Alanya, Turkey – Travel

Suppose you're circled by blooming wisterias, dining under ornate parasols, and gazing at pastel-coloured old buildings through the serene melody of the sea. In that case, you're in a city of lucid blue skies, turquoise waters, and earthenware rooftops—Alanya, one of the top destinations for seaside travellers around the globe.

The city was nominated for World Heritage status in 2000 and is on UNESCO's "Tentative List" in the cultural heritage category.

The city nominated for World Heritage status in 2000 and UNESCO’s “Tentative List” member in the cultural heritage category, Alanya occupies the Gulf of Antalya (Antalya Körfezi), the Anatolian seaside, and the southern coast of Turkey (officially Türkiye). The city built amidst the Taurus Mountains (Toros Dağları) and the Mediterranean Sea was formerly known as Alaiye. The Seljuk  Sultan of Rûm, Alâeddin Keykûbad, revitalised the city's strategic purpose in the early 13th century, resulting in cultural, political, and historical significance. The town has later become one of the major coastal resorts of the country since the late 1960s. With the emblematic dank and subtropical Mediterranean climate, Alanya is a place "where the sun smiles", as most of the rainfall comes during winter, while summers are distinctively hot, long, and gleeful.

Alanya Tours

Taking a holiday in Alanya assures a quality coastal experience with its exquisite natural attractions, including Cleopatra Beach (Kleopatra Plajı), Damlataş Cave (Damlataş Mağarası), and the Taurus Mountains (Toros Dağları). The peerless weather delivers hot, almost rainless summers and mild autumns, perfect for enjoying the outdoors. You’ll be captivated by the radiant yellow-blue skies and the pristine blue-green sea of the Mediterranean Riviera. In addition to its ancient landmarks, like Syedra City Ruins (Syedra Antik Kenti), the Red Tower (Kızıl Kule), and Colybrassus, Alanya will enchant you with boat trips, off-road jeep safaris, beautiful harbours, and lively nightlife. Proudly standing in Turkey, Alanya mingles with a dynamic urban atmosphere, old-world charm, endless sunshine, and a stunning coastal setting.

Best Time To Visit Alanya

Travelling to Alanya is beneficial at any time. Tourist season stretches during the whole of the year as its weather guarantees a warm climate in winter with around 18 °C throughout the season, delivering winter-sun holidays for holidaymakers, while in summers Alanya's temperature reaches 34 °C, assuring the best summer holidays, though the best time to visit Alanya is considered to be from June to October with its inviting turquoise waters and sun-kissed beaches.

History of Alanya

The first signs of human life near Alanya can be traced back to 20,000 BC, based on findings in the municipal villages of Alanya, Bademağacı, and Oba, though no historical records are found until the Trojan War around 1820 BC, with Herodotus reporting on tribal migrations and settlements in the city.

Following Alexander the Great’s conquest, the region eventually transformed into a notorious sanctuary for Mediterranean pirates after his death, centuries before Sultan Alâeddin claimed control.

It was later controlled by the Hittites and by many other empires after them, known until the 13th century AD under the name Kalanoros before the Anatolian Seljuk Sultan Alâeddin Keykûbad took over the castle of Alanya (Alanya Kalesi).

The sultan renamed the city Alaiye after himself and built a palace, making it a prosperous winter capital alongside Konya, leaving dockyards, castles, and palaces as proof of his grandeur for history enthusiasts. After the fall of the Seljuk Empire, the city was ruled by the Karamanids (Karamanoğulları), who sold it to the Egyptian Mamluk Sultanate before the Ottoman invasion in 1471. From 1571 to 1868, it was formed as a Cypriot province, finally becoming an Anatolian county. The current name Alanya was given to it by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1935.

What to Do in Alanya?

Alanya represents a tempting destination for heritage enthusiasts, fellow sightseers, landmark aficionados, eco-tourists, and outdoor adventurers with its ancient castles, shipyards, towers, mosques, waterfalls, and canyons.

Landmarks and Attractions in Alanya

Housing Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman civilisations in different times, the core construction of Alanya Castle (Alanya Kalesi) was built by Alâeddin Keykûbad. Today it stands as the central monument of the city, incorporating the emblematic Kızıl Kule (Red Tower), ashlar-built Cannon House, humble Mosque of Sultan Akşebe (Akşebe Sultan Mescidi), the remaining court, entrance inscriptions and minaret of Andızlı Emir Bedrüddin Mosque, Seljuk Baths, and the ruins of Ehmedek within its 6 kilometres long walls constructed on 10 hectars of the peninsula. On the eastern side of the castle, you'll find the only surviving shipyard from the Seljuk Period in the entire territory of Turkey, Alanya Tersane.

Although lots of tourist landmarks are situated in the Alanya Castle, you'll still encounter myriad of attractions outside of the palace, such as a 132-year-old beacon on the harbour and a placid point for picturesque walks and ocean-view photography - the Alanya Lighthouse (Alanya Deniz Feneri), while for more extensive panoramic landscapes and picnic areas, the Alanya Observation Terrace (Alanya Seyir Terası) is bound to take excellent care of you.

With 9,789 seats, Alanya Oba Stadium (Alanya Oba Stadyumu) serves as the home ground for the Süper Lig team Alanyaspor, representing one of the top highlights of the city, while the Mustafa Kemal Atatürk Monument alongside two youngsters connotes the future of the country while additionally being the place for travellers' photographs and a popular meeting place.

For wilderness enthusiasts and adventure seekers, Turkey's principal watersports destination, Köprülü Canyon National Park (Köprülü Kanyon Milli Parkı), will grant you alluring Mediterranean scenery, hiking opportunities, ancient ruins, and a picturesque route through lush forests and waterfalls, whereas Sapadere Canyon (Sapadere Kanyonu) delivers an eye-popping 360-metre natural wonder with wooden walkways, waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and a refreshing swimming spot.

Alanya Museums

This city of blooming wisterias, ornate parasols, and golden sands will subsequently gratify art admirers, heritage connoisseurs, and museum-goers with its museums and galleries.

Consolidating both archaeological and ethnographic artefacts, Alanya Archaeological Museum (Alanya Arkeoloji Müzesi) highlights items from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods with a narrow focus on Anatolian civilisations, Heracles, maritime history, and ancient history.

Alanya Atatürk House Museum, a traditional three-storey wooden mansion with free admission and a display of Mustafa Kemal Pasha's personal belongings, along with ethnographic exhibits emphasising the cultural heritage of Alanya, represents a place where the first president of Turkey stayed while in Alanya in 1935.

The mansion of  the renowned Azakoğlu family was transformed into a museum in 2012, preserving and unveiling workshops, furniture, historical artefacts, and personal memorabilia of the Ottoman and Republican periods. Consisting of 14 sections, Alanya Hüseyin Azakoğlu City Museum and City Memory Centre stands as a beacon of the city's cultural heritage.

Being a historical landmark containing multiple  establishments within, Alanya Castle certainly functions as an open-air museum as a cogent evidence of the city's assorted history. Conjointly Alanya Shipyard (Alanya Tersane) has served as an outdoor museum since the 1960s with its sea-facing, five-chambered facade, while the Red Tower houses the Ethnographic Museum.

Alanya Theatres

Along with summertime activities, Alanya surely won't disappoint those who appreciate quality performing arts.

The major theatre of the city, Alanya Municipality Theatre (Alanya Belediye Tiyatrosu), hosts diversified performances for both children and adults. Positioned near the Alanya centre, this medium-sized hall is furthermore a place where young talents have emerged.

Opened to the public since 2013 with a capacity of over 3000 people, Alanya Municipality Open Air Theatre (Alanya Açık Hava Tiyatrosu) grants you an opportunity to relish the acts of different genres, from musicals to dramas, with a breeze of fresh air.

Alanya Culture Centre (Alanya Kültür Merkezi) simultaneously presents theatrical performances with an assorted number of artistic activities, while Alanya Street Theatre (Alanya Sokak Tiyatrosu) represents an extraordinarily exceptional independent scene, delivering acts from emerging stage artists and experimental productions.

According to users from different kinds of travel advertising websites, Illusion Event Hall is a must-visit for electronic and techno music lovers, offering dazzling visuals, an excellent sound system, and a well-maintained environment.

Entertainment, Parks, and Shopping in Alanya

Parks of Alanya

The city of the smiling sun has parks where sunlight beams on your face, featuring recreation areas for everyone, whether it's a child, an adult, or even a cat.

Upon arriving in the city, visitors will be welcomed by the modest yet iconic Alaaddin Keykubat Park, featuring a grand monument in his honour.

The Alanya Municipality State Garden Living Area Park (Alanya Belediyesi Devlet Bahçeli Yaşam Alanı Parkı) is a relaxation space designed to honour Turkey's spiritual values. With a picnic area, a 35-metre flagpole symbolising independence, Turkish flags, a cafeteria, children's playgrounds, an amphitheatre for 400 people, and viewing platforms, the park is one of the unmissable outdoor destinations of Alanya.

Celebrating the memory of the first president, Alanya Municipality 100th Year Atatürk Park (Alanya Beleyidesi 100. yıl atatürk parkı) is a verdant zone near Cleopatra Beach.

This beautifully designed space with special ponds for cats to catch fish, benches, and scratching posts, Alanya Cat Park (Alanya Belediyesi Kedi Parkı), is a resort-like site for homeless cats. While Cat House Park (Kedi Evi Parkı) is also dedicated for cats, nestled among various Alanyan parks like Pool Park and Centennial Park, where cat lovers can visit and enjoy the company of well-cared-for animals.

Alanya Terrace Children's Park (Alanya Teras Çocuk Parkı) is a newly-opened lush area dotted by playgrounds, walking paths, and a terrace, with a serene space to relax and enjoy scenic views.

Abdurrahman Alaettinoğlu Park is another organised green area with delicate and exquisite fountains, lovely garden bridges, sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, and a direct access to Cleopatra Beach.

For splashing fun lovers, Alanya is one of the major destinations in Turkey with its Alanya Aquapark, consisting of thrilling rides and slides for all ages and relaxation territories.

Shopping in Alanya

If shopping is your cardio, Alanya will help you workout with 'popping some tags' and purchasing infinity of goods both in contemporary shopping malls and in motley bazaars.

Shopping malls started spreading around Alanya's cityscape in the mid 2000s with Alanyum Shopping and Entertainment Center (Alanyum AVM), incorporating an enormous brand mix with international and local brands such as Carrefour, Teksona, Boynar, KİĞILI, Lei's, etc. Even though Alanyum was struggling as a business from the beginning by studying the population demographics and income levels of the city, the placement of brands was strategically tailored, transforming the area into a key destination for retail, dining, and leisure, complete with a cinema. Other shopping centres of the city are the Mall of Alanya, promoting a "unique shopping experience" under the motto "where shopping meets delight, Hafen Altstadt with scenic views along a variety of goods, and Time Center AVM Mall with over 2.5 million visitors annually.

For more peculiar shopping adventures and for haggling and cultural interactions, visitors in Alanya should definitely hit bazaars. From day-specific markets to covered markets, shopping here immerses you in the rhythms of local lifestyle. Open till midnight, Alara Grand Bazaar will rivet your gaze on hundreds of stores selling numerous handicrafts, handwoven merchandise, and even pets such as parrots. Here you should consider that different merchants are selling the same goods with dissimilar price tags, so haggling before buying is essential. Nestled near the Cleopatra Beach, the boisterous Grand Bazaar Shopping Center will treat you with fresh produce and traditional Turkish coffee, among a variety of products. The Alanya Mahmutlar  Bazaar, on Tuesdays, conveys fresh produce and clothes at negotiable prices in a less crowded atmosphere than other local markets.

Food in Alanya

In Turkey, food holds a sacred place, embodying a spirit of honesty and identity; therefore, Alanya is no exception, with specially catered local delicacies, European cuisine, and multiple choices of vegetarian cuisine.

Turkish Cuisine

While traditional and renowned Turkish foods such as köfte, kebap, lahmacun, dolma, or meze are easily-accessible in various places in Alanya, the city additionally has specific treats for its guests. With thin layers of dough filled with minced meat and vegetables, Alanya Bohçası represents a uniquely Alanyalı dish. Tirit is also widely adopted in Alanya's culinary scene with its soaking bread in meat broth and topping with shredded meat and onions, while Avokadolu Mezeler is highly linked with the Mediterranean coast of Turkey as the mild climate is ideal for growing avocados. Another delicacy affiliated with the Turkish Riviera and eminently consumed in Alanya is Yörük Kebabı, derived from the Yörük nomadic culture in the Taurus Mountains surrounding the city.

Vegetarian Restaurants

 Plant-based nutrition is already a widespread activity in Alanya, with options for vegans and vegetarians and uniquely plant-based eateries. A pizza with grilled mixed vegetables at Cafe Local is hugely praised by the customers on Google reviews; likewise, nachos and falafel, and gluten-free fares at Cozy Alanya are immensely admired by green eater clients. For more plant-centric gastronomic encounters, you can also visit places such as Tyche Vegan Restaurant, Lost in Alanya, etc.

Coffee Houses, Bakeries, and Patisseries

In Alanya, the rich aroma of freshly roasted coffee mingles with the irresistible scent of warm pastries, crafting an experience that enchants your senses. Savouring a flaky börek or a soft, golden boyoz, along with sweet indulgences like syrupy baklava or melt-in-your-mouth künefe. Every café here, with its charm and flavours, invites you to indulge in a moment of pure culinary bliss, where tradition and taste blend perfectly.

City Transport in Alanya

Public Transport

Scouting Alanya is easy with its efficient transportation. With regular stops, stations, and even taxi buttons throughout the city, you can navigate Alanya with ease.

Buses and Shuttles

The numbered, air-conditioned municipal buses, shuttles, and minibuses (dolmuş) make getting around Alanya comfortable, and many have been upgraded to new, disabled-friendly models. You can either use cash, buy a special kentkart (30 liras), or even pay with your bank card (9 lira) for the service.

Metro

Even though Alanya doesn’t have a metro system because of its modest size, there are plans of extending Antalya’s tramway, which connects various parts of the city, all the way to Alanya, with work on the project expected to begin soon.

Taxis

While popular apps like iTaksi and Uber aren't available in Alanya, calling a taxi is incredibly easy. With the press of a button on special 'taxi button' stands, a cab typically arrives within five minutes. You can also hail one directly, with fares starting around 10 liras and 14 liras for each additional kilometre. A standout feature of Alanya's taxi system is its stations, offering larger, van-like cars perfect for trips outside the city. Just remember, taxis here only accept cash.

Car Rental

In Alanya, you’ll find rental services conveniently located near key spots like beaches and hotels, as well as in the town centre. Some of the most popular car rental agencies are Car Rental from Konak, Green Car Rental, and Force Rent a Car Alanya.

Other Modes of Transportation

As one of the predominant tourist cities of Turkey, alternative means of transportation are widely developed in Alanya, from private buses to bike rentals. For scooting, you need an application called BinBin and scan the QR code on the handle of the scooter, while private buses deliver specially catered tours for visitors.

How to Get to Alanya?

The most comfortable way to arrive in Alanya is to land at Gazipaşa-Alyana Airport (GZP), 40 kilometres away from the city; there, you can either rent a car, catch a taxi, or even use a bus to arrive in the town. If you're in another Turkish city, you can also commute to Alanya, while during the summertime, a voyage by ferry from Cyprus is a maritime paradise.

Languages Spoken in Alanya

The prevailing society of the city is Turkish-speaking, branching out small dialects, though as of its predominantly tourist character, adventurers will meet people who are able to communicate in English. With few Greek speakers, here German and Dutch are additionally adopted because of its small diasporas and vacationers. Furthermore, two native German language newspapers are published in Alanya.

Currency in Alanya

While paying in other currencies in this city at some places is also an option, it's usually a bad rate, so exchanging your money to Turkish lira (TRY) and carrying a reasonable amount of cash is what you should do in Alanya.

Security in Alanya

Alanya is a welcoming haven for explorers with its reliable transportation, serene streets, and promenades. While the city’s nightlife might occasionally bring some lively energy, it remains a breathtaking destination. It is just advised to keep your belongings secure. Overall, Alanya features a charming and safe environment, perfect for the voyage.