Gazipasa Bays Cruise

East of Alanya the coast becomes quieter and more rugged. The Gazipasa area has long beaches, banana groves and small coves cut into steep, forested hills, and a boat cruise is the best way to see them. The trip linked here visits Delik Deniz, a sea cave, as well as Royal Bay and the Blue Lagoon, giving you a day of swimming and scenery away from the busier waters around the castle. It suits travellers who have done the standard harbour boat and want something a little different.

The day starts with a transfer to the boat, usually at a smaller harbour east of the main town. From there you cruise along a coastline of cliffs, pine woods and small beaches with hardly a building in sight. The sea colour changes from deep blue to turquoise as you enter the bays, and the water in the shallows is clear enough to see fish from the deck. The crew pauses at the highlights, which may include a rock arch or hole in the cliff that gives the Delik Deniz stop its name.

Swim stops are generous. The boat anchors in sheltered coves where you can swim, snorkel or just float, and the Blue Lagoon in particular is known for its calm, pale water. Lunch is served on board, usually grilled fish or chicken with salad and rice. Because the area is less developed, the whole trip feels more like a nature outing than a party, and wildlife such as seabirds and the occasional turtle can appear.

The Gazipasa area itself is worth a mention. It is quieter and more local than Alanya, with a small airport, banana plantations along the coast road and a handful of ancient sites in the hills. A boat day here is a good way to see the more natural face of the coast, and it combines nicely with a visit to the Roman remains at Antiochia ad Cragum. If you are staying in Alanya, factor in the transfer time, which can add an hour each way.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, reef-safe sun cream, a hat and a waterproof bag, and wear shoes you can get wet. Sea conditions can be rougher on this open stretch of coast, so operators may adjust the route, and those prone to seasickness should take precautions. Book early in high season, and check the day's departure point so you can arrive on time.

Weather matters more here than on the harbour cruises, because the coast east of Alanya is more exposed. In the morning the sea is often at its calmest, so an early departure is best, and operators may skip a stop if waves are high. Keep an eye on the day's forecast and avoid trips on windy days if you are sensitive to motion.

On a good day the combination of empty beaches, clear water and green hills is among the loveliest scenes on the Turkish Mediterranean, and you will probably remember the quiet more than anything else.

If time allows, extend the outing with a stop in Gazipasa town itself. The seafront has simple cafés and fish restaurants, and the local market sells bananas, avocados and other fruit grown on the surrounding plain. A late-afternoon walk along the beach after the boat trip is a gentle way to finish the day before the transfer back to Alanya.