All inclusive holidays in Alanya

Sitting on the sunny southern coast of Turkey, Alanya is a favourite destination for families and sun worshippers from all over Europe. This friendly, busy resort has the clear blue waters of the Med in front and a dramatic mountain backdrop behind, making this one of the prettiest spots on the Turkish Riviera. It’s an historically important spot too, and you can spend days wandering through beautifully preserved ancient ruins before heading back to the sun lounger on one of the town’s many sandy beaches.

There’s a cluster of places to visit during all inclusive holidays to Alanya, and not all of them will be on the tour operator’s itinerary, so it’s a good idea to go exploring for yourself. One of the top spots for an excursion is Lover’s Cave, a secret seafront cave that’s only accessible by boat. It’s rumoured to be an old pirate’s lair, but we’re guessing that the doubloons have long since been dug up and spent!

If you need to get away from the usual tourist trappings on the mainland then a trip over to Kuyularönü Camii island for some spiritual recharging is a must. This stunning religious centre is an oasis of calm in a noisy and busy resort, and you can even brush up on your Turkish language skills here.

Alternatively, if you’re a history lover that also likes checking out fabulous natural spots then a day tour of the Temple of Apollo and the Manavgat Waterfalls is the perfect day out, just don’t forget your camera!

The kids are well looked after, with plenty of theme parks including the Alanya Aquapark. This is a great family day out, with flumes, slides and pools, as well as plenty of onsite facilities selling drinks, ice creams and snacks. If you want to avoid the queues (and they can be long in the summer), book your tickets online before you go, or look for deals that include excursions to the park as part of holidays in Alanya.

Top Landmarks

Dominating the town and a must-see for any Alanya all inclusive holiday is Alanya Castle. This spectacular site is currently being considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the most important historical sites in Turkey. It is genuinely spectacular, and everything you imagine a Turkish castle should be. Six and a half kilometres of beautifully preserved walls wrap around the hilltop. While it’s a pretty steep climb to get to the summit, the views from the battlements are well worth the effort. If you’re doing the climb during the summer then make sure you take a bottle of water, as it’s hot, dusty, and very steep.

The 13th century Red Tower is an iconic landmark in the town, and at more than 30 meters high, it’s a great navigational point if you lose your bearings when wandering around the town. Built in 1226 by the same sultan who built the castle, the distinctive octagonal tower also houses a museum that’s often overlooked, but well worth visiting.

If you’re exploring the old town during your holidays in Alanya then at some point you’ll probably pass through the Ehmedek Gate. This ancient gate marks the main entry point into the old quarter, and is very photogenic. In the old town you’ll also find the vaulted Bedesten or covered market, a great spot to practice your haggling skills.

This part of Turkey is rich in historical sites, archaeological digs and discoveries, and Alanya Museum houses some of the best examples of items that have been found along this stretch of the coast. Everything from letters and tools to exquisite jewellery is on show, and it’s a great place to find out more about the culture and history of Alanya.

Entertainment

A selection of clubs and bars line the front, and during the peak season they are packed to the rafters every night, with long queues outside the most popular. Door policies are firm but fair, and dress codes are usually smart casual. The biggest clubs attract international DJs, and also offer some pretty good deals on drinks if you’re partying on a budget.

Slightly more sublime entertainment is available at bars and restaurants away from the busy seafront, where you’re more likely to be serenaded by traditional Turkish folk music rather than the latest club tunes. Things can get a little raucous later on, though, as karaoke is hugely popular here.

Entertainment is offered by all the major hotels, so you’ll get the usual themed nights and Turkish dancing, while kid’s clubs and children’s entertainers keep the younger family members happy.

Alanya loves a festival, from smooth jazz and international film festivals to culinary delights and international sculpture events, there are celebrations all year round. The wildest and most exciting has to be the Dream of Colour Fest in September. This offers a great excuse for a party on the beach, but also includes dancing, music from around the world, and some sensational street entertainers.

Why choose an all-inclusive holiday to Alanya

Turkish food is delicious, flavoursome and influenced by diverse cultures. If you believe the experts, the Mediterranean diet, full of fresh fish, olive oil and fresh vegetables, is really good for you too! All inclusive holidays in Alanya give you the opportunity to sample some of the best in Mediterranean cuisine and at a good price too. Unlike some resorts, you’ll find restaurants in Alanya very reasonable, and with the usual favourites on offer like pizza and burgers as well, even fussy younger eaters should find something they’ll enjoy.

Meze is probably the best way to sample lots of different flavours without having to loosen your belt a notch or two. This is a selection of both hot and cold appetisers, ranging from Dolma (vine leaves stuffed with meat and vegetables) to Midye, which are fried mussels (or the dolma version where the mussels are stuffed with rice). A multitude of rich flavours are usually set off with fresh, light dips that combine cucumber, mint and yogurt. The most common meat on offer in Turkish cooking is lamb, and for veggies there’s a fantastic selection of vegetarian dishes to choose from. Deserts are usually sweetened with honey rather than refined sugar. Like cheap all-inclusive holidays to Alanya? Check out our other amazing deals for Alanya holidays!