Avsallar

Since it was Tuesday and therefore market day in Avsallar, it was clear where we would spend the day.

Avsallar is a pretty, small coastal town about 25 km west of Alanya. Numerous hotels are located nearby, which is why the town is frequented by many tourists.

Right after breakfast, we set off to beat the midday heat.

From our hotel, it’s less than a 10-minute walk to Avsallar. There are two possible routes: either you cross the street on the bridge in front of the hotel. The advantage is that the route passes by numerous colorful souvenir shops where you can browse well. The disadvantage is that the steps are quite steep, so the climb is a bit strenuous.

The second way leads along the street and is not very attractive, but in Avsallar, there is a pedestrian crossing where you don’t have to climb any steps.

Avsallar mainly consists of shops, cafés, and restaurants. Mostly, you find knockoffs of famous brands, but also numerous souvenirs of all kinds and just about everything you need for a successful beach stay.

I like Avsallar. We spend a lot of time there on every holiday in Turkey. Market day is always a must, but we also like to spend the occasional evening in the town, which is then beautifully lit up.

Before we plunged into the hustle and bustle of the market, we made a stop at our favorite café. They serve really good cappuccino there, and the pastries look phenomenal, though since we have all-inclusive at the hotel, we haven’t tried them yet.

Finally, we reached the market, where you can truly buy everything your heart desires. From clothes and shoes for young and old, to jewelry, cosmetics, the usual brand knockoffs, to souvenirs, tobacco for shishas, and tea—no wish is left unfulfilled.

The colorful range of goods stretches over countless, seemingly endless aisles. Loud discussions and bargaining are everywhere.

There is the typical hectic hustle that gives such markets their special charm. Vendors theatrically explain to customers in despair that they have to feed their 15 children and therefore absolutely cannot lower the price further; yet somehow an agreement is reached far below the initially quoted price, and everyone is happy.

In between, freshly pressed orange juice and pomegranate juice are served repeatedly. Both are delicious, and the short break while drinking the juice and chatting with other tourists is a blessing amid all the hustle at the market.

At the end of the market, you reach the fruit and vegetable market with its colorful range of goods.

There are the most wonderful fruits, the tastiest vegetables, exotic spices—it smells fresh and oriental. Local farmers sell their produce here, locals shop, and you get a good insight into everyday life.

Once again, we had bought much more than we originally planned, and once again, we thoroughly enjoyed the market.

Together with our friends from Germany, we strolled through the charming alleys of the village to a restaurant where we treated ourselves to fried shrimp.

Nowhere do they taste as good as there, fresh from the sea, still sizzling in oil—a highlight of every holiday in Turkey.

Well-satisfied, we set off back to the hotel with our purchases, where we spent the rest of the day relaxing on the beach.