Weather Lowdown
March in Alanya, Turkey is characterised by cool weather and frequent showers of light rain. The average temperature is about 13°C (56°F), reaching a high of around 17°C (63°F) and dipping as low as 9°C (48°F).
There are about 10 hours of average daily sunshine. The length of day increases slightly over the month by about 1:10 hours. The shortest day is March 1 with 11:24 hours of sunlight, and the longest day is March 31 with 12:34 hours.
The average sea temperature around Alanya is about 17°C (63°F), so it might still be premature to hit the beach.
You can expect to experience rain on an average of 11 days in March. The amount of rainfall typically measures around 106mm over the course of the month. Each day there is about 25% chance of precipitation, with greater chance earlier in the month. Rainfall typically occurs as light rain or thunderstorms.
The skies above Alanya in March are typically partly cloudy (58%). Humidity ranges from comfortable (36%) 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.
As March progresses, average temperatures in Alanya gradually rise. At the beginning of the month, the city experiences an average of 12°C (54°F), with highs of 17°C (63°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F). This increases slightly by the end of the month, with averages of 15°C (59°F), highs of 21°C (70°F) and lows of 10°C (50°F).
Where to Stay
Eftalia Resort is a popular choice among travellers for a great many reasons. The three swimming pools give guests plenty of space to choose from. Children especially love the water slides. In addition, the beach is five minutes from the hotel. A fifteen-minute walk will take tourists to Konakli where there are numerous shops to choose from. Or they can take a 15 minute bus into the bigger city of Antalya, which also has plenty of shopping and dining choices.
The hotel's restaurant has plenty to choose from, even child-friendly meals like pizza. The hotel's pre-arranged boat trip and the nearby water park are highly recommended activities for getting out and seeing some of the amazing sites that Turkey has to offer or for simply having a fun day with family and friends.
Another hotel worth mentioning is the Hotel Maritim Alantur. Like many of Turkey's accommodations, this hotel hosts a wide variety of nationalities from all over Europe. Therefore, it caters to each one by having specialty nights in the restaurant. Anything from traditional Turkish food to fresh seafood will be on the menu, not to mention German, Italian, or a variety of international choices. The selection of all-inclusive drinks is not extremely big, but it is sufficient to meet most customers' expectations.
Rooms at the Hotel Maritim Alantur have been described as "bright and airy". Higher floors offer better city views, but even rooms on the ground level are nice because there is little noise outside the hotel to hinder a good night's sleep.
While Hotel Maritim Alantur is not in the centre of the Alanya nightlife, it is just a short bus or taxi ride away from it. Staying near the seaside is very important to some travellers. The beach at this hotel is large and inviting. In addition, guests can make use of the three adult swimming pools, the children's swimming pool, the spa, the fitness centre and the on-site shopping.
Hit the Beach
Although the water is still too cold to swim, travellers can enjoy lovely promenades along the beaches that surround Alanya. Cleopatra Beach or the nearby Damlatas Beach both are free and open for walkers, and there are a few fast food cafes and restaurants on the sands.
Eating and Drinking Out
Merlot Food & Drink offers fantastic service and dishes, from lamb shank that melts in your mouth to fresh fish caught that very morning.
Kasikara Ocakbasi Restaurant serves traditional Turkish food with a laid-back ambiance.
Mahperi Restaurant is a favourite among locals, with excellent food and fantastic service. The views are superb as it is located just on the harbour.
Things to Do
It is impossible to visit Turkey without seeing some of the amazing historic sites. One of these is Yivli Minaret Mosque in Anatalya. Built in the 13th century, its distinct design has separated it from other landmarks and established the mosque as a symbol of the city.
Within the city of Alanya, the castle is not to be missed. There are beautiful vantage points and photography opportunities at Alanya Castle. There is a reasonable entry fee and it takes about an hour to walk around. Past visitors will attest that it is worth every penny.
