Winter Holiday in Alanya: Things to Do, Weather and How to Enjoy the Quiet Season
Planning a winter holiday in Alanya? Weather, Damlataş Cave, day trips to Side and Alarahan, local flavours and tips for enjoying the quiet off-season.
Why consider a winter holiday in Alanya?
Most people associate Alanya with busy summer months, but a winter holiday in Alanya is catching on with more and more travellers. From November to March the city has one of the mildest winter climates in Turkey. On sunny days it is usually warm enough to go for walks, sit by the beach and eat outdoors.
At this time of year Alanya mainly attracts long-stay visitors from Northern Europe, couples looking for peace and quiet, and travellers who want to get away from the crowds. The beaches empty out, the cafés are full of locals and the city settles back into its everyday rhythm. Accommodation is generally cheaper than in the summer season, though some large resorts close for the winter.
Winter in Alanya isn't for people after lively nightlife or a daily swim in the sea. It's ideal for anyone looking for nature, history, local culture and calm. If you come with the right expectations, the quiet season will show you a much more personal side of Alanya.
Alanya weather and sea temperature in winter
Winter in Alanya is mild but changeable. December, January and February are the wettest months of the year. Rain usually falls heavily for a few days and then gives way to sunny, clear days. You can walk around in a T-shirt on a sunny afternoon, but evenings and early mornings are noticeably cool.
In midwinter the sea is much colder than in summer. Still, on sunny, windless days you can spot a few brave swimmers taking a quick dip, especially around Cleopatra Beach. Early November and late March are the mildest parts of the winter, both for the sea and the weather.
Pack for layering. Bring a light jacket or raincoat, long-sleeved tops, closed shoes with a good grip and an umbrella. The sun can be strong even in winter, so don't forget sunglasses and sunscreen. It's also worth asking about heating before you book, as some apartments in the area are built mainly for summer use.
Damlataş Cave and indoor sightseeing in the city centre
On a rainy day, Damlataş Cave tops the list of things to do in Alanya in winter. It sits at the eastern end of Cleopatra Beach, within walking distance of the centre, and its stalactites and stalagmites make it a natural wonder worth seeing. Inside, the air stays warm and very humid at an almost constant level all year round, which makes a winter visit especially pleasant. Many locals believe the cave air is good for the respiratory system.
A visit to the cave doesn't take long, so you can combine it with other sights nearby. Alanya Museum is small but informative, displaying finds from the region's ancient past, and it's a good option when it rains. The Atatürk House in the city centre is also worth a short stop.
After your indoor sightseeing, a hot tea by the harbour while watching the sea is one of the simplest and most enjoyable moments of winter in Alanya. Check the current opening days of the museum and the cave before you go.
Winter hiking and nature: routes without the crowds
Winter is one of the best times of year for hiking in Alanya. Routes that are hard going in the summer heat become much more enjoyable in cooler weather. The old paths on the slopes of the castle peninsula, the seafront promenades and the coastline from Damlataş to the harbour are ideal for short, easy walks.
East of the city, about 20 kilometres from the centre, the ancient city of Syedra is a lovely half-day trip that combines history and nature with sea views. A little further on, towards Gazipaşa, the ruins of Antiocheia ad Cragum offer a quiet place to explore.
In winter the higher reaches of the Taurus Mountains are often covered in snow. From the city you can see snowy peaks behind the palm trees, a striking view you only get at this time of year. If you head to mountain villages or highland plateaus, remember that road conditions can change with the weather and trails can be slippery after rain. Some routes in areas where water levels rise, such as canyons, may be closed in winter, so always check the current situation before setting off.
Winter day trips from Alanya
The quiet season is a great chance to use Alanya as a base and explore the historical and natural sights nearby without the crowds. Around 35 to 40 kilometres west of Alanya, Alarahan offers a short history stop with its Seljuk-era caravanserai and the castle ruins on the hill nearby.
Manavgat Waterfall, about 60 kilometres away, is especially impressive when the winter rains swell the river. Right after, you can continue to the ancient city of Side, where the Temple of Apollo and the ancient theatre are much easier to explore without the summer crowds. If you're planning a longer day, the Aspendos Theatre, about 90 kilometres from Alanya, is one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the world and a must-see.
Days are short in winter, so set off early on longer routes. Instead of squeezing too many stops into one day, visit two or three places at a relaxed pace. It's less tiring and far more enjoyable.
Winter flavours: citrus fruit, tropical fruit and local markets
Winter is also the perfect time to discover a different side of Alanya's food. The region is known for its orange, mandarin and lemon groves, and the winter months are when citrus fruit is at its freshest. Freshly squeezed orange juice is easy to find at roadside stalls and markets.
Thanks to its mild climate, Alanya is one of the few places where bananas, avocados and other tropical fruits grow, and they have become more and more common in recent years. Some farms and greenhouses offer tastings and tours for visitors. The small, locally grown Alanya banana tastes quite different from imported ones and is well worth trying.
Neighbourhood markets are held on different days of the week in different parts of the city. They're a great way to see what local producers sell and get a close look at everyday life. Wander between stalls of seasonal vegetables, village cheeses, olives and honey, and try your hand at haggling. In the evenings, small restaurants serving hot soup, fresh fish or regional home cooking are a winter essential.
Practical tips for a winter holiday in Alanya
A few practical points will make planning a winter holiday in Alanya easier. First, when choosing where to stay, confirm that the hotel or apartment is open in winter and has heating. Staying near the city centre or Cleopatra Beach means you can walk almost everywhere.
Some restaurants, beach bars and tourist shops close out of season or open for shorter hours. However, the restaurants and cafés that locals use stay open all year. Public transport runs in winter too, though services may be less frequent than in summer.
Sea-based activities such as boat trips run less often in winter, depending on the weather and sea conditions, so it's a good idea to keep your plans flexible. Check the forecast every day and save sunny days for outdoor trips and rainy days for museums, the cave and cafés. Daylight hours are short in winter, so starting your trips in the morning lets you see much more before sunset.
Discover Alanya in winter with Alanya Trips
The easiest way to explore Alanya in winter is with a team that knows the region well. With the weather so changeable at this time of year, knowing which routes are open and which day suits which trip will help you get much more out of your holiday.
At Alanya Trips, we offer a range of tours for exploring Alanya and the surrounding area in the quiet season too. From day trips to historical and natural sights such as Side and Manavgat to city tours and sea activities when the weather allows, you'll find a programme to suit your interests. Hotel pick-up and drop-off saves you time, especially on short winter days.
When planning your winter holiday, visit alanya-trips.com to browse our current tour programmes, check the options for your dates and book with ease. Feel free to send our team any questions. We'll be happy to help you discover the calm, peaceful winter side of Alanya.
© Robin & Bazylek from Krak�w, Poland, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10714741