Alanya Holidays – Beach relaxation and cultural gems

A large, bustling beach resort backed by the Taurus Mountains, Alanya is an eclectic mix of old and new; a melting pot of modern resort hotels, ancient minarets, pulsating nightclubs and crumbling ruins. Many will be attracted by the beach scene here, with 20kms of soft sands stretching eastwards into the distance. The town provides everything you need for a lively beach holiday, with a huge array of bars, cafes, nightclubs, restaurants and shopping centres.

Wander into the fortress district on the rocky promontory, home to Alanya’s old town, and you’ll see a different side to the city. Quaint hillside cafes, a jumble of ruins, tiny stone streets, ancient towers, mosques and castles provide a fantastic cultural experience. Explore the waterside harbour area and you’ll find tea-houses, excellent seafood restaurants and welcoming bars. There’s a wealth of things to see and do, including boat trips to the nearby sea caves, scuba diving, jeep safari tours and excursions to the ancient Amphitheatre in Aspendos. All in all, a great choice for both culture and beach relaxation.

When to go

Holidays to Alanya are best taken in either spring (April- May) or autumn (September-October) for cheaper prices and pleasantly warm weather. The peak summer months of June-August will see higher prices, huge crowds, fully-booked hotels and the hottest temperatures. Winter (November-March) is not a great time to visit as the weather deteriorates.

Alanya plays host to a number of festivals throughout the year. At the end of May/beginning of June, the Tourism and Art Festival is held, marking the beginning of the tourist season. Here you’ll see pop, classical and Turkish art music, folk dances, a whirling dervishes show and more. September/October sees the Alanya Jazz Days festival, with live jazz music shown throughout the city.

The weather in Alanya

Located on the long Antalya Coast on the southern edge of Turkey, Alanya enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate of long hot summers and short mild winters. The spring months of April-May will see temperatures of around 21-24C and between 9-11 hours of sunshine a day. By the beginning of summer in June, the mercury rises to 28C on average, before peaking in the height of the summer at around 31C. The beginning of September remains hot at around 30C, before cooling off for the autumn period (September-October) to around 26C. By the end of October there is an increased chance of rain, and the winter period of November-March sees temperatures ranging between 16-21C on average.

Getting the best deal

As you might expect from a huge, sprawling beach resort such as Alanya, there is a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. Booking a self-catering holiday is a good way to save money on food – or on the other side of the coin, opting for all-inclusive holidays to Alanya can also work out cost-effective.

For the cheapest deals, make sure you book as early as possible. Avoid the peak summer months of June-August and popular school holiday dates such as Easter and half term. The spring and autumn periods are considered off-peak, with cheaper prices but excellent weather. Find the best prices we have to offer by looking at the deals below or alternatively by visiting our late deals offers here.

Airport and transport need to know

The nearest hub to Alanya for those travelling on international flights is the Antalya International Airport (AYT). Large, spacious and modern, the Antalya International has two international terminals (T1 and T2) and one domestic terminal. The international terminals have currency exchange bureaus; however the rates are notoriously bad. You’ll find a number of good quality shops in the Arrivals, Departures and Lounge areas, with brands such as Raymond Weil and Maurice Lacroix mixed with the usual airport fare of liquor, tobacco and sunglasses. Cash machines are located in Terminal 1.

You can reach Antalya from a number of UK airports, including London Gatwick, Luton and Stansted, Manchester, Edinburgh and Birmingham, as well as smaller regional hubs such as Bournemouth and Bristol.

Antalya International Airport is quite a distance from Alanya, at around 115km away. It takes around 2 hours to reach the resort by road. You can catch a taxi from outside the airport terminals if you wish – be sure to agree a price before you set off however, or you may be hit with ramped up rates when you reach the resort. You should expect to pay between €80-90 for the journey – this is not the most cost effective way of reaching Alanya. If you’d like to have a taxi ready and waiting for you in advance, you can book from companies based at the airport such as Alanya Airport Taxis.

A far cheaper option is to book a shared shuttle bus to the resort. These should cost around €9 per person for one way, and can be arranged easily through Shuttle Direct.

If you’re looking to explore the area on your Alanya holiday, it may be worth considering hiring a car from the airport. Car hire should cost between €25-40 for a day, depending on the size of the car, and can be arranged from a number of reputable companies including Argus Car Hire. You have to be over 21 to drive, and the speed limits are the same as in the UK. Drive on the right.

There is no public bus service between Antalya International Airport and Alanya.

The best beaches in Alanya

Located on the eastern end of the Turkish Riviera (or Turquoise Coast), Alanya is close to some excellent beaches. This beautiful stretch of coast boasts over 1000km of soft golden sands and warm Mediterranean waters. The majority of the beaches have been awarded the EU Blue Flag for cleanliness.

Keykubat beach

Keykubat beach is located to the east of the large, rocky peninsula that divides Alanya in two. The beach takes its name from the Sultan Kayqubad I. You’ll find a large, gently curving bay here with sunbeds, parasols and lifeguards, as well as watersports including jet skis and parasailing. There are plenty of shops and beach bars nearby, making this a popular beach with tourists and locals alike. This is a good beach for those who want the convenience of close proximity to the town centre and plenty of nearby amenities.

Cleopatra beach

Cleopatra Beach is located to the west of the peninsula that divides Alanya. This beach also offers long, sandy shores and crystal clear water. It is said to be the better of the resort’s two beaches. The sand here is finer, there are less rocks in the water and the water shelves more gently into the sea; making the better choice for those with children. You’ll also find lifeguards, parasols, sun loungers and watersports, as well as beach bars and cafes. Two sun loungers with one parasol should cost around €4.

Damlataş beach

Adjoining Cleopatra Beach at the western end is the popular Damlataş Beach. There are sunbeds and parasols at the beach and a number of sandwich bars. You’ll also find one of Alanya’s biggest attractions here; the Damlataş Caves. These are huge, impressive caves filled with stalagmites, stalactites and columns that are thousands of years old. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag.

USEFUL LINKS:

http://www.taxfreetravel.com/Antalya%20Airport
http://www.flightmapping.com/europe/turkey/antalya