Alara Karting

In Okurcalar, on the Mediterranean coast between Alanya and Side, Alara Karting sets up its open-air track in a holiday area that is very busy in summer. The activity is open to all, with no licence or experience: an instructor explains how to drive and control the kart, and then you get about twenty minutes to enjoy the layout. The vehicles, well maintained, meet the safety rules, and access is open to drivers from the age of nine.

The format, generous on track time, is a change from express sessions: twenty minutes is enough to find your feet, work on your braking and look for the line that shaves off seconds. It is a popular outing for holidaymakers after a little adrenaline between beach days, and for families looking for something to share. Prices stay reasonable, and the relaxed summer mood makes it an easy sporting break to fit into a seaside stay.

Alanya is one of the great resorts of the Turkish Riviera, crowned by its Seljuk castle perched on a headland and by the Red Tower that guards the harbour. Cleopatra Beach, the Damlataş cave and boat trips along the turquoise coast set the pace of a stay. Close by, Side and its ancient seaside temples, the Manavgat waterfall and the canyons of the hinterland round out a coastline rich in things to discover. Antalya airport, an hour and a half away, and the nearer Gazipaşa airport serve this whole stretch of coast, much loved by European visitors.