Alanya Attractions and Travel Guide

Alanya, which is one of the first regions that comes to mind when it comes to vacation in Turkey, is the address of comfortable vacation with its nature, history, culture, sea and hotels. 

Alanya was known as a pirate city in ancient times, as a city of overlords during the Byzantine period, and during the reign of Alaaddin Keykubat, it was made the capital. Alanya, which was called by many different names in different periods of history, was finally given its current name by Atatürk in 1935.

If you hear that it is said that prisoners who manage to throw stones into the sea from Alanya Castle can gain their freedom, and if you hear that no one has ever accomplished this feat, don't be surprised when you visit Alanya. Alanya Castle, one of the symbols of Alanya, is six and a half kilometers long and dates back to the 2nd century BC. When you look down from the castle to Alanya, you see the whole city and the Mediterranean Sea beneath your feet. Despite the castle being right by the sea, the stones you throw never reach the water.

Tophane: If you walk from Alanya Castle to Kızılkule, you can see the historical neighborhood of Tophane, which still preserves its natural texture, and the historical houses of Alanya. You can sit in one of the cafes there, enjoy the unique view, eat gözleme made by Alanya women, and have something cold to drink.

Kızılkule: There is a cistern in the middle of Kızılkule, which is currently used as a museum on the first floor. Since it was difficult to remove the stone blocks, red bricks were used on the upper floors. The tower takes its name from the color of these bricks.

Damlataş Cave: Damlataş Cave, known to be beneficial for asthma, is thought to have formed over 15,000 years with its stalactites and stalagmites. Named Damlataş because it drips for 4-5 months of the year, the cave is one of the must-see places in Alanya.

Dim Cave: Accepted into the International Union of Show Caves in 2002, Dim Cave is a highly decorated cave with stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. There is an observation terrace and a telescope in an open section of the cave to observe a part of the Taurus Mountains, the Mediterranean Sea, and the city of Alanya.

Alanya Archaeological Museum: The museum displays many historical artifacts from the Archaic, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods, with the most important piece being the Heracles Statue. The statue dating back to the 2nd century AD is exhibited in a separate section. Additionally, the peacocks in the museum's garden also attract the attention of visitors.

Places to visit in Alanya 

You should definitely go to Alanya Castle in Alanya. Alanya Castle is almost the symbol of Alanya. Its walls are about 7 kilometers long and the castle is built on a peninsula. You can reach the castle on foot in about an hour. If you want to go by car, the road is also open to vehicle traffic. 

Alanya is also a famous holiday destination with its caves. Damlataş, Dim and Aşıklar Cave are among the other natural beauties you should see. These caves are among the most visited places in the region. Kızılkule in the center of the region is among the structures worth seeing. 

Apart from these, you can go on nature walks and nature tours and photograph the history and natural beauties of Alanya.

Boat Tour. First you see the ancient shipyard, then Pirates Cave, Phosphorus Cave, Lovers Cave and the mint. If you are lucky, you can also watch dolphins.

Rafting Tour. You can spend a fun day rafting on the 14-kilometer river in Köprülü Canyon. Jeep Safari. If you are going on a safari tour where you will admire the many natural beauties in the Taurus Mountains, don't forget your sunglasses, camera and driver's license. Bicycle Tour. Accompanied by a professional guide, you can participate in cycling tours including lunch and explore the hills of Alanya by bicycle. Aqua Land. Turkey's largest aquapark with a wide variety of open and closed tubes ranging from 40 meters to 100 meters.You also have the opportunity to swim with the trained animals here.

Where to Eat in Alanya 

Since Alanya is a tourism center, it is possible to find different tastes from the world cuisine as well as Turkish and local cuisine. Olive oil dishes and kebabs are the most popular dishes in Alanya. You can easily find dishes that appeal to almost everyone's taste in Alanya 

In addition to meat dishes, grill varieties, pita and meatball varieties, restaurants also serve fish products. Apart from these, local specialties such as shepit, döğme aşı, löpe, bumbar, göleviz, ülübü meal, öksüz halva, çiğirdik, kırdakı, fresh broad bean meal, citrus jam, yarpuzlu akdarı soup are among the tastes you should definitely try. 

You can also find fresh vegetables, fruits, dairy products and many natural products made by local people in the bazaars established in Alanya.

Olive Restaurant. Each of the ishes prepared by award-winning chef Mutlu Şevket Yılmaz resembles a work of art. So much so that you can't wait to dip your fork into it, but at the same time you can't wait to taste it.

Flash Flash is assertive in pita bread, grills and meat varieties and is especially famous for its hair roasting. While you are waiting for the roasted beef, you can taste the delicious pate, haydari, tulum cheese and lavash.

Queen Green Restaurant. Flambe meat dishes are made table-side, while pistachios wrapped in foil paper are baked on a spirits plate and served with a special show.

Bamyaci Ice Cream. Located in Alanya Marina, Bamyacı Dondurma is known as the best ice cream shop in Alanya. Especially try the melon ice cream.

Merlot Restaurant. At the Alanya pier where the deep blue Mediterranean meets the magnificent Taurus Mountains, Merlot is waiting for you for wonderful moments. Enjoy the delicious food and the unique view that will remain in your palate. Raise your expectations…

RIHTIM RESTAURANT. With the most beautiful view of Alanya, Rıhtım Restaurant welcomes its customers with delicious food and quality service.

KALE PANORAMA RESTAURANT. Panorama, located on the castle road, draws attention as one of the most dominant restaurants in Alanya with its magnificent sea and harbor view. You can have a romantic dinner with local and foreign boutique wines at the restaurant, which offers distinguished flavors from Mediterranean, Turkish and international cuisines.
How to get to Alanya 

Transportation by Air: The distance between Antalya airport and Alanya center is only 125 km. 
You can reach Alanya from Antalya airport by taxi, bus or shuttles of some flight companies.

Transportation by Land: There are regular bus services from many cities in Turkey to Alanya every day. If you want to reach Alanya by your own vehicle:

Distances:

- Adana to Alanya is 430 km, approximately 6 and a half hours.

- Ankara to Alanya is 550 km, approximately 8 hours.

- Antalya Alanya is 130 km, about 2 and a half hours.

- Bursa to Alanya is 650 km, approximately 9 hours.

- Izmir Alanya is 590 km, approximately 9 hours away.

- Istanbul Alanya is 830 km, approximately 12 hours away.

What to Buy in Alanya? 

In Alanya, you can buy silk weavings, which are the product of silkworm farming in the region, which attracts the attention of foreign and domestic tourists. The shops in Alanya are equipped with features that will appeal to the tastes of all kinds of customers. 

You can buy citrus jams and all kinds of fruit and vegetable jams made from natural products, which are the handicrafts of the local people in Alanya bazaar. Local eggplant, bergamot and watermelon jams are among the jams we especially recommend you to buy. 

In addition, the "underfloor carpets" dyed with root dye are also very famous in the region. Apart from these, it is possible to find figures and products unique to both Turkey and Alanya in all the shops and markets in the neighborhood.

Gourd Handicraft House: Among the nearly 3 thousand gourd models, there is even a ship. Ümit Çağlar has been designing gourds for 36 years and among the objects he has designed are lampshades, candle holders, forks, spoons, bags and night lamps. It is a must-see for those who wonder how to make art with gourds.


Where to stay in Alanya?

You can stay in small and boutique hotels in Alanya. You can check the link https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/alanya-hotelsfor our suggestions .