.
• Kargicak Beach: The clear water here makes this pebbly stretch a top spot for snorkelling. You can have a leisurely walk along the shore or rent sun loungers for when you're ready to soak up the sunshine on the beach. A range of amenities are available, too, including beach bars, restaurants and water sports.
• Avsallar Beach: If you're prepared to travel a little further, Avsallar Beach is a stunning sandy stretch located 25km west of Alanya. With its turquoise waters and powdery sand, it's great for swimming, relaxing and water sports. It's lined with beach clubs and is backed by lush pine forests, providing a picturesque and tranquil setting for a relaxing day out.

Take your pick of exciting day trips on package holidays to Alanya. From rushing waterfalls to ancient cities, there’s something to captivate all kinds of holidaymakers.

• Taurus Mountains Jeep safari: Embark on an adrenaline-pumping Jeep safari through the rugged Taurus Mountains, discovering hidden villages, breathtaking viewpoints and lush forests. Stop at traditional villages to learn about local life and relish a delicious lunch with jaw-dropping mountain views.
• Side Ancient City: Step back in time as you explore the well-preserved ruins of Side, an ancient port city. Wander through the impressive Roman theatre, admire the Temple of Apollo and discover the bathhouse, all while immersing yourself in the rich history of this fascinating site.
• Ancient City of Aspendos: Tick more ancient ruins off your list, with a visit to the Ancient City of Aspendos, famous for its striking Roman theatre. Built in the 2nd century AD, it’s one of the best-preserved theatres in the world, with a capacity of up to 15,000 spectators. It even hosts concerts and ballet performances today.
• Manavgat Waterfall and cruise: Set sail on a scenic river cruise along the Manavgat River, admiring the lush landscapes and stopping at the magnificent Manavgat Waterfall. Have a refreshing swim in the cool waters and explore the charming riverside cafés and shops.
• Antalya tour: Spend a full day in the vibrant city of Antalya, just a 2-hour drive from Alanya. An experienced guide will take you to see the top sights, including the picturesque Old Town (Kaleiçi). Some tours also include stops at the impressive Düden Waterfalls and the Antalya Museum, plus an exhilarating cable car ride.

From live music and dancing to relaxed bars with stunning views, there's something for everyone when the sun sets in Alanya.

• Traditional Turkish taverns: For a more authentic night out, visit a traditional Turkish tavern, known as a meyhane. These establishments offer a relaxed atmosphere, delicious meze (small plates) and a selection of Turkish drinks, such as raki and local wines.
• Nightclubs: For those looking to dance the night away, Alanya's clubs feature a mix of Turkish and international hits, spun by talented DJs. Many clubs have open-air dance floors, allowing you to enjoy the warm Mediterranean nights. Some hotels even have nightclubs on site, so you’ll be steps away from bed when you’re ready to call it a night.
• Themed bars: Immerse yourself in a unique atmosphere at one of Alanya's themed bars for a fun and memorable experience. Havana Club is a spirited salsa bar that offers a taste of Cuba. Take part in dancing lessons or simply let the infectious rhythms wash over you while sipping on mojitos and other Caribbean-inspired cocktails.
• Beach bars: Take advantage of Alanya's stunning coastal location by visiting one of the many beachfront bars. Sip on refreshing cocktails as you listen to the gentle lapping of the waves and soak up the scenery. This is the ideal option if you’re looking for a quiet place to unwind after a day on the beach.
• On-site entertainment: Many hotels in Alanya have jam-packed evening entertainment programmes, with something for all ages. Expect live music performances, including traditional Turkish music and international bands. Captivating shows are also on the cards, as well as family-friendly activities like mini-discos, games and film screenings.

Dining in Alanya is a treat for the taste buds. Authentic street food, impressive all inclusive spreads and fine dining at luxe restaurants are all on the cards.

• Traditional Turkish cuisine: Savour authentic dishes like Alanya kebab, sac kavurma (slow-cooked lamb), and hülüklü çorba (a yoghurt-based soup) at local restaurants and meyhanes (traditional Turkish taverns). Meze, pide, köfte and fresh seafood are also must-tries.
• Beachfront dining: Have a meal with a view at one of Alanya's many beachfront restaurants. From casual cafés serving Turkish breakfast and light bites to upscale eateries offering international cuisine and creative cocktails, there's something for every taste and budget. This is the perfect way to end a day at the beach.
• Street food: Explore Alanya's fantastic street food scene, where you can sample delicious and affordable treats like gözleme (stuffed flatbread), midye dolma (stuffed mussels) and tantuni (spicy meat wraps). Head to Alanya Bazaar or the harbour area to find the best street food vendors.
• Fine dining: For a more refined dining experience, visit one of Alanya's top-rated restaurants. Indulge in exquisite Turkish and international cuisine, paired with fine wines and impeccable service. Choose a fancy restaurant at your all inclusive hotel or head to Seasons Restaurant, where, as the name suggests, the menu changes with the season – although the sushi is always a hit.
• All inclusive dining: Booking an all inclusive holiday means your food and drink are covered, so you won’t need to worry about the bill when you arrive. Enjoy the convenience and variety of all inclusive dining at the best hotels in Alanya, where you can savour lavish buffets featuring international cuisines and gourmet meals at à la carte restaurants specialising in Turkish, Italian and Asian fare, to name a few.