Weather Lowdown
February in Alanya tends to be cool with some days of clouds and rainfall. The average temperature ranges 11°C (53°F), reaching a high of around 16°C (61°F) and dipping as low as 7°C (45°F). Light, warm clothes such as coats, scarves and gloves may be recommended.
There are about 9 hours of average daily sunshine. The length of day increases slightly over the month by about one hour. The shortest day is February 1, with 10:22 hours, and the longest day, the last in the month, is 11:21 hours.
The average sea temperature around Alanya is about 16°C (61°F), a bit too chilly for swimming.
You can expect to experience rain on an average of 12 days in February. The average monthly rainfall measures around 172mm. Each day there is about 37% chance of precipitation, with greater chance earlier in the month. Rainfall occurs as light rain or thunderstorms.
The skies above Alanya in February are typically partly cloudy (63%). Humidity ranges from comfortable (42%) to humid (84%).
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 February, average temperatures gradually rise, with daily highs around 16°C (61°F). At the beginning of the month, February has highs of 15°C (59°F) and lows of 6°C (43°F). As the month progresses however, temperatures rise, culminating in an average of 12°C (54°F), with highs of 17°C (63°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F) by the end. Days grow longer and the cloud cover slowly diminishes.
Where to Stay
Guests who have stayed in the Grand Zaman Garden Hotel have wonderful reviews, especially if they have travelled with children. Other than the traditional staterooms, the hotel's unique "3-person" rooms can accommodate up to five people--great for families. There is a traditional Turkish bath and two pools, one of which has water slides for the children. The hotel is well-located--you can walk or take the bus to the harbour, the beach and the centre of Alanya.
Another accommodation option is Eftalia Village. Tourists will immediately like the look of this place, since the rooms and buildings are arranged to resemble a quaint Turkish village street rather than a hotel. Within this strip are small three-story lodgings, the pool, a shopping area, an open-air theatre and restaurants. Again, the location provides easy access to the area's bus system or inexpensive taxi fares. Guests of the hotel can be in Alanya in less than 30 minutes. Eftalia offers three swimming pools, one with water slides and one that is adults-only. Many people prefer the pools since the beach is pebbly rather than sandy; however, this is a matter of preference. The food is a combination of English and Turkish to accommodate most tastes and there are meals and snacks available all day.
Hit the Beach
Just east of Alanya you will find small beaches along the cliffs. Though the water is still a bit chilly for swimming, you can enjoy fresh fish in one of the local seafood restaurants here or at the harbour in nearby Gazipasa.
Eat and Drink
Eski Ev is a relaxing garden restaurant, free of touristy lacings. Owned by a husband and wife team, there is no menu--diners get a choice of two main dishes that are accompanied by exceptional meze. Galeria Gurme is another solid restaurant with delicious dishes of Turkish and Mediterranean fare.
For something a bit more diverse, try Bistro Paradise. This restaurant serves both Turkish and International dishes, with live music nights that add to the festive atmosphere. The large selection of cocktails draws a crowd on weekend evenings.
What to Do
History-buffs will find plenty to see in and around Alanya. Stop by the little district Ehmedek just off the road from Alanya Castle. Here you can view old wooden houses that cluster around the 16th century Suleymaniye Camii, the oldest mosque in Alanya. You'll also be able to visit a former Ottoman bedesten (vaulted market) and a 13th century mausoleum.
Drive out to Aspendos, one of the world's best preserved Roman theatres. Approximately 2,000 years old, the theatre still maintains superb acoustics. There is also a partially preserved aqueduct in the area.
Hot-air balloons of nearby Antalya is a gorgeous sight to behold if you are in the area. Anatolian Balloons picks guests up directly from their hotels and provides them with snacks and a chance to get to know one another. After that, visitors watch a giant hot air balloon being filled, then they climb aboard! The tour takes them over mountains, river, beach, and ancient geological ruins. It lasts for over an hour and is an excellent value.
