Mahmutlar is a laid-back resort set on the Turkish Riviera. The population surges in the summer when holidaymakers flock to bask in the sunshine, swim in the Mediterranean Sea and devour ocean-fresh seafood. Venture inland to explore limestone caves and hike in the Dim River Valley.
Things to do in Mahmutlar
Mahmutlar Beach has a family-friendly vibe and is dotted with cafes and restaurants. Rent a sun lounger, play a game of beach volleyball and make a splash with activities like water skiing and banana boat rides.
Spend the day in Alanya, a vibrant city just north of Mahmutlar. Stroll along the waterfront, enjoy a scenic cruise around the bay and relax on golden sandy beaches. Head to Bar Street for some of the best nightlife on the Turkish Riviera. Sip cocktails, listen to live music and relax in traditional hookah lounges.
Alanya Castle looms over the bay from atop a rocky peninsula. This Seljuk-era stronghold dates back to the 1100s and is encircled by six kilometres of fortified walls. Hike up to the inner fortress to explore the ruins of a Byzantine church and enjoy sweeping views over the Mediterranean Sea and Cilician Mountains. Discover the city’s ancient past at the Alanya Archaeological Museum, a compact but engaging museum that will dazzle you with millennia-old jewellery, coins and ceramics.
Guided tours take you deep into Dim Cave, a series of limestone caverns filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Visit the shimmering subterranean salt lake and marvel at the otherworldly rock formations. The best trips include a picnic lunch by the Dim River.
Trout caught in the Dim River is a local specialty and features on most menus. Enjoy the fish fried, grilled or baked in a traditional clay pot. Alongside Turkish classics like kebabs and kofte, try regional dishes like “piyaz” white bean salad drizzled with tahini sauce and BBQ meatball skewers.
Getting around Mahmutlar
Mahmutlar is compact and easy to get around on foot. The town is on the Turkish Riviera, a 20-minute drive from Alanya and 2.5 hours from Antalya. Local buses connect Mahmutlar with nearby towns and cities. Antalya Airport is a two-hour drive away.