Alanya- one of the most popular Turkish resorts. Mild Mediterranean climate, unique natural features and the 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 — 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 coast Mediterranean Sea, 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 most southern point 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.
It's always hot in summer ( average temperature+28), rains are 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
Nearest international Airport is located 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.Basic Russian airlines operating flights - 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 he serves domestic flights, although there are also international ones.
Visa regime
For Russian tourists valid visa-free regime, according to 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 located here Winter Palace Sultan, mint; 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 in the entire south coast 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; a large number of stalagmites are also collected inside it, 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 central market cities.
Karain is the most big cave 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.
Phosphoric - very interesting place, the name of which has two origins: 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.
Pirates Cave - also no less attractive place, which can only be accessed 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 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. Often the prices here are below market prices, and the service is very high 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 to know the 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 one of the most beautiful resorts in Turkey. Excellent reviews about holidays in Alanya can be found in many languages of the world. The Germans, Scandinavians, British and other Europeans adore this town and have been going there for a long time not only in “packages”, but also on their own. If you want to join them, then in this article we will briefly tell you the most important things you need to know about holidays in Alanya.
5 things that are important to know about holidays in Alanya
How to get to Alanya from Russia
There are three ways to come on holiday in Alanya on your own.
1. Fly directly to Alanya
A few years ago, Gazipasa Airport opened 40 km from Alanya. From Russia you can fly there either directly or with a transfer in Istanbul. The most convenient and cheapest way, of course, is to fly from Moscow and St. Petersburg. You can find inexpensive tickets on Aviasales.ru:
2. Fly to Antalya
This method is not the most convenient, since it is 150 km from Antalya Airport to Alanya. However, buses run constantly and are inexpensive, so there is no problem getting from Antalya to Alanya. In addition, you can fly directly to Antalya from some Russian cities.
3. Fly to Istanbul
You can get from Istanbul to Alanya either by plane (from $30) or by bus (from $20). But this way to get on holiday in Alanya, of course, takes longer. And it fits in two cases.
Firstly, if you want to see Istanbul first and thereby combine beach holiday with cultural. You can spend two or three days in this beautiful city, and then go on holiday in Alanya. A great guy will help you find a hotel on the shores of the Bosphorus Istanbul hotel guide site .
Secondly, if it allows you to save a lot of money. Direct regular flights to Alanya are currently only available from Moscow. But from many Russian cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Krasnodar, Novosibirsk, Rostov-on-Don, Ufa, etc.) there are direct flights to Istanbul. Therefore, you can find inexpensive air tickets to Istanbul, spend the night there, or go to Alanya directly on the same day by bus or plane of another airline. It takes longer, but the price difference can be significant.
You can get from Istanbul to a holiday in Alanya both by air and by land.
Alanya Hotels
There are about 500 hotels in Alanya. And this is only in the city itself, not taking into account Mahmutlar, Konakli, Avsallar and other suburbs. Many of them operate on an all-inclusive basis and are located on the 1st or 2nd line.
In short, there are many booking systems - Booking, Agoda, Ostrovok, etc. The same room in different booking systems can cost completely differently. So it's worth comparing prices before you book. We always do this using the Hotellook system - it automatically compares prices in all booking systems and offers you the best options. And to make a reservation, you go directly to the reservation system website. If you are planning an all-inclusive holiday in Alanya, check the appropriate box. Do not forget that in the same hotel you can often relax on an all-inclusive basis, half board or without meals at all - it all depends on your wishes.
Many people choose a holiday in Alanya because of the excellent price-quality ratio of local hotels.
Photo: Blue Sky Hotel
Here are links to several Alanya hotels with excellent reviews and great value for money. I don’t indicate the cost, because it can differ greatly in the “high” and “low” seasons. You can find out the room prices for the dates you need by clicking on the hotel name.
Alanya 3 star hotels (all inclusive)
- Kleopatra Fatih Hotel— great location, excellent cuisine.
- Aska Kleopatra Beste Hotel- with Russian-speaking staff.
- Kleopatra Melissa Hotel- tasty, convenient and inexpensive.
Alanya 4 star hotels (all inclusive)
- Xperia Grand Bali Hotel— near Cleopatra Beach.
- Panorama Hotel- a hotel that everyone is delighted with.
- Sunny Hill Alya Hotel- with a rooftop pool and a wonderful view.
Alanya 5 star hotels (all inclusive)
- White Gold Hotel- with its own beach and sea views.
- Alantur Hotel - All Inclusive- with a beautiful tropical garden.
- Club Paradiso- on a hill with a beautiful view.
3 main attractions of Alanya
Holidays in Alanya are wonderful not only because it is the warmest city in Turkey. Alanya is also one of the most ancient and beautiful cities countries. Therefore, the sights of Alanya are connected not only with the sea and nature, but also with history and culture.
There are many interesting places in Alanya, and we will definitely have a separate article about them. Here we highlight three of the most interesting, in our opinion.
1. Cleopatra Beach
According to legend, the Roman commander Mark Antony, captivated by the beauty of this place, gave it to Cleopatra. It was here (again, according to legend) that the queen loved to rest from her righteous labors, and the sand was brought here all the way from Egypt. Two thousand years after these events, the famous Cleopatra Beach received the “blue flag” - the main sign of the quality of the world's beaches.
Entrance to Cleopatra Beach is free, renting a sun lounger costs 10 liras.
Great all-inclusive hotels near Cleopatra Beach:
- Kleopatra Atlas Hotel— a small hotel where we met New Year. Children under 16 are not allowed in!
- Xperia Saray Beach Hotel— 4 stars on the first line and its own site on Cleopatra Beach.
- Kleopatra Dreams Beach Hotel- not the cheapest, but a cool hotel with excellent reviews.
This is what Cleopatra Beach looks like in the “low season”, before it was occupied by tourists from all over the world.
2. Red Tower
The Red Tower (Kyzyl Kule) is the main architectural landmark of Alanya. Built in the 13th century to protect the city and the local shipyard from attack from the sea. The height of the tower is 33 meters, diameter is 29 meters. The Red Tower is included in architectural complex Alanya Fortress.
The entrance ticket to the Red Tower is 4.5 liras.
3. Alanya Fortress
Like the Red Tower, it was built by the Seljuks (predecessors of modern Turks) in the 13th century. Alanya Fortress rises on the mountain to the left of Cleopatra Beach. You can climb it on foot, or you can take a taxi or bus No. 4 (the stop is right at the foot of the mountain from Cleopatra Beach). Alanya Fortress has perfectly preserved fortress walls and a castle, plus it offers beautiful views of the sea, the city and the surrounding area.
The entrance ticket to Alanya Fortress is 15 liras.
The Red Tower stands at the foot of the mountain where the Alanya fortress was built. Therefore, both attractions can be visited in half a day. And to relax, go to Cleopatra Beach - it is located on the other side of the mountain.
Prices for excursions in Alanya
Great news, friends! If you go to Turkey on your own, your holiday in Alanya cannot be ruined by such a nasty factor as. This means that you will buy excursions in Alanya at a reasonable price on the Internet and street agencies.
Here are the average prices for popular excursions in Alanya.
- Pamukkale: from 60 dollars.
- Cappadocia: from $65(price depends on the program) .
- Ancient cities of Demre - Mira - Kekova: from 50 dollars.
- Manavgat waterfalls + ancient cities of Side and Aspendos: from 25 dollars.
- Jeep Safari: from 20 dollars.
- Quad bike safari: from 30 dollars.
- Rafting: from 20 dollars.
- A ride on a pirate yacht: 15 dollars.
- Water Planet Water Park: from 30 dollars.
- Diving: from 45 dollars.
- Show Lights of Anatolia: from $55.
- Show Turkish Night: from 35 dollars.
Which travel agency should you trust with your holiday in Alanya? It’s not easy to choose just one, especially since everyone’s prices are similar, and the quality is not the same everywhere. There is nothing worse than when going on an excursion to find out that your guide speaks only Polish) But we managed to find an excellent travel agency with low prices, interesting programs And good guides, whose services we use every time we come to Turkey. We have already recommended this agency to friends and readers and they were satisfied. So if you want, write to us on WhatsApp/Viber +79166440605, I will send their contacts to you too!
Alanya is the most warm place throughout Turkey, and The local weather allows you to spend your holidays in Alanya at any time of the year. Even in winter there are many tourists here, which is not surprising, because from December to February the daytime temperature in Alanya rarely drops below +15 degrees. Some even swim (however, this is the influence of the All Inclusive system). However, full The swimming season in Alanya begins in May and lasts until the end of October - beginning of November.
average temperature air(And water) in Alanya by month:
- January: +12…+16 (+18 )
- February: +11…+16 (+17 )
- March: +14…+18 (+17 )
- April: +17…+21 (+18 )
- May: +21…+26 (+21 )
- June: +25…+29 (+26 )
- July: +27…+32 (+28 )
- August: +28…+32 (+29 )
- September: +25…+30 (+28 )
- October: +21…+27 (+25 )
- november: +16…+21 (+21 )
- December: +13…+18 (+19 )
In short, holidays in Alanya are wonderful 12 months a year, 7 days a week and 24 hours a day. Happy holidays, friends!
Friends, have you ever spent your holidays in the warmest city in Turkey? We are waiting for your feedback about your holiday in Alanya! And don’t forget - with us you will know everything about holidays in Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam and other Asian countries!
All the main attractions in Alanya concentrated in one place - on the mountain where the fortress is located, and near this mountain. I suggest two routes, which include visiting all of these attractions in one go. The only difference between the routes is the difficulty.
The most important attractions of Alanya that are included in these routes, you can see with a tour in Russian, ordering it at home via the Internet on the website.
The first route is easier: you need to walk down the mountain, the second is more difficult: it is necessary walk up the mountain. You can take these routes as a basis and walk through the main attractions of the city in a slightly different way. Read about all the attractions that you can see in Alanya in a separate article.
In one day you can see in Alanya all the main attractions. This is the easiest route, but you will need to pay for the cable car ticket as well as entry tickets for paid attractions. The route is designed for the whole day. You need to leave early in the morning - right after breakfast, otherwise you may not have time.
The route begins from (1) . Before your walk, you can take a swim in the sea, and then go to (2) , which is located 100 meters from the beach. It will take no more than half an hour to explore the cave. Advice! Take a single ticket, which will allow you to visit not only the cave, but also the Red Tower and the Tersane shipyard - these two attractions are also included in our walking route. A single ticket costs slightly less than all three tickets if you buy them separately. After the cave we need to return to the bottom station cable car (3) . Here we buy a ticket and climb almost to the very top of the mountain, where (5) .
Cable car not laid all the way to the fortress (5) – from the upper cable car station (4) You will have to climb several tens of meters on wooden platforms. On the mountain, first we go to (5) : To do this you need to buy a ticket. This ticket is also valid for visiting (8) , which we will go to a little later. Then we go to (6) . This mosque is active, and you can see it in Alanya on your own (go inside). Next go to Museum “Traditional Turkish House” (7). This museum is free and the museum staff is friendly. The museum is located next to the mosque, the road to it is marked with signs that say Kültür Evi - Culture House.
Cannons on the fortress wall on the "Warden's Path" between the Red Tower and the shipyard.
After visiting the museum, head to (8) . In the fortress, as I already said, the same ticket is valid as for visiting Ekhmedek fortress (5). Inside you will see water storage tanks (9) and dilapidated Church of St. George (10). Co observation deck (11) the citadel offers breathtaking views of the sea and Cape Gilvarda (12).
If you have good eyesight, then you can see on the cape Christian monastery (Manastir Surlar) (13). It cannot be visited because the road to it is currently impassable. To get a better look at the monastery, it would be good to have binoculars with you or look at it through a camera lens if you have one that zooms in on objects. Then from the Ich-Kale fortress we have to go down the mountain. Please note that you can walk not only along the road, but also along paths, which are much shorter. A leisurely descent will take no more than an hour.
As you go down, you will pass through narrow Turkish streets with beautiful houses that are crowded onto the mountainside. This is the so-called Old Alanya (14). In general, I advise you not to rush: some residents run a cafe where you can sit, relax and drink Turkish tea. When going down, focus on (15) – you need to get out as close to her as possible.
Red Tower also paid, but to visit it there is a single ticket that you bought for the Damlatash cave. After the tower, be sure to go to (17) — the same single ticket is valid there. This is very interesting place, will be especially interesting for children. The shipyard is located 250 meters from the Red Tower. The path to it partially goes along fortress wall, on which the guns are installed. You can also see medieval throwing machines here. Sometimes this place is called "The Path of the Guardians" (16). After inspection shipyards (17) go back to Red Tower (15) and from there go to Alanya embankment (19).
There you will see lighthouse (18) and many ships, some of which are dressed up as medieval ones. You can get closer to the lighthouse and even, if you’re lucky, go inside. At the discretion of the lighthouse keepers, they may charge you money for this, or they may let you through for free. On the embankment you can treat yourself to hot corn or cold ice cream. Now head to the main tourist area Damlatas street (20), where there are many cafes and souvenir shops. By the way, on the right side of the road on this street there is a cheap chain store BiM market. Walk through the entire street and finally, if you have any strength left, visit (21) . That's it - the walk is over.
Route No. 2 – more difficult, for adventure seekers
You can see in Alanya at one time all the main attractions that are included in route No. 1, plus a few more small ones. This route is more difficult: You will need to climb the mountain on foot along the fortress wall. But at the same time this is a more interesting route, designed for those who like a little more extreme. Route designed for the whole day– leave immediately after breakfast.
The route begins from small (1) . After visiting it, walk along the main tourist road Damlatas street (2) to sea port and embankment (3). There you will see various ships (some of them converted into antique ones) and lighthouse (4), which you can get closer to and even, if you’re lucky, visit. Sometimes the lighthouse keepers charge money for entry to the lighthouse, sometimes they don’t. After a walk along the embankment, go to (5) (it is clearly visible from the embankment).
To visit the tower, buy a ticket. Take a single ticket right away, which will also be valid for the shipyard and Damlatas Cave - all these attractions can be seen in Alanya in one day, which is what we will do during our walking tour. A single ticket is cheaper than three separate tickets! From (5) By "Watchmen's Path" (6) go to (7) . This is approximately 250 meters. "Watchers' Path" (6) partially runs along the fortress wall, where cannons and throwing machines are installed. To enter the shipyard, present the single ticket that you bought at the Red Tower.
After visiting the shipyard, go to Arsenal (Tophane) (8). Through this tower next to the shipyard (through the gate) you can go out onto the streets Old Alanya (9) and walk along them, climbing the mountain to the fortress. There are two options: first (simpler) – climb the mountain through narrow streets Old Alanya (9), second (more complex) – climb the mountain along the fortress wall.
If you decide to walk along the fortress wall, then you need from Arsenala (Tophane) (8) go along the streets of Old Alanya (9) to the left, gradually approaching the fortress wall. Along the way, you will see several stone necks, similar to chimneys, that stick out from the ground. This water storage tanks (10). In a place where the wall is built with a slope (it begins to rise uphill), you need to find steps that go up fortress wall (11). There are such steps in many places: if you miss one, then look for the next ones. Attention! It is almost impossible to pass under the wall! There are huge boulders there!
You must walk along the fortress wall carefully. The path along the wall is not equipped with any barriers and exists in the form in which the builders left it many centuries ago. Keep in mind that the path is along the wall not very wide and in some places rises above the ground several meters. So if you fall from here, then injuries cannot be avoided, because below there is not sand, but sharp stones and boulders.
The path along the fortress wall will lead you to observation deck (12). But the most important thing is that there will be no steps down - you will have to go down without them. Jumping down is also not easy, because broken bottles and stones are scattered below. Go down carefully, use the niches hollowed out in the wall. It’s good if there are two of you, then you can back each other up. The height of the wall at the descent point is no more than 2 meters.
After the descent go to observation deck (12) and then go to (13) . Along the way, you can drink a glass of freshly squeezed pomegranate or orange juice. The Ich-Kale fortress is paid, but the purchased ticket is also valid in another (21) , where we will go a little later. There is an old Christian church in the citadel Church of St. George (15) and several water storage tanks (14). Co observation deck (16) inside the citadel there is a wonderful view of Cape Gilvarda (17). There is a very ancient Christian monastery on the cape (Manastir Surlar) (18), but you can’t get to it now - the path is very dilapidated. The best way to view the monastery is from the sea if you book a boat trip on a yacht.
After visiting the citadel we go to (19) . The mosque is operational, and you can see it in Alanya on your own (go inside). Next to the mosque is free museum which is called "Traditional Turkish House" (20). On the signs it is indicated in Turkish as Kültür Evi and in English as Culture House. Next go to (21) . To enter the fortress you will need the same ticket as to enter the citadel.
Free museum “Traditional Turkish House”.
Then from the fortress go down the wooden platforms to the upper cable car station (22). Buy a ticket and go down the cable car to the lower cable car station (23). After descending, it is best to go first to (25) , in which a single ticket is valid, purchased for the Red Tower and the shipyard. And after the cave go to
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Türkiye is one of the favorite resorts of our compatriots. Not only families with children, but also young people love to come here. In Turkey you can enjoy not only the sea, but also visiting the sights. Let's consider what attractions there are in the resort town of Alanya.
Sights of Alanya
Alanya is one of the ancient cities of the Turkish coast with rich history. The city was founded by Greek colonists in the 2nd century. BC uh, after some time it began to serve as a refuge for pirates. Further, the city was captured by the Romans and presented to the Egyptian queen Cleopatra.
Alanya was also part of Byzantium and only in 1571 the city came into the possession of the Ottomans.
Over the long history of the city, a large number of attractions have been preserved.
In Alanya you can see not only ancient fortresses and mosques, but also visit modern museums, go for a walk to the ruins or see caves created by nature.
The most famous attractions of Alanya:
Car rental in Alanya
What to see in Alanya on your own?
You can go on the following excursions on your own in Alanya:
Order an inexpensive transfer - taxi in Alanya
Best excursions
TO the best excursions in Alanya include:
- Alanya fortress;
- red tower;
- shipyard;
- Damlatash cave.
Excursions to take with your child
When traveling with a child, you can visit the following interesting places: 
- Dolphinarium Sealania. At the dolphinarium you can see a performance and also swim with them if you want to get up close and personal.
- Water Planet water park. The water park is located about 30 km from Alanya. The water park has 24 slides that both adults and children can ride.
- Waterpark Damlatas is located very close to the Alanya embankment. There are not many slides in the water park, but believe me, there are enough to have fun.
Unusual sights
Unusual attractions include:
- Lovers Cave“There is a legend that lovers’ dates took place in this cave. And one more thing, if you jump from the cape of a cave into the sea with your loved one, holding each other's hand, then your love will last forever.
- Pirates' Cave. This cave once served as a hideout for pirates. Unfortunately, it is now flooded and can only be visited by boat.
- Iotape. Here you can see the ruins of an ancient ancient city. Roman baths, city walls and a fortress have been partially preserved here.
- Tomb of Askebe Turbesi. Not far from the Suleymaniye Mosque is the burial place of Sultan Askebe Turbesi. The tomb was made of stone, but the dome and interior walls were covered with brick. There is an assumption that the tomb was previously covered with faience. Only part of the decorations and inscriptions have survived to this day.
- Phosphorus cave. It is named so because it glows in the dark. The fact is that the rock contains a large amount of phosphorus, which allows the cave to shine unusually. You can only get into the cave by water. Phosphorus Cave is considered an unusual miracle of nature.
The cheapest tickets from Moscow to Antalya and back
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Ideal for holidays from late April to November Turkish resort Alanya. This small town is located 120 kilometers from Antalya on the coast, indented by bays with romantic grottoes and beaches. Here wild beaches alternate with landscaped ones, citrus orchards with banana plantations, and the ideal climate and warm, shallow sea make this resort an ideal place for a family holiday. Read about it here.
The gentle, horseshoe-shaped shore of the Mediterranean Sea at the base of the Tauride Mountains is Alanya, one of the warmest and most tranquil resorts in Turkey. The place is located in such a way that at different periods it was considered strategic by all the empires that were ever located here. The Byzantine, Ptolemaic, Roman, and Ottoman empires ruled here. It was also a favorite hideout for pirates and runaway lovers.
Today Alanya is calm, warm, relatively inexpensive resort in Antalya province. The city dates back to the 2nd century BC, so here you can find not only the emerald sea and snow-white beaches, but also a lot of historical attractions dating back to different eras.
Tourists also love Alanya because the holiday season here is one of the longest - from April to November, but in winter most hotels are closed. The population density on the coast is low. With a total area of the resort town of 1.5 thousand square meters. m there are only 94 thousand inhabitants.
Climatic and natural features
The Taurus or Tauride Mountains form a reliable defense of the coast from northern winds and cyclones. On the other hand, the climate on the coast is formed by the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The weather on this side of the coast is responsible for the subtropical climate characteristic of the Mediterranean.
As a rule, there are heavy rains here in the winter months, and the temperature does not rise above +16°C. In summer, on the contrary, there is little precipitation, the weather is dry, but not too hot. If on Greek beaches in mid-summer the thermometer rises above +40°C, in Alanya it is +30..+35°C. From April to November the beaches are under the warm rays of the sun.
The places around the city are very picturesque. The ledge, on the outskirts of which the city is built, begins at the foot of the Tarvic Mountains and goes quite far into the sea. On both sides of the city there are beautiful views on the surface of the sea, green plains, neat beaches and citrus orchards.
Alanya boasts not only wonderful nature, but also tourist attractions that will not let the most discerning travelers get bored.
There are not very many attractions in the city, but each of them is worthy of the attention of an inquisitive tourist. Since the city has been a strategic point for 2 millennia, heavily guarded and protected from invasion, the main attractions here are the fortresses, towers, caves and support structures.
Ich-Kale Fortress
The fortress was built in the 13th century on the basis of even more ancient Byzantine structures. It rises on a cliff above the city. This majestic structure consists of 140 towers, the most famous of which, the Red Tower, rises to a height of more than thirty meters. This citadel once served to protect the city, and today it readily welcomes tourists.
To get there, you can drive up the mountain by bus, or you can walk on foot - such a walk will take about an hour. It looks especially impressive at dusk. There is lighting installed at its foot, which allows you to see all its walls and towers even at night. The length of the fortress is more than 6 km, and the fortifications are built in 3 rows.
The fortress is an open-air museum. Here you can see the ruins of a palace built in the 13th century, as well as utility buildings of that time: water tanks, bathing baths, etc. Outside the walls of the fortress there are many residential buildings built in the century before last.
Red Tower
In the octagonal Red Tower, which for several centuries protected ancient Alanya from attacks from the sea. The tower dates back to 1226 and is featured on the city's flag. At the bottom of the tower local residents The Ethnographic Museum was opened.
In a mosque built in the 13th century at the behest of Sultan Aladdin Keykubat. During another war for territory, the mosque was destroyed, but after 4 centuries it was restored by Sultan Suleiman the Lawgiver.
Tarsene shipyard
The Tersane shipyard is one of the most grandiose maritime structures of the Middle Ages. It was built by the Seljuks in 1228. Its depth is more than 40 meters, and its length is more than 50.
The shipyard was a working enterprise until 1361. Today, on its territory you can see a small mosque and a guard building.
Caves
Of course, you cannot ignore the numerous caves, some of which are truly worth visiting. Here you can see ancient stalactites and stalagmites, and also take a boat to the cave in which, according to legend, real pirates hid.
Damlatash Cave is located at the foot of the fortress. The cave contains many stalagmites and stalactites, which are thousands of years old. You can go here during the day, when many tourists are wandering around the cave, or you can truly enjoy the mystical walk if you arrive early in the morning at the very beginning of work.
Dim Cave in Alanya
Boat trip
On a small boat you can go on a boat trip along the coastline, listen to interesting stories about Alanya and visit the cape, where there are several ancient monasteries.
Museums
It is worth visiting at least one museum - the Archaeological Museum, which houses many interesting exhibits, but the most interesting of them is the statue of Hercules, made of bronze and dated to the 2nd century BC.
Dimchai
Very a nice place- Dimchay. You can buy a tour there, or you can take a city bus.
Dimchai 
Sports and entertainment
Of course, rest in the present seaside resort cannot be limited to sightseeing. And Alanya will not disappoint lovers active rest. Tourists in Alanya have the opportunity to visit a water park, ride ATVs or go rifting.
And for those who are ready to travel a couple of tens of kilometers from the city, Silanya Marine Park, the largest in Turkey and the third largest in the world, awaits. Here, in addition to a wonderful holiday at sea, tourists are offered numerous pools, where the most adventurous can swim with stingrays or dolphins, and also watch sharks through the bars.
Foam disco for children
Features of national cuisine
Even if you are staying at an all-inclusive hotel, be sure to set aside one evening to explore the local restaurants. The cuisine in these places is worth trying at least once in your life.
National dishes are relatively inexpensive, so everyone can afford dinner at a restaurant. There are also chic restaurants in Alanya, the design of which corresponds to Turkish traditions.
Since the resort is seaside, the menu here is based on seafood dishes.
In local restaurants you can try squid, mussels, oysters, golden-headed bream, sea bass or red mullet. You should definitely have lunch with dolma, which is boiled rice cooked in grape leaves, one of the types of kebab, the Turkish version of pizza - lahmacun, meatballs called kofte or traditional pilaf.
You can drink coffee with a portion of baklava puff pastry, halva, dried fruits or local milk-rice pudding “sutlach”. In addition to coffee, you can ask mineral water or tea. But among the alcoholic drinks among the local population, aniseed vodka is the most popular. It is diluted with water, after which it takes on a cloudy appearance, but becomes softer in taste. As on the entire Mediterranean coast, any restaurant can offer local beer or wine.
Hotels from 1 to 5 stars
Most of the hotels in this resort town are located on the coast, in close proximity to the beaches, as well as in the old part of the city. Hotels here can be found of different classes, and all of them correspond to the stars stated on the sign.
Accommodation in a 5-star hotel will not be cheap, but the service here is royal. It’s a little easier, but no less comfortable, in 4-star hotels, where accommodation is much cheaper. The attitude towards tourists in Alanya is very favorable, so even in the simplest hotel the guest will not feel any particular inconvenience.
Each hotel has Wi-Fi, the cost of communication is already included in the room payment. Free Wi-Fi can also be found in cafes and restaurants.
"Turkish Rio de Janeiro"
The basis of the city's budget is tourism, so vacationers here are provided with everything they need for complete relaxation. For those who love a noisy, exciting holiday, there are many night discos, bars, clubs and other establishments that are open until the morning.
Due to the large number of nightlife options, Alanya is sometimes called Rio de Janeiro in Turkish. Bars and clubs are concentrated along the beaches and on the outskirts, so families with children can find a corner for a quiet, measured holiday. Nightclub lovers should definitely visit James Dean and Zape Hahn, which are recognized as the best establishments in their class.
For an exciting holiday with the whole family, Alanya offers Water Planet, where everyone will enjoy it: children, adults and young people. The resort allows you to choose beaches to suit every taste. For a family and relaxing holiday, it is worth settling near Incekum, where there is calm water, sand and relatively shallow depth.
For lovers of active entertainment on the water, Cleopatra Beach is equipped. Only on this beach you can take part in a unique local entertainment - oil wrestling. If such a vacation does not seem very interesting, there is plenty to choose from on the coast - there are about 20 beaches in total.
Features of Turkish shopping
In Alanya, as in other resorts in Turkey, you can combine relaxation with shopping. Here you can buy locally produced silk. If you go to the market, you can buy cuts or ready-made scarves at low prices. Shops are concentrated on the main shopping boulevard of the city - Ataturk.
There are many shopping centers, clothing and jewelry stores here. On the same boulevard you can buy leather, fur and jewelry. For lovers of cheap shopping, several stock shops are open.
How to get around Alanya
They ply around the city minibuses– low-capacity buses. They don't have clear stops, so if you need to stop the bus, raise your hand. At the request of the passenger, the drivers of such shuttle buses they stop almost everywhere. The minibuses here are affectionately called dolmus. The fare does not depend on the distance, it is fixed.
The taxi industry is also developed here. You can get anywhere in the city by private cab. The cost of the trip is not fixed, so it makes sense to bargain with the taxi driver and get a nice discount.
Safe holiday in Alanya
Since the main source of income for the city is tourism, guests here are treated very carefully and reverently. Tourist safety is at the highest level. In public places, as well as on beaches, guards are constantly on duty.
A PPS employee has the right to demand an identification document, so you must always have a copy of your passport or a certificate of check-in at the hotel with you. The hospitality of the Turks is not endless, so you should still respect the country’s culture and local customs.
Real estate prices
Since Alanya is very attractive for tourists, property prices here cannot be called low. Cost per square meter of housing and commercial real estate is constantly growing, many buyers consider the city not only as a holiday destination, but also as an attractive investment property. According to experts, prices have not yet reached their upper limit, which means it makes sense to take a closer look at local real estate properties.
Features of traditional medicine
Turkish medicine has long been known outside the country, but in Alanya they still prefer to be treated with traditional methods. Many tourists come to these places not only to relax, but also to receive treatment and find spiritual harmony. Healers do not prepare potions and decoctions, but perform rituals with amulets made from herbs, wood, semi-precious and precious stones.
How to book a trip to Alanya correctly
One of the main advantages of a holiday at this resort is its low cost. Here you can find a huge number of wonderful hotels at the most affordable prices. The combination of an excellent climate, comfortable hotels and reasonable prices make this resort a truly good choice for a holiday that leaves only good memories.
Alanya – popular resort, so it’s better to think about your trip in advance. The main thing is to decide when exactly you are going to visit it. In spring there are fewer tourists in Alanya, but swimming is only possible in the pools.
To visit here in July or August, it is worth booking a tour in February or March. And autumn comes in the city the Velvet season– all the children have already left for schools and kindergartens, and you can relax at the resorts without any fuss.
From Alanya there are good bus connections to the following Turkish cities: Istanbul (13 hours), Bodrum (3.5 hours), Antalya (2 hours), Pamukkale (3 hours) and others.
Alanya Türkiye – tour review
Read about it here.
Sights of Alanya photo gallery
