Alanya is one of gorgeous resort towns on the Turkish Riviera in Antalya Province. It’s a tiny town with an estimated population of more than 130, ooo, including European expatriates in its demographic – a majority of them are above 50 years old. For such a small population, more than 17,000 of foreigners (including Germans, Russians, Britons and Danish) are property/business owners. Its beautiful weather and sceneries are among the attractive reasons why this gem has continued to be a tourist magnet for decades, most especially in the summer.
Follow me as I reveal to you the top eight fun things to do in this stunning destination.
8. Explore the Zest of Alanya’s Attractive Souvenir Shops
As with most beach hotspots, you will find an enormous amount of souvenir shops that line the streets, the same goes for Alanya. Alanya streets are covered from head to toe with souvenir shops that offer plenty for purchase.
No matter what your taste in memorabilia may be, be it a simple refrigerator magnet, a zippo lighter, a t-shirt that expresses your newfound love for the city, traditional garb, artwork or display pieces, it can be found in just about any given shop here, especially in the main areas around the beaches. Be sure to shop around as options are plentiful and prices vary from shop to shop; and if the mood strikes you, feel free to try and haggle a better price out of the local shopkeeper. Chances are they will be more than willing to drop a price or two so you don’t walk away empty-handed.
7. Experience the Dynamic Vibe of Alanya Nightlife
When exploring Alanya at night, you’ll definitely get to enjoy its sights, sound and aroma. Places of dining and entertainment come to life at night in Alanya, most especially at the big harbor and stretches out to where the long beach ends. Yachts are also available for rent for romantic dinners and special celebrations. There are also night tours of the city available at an affordable price. It’s also a good time to photograph this stunning resort town with its top attractions like the Red Tower, Alanya Castle and the “I Heart Alanya” sign brightly lit throughout the night.
6. Stroll the Harbor at Night/Day
The harbor is as beautiful at night as it is during the day. On the one side of the street lined with tall palm streets and benches are brightly lit souvenir shops, pubs, restaurants, and ice cream/corn/fruit juice stands; while on the other side are huge gorgeous boats with colorful lights reflected in the water.
5. Embrace Nature at Dim Cayi
Alanya is a city full of beauty of many variations, from the warm sandy beaches to the poolside venues up and down the mountains. If the summer heat and humidity becomes too difficult to bare, an easy and scenic trip up the surrounding mountains to Dim Cayi by bus is an excellent chance to escape from the beach or scorching sun without having to leave the beach atmosphere in the city, and very inexpensive as well.
Dim Cayi is no more than a twenty-minute bus ride from the city center, through the city and around all the twists and turns up the mountain. With plenty of places that offer their own unique “mountain beach lifestyle” around nearly every bend of the road, fun in the sun is offered anywhere here in the higher elevations. On the mountain, the air is crisp and clean, crowds are less prominent, shade is more plentiful under all the lush vegetation and trees, while still maintaining the same amount of fun in the water that you will find down below at the beaches, either via poolside or in the refreshingly cool mountain rivers.
In the mountains of Dim Cayi you will find many small, tight knit communities that will welcome you with open arms. Most people you will come across will be very warm towards you and would love to show you a look into their life, including their small farms or orchards that they tend to, where they produce some of the most amazing fruits and vegetables you will ever eat.
4. Bask in the Charm of Cleopatra Beach
When in Alanya don’t miss an opportunity to swim in one of Alanya’s beautiful beaches. Named after the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra, rumor has it that during her Mediterranean Sea voyage she stopped in Alanya and swam here.
Even for first-time visitors, Cleopatra Beach is easy to find. If you are anywhere near the harbor, walk to Ataturk Boulevard and continue westward. At a normal pace it is approximately a 25-minute walk. If you are near the main bus terminal, just walk two blocks to the beachside from there. A beach hotel bearing the same name is across from the terminal which should serve as your compass too if you are either confused or direction challenged. From there, walk straight ahead and you’ll find the beach in barely 3 minutes.
Cleopatra Beach is also a hotspot for water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, banana boating, and tandem paragliding. On the east side of the beach are Lovers’ Cave, Damlatas Cave and cable car stations for you to enjoy as well.
3. Enjoy a Full-Day Diving Excursion
Dive your way to a rich variety of marine life at a price of $40, including lunch on the boat/yacht. All diving equipment is provided. Translators (Russian/German/English), a professional diving instructor, and a photographer are on board with you as well. Beverages and copies of photos and videos of the excursion are extra. The minimum age requirement is seven. Pickup and dropoff service is included in the price.
Most of the departures from the harbor are at 10 in the morning so make sure to be ready by at 9:30 at latest. On time departure means you’ll have more time to sunbathe, swim, snorkel and relax after the dives.
2. Take a Full-Day Boat Tour from the Harbor
Most of full-day boat tours that you can book at the harbor cost around $12 per adult, including lunch. In fact, boat tours are among the most popular and inexpensive activities here. On our boat tour last week, unlimited drinks were included, though on our other previous ones beverages were at an extra $1.5 per bottle/can.
Remember to always try your best to haggle upon booking, because you always can and should to get the best rate available. Enjoy a full day relaxing on the deck with the sun, the refreshing sea breeze, music, and lively atmosphere of exuberant people around having so much fun. There is a professional photographer on board for your personalised photos and videos. Copies are sold at an optional basis. If you want to purchase yours, again don’t forget to haggle. Destinations include a few stops at stunning bays where you can swim in deep crystal clear water, pass the Lovers’ Cave (believed to be Cleopatra and Mark Antony’s love nest), Cleopatra Beach, and Aquarium Bay. An hour before heading back to the harbor to call it a day, there is a foam party and traditional Turkish dance that you can take part in.
1. Go on a Jeep Safari
This full-day excursion costs $25 per adult including lunch, a guide, and a translator. On the Jeep Safari we enjoyed last week, there were Russian and English translators, as well as a professional photographer provided by the company. Purchase of videos and photos taken during the tour is optional. Though lunch was an open buffet, there were two choices for the main course: chicken on skewers and grilled trouts. An extra meal cost $5. Beverages, desserts and ice cream were at an extra charge as well.
Embrace the stunning and relaxing sceneries as you climb up to the mountains and pass remote villages with orchards, tiny greengrocers, souvenir shops, and banana terraces.
The tour includes stunning destinations like two waterfalls and Dim Cave that has an observatory before the entrance that lets you drink in the panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and Dim River right below.
The jeep safari starts at past 9 in the morning and finishes around 5 in the afternoon. Pickup and dropoff at your respective hotels is included. You may bring water guns that you can use for the fun water fights during the journey. Expect to be on the jeep with foreigners as it is one of the most popular activities in Alanya. For activities like this, SMILES are a common language.
(Inside Dim Cave – the deepest cave in Alanya. The right and left sides of the cave has depths of 50 and 350 metres respectively.)
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