Tours and Attractions in Alanya
Alanya Travel Guide
Suppose you are 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 are 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 listed on UNESCO’s “Tentative List” 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 amid 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 importance in the early 13th century, thereby enhancing its cultural, political, and historical significance. The town later became one of the country's major coastal resorts, beginning in the late 1960s. With its emblematic dank and subtropical Mediterranean climate, Alanya is a place "where the sun smiles", as most rainfall occurs in winter, while summers are distinctively hot, long, and gleeful.
Alanya Tours
Taking a holiday in Alanya ensures a high-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 will 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.
History of Alanya
The earliest signs of human life near Alanya date back to 20,000 BC, based on findings in the municipal villages of Alanya, Bademağacı, and Oba. However, no historical records are found until the Trojan War around 1820 BC, when Herodotus reported 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 many other empires after them, known until the 13th century AD as Kalanoros, before the Anatolian Seljuk Sultan Alâeddin Keykûbad took over the castle of Alanya (Alanya Kalesi).
The sultan renamed the city Alaiye after himself. He 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 part of the 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.
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 hectares of the peninsula. On the eastern side of the castle, you will 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 will still encounter a myriad of attractions outside of the palace, such as a 132-year-old beacon on the harbour—the Alanya Lighthouse (Alanya Deniz Feneri). More extensive panoramic landscapes and picnic areas await visitors at the Alanya Observation Terrace (Alanya Seyir Terası).
With 9,789 seats, Alanya Oba Stadium (Alanya Oba Stadyumu) serves as the home ground for the Süper Lig team Alanyaspor. At the same time, the Mustafa Kemal Atatürk Monument, alongside two youngsters, conveys the country's future, while also serving as a spot 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. In contrast, Sapadere Canyon (Sapadere Kanyonu) delivers an eye-catching 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 different periods with a narrow focus on Anatolian civilisations, Heracles, maritime history, and ancient history.
Alanya Atatürk House Museum, a traditional three-storey wooden mansion that highlights Alanya's cultural heritage, is where the first president of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, stayed 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.
As a historical landmark containing multiple establishments, Alanya Castle certainly functions as an open-air museum and cogent evidence of the city's 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 will not disappoint those who appreciate quality performing arts.
The city's major theatre, Alanya Municipality Theatre (Alanya Belediye Tiyatrosu), hosts a diverse range of performances for both children and adults.
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.
Alanya Culture Centre (Alanya Kültür Merkezi) simultaneously presents theatrical performances with an assortment of artistic activities. And Alanya Street Theatre (Alanya Sokak Tiyatrosu) represents an exceptional independent scene, presenting works by emerging stage artists and experimental productions.
According to users on various 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 is a child, an adult, or even a cat.
Upon arrival in the city, visitors will be welcomed by the modest yet iconic Alaaddin Keykubat Park, which features 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. The park is one of the unmissable outdoor destinations of Alanya.
Celebrating the memory of the first president, Alanya Municipality's 100th-Year Atatürk Park (Alanya Beleyidesi 100. yıl Atatürk parkı) is a verdant area near Cleopatra Beach.
This beautifully designed space, with special ponds for cats to catch fish, benches, and scratching posts, is Alanya Cat Park (Alanya Belediyesi Kedi Parkı), a resort-like site for homeless cats. Cat House Park (Kedi Evi Parkı) is also dedicated to cats, nestled among various Alanyan parks like Pool Park and Centennial Park.
Alanya Terrace Children's Park (Alanya Teras Çocuk Parkı) is a newly opened lush area dotted with playgrounds, walking paths, and a terrace.
Abdurrahman Alaettinoğlu Park is another well-organised green area with delicate, exquisite fountains, lovely garden bridges, sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, and direct access to Cleopatra Beach.
For splashing fun lovers, Alanya is one of the major destinations in Turkey with its Alanya Aquapark, comprising thrilling rides and slides for all ages and relaxation areas.
Shopping in Alanya
If shopping is your cardio, Alanya will help you work out with 'popping some tags' and purchasing an infinity of goods, both in contemporary shopping malls and in motley bazaars.
Shopping malls began spreading across Alanya's cityscape in the mid-2000s, with Alanyum Shopping and Entertainment Center (Alanyum AVM), which incorporated an extensive mix of international and local brands, including Carrefour, Teksona, Boynar, KİĞILI, Lei's, etc.
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, haggling, and cultural interactions, visitors in Alanya should definitely hit the 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.
Nestled near Cleopatra Beach, the boisterous Grand Bazaar Shopping Centre will treat you to 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 dishes such as köfte, kebap, lahmacun, dolma, and meze are readily available in various places in Alanya, the city also offers 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 bread soaked in meat broth and topped with shredded meat and onions. At the same time, Avokadolu Mezeler is closely linked to 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. Customers highly praise a pizza with grilled mixed vegetables at Cafe Local on Google reviews; likewise, nachos, falafel, and gluten-free fare at Cosy Alanya are immensely admired by green-eater clients. For more plant-centric gastronomic encounters, you can also visit Tyche Vegan Restaurant and Lost in Alanya.
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 pay in cash, buy a special kentkart (30 liras), or pay with your bank card (9 liras) for the service.
Metro
Even though Alanya does not have a metro system due to its modest size, plans are to extend 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 are not 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 at 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 will 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 are 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 city's society is Turkish-speaking, branching into small dialects, though, given its predominantly tourist character, adventurers will meet people who can communicate in English. With few Greek speakers, German and Dutch are also adopted here because of their small diasporas and tourists. Furthermore, two native German-language newspapers are published in Alanya.
Currency in Alanya
While paying in other currencies at some places in this city is an option, the rates are usually poor, 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.