Alanya at a glance
Alanya is one of the regions in Turkey that enjoys high popularity among tourists. Located in the easternmost part of Antalya, Alanya is an attractive coastal city that has something to offer for all types of tourism. From famous beaches to vibrant nightlife, there are plenty of things to see and do in this amazing city.
Alanya is a tourist city in Turkey bordered by the Taurus Mountains to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. Like other Turkish cities, it boasts various cultural, historical, and natural attractions, each with its own unique charm. Alanya also features excellent hotels that offer water and beach activities, as well as other recreational facilities, providing guests with exciting and memorable days.
If you plan to travel to Alanya, Turkey, continue reading. In this article, we introduce the city and its tourist attractions, providing you with a travel guide to Alanya. Stay with us.
Best time to travel: April to October
Population: 327,000
Climate: hot and humid summers, mild spring and autumn, cold and rainy winter.
History of Alanya - Alanya in Türkiye
Alanya is one of the historical cities in Turkey, surrounded to the north by the Taurus Mountains and to the south by the Mediterranean Sea. The city is approximately 135 kilometers from Antalya and 536 kilometers from Istanbul. The distance from Tehran to Alanya is around 1744 kilometers.
The exact founding date of Alanya is not known, but it can be generally stated that around 800 years ago, it gained attention as a recreational destination by the Seljuk Turks. Since then, it has been considered one of the most important tourist cities in Turkey. This attention is primarily due to the Mediterranean climate and the proximity of Alanya to Konya, the capital of the Seljuks.
The historic city of Alanya is best known for its markets and cafes. Tourists can relax on the beautiful shores of the Mediterranean Sea and enjoy various water and marine activities. The Pamphylia and Cleopatra beaches are among the most famous beaches in the city, attracting many tourists. If you are into hiking and spelunking, Alanya is a great choice. The city has numerous caves that provide an exciting spelunking experience for enthusiasts.
Boating, underwater diving, rafting, fishing, hiking, jeep and motorcycle riding are among the activities you can enjoy in Alanya, Turkey. You have the opportunity to explore the markets of Alanya and try the delicious local cuisine of the city. In conclusion, Alanya is one of the most picturesque and attractive tourist cities in Turkey, and you won't regret visiting it.
Tourist attractions in Alanya, Türkiye
As we mentioned above, Alanya has many historical, natural and recreational attractions, which we will introduce in this section.
Alanya Castle - Alanya in Turkey:
The length of Alanya Castle, with its origins dating back to the Seljuk Empire, is 6.5 kilometers. Situated on a semi-island, Alanya Castle is a well-preserved medieval castle on the Anatolian map.
You can observe Alanya from the walls of the castle and enjoy the view from its Red Tower. Additionally, you can experience Alanya at night along with dinner at the restaurants surrounding Alanya Castle. Here, you can capture very interesting photos for social media.
Historical shipyards in Alanya Castle were utilized during the Ottoman Empire era following the Seljuk rule. There is a small beach here that allows you to enjoy swimming in historical structures.
Access to Alanya Castle is possible via road and cable car. If you prefer to take the cable car to Alanya Castle, you will have the opportunity to admire the Alanya landscape from above.
Alanya Castle Working Hours:
The working hours of Alanya Castle are from 08:00 to 17:00. However, please note that since the ticket booth closes at 16:30, you cannot purchase tickets after this time.
Red Tower:
The Red Tower, which is called Kizilkule in the local language, is one of the symbols of the city of Alanya, which is located near the sea. This hexagonal tower is 33 meters high and its width is about 12.5 meters. The Red Tower, like the Alanya Castle, was built during the Seljuk rule and is currently used as the Ethnological Museum of Alanya.
Greek Amphitheater:
The Greek Amphitheater is one of the historical structures in Alanya, built in the 2nd century AD. This amphitheater was very large and had a capacity of 15,000 to 20,000 people. Currently, only ruins of this structure remain, but they are still fascinating and showcase a part of the grandeur and architectural magnificence of that era.
Alanya Archaeological Museum:
Alanya Archaeological Museum displays artifacts from the Bronze Age, Urartian, Lydian, and Phrygian periods. The museum has sections dedicated to archaeology and ethnography. The most famous exhibit in the museum is a bronze statue of Hercules from the 2nd century. The oldest artifact is a Phoenician inscription dating back to 625 BC.
The Alanya Museum is located very close to Damlataş Beach and Alanya Castle. The museum's working hours are from 08:30 to 17:30.
Ancient City of Utopia:
Remains from the Roman and Byzantine periods exist in this ancient city, but they are completely worn out. This ancient city, located 33 kilometers from the Alanya-Gazipaşa highway, takes its name from Utopia, the wife of Antiochus IV, the king of Commagene (38-72 AD).
Atatürk House Museum:
This house was where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, stayed during his visit to Alanya on February 18, 1935. The house was donated to the Ministry of Culture by its owner, Tufik Azakoglu, and converted into a museum in 1987.
Personal belongings of Atatürk, photographs, telegrams sent by Atatürk to the people of Alanya, and other historical documents are displayed on the ground floor of the three-story building with a garden. This showcases the architectural features of 19th-century Turkey. The upper-floor rooms are furnished with ethnographic items representing a traditional Alanya house.
Relax on the best beaches in Alanya
The beaches of Alanya are exceptionally beautiful. Among them, Cleopatra Beach, Damlatas Beach, Incekum Beach, Kikobat Beach, Amirgan Ulash Beach, Portakal Beach, Public Beach Mahmurlar, Tosmur Beach, and Public Beach Galip Deresi are considered the best.
Let's take a brief look at the most popular beaches in Alanya:
Cleopatra Beach:
Cleopatra is one of the most picturesque beaches in Alanya, located in the western part of the city and facing Damlatas Cave. The distinctive feature of this beach is its crystal-clear waters and golden sands, creating beautiful landscapes in this area. According to ancient stories, Queen Cleopatra stopped and swam in the waters of Cleopatra Beach during her journey across the sea.
The sands of Cleopatra Beach are golden in color and you can relax and have fun on this beach for hours and admire its beauty. If you travel to Alanya, you must swim in this beach.
Damlatas Beach:
Damlatas Beach, located right next to Damlatas Cave in the center of Alanya, is easily accessible. As Damlatas Beach has a bit of a slope, if you plan to visit this beach with your children, you should be attentive. Damlatas Beach, with its cave, shoreline, and undoubtedly clear water, is worth a visit.
Incekum Beach:
This beach, formed from very fine sand, is located 26 kilometers west of Alanya. Incekum Beach is one of the shallowest beaches in Alanya and even Antalya, making it very suitable for families. The surrounding environment of Incekum Beach is suitable for camping, and there are facilities such as showers and toilets that you may need for camping.
Dimcayi River:
Visiting Dimcayi River, which is 6 kilometers away from the city center, is one of the best activities you can do in Alanya. The river water, coming from the mountains of Konya to Alanya, is quite cool, and there are many restaurants and facilities along the river. You can swim in specific parts of the river, and some businesses even have water slides.
It's a good idea to go to Dimcayi for breakfast in the morning and have your breakfast in the mountain houses along the river, cooling off in the cool water of the river. You can also participate in the Dimcayi safari tour.
Paragliding in Alanya:
If you want more adrenaline, definitely try paragliding in Alanya. You can go on a magical 2-hour journey with experienced instructors and enjoy the views and coasts of Alanya from the sky.
Side Ancient City and Manavgat Waterfall – Alanya in Turkey:
Side Antique City is only 1 hour away from Alanya. This well-preserved ancient city is a large urban area with unique attractions such as the Temple of Apollo to offer to tourists. If you have the time, we recommend exploring the ancient city.
Manavgat Waterfall, which is 1 hour away from Alanya, is another worthwhile destination. You can dedicate a day to visiting the ancient city and Manavgat Waterfall.
Best Time to Travel to Alanya, Turkey
Alanya has a moderate and Mediterranean climate. The summers in this city are warm and dry, while the fall and winter bring pleasant and rainy weather. If you plan to go to Alanya for swimming and water activities, it is best to choose spring and summer for your trip. July, August, and September are the best months for swimming. The air temperature during these months reaches its peak, averaging around 34 degrees Celsius during the day. Note that the summer season is the busiest tourist season in this city, and travel expenses also increase significantly.
If you are looking to reduce costs, you should opt for the quieter and less touristy seasons for your trip. During these times, you can reserve hotels in the city at half the usual cost. Alanya is at its quietest from late autumn to late winter.
Access to Alanya
If your primary destination is Antalya for your vacation, you can also choose Antalya Airport to reach Alanya. But how can you travel from Antalya Airport to Alanya? Let's take a brief look at the available options.
The simplest and fastest way to reach Alanya is by plane. The nearest airport to Alanya is Gazipaşa Airport (GZP), which is approximately a 45-minute drive from the city center. Many flights from across Europe come here, especially during the summer.
The best way to go to Alanya from Antalya Airport is to use the Havaş bus service. These buses are available from both terminals. Antalya to Alanya buses are excellent transportation options. This way, you can see the surroundings and enjoy the stunning view of Antalya.
You can also choose a taxi, but it may cost you more. However, how far is Alanya from Antalya? The drive takes about 90 minutes, depending on traffic. The distance between Antalya and Alanya is 133 kilometers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alanya
Is Alanya safe?
Alanya and Antalya are completely safe for tourists. Millions of tourists come to Antalya and Alanya for vacations annually, and there are no security issues. Therefore, you can comfortably go on vacation to Alanya.
Is there an airport in Alanya?
There is no airport in Alanya, but you can go to Gazipaşa Airport (GZP), which is an hour away from the city. Unfortunately, this airport is not international. Antalya Airport (AYT) is also 3 hours away from you.
Is Alanya suitable for families?
Alanya is suitable for families. With hotels and water parks providing all amenities, you can enjoy a great family vacation in Alanya.
Is spending holidays in Alanya expensive?
Turkey is one of the most affordable countries in Europe. With early reservations, you can experience a luxurious vacation in Alanya at a very reasonable price.
Final Words About Alanya in Turkey
If you are heading to the shores of Turkey, Alanya is a popular coastal city in the southern part of the country, located in the province of Antalya. Considered one of Turkey's top tourist cities, Alanya offers excellent resorts, a long list of restaurants serving international cuisine, the opportunity to soak up the sun throughout the year, beautiful beaches, a plethora of shops, and warm-hearted locals. All of these elements combine to create an unforgettable experience for visitors to this beautiful coastal city.
