Alanya is a charming coastal district in the Turkish province of Antalya and a popular destination for German tourists. The place, which was called Pamphylia and Cilicia in ancient times, offers many recreational opportunities: swim in the bay where Cleopatra once swam, explore the ancient ruins and relax in the first-class hotels.
Surrounded by the Toros Mountains to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the south, Alanya is located 130 kilometers (2 hours drive) from Antalya city center and belongs to the Asian part of Turkey.
Getting to Alanya
Due to the year-round pleasant climate, Alanya attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. Cheap direct flights to Alanya are available from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport. The flight takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
Transportation from Gazipaşa Airport Alanya to City Center
Gazipaşa Alanya Airport is located 41 kilometers from Alanya city center. You can get from the airport to the city centre by direct bus, taxi or car.
Direct buses are located right outside the airport and run every 25 minutes. The journey takes about 60 minutes and costs 20 Turkish liras.
Of course, there are also a large number of taxis at the airport that will take you to the city centre. Taxis cost 6 lira per kilometer. In Alanya you can also explore the city wonderfully with a rental car.
The best time to travel to Alanya
Alanya has a typical Mediterranean climate and has more than 300 days of sunshine a year. The summers are warm and dry and the winters are pleasantly mild but also a little rainier.
The warmest month is July, the coolest month is January. Since the city is a popular tourist destination in the summer, it can be very crowded. It is more relaxed to visit Alanya in late spring or early autumn. You should stay at least three or four days to experience the city with all its facets.
Attractions in Alanya
Although Alanya is a fantastic summer destination with its beautiful beaches and warm seas, the city offers much more than just pure relaxation with many great historical and scenic attractions scattered throughout the city.
Kizil Kule – The Red Tower
The Red Tower is the landmark of the city, which was built by the Seljuk Empire in the 14th century. The tower is a prime example of the medieval Seljuk architectural style. You can visit the Red Tower from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm for an entrance fee of 5 lira.
Alanya Castle
Alanya Castle has been home to many pirates since its first foundation. Later, the castle became an important port for the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman Empires. The castle now serves as a huge open-air museum with various monuments and artifacts. You can visit the castle every day from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. The castle can be reached by air tram. There are many restaurants and souvenir shops in the castle streets.
The Dark Cave – Dim Cave
The Dim Cave is the most famous scenic attraction of Alanya. The second largest cave in Turkey offers a spectacular interior made of limestone. The Dim Cave is located 11 kilometers from Alanya.
Cleopatra Beach
Cleopatra Beach is a sandy beach about two kilometers long and takes its name from the Egyptian queen Cleopatra. It is said that she was so impressed by the beauty of the beach that she stopped here on her travels especially for a swim. The beach is open to the public and there is no entrance fee.
The ancient city of Syedra
20 kilometers from Alanya’s city center is the ancient city of Syedra. Its history dates back to the 7th century. Syedea offers ruins of an avenue of columns, a bathing complex, a chapel and a basilica. Admission is free.
Where to stay in Alanya
Alanya offers visitors a variety of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury resorts. If you are in Alanya to enjoy day and night to the fullest, it is best to stay in hotels in the Çarşı district.
If you are looking for a relaxing Alanya vacation, it is best to stay in hotels in the Kargıcak district. On the shores of the Mediterranean Sea you will find many boutique hotels.
Eating in Alanya
Eating in Turkey is a culinary experience – and Alanya is no exception. Alanya cuisine offers some specialties of Turkish cuisine. Fish, vegetables and olive oil are essential components of many dishes. In the city you will also find many international restaurants, which offer something for every taste, from Russian to Mexican cuisine.
Shopping in Alanya
Alanya is a tourist city and in almost every part of the city you can find souvenirs or traditional handicrafts. The villages around Alanya are famous for their delicious homemade jams. They make unique eggplant and watermelon jams. A popular souvenir for your loved ones at home are the traditional silk scarves.
Nightlife in Alanya
In summer, Alanya does not sleep. There are many venues in Alanya with different styles of music and food. Dance the night away in three-storey nightclubs or enjoy a relaxing evening in a quiet atmosphere with a good glass of wine.
Most of the party places are scattered in the port area of Çarşı district. The “Aloha Tiki Bar” offers its visitors a fun evening with great service. The “Havana Beach Club” near Cleopatra Beach is the most popular nightclub in Alanya. Reggea Bar Alanya has a relaxed atmosphere with fantastic food.
Things to know before traveling to Alanya
Since the city is a popular destination for European tourists, the euro is accepted as a means of payment almost everywhere.
When staying in Alanya, be sure to cover your skin with light, breathable fabric and apply sunscreen regularly, as the weather is very hot and sunny.
