Room 1
Alanya holidays
Dominated by the ancient Ottoman Castle and fortifications, the Turkish resort of Alanya is renowned for its wide beaches and vibrant nightlife. Situated right at the heart of the Turkish Riviera, Alanya is popular with young groups and couples who enjoy days relaxing on the sandy beaches and evenings dancing in the many clubs and bars.
- Flight Time
- 4h 15m
- From London
- Currency
- ₺
- Turkish Lira
- Time Zone
- GMT +3h
Getting to Alanya
Alanya sits on the Gulf of Antalya, on the southern coast of Turkey. The closest airport to Alanya is Gazipasa Airport (GZP), only a 40-minute drive to Alanya. Alternatively, you can fly to Antalya Airport (AYT) situated just over two hours from Alanya. The average flight time from London to Alanya is four hours and fifteen minutes. This may slightly vary depending on the location of your departure in the country. Once you land, you can get to Alanya by private taxi, rented car, or a shuttle arranged with your desired hotel.
Average weather in Alanya
- Temperature (°C)*
- Rainfall (Inches)*
Holidays in Alanya
It's easy to find your scene, no matter what vibe you're looking for, with lots of bars and clubs close to the beach or overlooking the beautiful harbour. Famous night spots including Summer Garden, Havana Club and Robin Hood nightclub where you'll find music genres ranging from traditional Turkish music to the ubiquitous EDM and disco classics. The harbour area is especially lively and probably considered the centre of Alanya evening fun and, in the summer months, there are often beach parties with DJs from the Alanya's many beach clubs. For a more relaxed evening, there's traditional Turkish belly dancing at places like Casper where they also make an amazing Daiquiri. At the totally chilled end of the evening spectrum, drop by one of the numerous Shisha lounges. Here, you can try flavoured tobacco in the renowned water-pipe, accompanied by a cup of Turkish tea or coffee.
We love Turkish food and Alanya is crammed with great restaurants, so here are a few of our favourites for you to choose from.
Prima Restaurant Bar has a wide menu from trad Turkish to international delicacies, with beautiful views of Alanya Castle. Must-try Enberi Cafe has a highly rated breakfast and brunch and also has castle views.
Kleopatra Turkish Bath & Spa has a restaurant with authentic dining near unique experiences like a Turkish bath. Seasons is an upscale restaurant with superb seafood and beach views. Bistro Bahama is a relaxed spot with international menu and Hasir has kebabs and mezes to die for!
With its mix of all-inclusive resorts, luxury villas and designer shopping outlets, Alanya is rapidly becoming one of the most popular retail destinations along the Turkish Riviera.
In Alanya, modern shops brush shoulders with quaint boutique stores and hectic bazaars, all combining to make a vibrant and enjoyable shopping experience. Some of our favourite retail destinations include Alanyum Mall, an out-of-town centre full of high-end goods and quirky shops selling local products, and the Neva Outlet where you can get the latest fashions at discounted prices. They even provide a free shuttle bus service from the major hotels.
For more traditional products and essential souvenirs try Bounoa Botique, centrally located in town next to the Camlica Dondurma ice cream shop or the Friday flea market at Cuma Pazari, where you will find delicious street food, handcrafted clothes and ceramics at bargain prices.
Activities in Alanya
Alanya is a vibrant coastal town in Turkey, renowned for its lively nightlife and energetic atmosphere. Throngs of young adults and couples flock to Alanya's vibrant bars and clubs, where the party never stops. The resort's activities mirror its energetic spirit, with an array of fun-filled options like inflatable water rides, thrilling parasailing adventures, and exciting party boat excursions. For those seeking more strenuous activities, Alanya might not be the ideal choice, as it primarily caters to those seeking a sun-soaked, fun-filled beach holiday.
Alanya watersports
Diving in Alanya
With, plenty of beaches and extensive shorelines backing onto a calm, clear and relatively warm sea, Alanya is generally renowned as one of the best diving locations in Turkey. Diving centres and schools in Alanya are staffed by professional, qualified teams and you can feel comfortable knowing you will be using the appropriate equipment under safe, controlled conditions. Whilst there is some diving in and around Antalya itself, the main areas are a little further out at Kemer, Kas and Side. But don’t worry, most organised excursions will include transport to and from the dive site. The whole region takes full advantage of natural and man-made underwater attractions for unforgettable experiences. Explore shipwrecks such as the World War I French, MS Paris II or small sunken transport aircraft DO 28. Discover the marine life inhabiting countless caves and reefs or for something totally different why not visit the first underwater museum in Turkey at Side, where you can swim amongst 117 sunken sculptures celebrating events in Anatolian history.
Surfing in Alanya
Alanya and other parts of the Turkish coastline occasionally get surfable waves, especially during the winter months when storms are more frequent. The surfing conditions are typically better suited for beginners or intermediates, given that the waves are usually not very big or powerful.
Windsurfing & Kitesurfing in Alanya
lanya provides the opportunity for some great windsurfing, particularly during the summer months when the winds are at their strongest and most consistent. The best windsurfing spot in the region is Kleopatra beach. Here, the beach is wide and it provides side-on winds that are ideal for windsurfing. Kleopatra beach is mostly sheltered from big waves and strong currents, making it the perfect place for beginners and intermediate surfers who want to practice their skills. If you want to perfect your windsurfing abilities even further, check out one of the windsurfing schools located right on the beach where lessons and rental equipment are provided.
Sailing in Alanya
Various operators organise sailing tours, often including meals, drinks, and stops at picturesque bays for swimming or snorkelling at popular destinations like Pirate's Cave, Lover's Cave, and Phosphorus Cave. There are sailing schools where beginners can learn the basics of sailing and more advanced sailors can improve their skills. Several companies charter boats, where you can rent a boat for a day or several days, choosing from bareboat charters (where you sail the boat yourself), skippered charters (where a captain sails the boat for you), or crewed charters (where the boat comes with a full crew). The marina can host over 300 yachts up to 70 metres in length and provides all services, including fuel station, electricity, freshwater, waste collection, laundry services and even Wi-Fi. There's also 24/7 security, a mini market, restaurant and a yacht club.
Fishing in Alanya
There are several fishing options available in and around Alanya. Many centre around a day or half-day boat excursion, where knowledgeable captains will navigate you out to where the fish are most prolific, making sure you won’t return empty-handed. All equipment is included on these excursions, but don’t be put off thinking they are only for seasoned anglers; many trips cater for non-fishing family members and will provide opportunities for sunbathing, swimming and of course on-board catering and drinks. As a special treat many galleys will prepare and cook the produce caught during the day as you return to the harbour. If taking to the seas isn’t your idea of fun, then there are also plenty of beachside shacks that will provide equipment and guidance to enjoy some shore-based angling. Kleopatra beach is a particular popular spot for shore fishing.
Canoeing & kayaking in Alanya
The calm, clear waters are ideal for sea kayaking - and it's a fun way to explore the coastline and reach spots that are inaccessible by foot or car. Many local operators offer sea kayak rentals and guided tours and some also combine sea kayaking with snorkelling, swimming, and beach breaks, providing a complete outdoor adventure. River Canoeing/Kayaking in the Dim River (or Dim Cayi) is a unique way to experience Alanya's natural beauty. Local instructors can provide basic training, safety tips, and local knowledge about the best places to explore and also take guided tours. The more experienced can rent equipment and head out on your own, with several rental shops hiring out canoes, kayaks and safety gear.
Land activities in Alanya
Golf in Alanya
Alanya itself does not have a golf course but it is close to one of Turkey's top golf regions in Belek (about 2 hours' drive). Dubbed a "golfers' paradise", world-class golf courses include:
The Montgomerie Maxx Royal Golf Club, designed by Colin Montgomerie, has hosted several international tournaments and is counted among Europe's best.
Carya Golf Club, designed by Ryder Cup player David Jones, is Turkey's first heathland inspired golf course.
Cornelia Golf Club features a 27-hole championship golf course designed by Nick Faldo.
Lykia Links Antalya is one of the few genuine links courses in the Mediterranean.
Sueno Golf Club has two full 18-hole courses, the Pines and Dunes, so you can play two courses in a day.
Cycling & mountain biking in Alanya
In and around Alanya, you have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the delights of the region from the saddle. Various routes offer spectacular views along the coast or from the summits of challenging climbs in the inland mountains. These routes vary in length and difficulty, but typically, the road conditions are good and traffic is light. Popular cycling trips include routes from Alanya to Gazipasa, Tosmur through Bikaci and back to Tosmur, or Alanya to Dim Baraji. The lengths vary, with the longest being a manageable 90 km. Turkey actively promotes cycling, and you can find details about cycle paths at tourist information offices.
Walking & hiking in Alanya
A superb destination for walking, Alanya's most popular walking and hiking spots include:
Alanya Castle: The walk up to Alanya Castle can be quite steep in places, but the views from the top over Alanya and the Mediterranean Sea are spectacular. Inside the castle walls, explore the old shipyard, the Red Tower, and the ruins of several churches.
Dim Cayi Valley: For a bit of nature, head to the Dim Cayi Valley, with several hiking trails along the river, through forests, and past caves. It's also a top spot for picnicking.
Sapadere Canyon: About 40km out from Alanya, Sapadere Canyon includes a 750-m-long pathway through the canyon, with several points where you can get down to the water. We love this for its stunning turquoise water and lush greenery.
Taurus Mountains: For a more challenging hike, the Taurus Mountains are rich in biodiversity and have incredible views.
Alanya Peninsula: The path around Alanya Peninsula is great for a gentle walk, with a particularly beautiful sunset.
