Alanya is a Turkish city located on the Mediterranean Sea, renowned for its beautiful beaches and interesting history. It was established in the thirteenth century, by the Seljuk Sultan Keykubad, but its foundations date back to the Hellenistic period. The city is surrounded by towers and ruins from different periods of history, including Byzantine churches, Seljuk baths, and brick cisterns.
Whether you’re chasing the sun, hunting for historical routes, or just want to collect epic travel stories, this wonderful place is a great option for a short holiday trip.
If you’ve got 48 hours to spend, here are some suggested activities and attractions you can enjoy in the Turkish city all year round!
How to Spend Two Days in Alanya
Day One
The Castle
This is a must-see for any visitor and should be the first thing on your list. The impressive fortress sits atop a hill overlooking the city and, although very ancient, it has been well-preserved. You can wander through and explore the castle’s towers, arched gates, Byzantine church remnants, marvels and cisterns.
Red Tower
Another iconic local landmark, Red Tower is 33-metres tall, and is named for its red-brick upper levels. It was originally used as a watchtower, but today it is a popular tourist destination. If you’ve got the energy you can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding harbour.
The Village of Ehmedek
Located at the foot of Alanya Castle, Ehmedek is a wonderful place to visit to immerse in the historic Ottoman vibe, with its narrow streets, traditional Turkish houses, and an antique mosque. You can access the village via the cable car (see below).
A Ride on the Teleferik
The Teleferik is a cable car that takes you from Cleopatra Beach to Alanya Castle, and operates from 11am to 9pm. The ride is about 900-metres long and is a great way to observe and enjoy the city from a different perspective.
Day Two
Damlatas Cave
This interesting attraction is a genuine natural beauty, which was unveiled during the construction of Alanya’s harbour, in 1948. The cave is home to stalactites, stalagmites, and 30-metre-deep chambers. Local folklore claims that it has therapeutic properties for people with asthma.
An Afternoon at the Beach or a Boat Trip
The sun-soaked tranquillity of Cleopatra Beach is legendary and really shouldn’t be missed. Stretching between Side and Alanya, it’s embraced by resorts along its length and is a fantastic place to relax and soak up the sun after all that sightseeing.
Alternatively, if you visit from May to October, you can take a day-long boat trip out from the harbour. This will typically include stops at several different beaches, as well as opportunities for swimming in the open sea. It’s a fabulous way to wrap up your short break!
Where to Stay
With a location score of 10.0, this top-rated residence offers a variety of accommodation options, including apartments for couples, groups, and solo travellers. It’s less than a kilometre from Cleopatra Beach and a short stroll from Alanya Public Beach. You’ll be able to enjoy views of the street from your balcony, or pool-facing unit, explore the area with convenient bicycle and car rental services, and find comfort in the air-conditioned spaces.
Scored 9.1, this hotel is positioned in Alanya’s best-rated area. The hotel’s offerings include apartments with balconies suitable for up to four guests. Nearby attractions include Alanya Archaeological Museum, Damlatas Cave, and it’s close to the Alanya Bus Station.
This property scores 9.7 on location and shines for its proximity to Cleopatra Beach. The family-run business is attractive for its outdoor pool, and air-conditioned apartments offered for couples or groups of up to four adult friends. Great position and superb accommodation!
How to Get There
Getting there is easy, with the closest airport to Alanya being Gazipasa (GZP). Airport transfers are necessary to reach your final destination, which is approximately 40 km away. Multiple airlines offer flights to Turkey, and the cost will vary depending on what time of the year you’re travelling, but you can often get a last-minute deal for a return trip at around £150. As soon as you’ve organised your flights, make sure to pre-book a transfer from Gazipasa to Alanya to be waiting when you land. Having a secured airport transfer to Alanya will bring you peace of mind and start your holiday off right!
Overview
London, UK to Gazipasa (GZP): approximately 6 hours.
Transfer from Gazipasa Airport to Alanya: 40 minutes.
Types of Transfer
When it comes to getting from the plane to your accommodation, you’ll have a range of airport transfer options to pick from. It’s all about what works best for you – check out these choices and see what resonates best.
Taxi: This is one of the fastest and most comfortable ways to get to Alanya. Transfer by pre-booked taxi will be stress-free and comfortable, plus, even if your flight is late, your driver will be waiting and ready to go.
Minibus Transfer: Another speedy option, and probably more convenient if you’re travelling with friends is the minibus. You’ll be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride with your group and split the costs between you.
Private Transfer: This is the most luxurious way of reaching your destination. For those who value privacy and comfort above all else, a private transfer from Gazipasa to Alanya is the most tailored choice.
Shuttle Bus: For a very cost-effective and reliable airport transfer from Gazipasa to Alanya, a shuttle is perfect if you’re willing to meet at a predefined point and share a ride with others.
Choosing the Right Transfer [H3 Heading]
When budgeting for transportation, it’s easy for travellers to overlook airport transfers, potentially leading to unexpected costs. Planning ahead to consider both the expenses and convenience of this service is essential.
Cost: In terms of cost, a comparison of available prices aids in choosing the most suitable option – while a shared service may prove more economical than a private transfer.
Convenience: On the other hand, if prioritising privacy and luxury comfort is paramount, opting for a service, such as a private transfer or a pre-booked airport taxi from Gazipasa to Alanya is the optimal choice.
About Shuttle Direct
Experience hassle-free travel with Shuttle Direct – your trusted choice for convenient and budget-friendly airport transfers worldwide. Our skilled local drivers ensure transportation tailored to your preferences with competitive rates, whether shared or private. Discover the hidden gem along Turkey’s coast, and enjoy top-notch amenities counting on us for reliable transport.
