Alanya in photographs
Tours, hotels and beaches in Alanya, Turkey
Alanya - a seaside resort in the Mediterranean region
Alanya is located on Turkey's southern coast, in Antalya Province, about 130-140 km from the provincial center of Antalya. The city, with a population of just over 100,000, serves as an important tourist hub of the Mediterranean region and a convenient base for trips to nearby towns such as Gazipaşa, Manavgat and Side.
The history of Alanya goes back to the 2nd century BC - the city began as a Greek colony and at one period became a stronghold for pirates. Over the centuries it passed under the rule of Rome, Byzantium, the Seljuks and the Ottoman Empire, leaving monuments of several cultural layers in the urban fabric. In antiquity the city was called Kalonoros - "beautiful mountain".
Today Alanya is primarily known as a seaside beach resort with developed infrastructure: kilometers of sandy and pebble beaches, piers and a marina, hotels of various standards, promenades and water activities. Cleopatra Beach, the port and coastal areas form the main tourist flow, but the city is also interesting for those seeking historical sites, mountain walks and natural canyons.
Tourist routes in Alanya are varied - beach relaxation and water sports, excursions around the old town and the fortress, active recreation in canyons and along mountain rivers, family holidays with water parks and a marine park. For shopping lovers there are markets and bazaars with textiles, local spices and handicrafts.
The city is administratively divided into several areas popular with tourists: the center with the port and promenade, the historic zone by the Kale fortress, and the coastal neighborhoods Oba, Mahmutlar, Kestel and Tosmur, where hotels and residential quarters are located. The nearest airport is Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport, roughly 40 km to the east; the international Antalya Airport can also be reached within a couple of hours.
The climate of Alanya is subtropical Mediterranean, with a long hot summer and a mild, often rainy winter; the best time for a combined beach and sightseeing holiday is spring and early autumn, when the sea is warm and the heat is less exhausting.
Alanya - Cleopatra's sandy beach, a fortress on the cliff and sea excursions on the Mediterranean.
Alanya - the fortress on the rocky headland and Cleopatra Beach
The main landmark of Alanya is the medieval Kale fortress, located on a high headland and easily seen from the promenade. Within the fortress walls, bastions, old residential quarters and panoramic viewpoints have been preserved, offering views of the city, the port and stretches of beaches. Near the port are the Red Tower and the former shipyard, which are architecturally significant from the Seljuk era.
Cleopatra Beach is considered the city's main beach - a wide strip of sand, developed coastal infrastructure and a gentle entrance to the sea make it the center of beach life. Besides the beaches, tourists are often recommended trips to Dimçay - a mountain river with waterside restaurants, and the Dim Cave, where you can see stalactites and stalagmites in their natural setting.
Nature lovers will appreciate Sapadere Canyon and nearby protected areas, while fans of sea activities will find dolphin parks, aquariums and opportunities for diving and snorkeling. For active recreation there are hiking routes in the coastal mountains, as well as sightseeing and fishing tours by yacht.
Cultural tourism in Alanya includes the local archaeological museum, street bazaars and seasonal festivals. An interesting fact for visitors - fragments of the fortress walls are well preserved in the historic part of the city and can be walked on, and the port regularly welcomes cruise ships and private yachts.
The local cuisine is based on Mediterranean products - lots of fresh seafood, vegetables, citrus fruits and light meze-style appetizers, which makes dining in Alanya varied and affordable. The best time to visit attractions outside the beach is April-June and September-October, when the weather is comfortable for excursions and active programs.
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