Where in Alanya. Alanya. Holidays in Alanya: interesting, educational, fun
On this map you can see where the attractions of Alanya are located in order to plan the ideal route:
Many attractions can even be reached on foot (especially if you live in the city center) or by public transport. And if you want more comfort, but don’t want to overpay for a taxi, it’s better to spend a couple of days so that you can see distant sights without any problems.
Renting a car in Alanya will cost on average from 20 euros/day; you can view car options, prices and detailed information about rentals on the website. The offers of most rental companies are presented there, so you can immediately compare prices and choose the best option.
2. City center
2.1. Cleopatra Beach in Alanya
There is a romantic legend associated with the most beautiful beach in Alanya. According to legend, the beach was given to Queen Cleopatra by the Roman commander Mark Antony. To please the queen, they even brought sand from Egypt. Now Cleopatra Beach is considered one of the best in Turkey, and it recently received the Blue Flag.
The beach has changing rooms with showers and a children's playground. Admission is free; sun loungers are available at an additional cost.
You can also paraglide. To do this, either buy a flight directly on the spot, or book in advance online:
Where is: next to Damlatas Cave. Detailed information about the beach can be read in a separate article.
2.2. Park in the center of Alanya
Alanya is one of the greenest resorts in Turkey. And the main role in this is given to parks, which give special comfort and harmony to the city. In the very center of Alanya there is a beautiful park - one of the favorites of both local residents and tourists.
Where is: next to Damlatas Cave
2.3. Damlatas Cave
In the very center of the city there is an amazing Damlatas cave. It was discovered quite recently when an explosion occurred at the quarry. Then the entrance to a cave with stalactites and stalagmites opened. The cave will be interesting to visit for tourists with children and all nature lovers. The cave is open every day from 10.00 to 18.00. The ticket costs 7.5 liras per adult and 3.5 lira children's ticket.
Where is: 100 meters from the sea. You can watch a video from the cave and find out more details at and book a sightseeing tour with a visit to the cave -.
2.4. Archaeological Museum
If you are tired of a beach holiday, you can always diversify your vacation and go to a museum. The pride of the archaeological museum is a collection of coins and vessels, a statue of Heralkos and ancient stones with inscriptions.
Where is: between the Damlatas cave and the water park. Read more about the museum itself in.
2.5. Alanya embankment
One of the best places for walking is the Alanya embankment. Ships, yachts and even fishermen's boats moor here. It will be interesting to look at the skillfully stylized pirate ships. You can ride many of them and take memorable photos.
Where is: next to the fortress and tower of Kyzyl Kule. Read about how we walked along the embankment and what interesting things we saw there.
2.6. Damlatas Water Park and Water Planet
Not far from the embankment there is a small water park called Damlatas. Most recently, the park was renovated and more slides were installed - children have fun here. It’s better to come in the morning, when there are no queues for the slides. Water park is open from 9.00 to 18.00 every day. A day ticket costs 50 liras no lunch 70 liras with lunch (prices 2019).
Where is: next to the Damlatash cave behind. Details
IN Water Planet water park It’s a long way to go, so it’s easier to just take an excursion with a round-trip transfer. The cost of such a trip will be 32 euros, you can see the details and book.
2.7. Kyzyl Kule - red tower
One of the main attractions and unspoken symbol of Alanya is the Kyzyl Kule watchtower. It was erected at the beginning of the 13th century to protect the harbor. Entrance to the tower is open from 9.00 to 19.00 from April to October, from 8.00 to 17.00 from November to March. The ticket costs 6 lire.
Where is: on the embankment at the port. You can see the tower with our eyes and watch the video at.
2.8. Park near Kyzyl Kule
In the center of Alanya there is a city park, where it is nice to visit after a walk around the city to enjoy nature in peace and quiet. The park is surrounded by greenery, there are benches with gazebos everywhere, there are small ponds and fountains, and even a mini-town for cats. A wonderful place, definitely worth a visit.
Where is: opposite the Ataturk monument. You will find detailed information in.
2.9. Alanya Port
The picturesque harbor is the main port of Alanya, where you can buy a boat tour on the sea, look for souvenirs to take home and try fresh mussels with lemon in one of the restaurants on the waterfront.
Where is: on the embankment on the way to the Kyzyl Kule tower.
2.10. Alanya Fortress
The main attraction of Alanya is impossible not to notice - huge defensive structures tower over the city and are visible from any point. Alanya Fortress was built in the 13th century and has not yet lost its former grandeur. Inside the fortress there is a mint, a mosque, a monastery, the winter palace of the Sultan and about 400 underground rivers.
Where is: in the city center on the top of the mountain, next to the lighthouse. The fortress can be reached by public transport (stop at the foot of the fortress, the bus goes straight to the top), on foot or by funicular. Price 20 liras.
For detailed information and a review of visiting the fortress (as well as stunning photos from the observation deck!), see.
2.11. Ulash Beach
Ulash Beach is a good place for those who like a relaxing holiday. It is not as crowded as Cleopatra Beach, but the water is incredibly turquoise and there are equipped picnic areas.
Where is: 5 km west of Alanya
3. Surroundings of Alanya
3.1. Dim Cave
The second largest cave in Turkey is located near Alanya. Previously, hunters took refuge in this cave, but now tourists from all over the world come here to see the unusually beautiful halls with stalactites.
Dim Cave is open from 9.00 to 20.00, the entrance fee is 18 liras (prices 2019).
Where is: 12 km northeast of Alanya. You can get to the cave by car or by bus 101, and then walk (I wrote how to get to the cave, you can also watch the video there).
3.2. Pirate Cave
There are many stories associated with the Pirates Cave. According to one version, pirates hid looted gold here, which they then transported to the city along a narrow corridor. The corridor could not be found due to numerous collapses, but the beautiful legend is still preserved.
Where is: The cave can only be entered by water, by booking a tour or renting a boat.
4. What else to do in Alanya
But the interesting things about Alanya and its surroundings don’t end there! What else can you do in Alanya?
- ride a tourist tram;
- take bus 101 and travel across the entire coast;
- book a boat excursion along the coast (from $19);
- stroll through the historical center of Alanya;
- go to and buy amazingly tasty and cheap fruits;
- go on a sightseeing tour of the city (for example);
- see the ruins of the ancient port city of Aitap and the city of Syedra;
- go to the Alara Khan caravanserai;
- go to the stunning Sapadere Canyon for the whole day, enjoy the waterfall and delicious food ()
- take a walk
Friends, hello everyone!
Today, grab any average person with a foreign passport on the streets of our vast Motherland, and I won’t even dare to bet on the remains of a hotel breakfast that there won’t be an entry stamp of the Turkish state. In 9 cases out of 10, this seal was earned for maintaining the image of a Russo-tourist on an international trip to Alanya or Antalya.
That is why today it is impossible to surprise someone with a visit to Alanya from the “impossible” category.
By some miracle, I managed to survive until 2018 without ever visiting here. Why am I going to put spaghetti in your ears, I had never been to Turkey before 2017.
So it will be difficult to tell something new and interesting to people who lost their foreign passport virginity in Turkey while I was still drying milk on my lips.
Therefore, I offer an overview of all the details of a holiday in Alanya, accompanied by my, perhaps belated, emotions.
All about Alanya and life here during the seasonal relaxation of the work schedule!
Any travel agent will tell you the location of the resort from memory in GPS coordinates down to the commas. Those who have never been here before usually associate Alanya with “nearby” Antalya .
It was not for nothing that I started using quotation marks, since the distance of 150 km from Antalya to Alanya can easily undermine the term “neighborhood” used.
For comparison, the resort of Fethiye, which we are talking about, is located 200 km from Antalya, and the popular Kemer is only 50 km away.
This is for you to adjust the scale on the map.
If you move the map of Turkey closer to you, then the index finger of your right hand (or left, as with left-handed Americans) should find the island of Cyprus . Although this is not exactly Turkey, you will find Alanya almost opposite the island on the Mediterranean coast of Anatolia.
By the way, an excellent ferry service has already been established between northern Cyprus and Alanya. We are also expecting additional flights from Antalya. Prices and schedule can be found on the website akgunlerbilet.com .
Alanya's closest neighbors are antique from the west, and antique from the east Gazipasa airport city . The closest airport to Alanya is located in Gazipasa.
The distance from the airport to Alanya will be 45 km if you are not taken by a taxi driver with the meter on. Otherwise, the mileage will be known only upon arrival at the place.
General information about the resort
The most popular resort in Turkey among the Russian-speaking population is famous not only for its beaches and hundreds of hotels, but also for its history. The Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Greeks and Turks contributed to the development of the fortified city starting from the 2nd century BC.
Before the Romans, pirates and smugglers ruled here, who made a good lair for themselves in the caves and coastal areas of Alanya.
Now the pirate theme is being heavily promoted for tourism purposes. Therefore, do not be surprised if, instead of a boat trip, as everywhere else, you are offered pirate yacht tour.
The focus of the resort is beach relaxation. But there are also plenty of historical attractions and natural charm here.
And the protection of the formidable Taurus Mountains, in addition to the aesthetic component, also has the useful function of a protective barrier from the northern winds. In general, the same situation as in Crimean Yalta .
And, of course, warm sea air, evergreen pine trees, ever-ripe fruits and good service, thanks to which Alanya has become such a popular holiday destination.
Weather and climate at the resort
Pot-bellied guidebooks and blue-eyed employees of travel agencies convince us that this is the warmest resort in Turkey according to average annual indicators. Taking their word for it, many tourists even decide to go on a winter holiday.
And you know, I cannot blame the residents of some Seversaransk or Ugryumozavodsk for their craving for something beautiful and, at least, warm. It’s better here at +15 to freeze on the beach than to bask under the entrances at -15, killing a “goat.”
The swimming season starts at the end of April until the beginning of December with an average water temperature of + 19 and air temperature of + 13-18.
The bulk of tourists densely occupy coastal areas and places at tables in cafes, starting from the May holidays. Here we can already smell summer and + 25 outside and + 21 in the water.
In a word, Alanya’s climate is beautiful almost all year round! The average annual temperature here is 5 degrees higher than in Nice, Gurzuf and Sochi.
But I would be afraid for my rubber slides at the height of the July-August season, since in such heat they can really melt to the asphalt .
Search for tours to Alanya
To find a tour to Alanya you do not need any special skills. It’s better, of course, to first take a young fighter’s course, and then start searching.
Unlike the unknown and incomprehensible resorts of Marmaris or Kusadasi for our tourists, Alanya is described from head to toe. You will find reviews about your holiday and stay in a particular hotel in any format, from "Otzovik" and ending with ratings given to hotels on search engine pages Level.Travel .
Also, if you decide to rush to Turkey instantly and almost tomorrow, then last minute tours to Alanya there will be more of everything. Even more than another popular and democratic resort, Kemer.
Search, compare, read reviews and choose a vacation to your liking and salary. As you know, the tour includes not only flights, accommodation, meals and insurance, but also transfer from the airport, which is very convenient in relation to Alanya.
At this point I will pause to leave you alone with the search engine, since this is the most exciting activity in the world. Well…. except...except for searching for air tickets for an independent flight.
How to get to Alanya on your own
Via Antalya
All the main blood of the tourist flow directed to Alanya will flow through the airport in Antalya. Wide-body Boeings and Airbuses land here from all over the world, as well as from Russia and Ukraine.
Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan and Kyiv can boast direct flights to Antalya. Also, during the season, be sure to check the schedule and charter flights on the website oneaero.ru.
The most convenient way to find real flight prices and available options is on the website Aviasales.ru.
Transfer from Antalya to Alanya
From Antalya to Alanya there are another 150 km of road, which can be covered either by bus or taxi, or by pre-booking a shared transfer. Let's quickly go over all the options, and I will describe this topic in more detail with all the calculations in the article about Antalya airport .
- By regular bus. This is the cheapest but longest way to travel from the airport to Alanya. First, you take bus number 600 to Antalya bus station (or by tram), and then change to a regular bus to Alanya bus station. In terms of money it’s about 30 liras per person, and in terms of time it’s about 3 hours. The last bus to Alanya leaves at 22.00. More about buses
- Order shuttle transfer in a company like 724transfer.com(is there some more hoppa.com And ministertours.com, but it’s more expensive there). Cost per person 55 liras one way. If you are alone or in a couple, then this is the best option.
- If you are flying with children or can’t wait a long time for the bus and group gathering, which can add ink to the wonderful resort mood from the very beginning, order yourself a personal transfer - a taxi. It’s cheaper to do this in advance through the website, if not 2 times, then definitely 1.5 times. For such cases, I recommend proven guys from kiwitaxi. Around 50 euros and you are at the door of your hotel.
- Rent a car right at the airport and immediately shoot 3 birds with one stone: solve the transfer problem, see all the sights within the city radius, make several forays into distant borders. I wrote about how to safely book a car in Turkey, and how we did it 4 times.
Feel free to chat with people on the plane. Many of them will be happy to share the cost of transportation with you. For example, in the same kiwitaxi a large car for 7 people to Alanya costs about 60 euros. If you put together a larger group, it will be pennies if you scatter it among everyone.
Via Istanbul
I won’t take the blanket and title of discoverer upon myself if I say that getting tickets to Istanbul is easiest than to any other airport in Turkey. Not only is the airline working to popularize Istanbul as a connecting airport throughout Eurasia Turkish
Airlines, and it is much easier for other companies to sell cheap tickets here.
Here, at a glance, is my catch in Istanbul over the past year:
- We bought tickets on the route Moscow-Baku-Istanbul-Baku-Moscow from the company Azal Airlines for only $90 per person in a circle.
- Just recently I bought tickets from the company Onun Air And Atlas Globe l Odessa-Istanbul for $50 with luggage.
- For friends I bought tickets for a direct flight Moscow-Istanbul-Moscow this winter from Pegasus Airlines again about $90 per person.
But getting an inexpensive ticket to Istanbul is not enough; you also need to somehow get to Alanya. To do this, it is better to use local air carriers, which for reasonable money will carry you on their wings to both Antalya and Alanya.
How much do these tickets cost? One-way prices start from 100 liras per person.
Somewhere I even had a post on Facebook before this New Year, where I compared 2 national carriers Aeroflot and Turkish Airlines. Specifically, I compared prices for flights Moscow-Sochi and Istanbul-Antalya before the New Year holidays. If you don’t find the post, then take my word for it that the prices differed significantly!
Moreover, you can choose to travel by bus from Istanbul to Alanya. But a 12-hour ride and the same price of $15-20 are only suitable for seasoned travelers. Although... If you are interested, then read my article on how and how not to be left with nothing))
Via Gazipasa Airport
Direct regular flights to this airport from Russia are operated only by "Victory". All other airlines will be local. About "Victory" tricks
Getting from Gazipasa to Alanya is much easier than from Antalya. Just 40-50 km. But! Taxi drivers here, too, chop cabbage in a manner that is not childish and will force you to fork out money. If you deal with them, it is better to stock up on liras, otherwise you yourself will not understand at what rate they cheated you.
For taxi prices, see official website of the airport in Gazipasa.
Therefore, here too it’s time to sweat a little and make the right choice if you don’t want to waste your money:
- Order for yourself transfer in advance at more reasonable prices.
- Get on the company bus Havas, which organizes transfers throughout Turkey under local airlines. The fare costs 20 liras per person and the bus journey will take about an hour. The schedule can be viewed on their website: havas.net
- If you are not in a hurry and have little luggage, then theoretically you can make a trip through the town of Gazipasa, which is 3 km from the airport. But this is for fans of independent travel.
Transport system of Alanya
Bus station and intercity buses
To get to or from Alanya to the nearest cities you will need to get to the bus station. Alanya bus station is located right at the entrance to the city where the coastal road bifurcates into two highways Zamanağlu Caddesi And Ataturk Bulvari.
The hotel will also serve as a good reference point. Kleopatra Beach Hotel, and the beginning of Cleopatra Beach in general.
From the bus station, several bus companies operate their routes to Antalya, Side, Cappadocia, Istanbul, Izmir, Mersin and Adana.
By the way, buses that arrive in Alanya stop on one side of the bus station, but depart from the other. This is easy to figure out on the spot if you have more than 10 minutes before departure.
From the area Cleopatra beach You can get there on foot, and from any other part of the city you can take a dolmush.
If you are an independent traveler and upon arrival at the bus station you feel the itch of hunger, do not torture yourself. At the bus station, prices in cafes with local cuisine are quite reasonable. You will still need to look for such places in the center.
How to get around the city
Alanya, in fact, is not exactly a small resort. The concept of “Alania”, which is used by travel agencies, also includes suburbs from west to east. Let's look at the map.
- Okurcalar is a settlement between Alanya and Side (30 km from the center of Alanya).
- Avsallar is a village 25 km from the center
- Konakli is a large village 15 km from the center
- Alanya itself
- Obagoy - an area at the junction with Alanya from the west
- Mahmutlar is a village somewhat remote from Alanya itself, 15 km towards Gazipasa.
We will talk about them in more detail in. And at this stage you just need to know the detailed state of things in Alanya district and the geographical coordinates of your hotel.
So that later you don’t end up with a whole heap of surprise and disappointment.
Within the city limits, dolmus are driven around Alanya on about 20 different routes. The fare costs 3 lira, but if you are serious, it is better to buy a magnetic card Kent Kart and ride at a reduced rate of 2.15 lira. Outside the city, rates are higher.
Here is a detailed picture of the routes and their areas:
Also, to move around Alanya itself and outside the city, you can rent a car . If you did not do this at the airport through a trusted service Rentalcars, then you should now go through local agencies.
Finding a car at a good price during the season will be problematic. But out of season it is quite possible. Prices start from 25 euros per day for short-term rentals.
Here is a video from a popular real estate agency in Antalya:
Alanya Hotels
You still have to manage to find a hotel here that suits your taste and color. In the very center of Alanya, not including the areas mentioned above in the search, there are about 500 of them!
Here you have 5*, all-inclusive, apartments, and housing for true Spartans.
Since I was alone this time and for purely business purposes, I did not torture myself with comfort and chose a simple bachelor pad for 12 dollars per night . They didn’t promise to feed me, but they offered me my own bathroom and balcony.
But, most importantly, why I chose ordinary Kleopatra Carina Hotel 2*- this is for the location. 2 minutes walk from the beach and funicular. Super! But I can recommend this hotel only to people who are not accustomed to the delights of resort life and who agree to see a hotel only as a place to sleep.
4-5* hotels all inclusive
The bulk of luxury hotels with large areas, swimming pools and a team of entertainment staff are located outside the historical center of Alanya. If this is not a problem for you, then the search region increases significantly.
But in the center there are several hotels that are quite worthy of your consideration:
- White Gold Hotel- with its own beach and sea views. It is located on the eastern side of the cape with the fortress.
- Xperia Grand Bali Hotel- near Cleopatra Beach.
And a couple of hotels not exactly in the center, but with very laudatory reviews:
- Club Paradiso- on a hill with a beautiful view.
- - a fantastic all-inclusive option on the mountain with a gorgeous view of the horizon.
Simpler hotels
If you don’t want to buy a tour and just travel on your own, then you can also pamper yourself with all the delights of the all-inclusive package, but for the number of days convenient for you and in a place convenient for you.
In Alanya itself the following hotels can be distinguished:
- Antique Roman Palace- swimming pool, spa, fitness center and also 2 minutes walk to Cleopatra beach. Beauty!
- Riviera Hotel & Spa— the same conditions, hammam and balconies overlooking the sea.
Apartments
A good option for an independent holiday. Of course, not everyone can handle everyday life and organize their leisure time on vacation on their own. But, if you plan to vacation for more than a standard week or 10 days, then this is an excellent option so as not to overpay.
Considering that an apartment can cost you from 20 to 30 euros, then it won’t be a shame to stay somewhere for the night if you are delayed on your road trip around Turkey.
A couple of options for discussion:
- Damlatas Elegant Apart Hotel- cheap, comfortable and close to the center of events.
- Kleopatra Tac Hotel & SPA- an excellent all-inclusive option with the opportunity to rent entire apartments for a large family at very reasonable prices.
If you live in a hotel where you have no problems getting food, then you do not need to read this chapter. Eat and drink whatever your buffet allows you to do, and if you get tired, just go out to the main street of Alanya - Ataturk Bulvari .
This is one of the places where excellent restaurants gather, albeit with the same great prices.
After democratic Antalya, it seemed to me personally that the main restaurants in Alanya They are outrageously inflating prices!
Slightly more affordable prices can be found if you walk along the boulevard to the port quarter. Between the boulevard and the ship pier there are entire streets of restaurants, similar to similar neighborhoods in Istanbul and Antalya.
Here you will find both kebab and Irish Pub, And Havana Club- for every taste and budget.
If you want to save money and eat local Turkish cuisine, then to do this you need to dive into the streets perpendicular to the main boulevard, focusing on the smells and seats.
I was able to visit a couple of these establishments, which are more like local locales. Tasty, colorful, cheap. Dinner in such establishments will cost 20-25 liras. But the trick is that you need to both bargain and check the account.
One administrator, speaking Turkish, English and German at the same time, tried to cheat me 2 times with jokes and jokes. We didn’t argue, but we didn’t overpay either. But at the end I was treated to cherries, as he put it “on the house”.
Otherwise, you will have to rely on the advice of your hotel neighbors and recommendations from Tripadvisor.
Time to make a decision
Friends, that’s probably enough for today. I'll give you some time to think about it before I dump another bucket of information on you.
Alanya- one of the most popular Turkish resorts. The mild climate of the Mediterranean, unique natural features and a great historical past make Alanya attractive to a huge number of tourists from all over the world.
Long sandy beaches, spreading palm trees, majestic mountains and, of course, the beautiful Mediterranean Sea - the resort is ready to give you all this Alanya. The city has an excellent infrastructure - numerous restaurants, bars, shopping centers, a wide selection of entertainment. In addition, prices here are much lower than in other resort cities in Turkey. This is another positive point in choosing this wonderful holiday destination.
ALANYA: USEFUL INFORMATION FOR TOURISTS
Alanya- an ancient city with a centuries-old history. Its advantageous location - a small peninsula at the foot of the Tarusa Mountains - once served as a fortification site for many empires: Ptolemaic, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman.
Story Alanya starts from the 2nd century. BC, when it was founded by colonists from Greece. Antique Alanya has long been a haven for pirates.
Then came the stage of the Roman state. For several months, naval soldiers waged an active fight against pirates, as a result of which the robbers retreated.
After this, the time comes when Mark Antony gives the city to Cleopatra.
Next period - Alanya has been part of the Byzantine Empire for about a thousand years. In the 7th century. AD The city is attacked by Arabs and everything collapses. Then the Seljuks come to power and rename Alanya in Alaya - in honor of Sultan Aladdin Keykubat. It was a developed naval and commercial port. In 1571 the Ottomans came and conquered Alaye. The Ottoman Empire lasted until the beginning of the 20th century.
After that, the period close to us begins - the period of formation (1923) of the Turkish Republic.
Since 1958 Alanya- a resort where tourism is the main source of income.
Location
Located on the Mediterranean coast, 138 km from Antalya.
Square
The territory of the city is about 1,500 sq. km.
Population
About 130 thousand people live in the city.
National currency
Turkish Lira (TRY)
1 TRY = 0.37 USD
1 TRY = 20.04 RUB
Alanya districts
The resort area consists of five districts: Konakli, Incekum, Okurcalar, Avsallar, Mahmutlar
Climate and weather in Alanya
Alanya- the southernmost point of Turkey, so it is the warmest city in the country. The average annual temperature here is +20. The peculiarity of this place is the always warm Mediterranean Sea and the Tarusa Mountains, which protect the resort from cold winds.
In summer it is always hot (average temperature +28), rain is rare. The warmest month is August. Sea water temperature is from +20 to +25. The swimming season lasts from April to November.
Winter is very warm and rainy. The coolest month is January (+11.8 - average temperature).
In general, the most comfortable months for vacation are May, June and September.
Nature of Alanya
Alanya- a city famous for its abundance of flowers, orange and tangerine plantations.
The resort is unusually beautiful for its landscapes: on the one hand, the sea with cozy coves, inside of which there are gently sloping beaches with yellowish sand, and on the other, rocks protruding into the sea with their capes.
Cleopatra Beach is the most famous beach not only Alanya, but rather throughout Turkey. It is really worth going to see it - because it is distinguished by its unique sand, brought from Egypt especially for the queen - it does not heat up and does not burn, does not contain dust, thanks to which the water is clean and transparent. You can go to the beach for free, but you will have to pay for sun loungers and umbrellas. The cost of an umbrella is 10 liras, a sun lounger is 2 liras.
Quite a few in Alanya monuments of natural origin.
Unique and amazingly beautiful underground and underwater caves located along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.
A large number of rocks will appeal to extreme sports fans who can jump into the sea from them.
Getting around Alanya
By bus
Thanks to them, you can easily get to the place you need in the city and visit its surroundings.
There are municipal buses and private ones - dolmushi. The fare is approximately the same: about 2 TRY.
By car
To rent a car you will need a driver's license, for a deposit you will need a payment card. The rental cost ranges from 50 to 200 USD per day or more, it all depends on the brand of the car (the price includes insurance and delivery of the car to your hotel).
Booking a car is very easy and simple; to do this, you can contact the reception at your hotel.
By taxi
It can be called from the hotel, since cars are usually parked not far from the entrance. The cost is calculated as follows: for 1 km - 2 $, at night the price is multiplied by 2.
How to get to Alanya
The nearest international airport is 138 km from the city, in Antalya.
In summer there are about 50 direct flights from Russia to Antalya. Planes fly from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Sochi, Novosibirsk, Nizhny Novgorod and other large cities.The main Russian airlines operating the flight are Aeroflot, Transaero, NordWind, Utair, S7 Airlines, Ural Airlines.The main Turkish airline is Turkish Airlines.Approximate flight time is from 2.5 to 4 hours.
From Antalya Airport to Alanya There is a bus that arrives at the bus station, located 3 km from the city center. Travel time is about 1.5 hours. Cost is about 7 USD. You can get from the bus station to your final destination by city bus. Their movement schedule is every 30 minutes.
Also not far from Alanya there is Gazipasa Airport (39 km from the city). Most often it serves domestic flights, although there are also international ones.
Visa regime
There is a visa-free regime for Russian tourists, under which citizens of the Russian Federation have the right to stay in Turkey for 60 days.
The number of visa-free entries is not limited, but the total stay in the country should not exceed 90 days within 180 days.
To increase your stay in the city, you can contact the tourist consulate or embassy in Moscow.
Attention! From January 1 In 2015, the Turkish government made some changes regarding the validity period of a foreign passport.
HOLIDAY IN ALANYA: INTERESTING, EDUCATORY, FUN
Alanya- a place of large accumulation of interesting historical and natural resources.
Sights of Alanya
Byzantine fortress Ich-Kale- the main pride of this region, built in the 13th century. on top of a hill in the central part of the city, in order to protect against the enemy. Its walls stretch for 8 km along the peninsula and have 160 towers. Once upon a time, the Sultan’s winter palace and mint were located here; there was a mosque, a church, a monastery, a bathhouse and trading shops. Many interesting buildings have survived to this day: the ruins of a 13th century castle. churches (Church of St. George), baths, water storage, etc., as well as about 400 reservoirs located on the ground.
Today this facility is an open-air museum. At the foot of the fortress there is a bus stop, which takes you to the top in 40 minutes.
Kyzyl-Kule is one of the main attractions; the tower was founded in 1226 by order of Sultan Aladdin Keykubat for defense against the enemy. It is 33 m high, the base is almost 30 m wide. It has an octagonal structure made of red brick, consisting of five floors. The tower could accommodate up to 2 thousand people at the same time. The tower is open to tourists from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (from April to October), and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (from November to March).
Tersane Shipyard- the most visited place in the central part of the city. The ship's rope is still operational - small boats and ships sail here. Created in 1228 by order of Sultan Aladdin, who dreamed of being the king of the sea in these lands. A striking example of architectural buildings of the Seljuk era. The shipyard operated for 150 years and was one of the most reliable naval outposts on the entire southern coast of Turkey.
Suleymaniye Mosque- the most beautiful of buildings (1231), is a complex of buildings that includes - the mosque itself, the Sultan's palace, and madrassas (schools). Built under Sultan Aladdin Keykubat I, in the 16th century. as a result of destruction, under Suleiman the Lawgiver it was rebuilt.
The lighthouse is a real monument to the Ottoman Empire, specially commissioned by the Ottomans in 1880 in France. It is relatively small in size but shines very well (up to 200 nautical miles). Paid entrance.
Dim Chai is a magnificent place in the valley of the mountain river of the same name. Tourists are little familiar with it, but local residents really like this place - they admire nature, have picnics, and romantic evenings. Here you can go to cafes, restaurants, and stay overnight in one of the rest houses. Located 6 km. from the city.
Kizkalesi (Maiden's Castle)- a stunningly beautiful Byzantine castle, fascinating with its history, structure and location. Once upon a time in ancient times, on the site of the castle there was the city of Korikos - the center of Christians throughout the Mediterranean. Like many buildings, it was captured and destroyed by foreign peoples. You can get to the castle by renting a boat or pedal boat.
Caves
Damlatash is a unique cave, distinguished by its microclimate: the temperature here always stays at +23, it is very humid (90%), and there is a high carbon content (with a low level of radioactivity), which is very useful for people with respiratory diseases. What gives it a special charm is the large number of stalactites and stalagmites of different colors (they are about 15 thousand years old). It has a narrow long passage (about 50 m).
Dim is a beautiful cave; inside it there is also a large number of stalagmites, as well as a small salt lake. It was discovered not so long ago (in the late 80s), but Turkish Hunters knew about it for a long time. You can get there by bus from the central market of the city.
Karain is the largest cave in Turkey. Its height is about 150 m. This is a very ancient cave - evidence was found here that people lived in it about 25 thousand years ago. You can come here by first reaching the village of Yagja (next to Mount Chan).
Maiden's - interesting because pirates once hid captive girls in this place.
Lovers' Cave- another wealth of Alanya. Its length is about 70 m. It acquired this name thanks to a legend: it was once a place where lovers met each other.
Phosphorous is a very interesting place, the name of which has two versions of origin: the first version: light from a large amount of phosphorus contained in the rocks; second version: the water inside the cave sparkles and produces an unusually beautiful play of shadows and light. In any case, in the dark you will definitely see an incredibly beautiful glow from the wall.
The Pirates' Cave is also an equally attractive place, which can only be reached by boat, as it is a sea cave.
Interesting surroundings
Near Alanya there are many objects worth seeing.
Ruins of Syedra- ancient city, 35 km, on top of a hill. This is a city with its own great historical past - after his campaign Pompey was here, coins with the image of Marcus Aurelius were minted. Antique columns, wells, baths, and part of the mosaic in the ruined palace have survived to this day. There is a cave hollowed out in the center of Syedra, but the entrance to it, unfortunately, is blocked.
Sharavsinsky Palace- founded in the 13th century. by order of Keikhusrev II for connection Alanya with the capital of the Seljuks - Konya. Built on the Great Silk Road, the palace served as an inn for weary travelers. Its area is 850 sq.m. Located 15 km.
Aitap is an ancient city, 33 km away. from Alanya. It was a fairly developed city. Fragments of paved streets, staircases, and statues have been preserved. Like any other city of the Roman Empire, there was sewerage and water supply - there is evidence of this. Situated on a hill, it offers tourists a beautiful view of the sea.
Laertes is a small village, 20 km. It is located high above the sea, under a mountain 1649 m high. The village was founded by Claudius Caesar himself. This is the place where Roman culture meets Byzantine - and you can see it with your own eyes. Everything here is reminiscent of its former grandeur - antique columns, stadium, churches, theater, residential buildings.
Caravan - Alarahan barn and Alara fortress- built in 1231-1232. Sultan Aladdin Keykubat. Located in the village of Chakallar. There were similar structures throughout the Silk Road, but this palace was the richest and most fortified inn, where passing merchants could eat and spend the night.
Sapadere Canyon is 48 km from the city. You can see this wonderful gorge by walking along a specially constructed road going through the village. Demirtas. The mountain river Serde, picturesque rocks - all this is stunningly beautiful and will remain in your memory for a long time. Manavgat Waterfall formed by a wide stream of water from the river of the same name. Located on the way from Alanya to Antalya. The city of Manavgat itself is also very interesting - the first buildings on its territory date back to the 6th century. BC.
Entertainment in Alanya
Every tourist Alanya ready to offer a large selection of entertainment events. This could be trips to museums, or a water park, boat trips, active recreation.
Excursions to museums
Archaeological- the date of its foundation is 1967. It has 2 parts: archeology and ethnography. The 1st department presents a collection of ancient Roman and Byzantine - bronze, glass, marble and clay products. In the 2nd: clothing, household items, jewelry, weapons, etc. You will be especially interested in getting acquainted with the statue of Hercules, found in 1967 near Alanya. We highly recommend that you visit this museum.
Opening hours: every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Monday). Lunch: from 12 to 13 hours. Ticket price - 3 TRY.
Ethnographic- on the 1st and 2nd floors of the Kyzyl-Kule tower. In it you can see items of Turkic decorative and applied products: carpets, weapons, kitchen utensils, yurts in which the Turkic nomads lived.
The museum is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lunch is from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Ataturk House Museum- the founder of the tour lived here. republics during his visit to Alanya in 1935. On the ground floor of the building you can see his personal belongings, photographs and other historical documents. The other two floors house traditional Alanya objects of decorative and applied art.
Active recreation
Water park "Sealanya" is the largest in the country and the third largest in the world (20 km from the city). Here you can not only go on water rides, but also interact with sea animals: dolphins, sea lions and seals. You will certainly be interested in the aquarium with sharks and stingrays, as well as an enclosure with crocodiles. There are a large number of restaurants and cafes in the park. Open all year round.
Opening hours - from 10 to 18 hours from May to October.
Water Park "Water Planet"- Okurcalar village, 30 km from Alanya. Built on the territory of the hotel of the same name. There are more than 20 attractions here, there are swimming pools, restaurants and cafes, and animators play with children. There are slides for extreme sports enthusiasts: “Kamikaze” and “Black Hole”. This is one of the largest hotel and entertainment complexes with the most famous water park in the entire Mediterranean.
Jeep safari: route with a visit to the Tarusa mountains, valleys, mountain springs, village settlements.
Diving excursion into the rich underwater world.
Rafting along one of the mountain rivers.
Night city
At night life here is in full swing. Everything is lit up, tourists are having fun! We bring to your attention the most famous clubs and discos:
- Havana club is one of the most popular night clubs in the city.
- Summer Garden
- James Dean Bar
- Auditorium Club
- Istanbul
- Robin Hood
- Latino club.
Shopping in Alanya
Alanya famous for its silks. Turkish fabric - "bürümcük" is especially relevant in the summer. A huge selection of silk products and fabrics can be found at local bazaars, and the price will be more than moderate.
This is one of the busiest Turkish resorts, so there are plenty of shops, shopping centers and markets here!
Shopping complexes
"AlanyumCentrum" is a state store with fixed prices. Prices here are often lower than market prices, and service is at the highest level. Located in the city center.
"KIPA" - a wide selection of clothing is presented here; food, household goods, souvenirs and even household appliances are also sold.
"METROcash&carry" is a world-famous network. The selection of goods here is very interesting; promotions are often held that provide discounts on certain goods. This store is especially attractive for tourists with a METRO card. Located near Alanium.
Ataturk Boulevard - shopping centers and boutiques with famous brands. Here are the main shopping points of the city.
Markets
If you want to get acquainted with a real oriental flavor, then be sure to go to the market. Don't forget to bargain - this is a common thing for sellers!
Great Oriental Bazaar in Alanya- one of the few places in Turkey where you can make the cheapest purchases. There is a huge selection of clothes, shoes, souvenirs, and various Turkish products.
Fruit market - a rich selection of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, aromatic oriental spices. Open on Fridays. Located next to the first market.
Cafes and restaurants in Alanya
The city offers a wide variety of restaurants, bars and cafes with different types of cuisine: Bistro Bahama, Nordicpoint Restaurant & Bar, Prima Restaurant Bar, Theo's Place restaurant & bar, Vintage Brasserie & Winehouse, Karnivora Steak & Burger House, Galeria Gurme Restaurant and etc.
What to bring from Alanya
The selection of souvenirs here is very large, and they are sold at every turn.
- it could be something edible: oriental sweets, spices;
- silk clothing and fabrics;
- carpets;
- leather products;
- a painted pumpkin is a special souvenir (symbol Alanya);
- decorations;
- Turkish tea, coffee.
Alanya is not a very large, but quite picturesque town, which is located near the Taurus Mountains, almost at their very foot. This is one of the warmest resorts on the entire Antalya coast and is only slightly inferior in popularity to Antalya itself. Alanya is considered one of the most popular Mediterranean resorts among Russian tourists. Its infrastructure is constantly developing, new comfortable hotels are appearing, new bars and restaurants are opening.
There are many shops with the widest range of all kinds of clothing, jewelry and popular Turkish carpets. And at the same time Alanya is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Turkey.
Alanya is approximately 120 km from Antalya International Airport. A decade ago Alanya was a small town with just a couple of hotels. These days, Alanya is one of the most developed coastal resorts in Turkey, quite popular, but at the same time managing to maintain its own unique style and atmosphere.
Even at the peak of the season, this resort is not as busy with holidaymakers as, for example, nearby Side. In the morning this town looks almost deserted, but during the day, and especially in the evening, it becomes extremely lively. That is why the local shops operate virtually without interruption.
The city regularly hosts exciting excursions where you can get acquainted with Turkish nature and culture. All local hotels are located in close proximity to the sea. And the population of Alanya, even in the worst tourist season, always almost doubles.
The excellent climate of these places is perfect for tourists with children. In the western part of the city there are bays with very soft and pleasant to the touch sand. In this area of Turkey, which is called Alanya - Incekum, many new hotels are currently being built. Not far from the city there is a busy highway that runs along the sea coast.
The most impressive historical monument that has been preserved in this city is the Byzantine fortress wall, which is located at the very top of one of the mountains. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The Red Tower, which once safely protected the local harbor from pirates and other enemies attacking from the sea, has also survived to this day.
Alanya is also famous for its mysterious caves, of which the Dalmatash Cave is the most popular. The city hosts regular walks to the caves, where you can admire the huge stalactites.
Tourists have the opportunity to visit the local historical museum, where various exhibits found in the vicinity of the city are exhibited. Also from Alanya, if you wish, you can go to the Turkish part of Cyprus - the legendary island, which can be reached in just three hours by catamaran.
Once in ancient times, Alanya was a favorite haven for pirates, after whom many ancient grottoes remained scattered along the coast. You can only get there from the sea. Historians believe that in one of the grottoes, called Kyzlar Magarasy, pirates kept slaves who were kidnapped during raids.
The most famous of the grottoes is Dalmatash, whose age is estimated at approximately 15 thousand years. This cave looks fantastic or even a little surreal. Calcareous deposits, as well as countless stalactites and stalagmites form a stunning stone pattern.
The humidity inside the grotto exceeds 90%, and the temperature is around 23 degrees. These conditions are excellent for treating various respiratory diseases, particularly asthma.
History of Alanya
Alanya has a very ancient history, dating back thousands of years. The very first settlement in these parts was the city of Korakesion, which later became modern Alanya. The city often took advantage of its extremely favorable location in turbulent times.
For almost a hundred years, these parts were a refuge for pirates who terrified the entire coast. And only in 67 BC, the Roman commander Pompey, who sailed here with his troops, was able to destroy the pirate base. A little later he annexed Alanya to the Roman Empire.
About thirty years later, Emperor Mark Antony gave these lands to Cleopatra, his beloved. She managed to completely transform these regions and make them a favorite vacation spot for Roman nobles. But the peak of development of Korakesion came in the 12th century, when the city was conquered by Aladdin Keykubat, the sultan of the Seljuk Empire.
He renamed the ancient city Alaya, from which the current name of the city was eventually formed. The Sultan built his winter residence here. Since Alaya was located close to Konya, the Seljuk capital, the city began to develop rapidly and soon overtook even Antalya.
The most ancient part of the city is located on a high hill - this is where most of the monuments of ancient architecture are concentrated. An ancient fortress wall, almost 8 kilometers long, divides Alanya into two halves.
Many ancient buildings have survived to this day - ancient temples and watchtowers. The most famous of them is the Red Tower (or as it is called here - Kyzyl Kule).
The weather in Alanya, as well as on the entire Antalya coast, is warm and dry - it is perfect for a pleasant holiday. The swimming season here lasts from April to the end of October - at this time the coastal water temperature is from 20 to 25 degrees, and the air temperature is from 30 to 35. Well, the hospitable Turkish sun shines over Alanya all year round.
Video about the city of Alanya Türkiye
Read about it here.
Alanya is a well-known and popular resort on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, where hundreds and thousands of tourists flock during the season. The resort boasts Blue Flag beaches, stunning clear seas, interesting attractions and a variety of activities suitable for all ages.
Many people prefer not to leave the hotel grounds, where there is absolutely everything for a comfortable stay, but visiting Alanya and not exploring the city and its surroundings means depriving yourself of new impressions and positive emotions. Lovers of antiquities and history will definitely have something to do - fortresses, ruins and museums are always welcome to visitors.
The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.
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What to see and where to go in Alanya?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.
A defensive structure of the 13th century, located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The fortification was erected under Sultan Ala ad-Din Kay-Kubad on the foundations of Roman and Byzantine buildings. The ring of external walls and watchtowers have been almost completely preserved to this day. The observation platforms located inside offer a magnificent view of Alanya and the sea coast.
Kyzyl Kule (Turkish name for the tower) is one of the main attractions of Alanya; its image is even on the city’s flag. The building is located on the territory of the port. It was erected in the 13th century according to the design of an invited Arab architect. It reaches a height of 33 meters, the diameter of the walls is 29 meters. On the ground floor there is an ethnographic museum, on the last there is an observation deck, which can be reached by a stone staircase.
The port of Alanya receives passenger ships, mainly cruise ships sailing along the so-called “Turkish Riviera”. There is also a promenade along which you can walk or ride a bike. Restaurants and cafes located on the pier offer seafood, and in souvenir shops you can buy some kind of memorabilia.
The lighthouse is located on a rocky embankment at the edge of the port harbor. The structure was built and assembled in France in 1880, and then transported to Alanya. The structure reaches a height of 20 meters, the lighting equipment allows the signal to be distributed over as much as 200 miles, which is approximately 370 km. The lighthouse has been working properly for more than 100 years and is a reliable guide for ships entering the port.
The shipyard has existed since 1228; it was used for its intended purpose until 1361, providing everything necessary for the Sultan’s flotilla, which dominated this section of the sea. The architecture of Tersane is an example of the development of the Seljuk period. The shipyard is located in the port of Alanya right behind the Red Tower - you can walk along the embankment or take a boat.
The museum collection was created in 1967, but to this day it is replenished, as archaeological excavations are constantly being carried out in the vicinity of Alanya. The exhibition consists of artifacts from several historical periods: Phrygian, Lydian, Greek, Byzantine. The halls display collections of ceramics, bronze and glass items, preserved elements of the exterior decoration of buildings and much more.
It is perhaps difficult to find a city in Turkey where there is not a museum dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, a reformer, innovator and statesman who is revered in the country as the “father of the nation.” In the house in Alanya, where the exhibition is located today, he lived with his sister and mother after returning from the Syrian front. Here Ataturk held meetings and met with his associates.
A monument in honor of the first president of the Turkish Republic was erected in Alanya on one of the central squares in 1933. In the center of the composition is a decisive figure of a leader with his hand raised in greeting (he seems to be making a speech to the people and calling on his supporters to fight). On the right side of him stands a girl with an olive branch, on the left is a young man with a Turkish flag. The sculptures are on a low pedestal against the background of a white stele.
Sultan Ala ad-Din of the Seljuk dynasty ruled Alanya in the 13th century. According to historical evidence, he was a talented military leader and a far-sighted sovereign. Today, a monument in his honor adorns the city landscape. The Sultan is depicted riding a mighty horse, his facial features are stern and decisive, in his right hand he holds a scepter with the heraldic symbol of the Seljuks.
The mosque was erected under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century. The building is a classic example of Ottoman architecture: strict rectangular shapes, pointed arches, a spherical dome of the prayer hall and a minaret towering above the entire structure. The Muslim temple is active, so it is difficult for representatives of other religions to get inside.
The water park is located about 30 km from Alanya on the territory of the Water Planet Deluxe Hotel & Aquapark 5*. It is a full-fledged complex for family recreation with dozens of slides, swimming pools, artificial rivers and bungee rides. The space is divided into zones for children, adult visitors and extreme sports enthusiasts, so everyone can choose entertainment according to their liking and adrenaline level.
Alanya itself also has a water park, so there is no need to travel several tens of kilometers away. You can have a great time without going far from the hotel, which many tourists will appreciate. And although it is more modest in size and in the composition of attractions than Water Planet, it has everything you need: water slides, swimming pools, recreation areas and standard infrastructure.
The Dolphinarium is located near the city, a few minutes' drive away. It’s worth going to this place to watch spectacular shows with the participation of dolphins, sea lions and seals, who perform funny tricks and delight the audience beyond words. If you wish, you can order a dolphin therapy session or simply swim surrounded by animals to get a charge of positive energy.
A city park not far from the coast, where you can take a walk, take a break from the sweltering sun and admire the orderly rows of palm trees. There are wide walking alleys throughout the square, and flower beds interspersed with green lawns throughout the entire territory. The picturesque landscape is complemented by fountains, stairs and wooden bridges over an artificial pond.
The cave is located 12 km from Alanya on the territory of the Western Taurus mountain range in the gorge of the Dim Chay River. It is the second largest in Turkey. Speleologists discovered the grotto in 1986, and since 1998 it has been open to visitors. The length of the tourist route is just over 400 meters, it consists of two sections. The most interesting is the first one, which ends in a large underground hall with a lake.
Damlatas is located within the city limits literally 100 meters from the seashore; it was discovered in 1946 during the construction of the port. There used to be a quarry on this site. The entrance to the cave is located very conveniently, next to it there is a beach and a small market. Damlatas is not very large - there is only one hall, but here you can look at stalactites and stalagmites of incredible beauty.
The ruins of the ancient city are located 20 km from Alanya at the junction of Cilicia and Pamphylia - the historical regions of Asia Minor. It is believed that the ancient settlement was founded in the 1st century. In ancient times, Syedra flourished - they even printed their own coins here. Reservoirs for reservoirs, a stone-lined street, part of the acropolis and a whole building with the remains of a mosaic inside have survived to this day.
The gorge is located approximately 40-50 km from Alanya near the village of the same name. This place is incredibly popular among tourists who want to diversify their holiday and take a hiking route, enjoying the views of the mountains, fresh air and the pleasant coolness of the waterfalls (some even swim in the rather cold lakes). A 750-meter long path is specially equipped for visitors.
The Dim Chay Valley, located 6 km from Alanya, is a popular holiday destination among locals - people often come here for family picnics and groups of friends. Moreover, the place is well equipped: there are cafes of national cuisine, restaurants, water activities, attractions, fishing areas, observation decks, gazebos and terraces. The total length of the Dim-Chay River is 60 km.
The beach is considered one of the best in Alanya and its surroundings. This is a long, well-groomed area covered with clean sand, along which there are numerous hotel complexes. The beach is perfectly suited for families with small children thanks to its developed infrastructure and gentle entrance to the sea. There is entertainment for every taste: water skiing, banana boats, catamarans, paragliding, volleyball court.