Alanya. Sights of Alanya What to eat in Alanya

Alanya is a city of impressions in Turkey. The unique climate and inexpensive leisure activities attract tourists from all over Europe. A small Turkish town is located at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, containing many attractions. It is surrounded on all sides by orange and lemon orchards, and inside is filled with unique architecture. It is not surprising that during the time of the Roman Empire, Alanya was Cleopatra's favorite vacation spot. Here you will find the TOP interesting and beautiful places to visit in the city and its surroundings.

Excursions and entertainment in Alanya (Turkey)

Alanya is one of the most popular resorts in Turkey. Every tourist will find here something to their liking. Excursions to Pamukkale, Cappadocia or Demre will plunge you into the world of the Middle Ages, return to the time of Roman rule and show historical places these ancient cities. Must-see sights and picturesque surroundings near the resort, which you can visit on your own by looking at the map.

Local guides offer a large number of tours and organized excursions

Extreme lovers can choose a good rafting tour, the right diving or motosafari on ATVs. Those who want to know the water world can take a tour and visit the unique Aquarium with 45 branches and hundreds of representatives of the underwater world. The guides will also take you to the most secret corners of the Alanian caves, lower you to the bottom of the Dim Chay River and organize an unusual picnic there.

For those who like to relax, there are special tours to the Turkish Hamam, yacht trips or evening variety and music shows with light music and laser lights.

What to see in one day

This is a small town, so you can see all the main sights on your own. Start your route from the Red Tower and view Alanya from above. Go down to the Tersane shipyard and look into its every arch. See the Monument to Ataturk and visit the house-museum in his honor. You can finish your first acquaintance with the city on Cleopatra Beach, relax and feel the warmth of the Mediterranean Sea.

Walk along the port embankment and enjoy the magnificent view of the sea and moored yachts

To continue exploring the city, you can walk along Ataturk Boulevard, enter the park and go to the embankment. Plunge into the coastal waters on Damlatas beach, visit the cave of the same name and visit the Alanya Fortress and the Archaeological Museum. In the late afternoon, you can go on a trip on a pirate boat and taste local delicacies, exotic dishes and fragrant Turkish coffee.

Where to go with children

A favorite activity for children in the resort town is visiting Water Planet, Utopia World, Water Park and going to the Dolphinarium Sealanya Seapark. However, excursions to the Damlatash, Dim caves or to the Kyzyl Kule fortress, Ich Kale, Tersane shipyard will leave no less impressions.

Kids will love the fast paced water slides

A walk along the embankment will also become a real holiday for the child, because there are a huge number of free children's towns, attractions and mini-trainers. And, of course, the cleanest beaches with clear water: Cleopatra, Keykubat, Damlatas and Incekum children's beach.

This monument is dedicated to the great ruler Sultan Ala ad-Din Kay-Kubad I. The peak of his reign dates back to 1220-1237. During this time, the commander was able to significantly expand the possessions of the Seljuks. He conquered the port of Kalon Oros (now the Tersane shipyard and the Kyzyl Kule tower) and for some time was able to appropriate the southern Crimea.
The monument is located in the back of Alanya. He meets all the tourists who arrived from the airport. The commander is depicted sitting on a horse and giving the order to attack the enemy. It is interesting that modern rulers often try to justify their power by the fact that they belong to the Kay-Kubadu family.




The mosque was built in the XIII century during the reign of Sultan Aladdin Keykubat. It is a whole complex. On the territory of Suleiman you will see a palace, a minaret, military buildings and a school for Muslim children. In the 16th century, the building was completely reconstructed, it is in this form that we see the mosque in our time.
The peculiarity of this place is the unique sound inside the mosque. Ancient architects achieved perfect acoustics. To do this, under the dome itself, they placed 15 small balls. The work of the builders can be fully appreciated by getting inside the structure during prayer.




A tall snow-white lighthouse has been towering over the Turkish coast for a century and a half. It was built in 1880 in France, and only in 1935 it migrated to Turkey. The height of the lighthouse is only 22 meters, but its light in the sea reaches 300 nautical miles. There are so many people wishing to get to the lighthouse that the queue is occupied even before the opening of visits. And it's worth it.






Aquapark "Planet of Water" is located 30 km from Alanya in the village of Okurcalar. Here you can ride the most extreme slides in Turkey - "Kamikaze" and "Black Pipe" - and enhance your sensations by jumping from a 75-meter high bungee or parachuting over the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
In the park you will find rafting 450 meters long, four pools, including those with artificial waves, where you can take surfing lessons. The water park has 24 adult slides. There is also a children's area with safe, but no less exciting rides.
Water Planet is located on the territory of the hotel, so there will be a tennis court, mini-football and volleyball courts at your service.




The fortress was built at the beginning of the 13th century by the Seljuk sultan Ala ad-Din Kay-Kubad. It is located on a sheer cliff at an altitude of 250 meters above sea level right above the Cleopatra beach. The building is clearly visible from the sea and land. You can get to it along a narrow path from the beach or down from the Red Tower.
Unfortunately, most of the castle is destroyed. However, it is known for certain that it had two gates, a 6.5 km long wall and 140 towers. At present, the ruins are completely open to the public and are an open-air museum.




From Turkish, Damlatash is translated as "stone drop". The cave fully lives up to its name, because its entire surface is literally covered with colorful stalagmites and stalactites. Their age is at least 15 thousand years, and the attraction was discovered only during the construction of the port in 1948. This is one of the few Turkish caves equipped with stairs.
The peculiarity of Damlatash is a unique air that helps to cope with diseases of the respiratory system. Its temperature here is +22-+23 degrees Celsius, and humidity is 90%, it contains an increased concentration of carbon dioxide with little radioactivity and ionization.






This is one of the newest places in Alanya. The port was built only 8-10 years ago, but the novelty does not make it less interesting. Here you can see the popular anchor monument, watch real pirate frigates and walk to the place where modern yachts, ferries and boats moor.
The attraction is located along the entire sea coast. Numerous shrubs with outlandish forms, flower arrangements and unusual sculptures make this place especially photogenic.




This is the pride of Alanya, a unique attraction in the heart of the city and the owner of the Blue Flag for perfect cleanliness. The length of the beach is more than 2 km, and the attendance per day is about 10 thousand people. However, there is enough space for everyone.
The sand on this beach is a brilliant pale yellow color. Locals tell a legend that Mark Antony himself brought it to the beach as a gift to Cleopatra. But in fact, the beach is close to Antalya.
The advantage of Cleopatra Beach is free entrance, showers and changing rooms. Only the rental of sunbeds and umbrellas is charged.




It is located near Damlatash cave on the west side of Cleopatra beach. There is the same clean beautiful sand, but the entrance to the sea is smoother. That is why this beach is so popular among tourists with children.
In addition, there are much fewer tourists here. On this beach you will find peace and you can fully enjoy your vacation.






This monument is dedicated to the first ruler of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. It symbolizes the power and strength of the state, which was created thanks to such a courageous leader. And two children on both sides of the ruler talk about the future of the Turkish people. At the foot of the monument you can see the famous phrase of Ataturk: ​​"Peace in the country, peace in the world"
The monument is located in the very center of Alanya. It gathers dozens of local citizens and attracts crowds of tourists. The second similar monument was erected opposite the Red Tower, but it is much smaller in size.




Blue Flag Winner. The beach is located in the western part of the peninsula. Compared to other beaches, Keykubat is wider and has a length of 3 km. Its surface is gravel with sand.
Entrance, changing rooms and showers on the beach are free, but you will have to pay extra for a separate sunbed and umbrella.

muze.gov.tr/tr/muzeler/alanya-arkeoloji-muzesi


This is a museum that is constantly updated. Its opening date is 1967. At the moment, there are so many exhibits in it that they simply do not fit into the building. Some historical finds were placed by the museum staff in the courtyard and even in the garden.
In the museum, you can see ancient writings and fragments of monuments, such as a handwritten text of the Koran, a tombstone from the 1st century BC and a Finnish stone with inscriptions from 625 BC. The pride of the museum is a bronze statue of Hercules from the 2nd century BC. They even set aside a separate room for her.






When you get to this place, you plunge into the atmosphere of Turkey of the last century. The history of the museum began with the arrival of the Turkish head Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. It was his things that became the basis for creating a historical memo. Over time, other household tools of the Turkish people were added to the house.
To get to the house-museum, you need to go through the center to the Shchekerkhane area and go out onto Azaklar Street.

sealanya.com


Sealanya Seapark Water Park is located 35 km from Alanya on the way to Antalya. This water park is unique not only with a large number of slides and other attractions. Several times a day, grandiose performances with the participation of dolphins take place here.
The highlight of the park is the diving service. In a private pool with an instructor, you can swim with stingrays, dolphins and even sharks.




Siedra is an ancient city founded during the reign of the Romans, in the middle of the 1st century BC. At that time it was a major port city and a trading center. Here they minted coins and traded not by exchange, but for payment in money.
A number of historical events led to the destruction of the city, but even today you can see many elements from the life of ancient Turkey. Within the territory of ancient city there are three pools that are filled from a natural source, a triumphal arch and mosaics on the walls.
The central street of the city will make you feel like a midget, because it is here that the lying columns are located, the scale of which is simply amazing.






This is a unique oasis in the jungle of the city. The territory of the park is 950 meters long and 480 meters wide. The garden is surrounded on all sides by benches, ponds, artificial gardens and fountains. Palm trees, olive trees, oranges, tangerines and other exotic plants and flowers are located in its center.
The highlight of the park is a small house where real cats live. They are revered by the locals, they are looked after and looked after. This is a real place to relax.




The canyon was opened in 2007. It is located 40 km from Alanya. But even such a long road is full of adventures and sights, which is only worth one Misty Cave.
The canyon is clean and cool air, absolutely transparent and cold mountain river, high and steep cliffs, waterfalls and heavenly landscapes. The unique feature of this place is the warm springs. Any visitor can take a hot bath and plunge into the cold water of a mountain river.




This is a place that not all tourists know about. It is unique in its landscapes. Locals come here for the weekend, have picnics and organize romantic dates.
The cave was discovered in the 80s of the twentieth century, and its age is about a million years. It impresses with its size: the depth of the left side reaches 360 meters, the right - 50 meters. By the way, you can also go for a picnic in Dim Cave, right at the bottom of the river.



This building was erected in 1228 during the reign of Aladdin of Cape Town. The shipyard served as a place for the construction and repair of warships and was located in such a way that enemy fleets could not detect it from the sea.
You can get to this historical building by descending from the Red Tower. Also, this narrow place at the bottom of the hill can be approached from the sea.
A feature of this part of the coast are five arched openings. If you go for a boat ride in the evening, you can see how all the recesses are illuminated from the inside. Incredibly mysterious and bewitching sight.




This is the main attraction of the resort. It is Kyzyl Kule that is the symbol of Alanya and is depicted on its flag. This building served as the defense of the city. Through the loopholes, Turkish soldiers poured molten resin on their enemies.
On the first floor there is an ethnographic museum. It tells the history of Alanya and the Kyzyl Kule tower, as well as the heraldry of the double-headed eagle, which is depicted on the flag.
The Red Tower was founded in 1226 and got its name because of the color of the brick. In shape, it is an octagon with a height of 33 meters and a diameter of 29 meters. The building has 5 floors. 85 steps lead to the top of Kyzyl Kule. It is there that the flag of Turkey flies, as well as a stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea and the city itself. it real paradise for lovers of photography.

If we talk about the cities of the southern coast of Turkey, then Alanya among them at first glance is an ordinary resort town. But this is only at first glance. It does not reveal its charm immediately, but gradually, as if looking closely at you, will you be able to discern its centuries-old history and glorious past behind the magnificent facades of numerous hotels and beautiful beaches. If you can, the love between you and the city will be mutual and forever.

History of Alanya

And in itself this city is a gift of love. It arose in the 4th century BC. Ancient Korakesion (as Alanya was called before) Antony presented as a gift to his beloved Cleopatra. In the 2nd century BC. here, on the border of Pamphlia and Cilicia, pirates ruled. Korakesion was their base, a resting place. The entire coast is indented with numerous bays and grottoes, where sea robbers hid their loot and shared their booty. In one of these grottoes "Kyzlar Magarasy" - "Maiden's Cave" pirates hid kidnapped women, and other captives, who were then successfully delivered to the slave markets of ancient cities.

Alanya old town

The ancient Korakesion itself, the so-called " Old city» was originally located on a small rocky promontory. A well-fortified fortress was built around it by pirates, later captured by Pompey. The ancient crenellated walls of the Ichkale fortress stretch for 7 km. One of the fifty towers of "Kyzyl Kule" - "Red Tower" in the north-east of the city walls was built in 1225 from red brick, its height is 30 m. Now it houses an ethnographic museum (unfortunately, there is no Russian-speaking guide in it, but if know English well - no problem). A small Byzantine basilica has been preserved in the fortress. That's actually all that remains of the period of Byzantine rule in this city.

In the 13th century, the Seljuk sultan Aladdin Keykubad founded his winter residence in the fortress, giving it the name Alaya, which later turned into Alanya. In one of the towers there was a place of executions "Adam Atajagi": from here, those who were objectionable to the Sultan were thrown into the sea, leaving them a meager chance to survive if the condemned man threw a stone to the sea, which was actually unrealistic.

Near the harbor you can see the ancient shipyards where the Seljuks kept their fleet. Nearby is a small bath of Cleopatra, which is supposedly connected by a tunnel to the fortress.

Sights of Alanya

It remains only to visit the Old Quarter of the city, where, under the same Sultan Aladdin Keykubad, the Akchebe Sultan mosque and the Turbe tomb were erected. Be sure to check out the caravanserai, and if you're lucky, you'll see a mesmerizing performance of Sufis or the famous belly dance. Be sure to visit the Bedestan open bazaar, where you can find everything your heart desires. But even if the soul does not wish, you will still buy it, because local merchants will grab you by the sleeves, inviting you to look at the goods and begging you to buy any unnecessary nonsense, assuring you that you definitely need it. By the way, learn the two golden rules of the oriental bazaar. First, learn to politely and firmly say “no” if you really don’t need the item and you don’t want to lose money. Second, learn to bargain. Do not think that the merchant is giving you the real price. As a rule, it is overestimated five times. The ability to bargain is a kind of game, a hobby of the locals, unless they are bargained in supermarkets, and even then not always. Play this game, please both yourself and the seller, and he, smiling and pleased, will give you something really good for ridiculous money just like that, because you honor local traditions.

In general, it must be said that there are, as it were, two Alanyas - one for tourists, with luxury hotels, beaches, discos, foam parties. The other one is for the locals. And if you want to see the real Alanya - leave the hotel in the evening and take a walk along the coast. Honestly, standing on the shore and watching the crimson sun disk fall into the Mediterranean Sea, you will feel this indescribable feeling of the connection of times, realizing that before you, hundreds and thousands of years ago, people also stood on the shore in the same way and looked at the beautiful sunset. And then you will be able to see something that idle vacationers usually do not see. Here a Turkish family went to the beach with their children - no, do not swim and sunbathe. The day is the time of noisy tourists. Evening is the time of the locals. The family is located on the shore, having dinner and also admiring the sunset. Some guy stands on a rocky spit and fishes on a spinning rod. Here is a hotel Bobby running over stones and catching crabs. And everywhere you are accompanied by the heady smell of azaleas, ice-cream workers, local guides and monuments to grandfather Kemal Ataturk (well, remember ours: "Lenin lived, Lenin is alive ...").

Do you want ice cream? Go to the van and say a few words to the ice cream man in Turkish (I advise you to learn it). And now he, smiling broadly, gets you the best, wishing you a pleasant appetite. And you yourself suddenly notice that you are smiling back ...

In general, while relaxing in Turkey, smile more often, and sincerely, from the bottom of your heart. Believe me, a smile is the key that opens any door.

Sights of Alanya (Turkey) in Russian with a map, photo and description

If you are not one of those vacationers who prefer not to leave the comfort zone of the hotel, then you probably want to know what interesting places you can visit in a popular resort, what to see and what to surprise yourself with. And we are ready to tell you about the main attractions of Alanya and its surroundings so that you will definitely want to leave a sun lounger by the pool or exchange the beach for an exciting excursion.

Of course, Alanya is primarily a popular resort, so thousands of tourists from all over the world receive first-class service here - cozy hotels, good beaches and a variety of entertainment: from diving in the Mediterranean Sea and fishing from the deck of a yacht to horseback riding and gastronomic tours. But, despite the pretentious status of the "Turkish Riviera", Alanya has an impressive ancient history, in which the ancient conquerors, the rulers of Byzantium, and the soldiers of the Ottoman Empire left their mark. And evidence of this is the numerous "ruins", as well as modern monuments. In the vicinity of the resort, such natural corners have been preserved that are definitely worth a visit for contemplative tourists - the Sapadere Canyon, the Green Canyon, the Tauride Mountains, the ruins of ancient cities and caves. There are also places in Alanya for those who love all kinds of attractions and extreme entertainment.

What are the sights of Alanya to see first

During excursions or independent walks around Alanya, you should definitely visit the Red Tower, which for centuries protected the port from pirate raids, as well as the medieval Tersane shipyard, where ships were built from local cedar forests for centuries. To feel the historical heritage of Alanya, you need to walk along the authentic streets to the ancient Suleymaniye mosque and the northern fortress of Ehmedek, and then to the Cleopatra beach and Damlatash cave. And when all the sights of Alanya have been studied, you can supplement the treasury of vacation impressions with trips to the surrounding area. So that you can make your own rating of must see places, we present the "top ten" most visited places and monuments.

TOP 10 best attractions in Alanya

Excursions to the sights of Alanya

It is wiser to visit any sights of Alanya accompanied by a Russian guide, choosing a suitable group or individual tour. You can, of course, read about this or that object on your own, but often the guide shares information that cannot be found in the public domain. In addition, getting to know the city and its surroundings will take less time, as the organizers carefully thought out the travel route and adjusted it for maximum convenience for guests. We recommend booking excursions in advance at, where there are both popular classic programs for the main attractions of Alanya and Turkey in general, and author's excursions from Russian-speaking guides. At online booking on Tripster it is enough to make a 20% prepayment (the rest is solemnly transferred to the guide or tour organizer on the spot). And if you choose an individual program, you can ask to make adjustments to the route and adjust the route for yourself during online communication with the guide.

Sights of Alanya with photos and descriptions

It is absolutely certain that you won’t be able to visit all the interesting places in one day, so it’s worth prioritizing what to see first and where you can go if there is time, effort and money left. First of all, we recommend deciding on a thematic focus, because someone is more interested in climbing ancient ruins, and someone is more interested in squealing in a water park. Well, our top 25 main attractions of Alanya will help you choose what is interesting for you.

Top 25 attractions in Alanya

1. Alanya Castle / Alanya Castle

The main attraction of the city, of course, is the ancient fortress wall built on the foundations of the Roman-Byzantine fortress by Sultan Ala ad-Din Kay-Kubad. The time of construction of the fortification dates back to the 13th century, while watchtowers and outer walls have been well preserved to this day. Inside there are interesting ancient buildings - brick cisterns, the Byzantine church of St. George, baths, the Sultan's palace. From inside the viewing platforms offer breathtaking panoramas of the city and the sea.

Most of the fortress can be viewed for free, but the entrance to the castle costs 20 Turkish lira. From April to October, the ancient complex, turned into an open-air museum, is open from 9 am to 7 pm, from November to March - from 9 am to 5 pm.

2. Red Tower / Kizilkule

If you hear what the Turks are talking about Kyzyl Kule, you should know that this is another key attraction of the city, which flaunts on the flag of Alanya - the octagonal Red Tower. It was built according to the design of an Arab architect in the 13th century, and of such high quality that even today it remains one of the best preserved examples of medieval military architecture. On the 1st floor of the tower there is an ethnographic museum, and on the top floor there is an observation deck. You will have to walk up to it on 85 steps.

Opening hours: April-October - 9.00-19.00, November-March - 9.00-17.00. You will have to pay 7 Turkish liras for the entrance ticket.

3. Tersane Shipyard / Old Shipyard

The shipyard is located just behind the Red Tower. For the construction of the Sultan's flotilla, it was used from 1228 to 1361. The stone building on the water, divided by arches into five workshops, is an excellent example of Seljuk architecture. Until the 60s of the last century, ships were still being repaired in it, but today the shipyard is a museum with models of medieval ships, mechanisms for lifting cargo, unusual sea charts, workbenches with tools and other interesting things.

The shipyard is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the summer (changes in the opening hours are possible in winter). The ticket price is 6 lire. By the way, it is more profitable to purchase complex tickets, for example, you can visit the Red Tower and the shipyard for 8 liras.

4. Cleopatra Beach

The best beach in Antalya has been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness and comfort. Two kilometers of "golden" sand, which, according to legend, was brought all the way from Egypt itself, are definitely worthy of your heels;) The entrance to the purest water is gentle, so the place is ideal for families with children. A well-developed infrastructure will allow you to alternate lying in a sun lounger with catamarans, water skiing, "bananas". There are changing cabins and showers (both paid and free) on the beach. Interestingly, there are toilets not only for people, but also for dogs. There are many cafes along the entire beach, but to save money, it is better to buy in the markets on Damlatas street.

The beach is open to the public daily. Entrance is free, but if there are not enough free sun loungers, you will have to pay for a sunbed and an umbrella.

5. Damlatas Caves

Not far from the Cleopatra beach, right at the foot of the Alanya fortress, there is the Damlatas cave - small and not at all gloomy, which is worth a visit to inspect the thousand-year-old stalactites and stalagmites, decorated with very beautiful illumination. More than half an hour in the cave, you are unlikely to hold out. With absolute humidity and a temperature of about 25 degrees, it is difficult to consider underground masterpieces, although local doctors assure that the record content of carbon dioxide will benefit asthmatics. But the entrance to the cave is not recommended for the "cores".

You can visit the Damlatas cave daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Entrance fee: 7.5 Turkish lira for an adult ticket and 3.5 lira for a child.

6. Seaport of Alanya / Port of Alanya

The seaport receives daily cruise ships and yachts, and walking along the embankment is one of the favorite activities of local residents. For a long time, the port was a haven for pirates, until the "gentlemen of fortune" were "asked to leave" by the Roman Empire. There are many cafes on the embankment where you should order mussels with lemon. And if you go on an excursion with a Russian guide, he will definitely lead you to such a place in the port, from where you can see the main sights of the city - the Red Tower and the Lighthouse. It is from the port that all sightseeing ships depart, many of which are stylized as pirate ones.

Hours of operation are daily. There is no charge for visiting the seaport.

7. Water Planet Water Park

Aquapark "Planet of Water" in the village of Okurjolar, 30 km from Alanya, is a great place to have fun. Almost three dozen different slides, a 75-meter bungee ride, Kamikaze and Black Hole rides, lazy river rafting - everyone can choose what they like best. On the territory of the Aquapark there are a dozen swimming pools with comfortable sun loungers, as well as several restaurants and cafes.

For those staying at the hotel of the same name, visiting the water park is free (when they check in, they are given special bracelets). Other tourists can buy a ticket with or without meals: an adult will cost 40/30 dollars (respectively), a child (for children from 6 to 12 years old) - 35/25 dollars.

8. Alanya Archaeological Museum

It is also worth visiting the archaeological museum in Alanya in the company of a Russian guide, because all the signs on the exhibits are in English, and the museum itself does not provide the services of a Russian-speaking guide. The exposition of the museum is quite interesting: all kinds of figurines, jewelry, dishes, household items related to the Lydian, Phrygian, Byzantine and Greek periods. In one of the halls, there is only one exhibit - a bronze statue of Hercules, cast in the 2nd century BC. BC. There is a hall dedicated to marine finds - sunken ships and treasures. Fragments of ancient columns and various agricultural implements are exhibited in the cozy garden of the museum, while walking peacocks and fragrant plants complement the peaceful atmosphere of the museum.

The museum is open from April to October from 8.30 to 19.30, from November to March - from 8.30 to 17.30. Monday is a day off. The entrance ticket costs 6 Turkish lira.

9. Alanya Aquapark

In the center of Alanya, behind the Migros supermarket, there is a small city water park. It has only 9 slides, which are not too steep and not at all new, several pools, a waterfall and a rafting channel. You can’t visit the water park with your own food, and prices in local cafes are higher than in markets. The city water park is almost always very crowded, so queues for individual attractions are not excluded. Before including the water park in the program, it should be clarified whether it is fully open after reconstruction and which attractions are open.

You can visit the city water park daily, from 9 am to 6 pm, but the rides start only from 10 am. Entrance fee: for adults - 25 lire, for children - 15 lire. You can also buy a ticket with a "snack" (cola, fries and a hamburger) for 35 lire.

10. Lighthouse in the port of Alanya / Alanya Lighthouse

At the beginning of the last century, a 20-meter lighthouse appeared on the edge of the port harbor, which was assembled in Paris and sent ships to the French coast for more than 50 years. Then the lighthouse was transported and installed in Alanya. Its compact size does not prevent it from illuminating the expanses of the sea for 200 miles for more than a hundred years, and tourists are invited to climb to the observation deck. The climb will not be too tiring, because inside the walls of the lighthouse are decorated with beautiful panels with sea scenes.

The lighthouse works every day, but the passage inside can be both free and paid, so it would be nice to enlist the help of a Russian guide who will tell you when they won’t take money for climbing the lighthouse observation deck.

11. Sapadere Canyonu

An amazing natural corner near Alanya was opened for tourists in 2008, and every year it becomes more and more popular. A walk on a wooden deck stretched along the rocks will be a salvation from the heat and will give you many impressions from the contemplation of pine forests, magnificent mountain peaks and icy mountain streams.

Excursion to the Sapadere Canyon can be booked on

12. The ancient city of Syedra

In ancient times, Siedra was a large trading port with its own mint. Today, these are ruins where turtles live, but climbing the mountain to the ancient polis is worth at least to see the stunning panoramas of the sea, walk along the remains of ancient paving stones, imagine the magnificence of the ancient Column Street or try to examine fragments of ancient mosaics.

13. Suleymaniye Mosque in Alanya Fortress / Suleymaniye Mosque

The current and oldest mosque in the city was built in 1231 by Sultan Alaadin Kei-Kubada (the one who ordered the construction of the Red Tower). And the Suleymaniye Mosque is called because it was restored after a fire by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. On the minaret are speakers from which the call to prayer is heard. Inside the mosque everything is traditionally ascetic.

14. Monument to Ala ad-Din Kay-Kubad I

The Seljuk Sultan, who ruled Alanya in the 13th century, today is the first to meet guests who come to the resort from Antalya. It was this sultan who ordered the construction of the main cult sights of Alanya - the Red Tower, the Suleymaniye Mosque, the Tersane shipyard, and under him the Konya Sultanate achieved greatness. The decisiveness and courage of this ruler today is reminiscent of a huge pedestal on which a fearless warrior on horseback "prancing".

15. House Museum of Kemal Ataturk

The exposition of the house-museum is dedicated to the people's favorite - Mustafa Kemal Ataturk - the first president of Turkey, a reformer politician and military leader. The fact that Kemal was in this house only once in 1935 did not stop the residents of Alanya from the temptation to open a museum in the building. On the first floor there is an exposition with personal belongings of Ataturk, photographs, documents signed by him. On the second - the reconstruction of the interiors of a Turkish house with authentic household items.

16. Dim Cave

One of the largest caves in Europe is located 12 km from Alanya. It is difficult to say what is more magnificent: views of the surroundings on the way to the cave, panoramas of the valley from its viewing platforms or a walk through the cave itself. As a warm-up, you should first look into a small 50-meter hall, and then go to a large 300-meter one. A cosmic spectacle awaits you - literally and figuratively.

17. Park Gardens of Alanya / Alanya Gardens

The park dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Ataturk is very popular with tourists who, after a hot beach, are not averse to taking a breath in shady alleys. There are many exotic trees in the park, flower beds of stunning beauty are laid out, recreation areas are organized, there are artificial reservoirs and fountains.

18. Seyir Terasi Observation Deck

It is worth climbing to the observation deck to see all the sights of Alanya at once, and the walk will be magnificent both during the day and in the evening. At the top of the observation deck there is a park and a restaurant where you can have lunch or dinner. There is a playground for children. Turkish dance groups perform on the stage. On the lower platform, you can comfortably sit on one of the many benches and admire the city.

19. Green Canyon

The green canyon was created not by nature, but by man. This huge reservoir in the valley of the Taurus Mountains has the status of a national park, and its main attraction is Lake Oimapinar, which is fed by three dozen mountain springs. An ideal place for a picnic and a relaxing holiday surrounded by local beauty.

Excursion to the Green Canyon from Alanya can be bought at

20. Monument to Ataturk

The monument to the "father of the Turks" is installed on the Republic Square (near the street, again named in honor of Ataturk). The figure of the bronze "leader" is surrounded by pioneers: a boy with a flag and a girl welcoming guests. On a massive pedestal is a quote from Ataturk: ​​“Peace in the country! World peace!" When you look, you involuntarily recall all the famous monuments to the Soviet leader. 😉

21. Sealanya Dolphinarium

While visiting the Dolphinarium in Alanya, you can not only see the incendiary performances of fur seals and dolphins, but also swim with the latter (for an additional fee). Guests can also take unique pictures with the stunning animals or enjoy a Dolphin Therapy session to “crackle” with dolphins to relieve stress and improve their mood.

22. Yil Ataturk Parki

You can enter Ataturk Park along Cleopatra Beach both from the promenade and from the adjacent street. You can walk along the paved paths endlessly. Huge fingers cast a good shadow, and standing on one of the many bridges near the artificial reservoir and fountains, it is easy to enjoy the freshness of the purest water. There are a lot of plants of interesting shape, for example, in the form of a pineapple grown into the ground. The irrigation system works flawlessly, so the park is always green.

23. Incekum Beach

Incekum, one of the oldest and most popular beaches, is located 23 km from Alanya. You can get there by bus in half an hour. The beach is famous for its fine sand. Actually, to trample on it with bare feet, and at the same time swim in the sea, tourists come here. 15 minutes from the beach is the village of Avsallar, where there are many restaurants and cafes.

24. Cable car to the fortress of Alanya / Alanya Teleferik

A funicular ride to the top of the Ich Kale fortress will give you the opportunity to contemplate stunning views of Alanya. The cabins are closed, but with large panoramic windows, so you won’t miss anything during the ascent and descent. The trip takes no more than 5 minutes. Then - an observation deck and a walk to the fortress itself, wandering around the territory of which can take a very long time because of the numerous shops, cafes and other interesting things.

25. Dim River

Originating from Konya and flowing into the Mediterranean Sea, the Dim Chay River is popular with tourists due to its well-developed infrastructure. There are many restaurants, including those with cabanas right on the water, cozy picturesque picnic areas and places for fishing.

Alanya (Turkey) - the most detailed information about the city with a photo. The main attractions of Alanya with descriptions, guides and maps.

Alanya city (Turkey)

Alanya is a city in southwestern Turkey, a seaport and a popular resort. Located on the Mediterranean coast, 138 km from Antalya. Alanya is an ancient city, which is one of the best preserved Seljuk cities, has many ancient monuments and natural attractions. This is one of the most popular holiday destinations on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, known for its excellent sandy beaches and clear warm sea.

Geography and climate

Alanya is located in the Anatolian Gulf on the plains of Pamphylia between the Mediterranean Sea and the ridges of the Taurus Mountains. The city is divided by a rocky peninsula and is part of the Turkish Riviera. Alanya is located among picturesque landscapes with typical Mediterranean vegetation and rocky hills covered with coniferous and broad-leaved forests.

Alanya in the evening

The climate is hot Mediterranean. Summer is hot and dry. The average daily temperature from May to September is around 25-28°C. Winter is warm and humid. The greatest amount of precipitation falls from November to February. The average daily temperature in winter rarely drops below 10°C.

Practical Information

1. The population of the city is more than 250 thousand people.
2. Area - 1598.51 km².
3. Currency - Turkish lira. Although almost everywhere willingly accept dollars and euros. Therefore, there is no point in changing them to lira.
4. Visa - for up to 60 days, it is enough to have a foreign passport, the validity of which is more than four months from the date of entry into Turkey.
5. The language is Turkish.
6. Time - UTC +2, summer +3.

Alanya is one of the most popular resorts in Turkey, which is visited by 9% of all tourists. Also, 30% of all real estate purchased in the country by foreign citizens is located in Alanya.

Alanya is famous for its natural sandy beaches with clear turquoise sea. Many beaches have the prestigious Blue Flag. The length of the coastline is about 100 km. Western beaches are 34 km long, eastern - 24 km. The most famous western beaches are Cleopatra and Dalmatas, the eastern ones are Keykubat and Portakal.

Best time to visit

The best time to come to Alanya is from May to October. Already at the end of spring, the water temperature in the Mediterranean reaches 21-23 °C. In June and September the water temperature is about 25°C, and in the height of summer - 27-29°C. The hottest months are July and August. The most comfortable weather is, of course, in June and September.

Story

Historically, Alanya is located between Cilicia and Pamphylia. The surroundings of the city have been inhabited since the Paleolithic. In the 4th century BC, the Greek settlement of Korakesion existed here. Later, Cilician pirates settled here, who kept the entire Mediterranean coast in fear. Pirates were destroyed by Roman troops led by Gnaeus Pompey in the 1st century BC. Alanya reached its peak during the Roman period and was one of the most important cities in Antalya.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the city became part of the possessions of Byzantium. The Byzantines named the cities Kalonoros, which means " beautiful mountain". In the 13th century, Alanya was captured by the Seljuks, who named it Alaye. During this period, numerous fortifications and cultural monuments were built, and the city became one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean. In the 15th century, Alanya became part of the Ottoman Empire. After that, the city's importance fell Alanya received its modern name in 1933 under Ataturk.

How to get there

The nearest airport is located two hours drive from Alanya in Antalya. To move between cities, you can use the bus and Turkish minibuses (dolmuş).

Shopping and shopping

Undoubtedly, Alanya is a paradise for shopaholics: jewelry, leather, shoes and bags, Turkish sweets and carpets. Main shopping areas: Cuma Bazaars, the port area and the area around Ataturk Street. In Alanya, you can find a huge number of shops selling replicas of famous brands: clothes and shoes, glasses and watches, bags and wallets.

Council - in private shops it is necessary to bargain. Often the price of goods is doubled. It is also better to take sweets by weight, having previously tasted them, often beautiful large boxes do not guarantee the quality and size of the contents.

Food and drink

In Alanya, you can try excellent Turkish cuisine, fish and seafood. Popular food: lahmacun, şiş kebab and other varieties of kebab, baklava (Turkish sweet). Finding a restaurant in Alanya according to your taste and financial possibilities is not a problem. Also, the resort, which is logical, offers a vibrant and rich nightlife. Closer to the night, numerous clubs and bars begin to work.

Attractions

Despite the fact that Alanya was founded more than two thousand years ago and Greeks, Romans and Byzantines lived here, almost all the most famous sights were built by the Seljuks.

The fortress is one of the symbols of Alanya. The medieval walls are 6.5 km long. They were equipped with 140 towers and included 400 tanks. The eastern part of the fortress is very picturesque. Here the walls descend to the very sea to the Red Tower. Alanya Castle was built by the Seljuks in the 13th century on Hellenistic foundations. Several historical buildings have been preserved in the castle: cisterns, baths and a Byzantine church.

The Red Tower (Kizil Kule) is a powerful medieval octagonal building, which is one of the most famous sights of Alanya. The tower is 33 meters high and was built of red brick in the 13th century to watch over the harbour.

Shipyard (Tersane) - a medieval shipbuilding facility built in the 13th century by the Seljuks. Located south of the Red Tower. Five arched galleries, where ships used to be made, have been preserved here. At the top of the cliff there is an armory house where cannons were made.

Sulaymaniyah is an ancient mosque with a brick minaret built in the 13th century. The building was rebuilt in the 16th century.

What to do in Alanya:

• A ride on the cable car and a visit to the castle of the same name.
• Boating.
• Exploration of Damlatash cave.
• Exploring the Alanya Museum.
• Swimming on the Cleopatra beach.
• Visit to the Sapadere Canyon.

Impressive ancient ruins of an ancient city with a magnificent Roman theater.

The main city and port of ancient Pamphylia with a huge historical and cultural heritage in the form of Greek and Roman ruins.

Seleucia - romantic ruins of an ancient city, located in a picturesque pine forest.