With its cool breezes and rolling waves, the white sands of Patara Beach extend for 18kms. Entrance to the beach is 10 million TL per person, but tickets can be used for a week. It is a heavily protected area, as turtles bury their eggs and hatch here. Only 20 minutes by car from alanya. Cafe type restaurant available on the beach, and more extensive restaurants at the edge of the beach.

Letoon - Beach and ruins

At the west end of Patara beach, and in many places west of the main stretch, you can find places to have your own private sunbathing and barbecues. About half way along the 18km beach, the Esen river runs into the sea, and for those who enjoy fishing, this can be organised on the river shores.

The spectacular gorge of Saklikent lies approximately one hour away from alanya by car/taxi. The drive to the gorge goes through pine forests, and along a pretty riverbed, then the entrance has many riverside cafes and restaurants where you can sit on Turkish style seating on river platforms, in the shade from the hot summer sun. Walking through the gorge is fun, starting with a walk on a suspended walkway, followed by wading across the ice-cold river (up to about knee height), then walking along the gorge as far as you can make it. You can walk a considerable way, without too much climbing, although practical shoes which are not ruined by water are recommended (and are also available for hire in the gorge), and a change of clothes - just in case!