Weather Lowdown
April in Alanya, Turkey is characterised by lengthening days of sunlight, warming temperatures and occasional rainstorms. The average temperature is about 16°C (60°F), reaching a high of around 20°C (68°F) and dipping as low as 11°C (52°F).
There are about 11 hours of average daily sunshine. The length of day increases slightly over the month by about one hour. The shortest day is April 1 with 12:37 hours of sunlight, and the longest day is April 30 with 13:41 hours.
The average sea temperature around Alanya is about 18°C (64°F), so the waters are not yet warm enough for swimming.
You can expect to experience rain on an average of 9 days in April. The average monthly rainfall measures around 64mm. Each day there is about 23% chance of precipitation, with slightly greater chance later in the month. Rainfall typically occurs as light rain or thunderstorms.
The skies above Alanya in April are typically partly cloudy (53%). Humidity ranges from comfortable (39%) to humid (85%). Daily wind speeds vary from light air to moderate breeze. Winds typically blow in from the north or northwest, though sometimes from the south.
Over the course of April, average temperatures gradually rise. At the beginning of the month, April has an average of 15°C (58°F), with highs of 21°C (70°F) and lows of 10°C (50°F). This increases slightly by the end of the month, with averages of 18°C (64°F), highs of 24°C (75°F) and lows of 13°C (55°F).
Where to Stay
Hotel Alaiye is a superb all-inclusive hotel, which repeatedly receives excellent reviews. The staff, especially the entertainment team, seems to be the key to past guests' favourable opinions, although there are many more things to love about the hotel. The nightly entertainment can sometimes be considered cheesy; however, if guests have an open mind and a willing attitude, they can really have a lot of fun. The entertainment changes every day with everything from comedy routines, magic acts and competitions.
It is a credit to the hotel that a wide variety of tourists find the hotel accommodating. Honeymooners, groups of friends, families and couples will all find plenty to keep them happy and entertained. The three swimming pools offer different daytime activities and water slides for the kids. The easily accessible beach in Alanya is stony than some sandy stretches, but most people don't mind that and can come prepared with swim shoes. At the hotel's beach area, guests can get fruit, drinks, sunbeds and umbrellas that are all covered by their all-inclusive deal. Furthermore, the food is spectacular. With the all-inclusive package, guests can book ahead for the Chinese, Turkish or Mediterranean restaurants within the hotel. Also, snack bars are open all day.
Green Park Apartments is another accommodation, which guests have chosen in the past because of the great amenities. The hotel hosts occasional pool parties and barbeque nights for guests to mingle with one another. The food at the resort is always tasty, fresh and wide-ranging, so everyone is sure to find something that they love. Within the hotel are many things to keep guests entertained for free, such as a pool with water slides, miniature golf, bowling and table tennis. For a nominal fee, guests can also make use of the pool table, cyber café and a football pitch.
The pool area is especially nice since it is spacious enough for many sun beds, a bar, and a restaurant nearby. The sandy Kleopatra Beach is within walking distance and, as always, there are buses and taxis into the harbour area which boasts shopping, dining and clubs.
Hit the Beach
Keykubat Beach is on the east side of the peninsula, dotted with open air fitness centres, sport facilities, umbrellas, sunbeds and children's parks. Farther along the coast is Oba or Portakal Beach, the widest beach in Alanya. The beach is lined with walkways, buffets, fountains, palm trees and benches.
Eating & Drinking Out
Destino Restaurant is a highly recommended eatery near the castle and Cleopatra Beach. The food is solid and diverse, from pizza to Turkish cuisine.
Sultan Sofrasi is a solid restaurant with affordable prices. Their fare ranges from lamb chops and salmon to lentil soup and beyti kebap.
For something completely different, try the Johnny Cash Cafe & Bistro. This unique place offers pizza, pasta, Turkish and American fare.
Things to do
A great bargain in the city is the State Opera and Ballet. For very affordable ticket prices, visitors can watch well-known, high quality shows such as 2011's West Side Story and many other musical, dance or operatic performances. Every detail of these performances, from the lighting to the costumes and music, delightfully creates an experience that visitors will not soon forget. The affordable prices make the State Opera and Ballet a treat that tourists might not be expecting on their Alanya vacation.
Looking for some outdoor adventure? Hire a jeep out to the spectacular Sapadere Canyon. Explore the rocky landscape, waterfalls, and the stalactite-studded Dim Cave. Or jump on an adrenaline-charged quad biking safari out in the wild Taurus Mountains.
