What is interesting in Alanya. What to see in Alanya and its surroundings: we get acquainted with local attractions on our own and show the child

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.

Best time to visit

Best time to come to Alanya - the period 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.

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.

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 Alaiye. Numerous fortifications and cultural monuments were built during this period, 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 importance of the city declined. 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: shops 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.


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


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

1. Red tower- the symbol of the city. Its age is about eight centuries and it was built to protect the city from falling.

2. Alanya fortress- This is a building of the Seljuk period, dating back to the eighth century. Its height is 250 meters above sea level. Being there, you will have a stunning view of the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.


3. Damlatash cave. It was discovered only in 1948. In addition to the stunning view of stalactites and stalagnites, it has medicinal properties due to the high content of carbon dioxide in the air.


This museum displays numerous exhibits from the excavations. It is here that you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of ancient times and touch history.


- this is a unique contrast between the hot beach and the freshness of the coolness of a mountain river. Even on the hottest day, Smoke remains cold. This is one of the most favorite places of the indigenous people of Alanya.


It is located near the Red Tower and is recognized as one of the most picturesque sights of the city.


7. Suleymaniye Mosque. This building is an excellent example of Turkish architecture. In addition, there are stunning wooden decorations, which makes it even more mesmerizing.


is an ideal place for those who decide to take a break with their family from tiring excursions.


- one of the best dolphinariums of the coast. Each visitor who has reached the age of 4 can swim with dolphins.



This water park differs from the previous one in that it is here that you can snorkel and swim in the pool with exotic fish.


- are the ruins of an ancient settlement.


The beaches in this city are distinguished by their unusual cleanliness, which was also noted by foreign experts who awarded the Blue Flag award.


The perfect place for nightlife. It is designed for more than 4000 visitors.



14. Club "Istanbul club". This club is different in that it has a huge pool with sharks.


The most popular club in Alanya for you!

Turkey is a beautiful country! And love for her wakes up when you leave the hotel, go beyond "Drinks, food, beach, animation", buy a map, choose an interesting sight, get on a city bus, get off at the right stop and forward to new research and personal discoveries. And they are worth it, believe me.

Today we will talk about Alanya and its many attractions, which you can get to on your own and see them for a penny.

We got to Alanya from the Aydinbey Gold Dream 5 * hotel (Turkler) by bus for $ 2.5, we didn’t have local exchange money, otherwise it would have been cheaper. The stop is located directly opposite the hotel, in the opposite direction from the airport. Drive about 40-50 minutes along the sea.

We go to the final station, the bus stops at the market. So it was not a market day, only clothes and shoes were sold. And if you want to buy fresh and tasty vegetables and fruits, fragrant spices and teas, cheeses and olives, halva and Turkish delight - you need to come on Friday. Prices from 1 lira per kilogram, everything is very cheap!!!

Further, we go down to the Embankment-port, the landmark is the Kyzyl Kule tower, it can be seen from afar. Why is she remarkable? Yachts moor here fishing boats, Pirate Excursion Ships. Can do nice pictures, relax in a beautiful place and take a sea excursion, the price is from $10.

After the Embankment, we climbed to the Kyzyl Kule tower (red tower), walked along the fortress wall, the views were crazy! This watchtower was built in the 13th century to protect against pirate attacks. Entrance fee is 4.5 lira.

The most beautiful views continued to capture, having descended a little, we noticed a small, secluded beach, right under the fortress walls.

We could not resist, immediately dived into the water, it's good that we were wearing swimsuits)) It's a thrill!!! The water is warm, the entrance is very small and even pleasant pebbles.

Then, we decided to go up and find the Archaeological Museum, on the way we cooled off with freshly squeezed orange juice (1 and dried at the same time. The entrance is only 5 lira, they accept only lira, so be sure to exchange money in advance, exchangers will meet you on the way.


The museum itself is small, but the collection is quite rich: coins, household items, vessels, plaster busts, statues, etc.



At the exit, we were even treated to sweets, a trifle, but nice)))



And again we dive into the sea))) We dry a little, have a snack with apples stored from breakfast))


After that, we decide to take the funicular to the very top of the defensive fortress - the main pride of Alanya.


This fortress was built in the 13th century and is visible from anywhere in the city. Inside the fortress there is a mosque, a cemetery, a monastery, a mint, the Sultan's winter palace, here you can also buy souvenirs, soft drinks. The ticket price for the funicular is 18 lira in both directions and 10 lira in one direction, it works until 22.00.



The fortress can also be reached by bus or on foot. Among the shortcomings, I want to note that during our visits there were no signs, identification plates on the sights, but it is definitely worth visiting here, magnificent views and special energy! Only very hot, you get tired quickly ...

It's time to cool off in the unique Damlatas cave, it is located at the foot of the guard fortress, right on the Cleopatra beach, we return back to the beach and here we were not lucky, the cave was closed, although it works until 18.00. The ticket price is only 5 lira. But you should definitely go! We return home, on the way we buy ice cream, look into the Vikiki branded Turkish store, and do a little shopping. The clothes are quite high quality and quite inexpensive, and we return to the hotel by bus.

Here is a full review of our hotel: ttps://

And if you want to save money, you can settle in a decent "three rubles", here you will find out what is actually "included" in 3 *

If you are interested in a real, oriental bazaar, you can watch a video review

Alanya – Cleopatra Beach

Russian tourists still prefer to choose the famous resorts of the Turkish Riviera in the summer, known for their excellent conditions for recreation. Among them Alanya- the city, famous for its sandy beaches, plays an important role. After all, here on a tiny territory of the coast, tourists find everything they need to remember the days of their luxurious vacation for a long time. And local beaches are often compared with the famous French Riviera. The main local beach, named by the inhabitants in honor of the famous Queen of Egypt, surprises vacationers with the unusual properties of the local sand. It is believed that he was brought here for Cleopatra - the name of this place is associated with her name.

To the amazement of travelers, the sand on this beach never gets so hot that tourists, as is usually the case, simply cannot take their favorite sunbathing. The secret is explained by the special composition of the sand, in which there is practically no dust. sea ​​waters these places are distinguished by transparency and cleanliness. Similar sandy beaches are found only on the North African coast. But the uniqueness of this place does not at all lead to an unpleasant increase in the cost of accommodation in hotels. On the contrary, the prices here are quite acceptable and reasonable.

Excursions in Alanya

Resort towns in the Alanya region

Alanya – Mahmutlar village

Vacationers who are looking for an opportunity for a vacation closer to the central part go to Mahmutlar- an inexpensive and small resort village, which is located only 12 km south of the Alanya, but Mahmutlar the most remote from the Antalya airport (almost 140 km). He is known for his pretty reasonable prices in hotels even during the seasonal period, because most of the hotels in Mahmutlar are located 100-300 meters from the beaches.

Alanya – Okurcalar village

Starting from the northern part of the Alanya region (the part that is closer to Antalya), the first seaside resort is called Okurcalar. At a location nearby Okurcalare- a sand and pebble beach, famous for its unusually warm sea, the most suitable conditions for the recreation of adult tourists and their children. Throughout the entire Turkey there is no place where the water temperature would be higher than here. The area is mostly 4 and 5 star hotels located right on the seafront in the middle of beautiful sand and pebble beaches.

Alanya - Incekum village

A resort village begins immediately after Okurcalar Incekum, whose name in Turkish means "fine sand". On the Incekum- eight kilometers sandy beach located in the same name resort town, first of all, young travelers who love these places for amazing sunsets, silence and wonderful air that the picturesque pine forests breathe will find ideal conditions for themselves. The local hotels welcome guests even in winter.

Alanya - Port of Alanya at night

Konakli as well as Mahmutlar is close to the central part Alanya. The resort is located just 12 km west of Alanya itself. Hotel base Konakli contributes not expensive vacation, because mainly inexpensive hotels are located here, and in relation to the beach, Konakli is slightly inferior to Avsallar, since here the sand is mixed with pebbles. Travelers do not have to deal with choosing a beach in a wonderful Alanya and its surroundings. Here, anywhere on the coast, regardless of whether it is sandy or pebbly, favorable conditions are always preserved for a rich and healthy holiday.

TOURIST ANSWERS:

Alanya is one of the most popular Turkish resorts among our compatriots. For us, Alanya is, for the most part, nothing more than luxurious beaches, hot sun and first-class hotels. The beaches here are really steep, with fine yellow sand and azure waters. Almost all of Alanya lies on a 250 m high rocky promontory protruding into the sea. However, few people know that Alanya was founded in the second century BC. Then it was a famous port, which in 67, still BC, joined the Roman Empire. The city often changed its name, then it was Korakesion, then Kolonoros, then Alaye.
In general, the story is long and interesting.

But the most interesting thing in Alanya, in my opinion, is its entertaining past. The city houses numerous historical monuments that are a must-see during your visit to Alanya.

Archaeological Museum (Alanya arkeoloji muzesi)

The museum was built in the late 60s of the last century and consists of 14 exhibition halls. The museum's collections are divided into eras. What is not here! Gizmos of the Bronze Age, clay Byzantine and ancient Roman products, tombstones, marble artifacts, inscriptions, mosaics of the 7th-5th centuries BC. A valuable exhibit is a stone with an inscription in the Phoenician language, 625 BC. It's just mind-boggling!
Tourists usually linger for a long time near the bronze statue of Hercules, which dates back to the 2nd century BC. A statue half a meter high was found in a mountain village near Alanya more than half a century ago. It is believed that this figure is a trophy from a ship robbed by pirates. But the statue, of course, impresses with its grace. Even the face of Hercules is unrealistically realistic, pardon the tautology. And there is also a hall in this museum with vessels for the ashes of the Byzantine and Roman periods. Limestone vessels in the shape of a sarcophagus with interesting lids and various designs on walls - plants, riders, faces of men and women, inscriptions. These vessels, as you already understood, are for burials, because in a mountainous region it was sometimes difficult to dig up the ground, it was easier to burn the body and place it in such a sarcophagus. Well, different religious ones are also inherent in this. What else is in this museum: coins, Ottoman-era weapons, a handwritten Koran, ancient clothes, carpets, jewelry, local embroidery, wood carvings, grape presses and much more. The museum is very informative and interesting. The museum is located near the coast, on Saray Mahallesi, almost in the center of the city.

Tersane Shipyard

This building is located next to the Red Tower, by the sea. The structure is impressively massive - 56 by 44 meters, with five aisles in the form of an ara and deep galleries 40 meters deep. A completely monumental building from the Seljuk era was erected here in the first half of the 13th century. Moreover, this structure was built quite quickly, somewhere in a year. When the shipyard was completed, the ruler Aladdin Keykubat, under whom all this happened, finally realized his old dream of becoming the "sultan of the two seas", and at the same time this building prevented a potential attack by enemies from the eastern side. On the left you can see a small mosque and outbuildings. Today, this shipyard is a marina for small boats and a very popular tourist attraction, especially in the evenings. It is best to admire this ancient structure from the sea, from a boat or yacht, which many tourists do.

Kyzylkule Tower

The city owes the construction of this tower to the same Aladdin Keykubat. The tower was built for defensive purposes, in the city harbor. Kyzylkule in Turkish means "Red Tower", because it was built of red brick. This tower is now a symbol of Alanya and is even depicted on the flag of the city. The walls of the octagonal building are about 8 km long. The tower is 29 meters in diameter and about 33 meters high. All in all, a powerful and impressive build. It was built in 1226, and it took about 12 years to build it. Up to 2,000 people can fit inside the building at the same time. On top of the tower there are loopholes, from which warriors poured hot oil or tar onto opponents. The design is amazing in that, despite the fact that it has five floors, the light passing through the top of the tower penetrates right up to the first floor. You can climb into the territory of the Red Tower from the western side, through the entrance next to the fortress walls. Climb up the stairs - 85 steps, get ready! But from the top offers a magnificent view of the city and the sea. The Turkish flag flies at the top. Oh yes, there is an Ethnographic Museum on the first floor.

Alanya Fortress (Alanya Kalesi)

One of the largest in Turkey and the best preserved. It consists of 140 towers and walls with beautiful ornaments. The walls are made of rough cobblestones. The length of the wall is about 6 km. Inside you can see the reservoirs. Arched gates with preserved ancient runes are well preserved. Once on the territory there were a winter palace, a military building, residential buildings, a mosque, trading shops and even places for execution. In general, life inside this fortress was in full swing. The Red Tower, by the way, is part of this building.

Suleymaniye Mosque

The Byzantine fortress on the mountain was built in 1231 on the territory of the fortress of Alanya. True, it was destroyed and rebuilt in the 16th century. A square stone mosque with one minaret is often called either the Aladdin Mosque or the Fortress Mosque. Under the dome of the mosque, you can see 15 small ones - this was done to improve acoustics. The wooden gates of the mosque are fine examples of art from the Ottoman Empire. The complex also includes a palace, schools and military buildings.

Tomb of Askebe Turbesi

The tomb of the Sultan is also located inside the fortress of Alanya, a hundred meters from the Suleymaniye Mosque. The square-shaped tomb is made of stone, the dome and walls inside are covered with brick. Inside you can see two halls - in one the Sultan rests, in the other there are three more tombs. Perhaps once the grave looked much more luxurious, perhaps it was covered with faience. Today, only some inscriptions and parts of decorations can be seen on it. Nearby is a cylindrical minaret made of brick, or rather, part of it, up to the balcony.

Helpful answer?

Alanya is one of the largest cities on the Antalya coast and no less popular resort. Being here on vacation, you should visit the city itself, see its iconic places, join, so to speak, history, give "food for thought". History can be seen in the city center, as well as near the main promenade.

Among the most iconic sights is the red tower (Kizil Kule). It is perfectly visible both from land and from the sea. This is the symbol of Alanya. I saw a similar symbol in Greek Thessaloniki, but the tower is white. True, it became white only after the transition of the city from the Turks to the Greeks. During the existence of the Ottoman Empire in Thessaloniki, the tower was also red and it housed a prison. Here in Turkey, the tower symbolizes the dominance of the Turks on the seas. It was built after the capture of Alanya by the Seljuks and was excellent protection bays of the city.

Alanya is associated with the name of Queen Cleopatra. In the city there is a beach of the same name, the sand on which was brought from Egypt. The beach is open to the public. This is really a sandy beach. You can also get to the beach by traveling along the coast of the city on a tourist boat. Usually it is stopped close to the shore and you can swim in clear emerald-colored water. True, there is a belief that Cleopatra has never been to the beach.

Another antiquity is Cleopatra's castle or the fortress of Alanya. The fortress walls are quite long. They "descend" from the mountain towards the Mediterranean Sea. It is better to climb the mountain to see all the beauties of the city from a height of 250 meters above sea level and to see the fortifications in more detail. Fragments of building structures, as well as the Byzantine fortress named after St. George, have been preserved here. The fortress was built by the Seljuk Turks in the 13th century. Now it is a monument of architecture in the open air.

Even on the territory of Alanya there are two famous caves - pirates and lovers. True, to see them you need to transfer to a boat or a boat. You can't see them from the shore. Some fabulous, in my opinion, stories are connected with the caves. So, in the cave, the pirates hid the stolen goods, as well as the kidnapped girls.

As for the cave of lovers, there is a belief that if a man passes through it from one entrance to another, he thereby proves his love and this love for life. Legend, myth or truth - who knows, but people believe.

Do not be too lazy to visit another attraction of the city - the Damlatas cave. It was discovered in the last century, but it has existed for a very long time, as evidenced by the size of stalactites and stalagmites. Located 100 meters from the coast.

Again, there is a myth here. Allegedly, the pirates hid the kidnapped girls here and at the same time thought that after they were here, they would become even more beautiful. Maybe because the air in the cave is healing. The natural entrance to the cave has been preserved. The temperature here is about 22 degrees and very high humidity. Damlatash air perfectly cures bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory diseases. It even has its own doctor who can recommend the best course of treatment. Everything is at the service of vacationers.

Alanya is a city-museum. No need to visit here exhibition halls, museums. Everything related to ancient history in sight. Therefore, you can travel around the city on your own, admiring the beauties of nature, vibrant landscapes and monuments. ancient architecture. Alanya is an opportunity to combine beach holiday and hiking.