Alanya is one of the few places on the Turkish coast that does not switch off in winter. Tens of thousands of residents live here all year, among them many from Scandinavia, Germany, the Netherlands and Russia, so shops, cafés, markets and restaurants stay open. For a short winter break it offers something rare in Europe: sunshine, a walkable seafront and a medieval castle above the town, with far fewer people than in summer.
Winter weather in Alanya
| Month | Typical day | Typical night | Sea |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 20-22 °C | 11-13 °C | about 21 °C |
| December | 17-19 °C | 8-10 °C | about 19 °C |
| January | 16-17 °C | 7-9 °C | about 17 °C |
| February | 16-18 °C | 7-9 °C | about 17 °C |
| March | 18-20 °C | 9-11 °C | about 17 °C |
These are approximate averages. Winter brings rain in spells - often a day or two of heavy showers followed by clear, sunny days. Alanya is sheltered by the Taurus mountains, which keep it a little milder than much of the coast. Evenings are cool, and houses and some hotel rooms feel cold, so pack a warm layer.
The castle, the cable car and the Red Tower
Alanya Castle crowns the rocky peninsula above the town, with walls, cisterns, a Byzantine church and views along the coast in both directions. In summer the climb is hard work; in winter it is a pleasant walk. The cable car from Damlataş beach carries you up in a few minutes if you prefer. Down at the harbour, the 13th-century Red Tower (Kızıl Kule) and the old shipyard are a short stroll apart.
Caves, rivers and walks
- Damlataş Cave: a small dripstone cave at the far end of Damlataş beach, known for its humid, constant air.
- Dim Cave: a larger cave in the hills east of town, with a walkway and a small lake inside.
- Dim River (Dim Çayı): riverside restaurants with platforms over the water, quieter in winter, some open all year.
- The seafront promenade: kilometres of flat walking and cycling along Keykubat and Cleopatra beaches.
- Banana plantations and villages on the slopes behind the town, where tropical fruit grows in the mild winter.
Swimming, markets and daily life
On sunny days in November, and even in winter, you will see people swimming from Cleopatra beach - the sea is cooler than the air feels, but many northern visitors find it fine. Weekly markets sell citrus, pomegranates, olives and vegetables, and the town centre is lively with residents rather than tour groups. Many hotels offer long-stay winter prices, and a number of beach resorts stay open with indoor pools.
Day trips from Alanya in winter
Side and the Manavgat waterfall are about an hour west; Aspendos and Perge make a longer but easy day out. Inland, the villages of the Taurus mountains see snow in the coldest weeks while the coast stays green. If you are staying for weeks rather than days, our separate guide to wintering on the Antalya coast covers long stays in more detail.
Getting to Alanya from Antalya Airport
Alanya is about 125 km from Antalya Airport, roughly two hours by road along the coast via Side and Manavgat. Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport is closer but has fewer flights, especially in winter, so most visitors land in Antalya. A private transfer takes you to your hotel or apartment door at a fixed price per vehicle, with no winter, weekend or night surcharge - useful when flights arrive late in the evening.