Avsallar holidays

Holidays to Avsallar base you in a beach-centred town with everything from ancient ruins to waterparks on your doorstep.

Sand and scenery

You’ll find Avsallar on Turkey’s south coast, about half an hour’s drive west of Alanya. This resort town’s got a reputation for being super relaxed, so you probably won’t be surprised to hear that things centre around the beaches. There’s a scattering of them along the coast, with Incekum Beach holding the title of the most popular of the bunch – it’s a big, banana-shaped sweep of sand and shingle bookended by a pine tree-filled nature park. Further along, a scattering of smaller coves give you plenty of calm, emerald-tinted waters to paddle in.

Bars and bazaars

Avsallar’s split into two areas, separated by the main road that leads to Alanya. There’s the beach side, which is packed with hotels and resorts, and then you’ve got the town side, where you’ll find quiet streets scattered with restaurants, bars and cafés. Save your retail therapy session for a Wednesday, as that’s when the Grand Bazaar’s open – vendors here sell everything from fresh fruit and veg to beachwear and leather bags, so you’ll have plenty to rummage through. Elsewhere, you’ve got souvenir shops stocked with everything from fridge magnets to football shirts.

Daytrips done right

When it comes to daytrips, you’ve got the pick of two holiday hotspots – Alanya and Side – which are around half an hour’s drive away in opposite directions. The former’s known for its chic, waterfront bars and castle-view beach, while the latter’s home to a crop of Roman ruins, including a massive amphitheatre and the 2,000-year-old Temple of Apollo. If you’re more into water than culture, there are always boat tours to rocky caves, family-friendly waterparks, and trips to the nearby Sapadere Canyon – known for its natural pools and falls.