Alanya is perhaps one of the most famous resort destinations in Turkey, with more than 150,000 tourists visiting the resort city every year. It is well-known for its stunning beaches, resorts, nightlife, and natural beauty which is hard to miss. The town has its own airport and is located 120 kilometers from Antalya’s city center. For tourists looking for a perfect beachy getaway, Alanya also offers a kilometer-long sandy beach strip surrounded by luxurious hotels, restaurants, cafes, and malls.
However, for those who haven’t visited this stunning city before, it may be difficult to determine what to see, where to stay, and how to get around the city. Here’s everything you need to know about Alanya in our Alanya, Turkey travel guide, before visiting this beautiful resort city.
Six Most Popular Things to Do in Alanya: Alanya, Turkey Travel Guide
With the Gulf of Antalya embracing the tall slopes of the Taurus Mountains, there’s so much to see and explore in the city. Here are the most popular things to do when exploring alanya for the first time:
1. See the Ocean from Kleopatra Beach
It’s impossible to visit Alanya without first seeing the Mediterranean waters from the city’s main beach, Kleopatra Beach. This beach itself is vast and provides incredible views of the famous castle of Alanya and the massive Taurus Mountains.
There are beach clubs with sun loungers along the beach, and between the beach strip and the famous Atatürk Boulevard is a large promenade which is a perfect spot to relax and take in the seaside views. Since Kleopatra Beach is the city’s biggest beach, tourists can find an abundance of restaurants, hotels, and resorts, offering accommodations for every budget range.
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2. Ride the Alanya Teleferik
For tourists who need to view the city with the sea and the mountains embracing the vibrant life in it, taking a ride on the Alanya Teleferik is a great idea. The cable car service launched in 2017 and takes you up to the castle of Alanya, which is located on the east side of the beach.
The Alanya Teleferik ascends 250 meters along a 900-metre line, with one of its 14 gondolas departing every 19 seconds. When on board, you’ll see breathtaking panoramic views of the Gulf of Antalya, the resort, and the Taurus Mountains, making this ride a must-do in our Alanya, Turkey travel guide.
3. Exploring Alanya Castle
It would take hours to fully explore the enormous archaeological site of Alanya Castle. The castle that stands today was built atop ancient Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine defenses, utilizing this rocky elevation as a natural defense.
There are 83 towers and 140 towers within the walls and many of the 1,200 original cisterns still serve their original purpose. Walking along the castle’s walls, several historic 19th-century buildings come into view which are also great archeological wonders worth exploring on their own.
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4. Climb Down the Damlataş Cave
The Damlataş Cave comprises a 50-meter-long and 15-meter-high cave system, filled with stalagmites and stalactites. Welcoming countless tourists throughout the year, the chamber’s high humidity (96%), increased carbon dioxide, and consistent temperature of 22°C all play an important part in adding to the cave’s healing properties.
The Damlataş Cave has been praised for its healing benefits for people suffering from respiratory problems. Tens of thousands of asthma patients visit each year and participate in a 21-day treatment course that includes spending four hours in the cave each day making this site a must-visit in our Alanya, Turkey travel guide.
5. Go Sightseeing at the Limani Harbour
Alanya’s famous port for tourist cruises and diving excursions, the Limani Harbour is a vibrant place to visit for tourists and locals alike. Alongside the noisy harbor, a promenade runs alongside the harbor, surrounded by gardens with palms, meadows, and topiaries.
There are plenty of places to park and take in the views of the sea, the castle, or the Taurus Mountains. The harbour has beautiful cafes and restaurants lining the streets which make for a beautiful backdrop for a picture.
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6. Visit the Red Tower (Kızılkule)
Alanya’s symbol, Kızılkule Tower, is a 13th-century Seljuk defense tower named for the red brick that makes up the upper floor and parapet. The Red Tower has an octagonal design that rises to 33 meters, with marble slabs decorating both lower sides of the top palce to visit in our Alanya Turkey travel guide.
Builders erected this unique medieval defensive structure to safeguard Alanya’s harbor and shipyard, welcoming visitors to the city for centuries. There is a small ethnographic museum on the tower’s first level that displays tools and handicrafts depicting Turkmen culture in the Taurus Mountains.
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Where to Stay in Alanya?
For tourists visiting for a short time, booking a hotel near the city center has many advantages. Aside from a variety of hotels and guest houses to pick from. Staying near the city center connects tourists to several restaurants, stores, and entertainment options in this area. It also provides a quick ride to and from the nearby airport.
How to Get Around in Alanya?
For a resort town this big, Alanya has a plethora of transportation options fit for every need. Here are some of the easiest ways tourists can get around in Alanya:
- Dolmus: Alanya’s minibuses are known as Dolmus, which are a quick way to go throughout the city.
- Bus: Local buses run from the bus terminal west of the city center and are another inexpensive and convenient option.
- Taxi: The city also has many taxis running around to take tourists from one spot to another.
- Rental car or scooter: If you intend to do activities outside of Alanya, renting a car or scooter might be a great idea.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Alanya, Turkey Travel Guide
Q. Is Alanya, Turkey worth visiting?
A. Yes, the beach town of Alanya is one of the most underrated sites in Turkey and is definitely worth visiting for beach goers and swimmers. It’s home to a lot of history and historical places such as the Alanya castle and fortress, or the famous Cleopatra beach attractions, and other exciting places to visit.
Q. What is the best time to visit Alanya, Turkey?
A. The months of June and September are some of the best times to visit Alanya ,as the weather is perfect to explore it’s beaches, attractions, and the city itself.
Exploring A Perfect Resort Getaway: Alanya, Turkey Travel Guide
Alanya is a gem of a city sitting on the Mediterranean, waiting to be explored. Aside from the culture and architecture. The city is also a hub for scuba diving, cruises, and hikes into the Taurus Mountains. Where you may climb through gorges, discover caves, and cool down in mountain streams.
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