Summer Vacation in Alanya - Cleopatra Beach and Surroundings

Hello friends, 🤗 I’m continuing to share memories from our Antalya vacation. A new morning, a new day began in Antalya. With each passing day, going to the sea felt even more appealing as we were nearing the end of the season. It was essential to enjoy the beautiful weather, warm sea and soft sands. We got ready and headed to the beach. This time we decided to try a new one.

The weather was still very hot, about 30 degrees. We were enjoying this beauty. My sister’s apartment was really lovely, offering a mountain view and a spacious environment. Of course, there are places with better infrastructure, but this view was priceless. The area wasn’t very central, especially when compared to places like Mahmutlar. However, the atmosphere and scenery here were impressive.

The beach we decided to visit was one we had seen on social media – a sandy beach. We hadn’t been here before, but it was worth exploring. On the way, we parked the car in a parking lot and paid 50 lira.

When we arrived at the beach, it was slightly crowded. A wavy sea awaited us. We rented sunbeds and an umbrella for 300 lira, which is roughly 10 euros. The spots in the first row were taken, so we settled in the second row.

The wavy sea was fun, but swimming with kids could be challenging as the waves were pretty strong. Still, the warm water and playful waves made the experience even more enjoyable. It was a perfect day to savor the sea and waves.

The beach was quite busy. The front rows were full and we managed to find a spot in the fourth row. Although it looked like an ordinary beach, it attracted many visitors, mainly Germans, Europeans and Russian-speaking tourists. There was also a bar and a restaurant here.

The prices were definitely at European standards, with examples like an omelette for 350 TL, a cheeseburger for 500 TL, pizza for around 400 TL and chicken skewers for 510 TL ($15).

These prices were quite high by Alanya standards. Locals typically arrive early in the morning and leave by noon, opting for more affordable places. However, the prices seemed to target tourists.

When the food arrived, we noticed the portion of the chicken skewers was small. While there are more affordable and tasty alternatives, we ordered here for convenience since it was close to the sea.

The sea temperature was fantastic, around 30 degrees. However, the waves were somewhat dangerous. It’s essential to be cautious when entering the water with children. Large waves can suddenly appear and pull you under. We made sure to stay close to the shore and within a safe distance with the kids. Playing with the waves was an added joy, both for children and adults.

The sea season was still ongoing and in Antalya, it’s even possible to swim in some days of November. Last year when we visited in November, we saw people swimming. We dipped our feet in the sea then; the water was a bit cool but enjoyable. Getting accustomed to the warm Mediterranean Sea was a different experience. In some countries, the water remains cold even in summer, which made our daughter hesitant to enter the sea. But here, she gradually got used to it and even started loving playing with the waves.

We were right next to Cleopatra Beach and the view was magnificent. I’d like to share a few thoughts about hotels in Alanya as well. The city center hotels are generally smaller and mid-range. If you’re looking for an all-inclusive concept, you can find better options in the surrounding areas. However, hotels within the city are appealing to some as they are close to both the sea and the city center.

Another notable feature here is the cats. There are many cats on Alanya’s streets, especially in parks. People feed them and these cats have almost become symbols of the city. We even call one park Cat Park because it feels like a paradise for them.

Afterward we went shopping. In Alanya there are stores where you can find bags, shoes and accessories from various brands. We also decided to buy a gift for our child. The prices here are reasonable, especially for souvenirs and everyday necessities, with plenty of options available.

We had our meals, wandered around a bit more and headed back home for the evening. I’m happy to share this small glimpse of Alanya’s vacation life. See you in our next travel stories. 🤗