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.
Alanya Holiday Highlights
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.
The best beaches in Alanya
Alanya boasts some of the most stunning beaches in Turkey, and with 70km of coastline there's a stretch for every kind of beach day.
Cleopatra Beach (Kleopatra Plajı) - Alanya's most famous beach: a 2km arc of fine golden sand with Blue Flag status, perfect for swimming and watersports. The main beach for most visitors, lined with lounger hire, beach bars, and watersports operators. Gets busy in peak season, arrive early for the best spots.
Damlataş Beach - immediately west of the main beach, slightly quieter and popular with families. Good access to Damlataş Cave directly from the beach. Slightly coarser sand but same clear water.
Keykubat Beach - east of the peninsula, a long sandy stretch that runs toward the marina. Generally less crowded than Cleopatra Beach and popular with locals. Good watersport facilities and beach clubs.
Mahmutlar Beach - a 5km stretch of golden sand about 12km east of Alanya town, with a relaxed atmosphere and crystal-clear water. More residential feel, good value beach bars and restaurants, fewer tourists than the main town beaches.
Incekum Beach - around 25km west of Alanya, a quieter, more natural beach fringed by pine trees with calm, shallow water. A great half-day escape from the busier resort beaches.
Local lingo
A few words that'll get you far in Alanya:
Hello - Merhaba
Cheers! - Şerefe!
Thank you - Teşekkür ederim
How much is it? - Bu ne kadar?
Very beautiful - Çok güzel
The bill please - Hesap lütfen
Where is the beach? - Plaj nerede?
One more beer please - Bir Efes daha lütfen
Where to Stay in Alanya
Alanya stretches along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast with different areas offering completely different holiday vibes. Whether you’re after family-friendly beaches, lively nightlife or quieter all-inclusive resorts, picking the right area can make a big difference to your trip.
Best for Families
Oba
One of the most family-friendly parts of Alanya, just east of the centre. Expect wide beaches, shopping centres, playgrounds and a calmer atmosphere than the main resort strip. Great if you want easy access to restaurants and attractions without staying in the busiest area.
Türkler
Known for large all-inclusive resorts packed with pools, slides and entertainment. A strong choice for families wanting a classic fly-and-flop holiday with everything onsite.
Okurcalar
Quieter and more resort-focused, with long beaches and big family hotels. Ideal if your priority is relaxing by the pool rather than nightlife.
Best for Couples
Alanya City Centre
Perfect if you want restaurants, bars, harbour views and evening walks all within easy reach. The mix of beach clubs, rooftop restaurants and castle views gives the town a more grown-up feel after dark.
Mahmutlar
A quieter coastal area east of Alanya with a more relaxed atmosphere, scenic seafront walks and modern hotels. Popular with couples wanting somewhere calmer but still connected to the centre.
Konaklı
A laid-back resort area west of Alanya known for beachfront hotels and sunset views. Good for couples after a quieter all-inclusive break.
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.
Alanya Travel Guide 2026 / 2027
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
More Destinations
Belek - 1.5 hours west. Turkey's luxury resort capital. Championship golf, five-star all-inclusives, and the Land of Legends theme park.
Kemer - 45 minutes west. Pine forests, mountain backdrops, and Moonlight Bay's Blue Flag beach.
Antalya Old Town - 1.5 hours west. Kaleiçi's cobbled streets, Ottoman architecture, Hadrian's Gate, and a beautiful marina. A great city day trip for culture and evening dining.
Side - 1 hour west. Roman ruins, a beautiful old town, and a more relaxed resort atmosphere. Worth a day trip or a longer stay if you want history with your beach holiday.
Popular Alanya hotels
More Alanya hotelsWeather in Alanya
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Alanya prides itself as a sunny hotspot overlooking the Med, and it's astonishingly hot during the summer, reaching highs of 32°; Celsius by August. Given Alanya's location, it's more temperate than unbearably warm, and there's some rain in the winter months, so a light cagoule might be in order then.
Even in the depths of winter though, the rainfall is broken by long sunny periods and the thermometer stays between 10°; Celcius and 20°; Celsius.
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FAQs
Is Alanya good for families?
Is Alanya good for families?
Absolutely brilliant! Cleopatra Beach has shallow, safe waters perfect for kids, and most hotels have pools with waterslides. Europe's largest waterpark Sealanya is here, plus the castle makes history fun. Loads of family-friendly restaurants too. Way more relaxed than party resorts like Bodrum, so perfect for proper family time.
How long does it take to get to Alanya?
How long does it take to get to Alanya?
Direct flights from UK or Ireland to Antalya take around 4 hours. Alanya's about 130km from Antalya Airport - roughly 2 hours' drive along the scenic coast. We can arrange transfers for you when you book, as part of your package, or taxis cost around €80-100 if you prefer to sort your own. Some airlines also fly to Gazipaşa Airport which is only 45km away.
What's Cleopatra Beach like?
What's Cleopatra Beach like?
Legendary! 2km of golden sand with Blue Flag status, crystal-clear waters, and the Taurus Mountains as backdrop. Named after the Egyptian queen who supposedly swam here. It's got everything - water sports, beach bars, sun loungers, and brilliant swimming. Can get busy in peak season but there's plenty of space. Definitely worth the hype.
Is Alanya Castle worth visiting?
Is Alanya Castle worth visiting?
Yeah, definitely! Medieval fortress perched on a dramatic peninsula with jaw-dropping views over the Mediterranean. You can explore Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman architecture all in one place. Take the cable car up for spectacular aerial views, or drive if you fancy it. The Red Tower at the harbour entrance is proper impressive too.
What water sports can you do in Alanya?
What water sports can you do in Alanya?
Loads! Parasailing, jet-skiing, banana boats, and windsurfing are available at most beaches. There's also scuba diving to explore underwater caves and reefs, plus boat trips along the coast. Europe's largest waterpark Sealanya has slides and pools, plus you can swim with dolphins. Proper paradise for water sports fans.
Is Alanya touristy?
Is Alanya touristy?
It's a popular resort so yeah, you'll find plenty of tourists, especially in summer. But it's got that brilliant balance - enough tourism infrastructure to be comfortable, but still feels authentically Turkish. The old town, harbour, and local markets maintain traditional character. Way more relaxed than massive mega-resorts, and locals are genuinely friendly.