Alanya is located on the southern coast of Turkey and offers a unique blend of culture and history. This seaside town sits in the center of the Turkish Rivera and is popular among tourists for its scenic beauty and beautiful weather. You can enjoy the festivity of the city even in winters and engage in multiple outdoor activities as there are plenty of sights worth visiting in the area. If you're looking forward to a laid-back and peaceful winter time, Alanya is just the place for you. 

Where is Alanya, Turkey Located

Alanya, Turkey Map

Why should people visit during the winter?

Winters in Alanya are mild, which makes it perfect for the snowbirds to explore the city under the warm winter sun. There are incredible places for you to see and less crowd makes it a lot easier for the curious traveler during this season. You can visit all the historic sites and take part in the winter festivity of the town. There are several activities available for the snooping snowbird, making Alanya the perfect winter destination.  

Climate

Alanya is located close to the sea and experiences hot, humid summers and mild and wet winters. The average winter temperature stays around 17°C (63°F) with January being the coldest month. January also has to most rain, but there will be enough nice sunny days as well. Nights can be colder, so it is advised to pack appropriately.

For more climate information visit Meteoblue

Things to see in Alanya, Turkey

Alanya is a beautiful city with numerous sightseeing destinations. Here is a list of some of the best places you can visit during winter:

• Alanya Castle: This outstanding landmark dates back to the 13^th century and has a unique, prodigious structure which looks down upon the city. Today, it is an open museum for visitors who are interested in learning about the historic relevance of the area. It is well-preserved to date.
• Red Tower: In the Turkish language, this tower is referred to as the "Kizil Kule". This stunning structure is located on the harbor. From here, you can witness the marvelous views of the castle walls and the Mediterranean Sea. You can either walk up the tower or simply admire the views from below.
• Kleopatra Beach: This beautiful sandy beach of Alanya is the most popular one among tourists for its cleanliness and accessibility. Even though you can't indulge in water-based activities in winter, the stunning views, multiple amenities, and the refreshing sea breeze make it all worth it at the end of the day.
• Alanya City Center: The best place to learn about the culture and whereabouts of the people of Alanya. Here you get to interact with the locals and understand their way of life. Get a chance to visit the famous Cuma Bazaar (Farmer's Market) which is held every Friday. 
• Alanya Archeological Museum: The Museum was inaugurated in 1967 and has two different sections highlighting the archeological and ethnographic artifacts. It is well-maintained and encourages visitors to dig deep into the fascinating history of Alanya.

Things to see not far from Alanya, Turkey

There are many places and towns in the surrounding areas that one can visit. Some of these include:

• Side: Located at a distance of 60 km (37 Miles) from Alanya, the seaside resort is popular for its wide-spread beaches and ancient ruins. The town is historically rich and is home to many interesting archeological sites like the Apollo Temple, Antique Theatre, Roman Baths, and many more. It's a perfect place to visit for a day trip. 
• Duden Falls: Located at a distance of 135.6 km (84 Miles) from Alanya, this collection of waterfalls is a magnificent sight for visitors and also home to the local birds and wildlife. You can even book boat tours from Antalya Harbor to watch the falls up-close.
• Perga: It is located at a distance of 119 km (74 Miles) from Alanya. This large, prehistoric city dates back to the Bronze Age. You can visit the city to learn about the different archeological sites from the Roman Empire like the famous Roman baths, Hellenistic Gate, and Acropolis.
• Aspendos: Located at a distance of 93.7 km (58 Miles) from Alanya, you can take a day trip to Aspendos and don't forget to see the famous Aspendos Theatre which was built by the famous architect Zenon in the 2^nd Century. With a seating capacity of 20,000, this theatre remains well preserved till date.
• Kurşunlu Falls: Located at a distance of 117 km (73 Miles) from Alanya, this place makes for a perfect little picnic spot where you can enjoy the serene environment and take in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
• Pamukkale: It is located approximately 400 km (249 Miles) from Alanya. Among nature's wonders is this fascinating castle of salt which ooze hot springs. Legend has it that this beautiful natural landmark was once a holy site for the people of Alanya. Today, people from around the world come to see this mystical site. Even though it is located quite far away from the city, it is definitely worth the visit.

Activities in Alanya, Turkey in the fall, winter, or spring

You can spend a wonderful time at Alanya during winter. Here is a list of things you should do when visiting the beautiful city:

• Cruises: Multiple boat cruises and tours are organized in Alanya which takes you on a ride to explore the wonders of the Mediterranean Sea.
• Beaches: The city has some of the most spectacular beaches in the area. The most popular one is Kleopatra Beach.
• Archeological sites: Most of the archeological sites are open throughout the year in Alanya. Winter season is the perfect time to explore these sites peacefully.
• Turkish Hammam: The traditional Hammam (bath) is a popular cultural attraction that was inherited from the Romans. Don't miss the chance to relax and get that lavish spa treatment.
• Winter Festivals: The city is quite festive even in winter. You will get a chance to witness many festivals including the winter carnival, live music, traditional Christmas markets, and many more.
• Exploring Caves: Many small caves are surrounding Alanya and several excursions take you to these miraculous caves. They are easily accessible and worth seeing.
• City Center Markets: Visiting the beautiful markets in the city center is a whole other experience. You can learn so much about the locals and get a chance to interact with them. 
• Visiting nearby towns: There are many potential sightseeing places near Alanya. Visiting these nearby towns make for a pretty good day trip.

Shopping + Restaurants. Are they open in the fall, winter, or spring?

Being a popular tourist spot, it comes as no surprise to know that the city is filled with bazaars and malls where you can fulfill all your shopping desires. The marketplaces offer a great variety of locally made goods even in winters. These include jewelry items, clothes, leather products, interesting artifacts, and many more. You can also visit the farmer's market for daily essentials like fresh fruits and vegetables. Here is a list of some of the places you must visit for great shopping experience:

• Alanya Center City Bazaar
• Alanum Centrum
• Ataturk Boulevard

Alanya is known to be the richest city in Turkey in terms of food. It received the certificate of culinary heritage and features an outstanding cuisine full of delicious seasonal treats. You are served with a variety of dishes, each having its specialty with the perfect blend of flavors. Even though some of the restaurants and bars close off in winter, you can still find some great places to enjoy the food of your choice.

Transport

The nearest airport to Alanya is the Gazipasa Airport, located at a distance of 41 km (25 Miles). It is a small airport so transferring to Istanbul is advisable. You can also get in through the Antalya Airport which is relatively far but there are shuttle services that take you to the city in 2 hours.

The city has a well-developed public transport system which allows you to move in and around the city with ease. Here is a list of options available to choose from:

• The public buses are a common mode of transport in the city. There are multiple bus stops within Alanya which makes it a lot more convenient. The buses are air-conditioned, numbered, and quite affordable. In recent times, there have been some changes regarding the mode of payment and now, you can only pay through a contactless card. You can travel regionally by taking the bus from the main Otogar bus station.
• The Dolmus is a smaller local version of the bus which is convenient to move around the city.  These smaller buses operate on schedule and offer an affordable ride.
• Taxi-cabs and rental car services are also available.
• There are no trains in Alanya. The only trains operating are the City Tour Trains which are just for tourism purposes and do not serve as a mode of transport.

Health

Alanya healthcare is at a European standard and available 24/7. The medical staff consists of English speaking, professional doctors who are at your service. Emergency units are operational all the time and you can call them on the emergency helpline anytime (112). There is one major state hospital in the area and many small private healthcare units. Here is a list of the major healthcare units in the area:

• Alanya Life Hospital (Private Hospital) www.yasamhastaneleri.com/alanya-yasam-hastanesi.html
• Alanya Anatolia Private Hospital www.anatoliahospital.com/

Dental services are easily available and a lot cheaper in Alanya compared to the other European countries. You can visit:

• Alanya Dental Clinic www.alanyadental.com/

Accommodation

If you are a visitor in Alanya, you can easily find a decent place to stay in the town during winters for $218.81 (approx. €198, £167, $297 CAD, $327 AUD) /month. The rates are quite cheap during this time of the year as it's offseason. With the right sources and research, you can find yourself the perfect second home for your stay. Some of the most commonly used websites are mentioned below:

• Long term lettings (www.longtermlettings.com/)
• Alanya Properties (www.alanyaproperties.com/)  
• Sublet (www.sublet.com/)
• Airbnb (www.airbnb.com)

Winter Camping

Mavi Cennet Camping: is located at a distance of 44.6 km (28 Miles) from the city. You're in for a wonderful experience at this campsite as there are many amenities available. The site is well maintained and you can easily visit the beach from here. Visit their website for more details. (www.mavicennetcamping.com/tr/)

Perle Camping: This campsite is one of the oldest camping grounds of Alanya and is quite popular among visitors. The site is located on the sandy beach of Kargicak along the main road to Mersin. It is quite affordable and perfectly suitable for a relaxing camping experience. You can find more details regarding the rates and facilities provided on their website. www.camping.info/tr/kamp-alani/20498

RV/Campers/Motorhome

If you are traveling with a Motorhome, Perle Camping and Incekum Forest Camp are best suited for you as these RV parking grounds have decent locations close to the sea and offer a great number of amenities at affordable prices.