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Alanya
Your 4-day travel guide
Best in spring and autumn for comfort
Alanya•4D•Couple
Alanya, Turkey
Duration:4 Days
Activities:12
Best for:Couple
Castles, Kebabs, and Mediterranean Breezes
Welcome to Alanya, where history isn't just in museums, it's the view from your beach chair. This Turkish Riviera gem has a way of mixing ancient Seljuk walls with the sound of waves and the smell of grilling fish. You'll find yourself climbing to a 13th-century fortress in the morning and dipping your toes in the Mediterranean by afternoon, all while discovering that Turkish hospitality isn't just a phrase, it's the extra tea that appears without asking. For couples, Alanya offers romantic sunset spots, intimate family-run restaurants, and quiet corners where you can watch fishing boats bob in the harbor. Get ready for a trip where every meal feels like a celebration and every view comes with centuries of stories.
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1
Historical Foundations and Harbor Views
Day 1 of your journey
Start your trip with Alanya's most iconic landmark, the 13th-century castle perched on a peninsula. The castle walls stretch for 6.5 kilometers and offer panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Inside, you'll find well-preserved structures including the Ehmedek section and Byzantine church ruins. The adjacent Kızılkule (Red Tower) is a five-story defensive tower built in 1226, now housing the Alanya Ethnographic Museum. Allow 3-4 hours to explore at a comfortable pace, with the morning being ideal to avoid afternoon heat. The climb is moderate but rewarding.
Alanya Castle (Alanya Kalesi) and Kızılkule
Why Visit
This UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List site represents the best-preserved Seljuk-era castle on Turkey's Mediterranean coast. The combination of military architecture, historical significance, and breathtaking views makes it essential for understanding Alanya's past. For couples, the castle walls provide romantic photo spots overlooking the sea, while the museum offers cultural depth.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven stone paths. The castle has multiple entrances, but the main gate near the harbor is most convenient. Address: Hisariçi Mahallesi, 07400 Alanya.
2
Cultural Immersion and Cave Wonders
Day 2 of your journey
3
Beach Relaxation and Ottoman Heritage
Day 3 of your journey
4
Free Day and Local Exploration
Day 4 of your journey
Before You Go
Essential Travel Tips
Turkish Lira is the local currency, though euros are accepted in tourist areas. ATMs are widely available.
Public dolmuş (shared minibuses) are inexpensive and connect major areas. Taxis are metered and reasonably priced.
Basic Turkish phrases like 'merhaba' (hello) and 'teşekkür ederim' (thank you) are appreciated.
Alanya is generally safe, but normal precautions for valuables in crowded areas apply.
Dress modestly when visiting mosques (covered shoulders and knees, headscarves for women).
Tap water is technically safe but most visitors drink bottled water, which is inexpensive.
Tipping is customary: 5-10% in restaurants if service charge isn't included, small change elsewhere.
Summer temperatures can exceed 30°C, so sun protection and hydration are essential.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Alanya is from April to June and September to October. These months offer pleasant temperatures (20-28°C), fewer crowds, and lower prices than peak summer. July and August are hottest (often above 30°C) and most crowded, though perfect for beach lovers. November to March is mild but some attractions may have reduced hours, and swimming is cool. Spring brings blooming flowers, while autumn offers warm sea temperatures from summer heating.
Local Insights & Tips
Alanya balances tourist development with authentic Turkish culture. Locals are generally friendly and patient with visitors, though learning a few Turkish phrases shows respect. The city has a relaxed pace compared to larger Turkish resorts. Family businesses dominate the restaurant scene, supporting them helps the local economy. Tea (çay) is offered everywhere as a hospitality gesture, accepting is polite. While Alanya is modern, traditional gender roles are more conservative than in western countries. The call to prayer from mosques five times daily is part of the soundscape. Sunday is a normal business day, though some smaller shops may close.