Alanya: The pearl of the Turkish Riviera

Alanya is a popular holiday resort on the Turkish Riviera on the Mediterranean Sea. It is a wonderful land surrounded by the Taurus Mountains. The city is divided by a huge rocky promontory, on the top of which there is a defensive fortress with three towers. Recreation on the famous Cleopatra Beach and other beautiful beaches along the Mediterranean coast attracts thousands of tourists every year. Holidays in Alanya are therefore a perfect choice for all those who want carefree relaxation, sunbathing and swimming. The resort also has some of the best hotels with water parks in Turkey. However, these are not the only attractions of Alanya.

Alanya is a city in southern Turkey, in the province of Antalya, on the Turkish Riviera, on the Mediterranean Sea. From the land side it is surrounded by the Taurus Mountains. Located in ancient Pamphylia. One of the largest Turkish holiday resorts, located 135 km east of Antalya.

Beaches

Cleopatra Beach

The most beautiful and famous beach in Alanya is Cleopatra Beach. This place is popular for its fine golden sand, calm and exceptionally clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, amazing views and excellent tourist facilities. There are also excellent conditions for diving and practicing various water sports. There is also an aqua park nearby, which will be a great attraction for children. Cleopatra Beach is undoubtedly one of the greatest attractions of Alanya.

It is also worth visiting the beaches: Damlataş, Portakal and Keykubat.

Sightseeing

Analya Old Town

The Old Town – Kaleicii, is in a prime location and has a rich history. There are Hadrianus Door, Yivli Minare, Kesik Minare, Mevlevihane, and many museums, old houses, and narrow streets, making your stay in this city an unforgettable trip into the past.

Red Tower

The Red Tower has been the symbol of Alanya since 1226. Its construction was initiated by the conqueror of the city, Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Kejkubat. The Sultan wanted to strengthen the city’s defenses and commissioned its construction. The Red Tower is located between the current port and the Seljuk Shipyards. It is a great viewpoint over the entire eastern part of Alanya. There are 85 steps to the top of this five-story structure. The steps are intentionally steep and high because the climb was intended to tire the invader.

Damlataş Cave

Damlataş Cave is a very interesting sightseeing point, a cave located on the western side of the Alanya peninsula. It is a land cave, access to which is from Cleopatra’s beach. It was discovered in 1948 during the construction of the port. The magical appearance of stalactites with water dripping from them invites you to go further into a corridor that stretches for 50 meters, behind which there is a cylindrical cave reaching a height of 15 m, from there you go down to the bottom of the cave. The temperature in the cave is constant, both in summer and winter, at 22°C and the humidity is 95%.

Kale Castle

Alanya Castle located on a hill is the most visited tourist attraction in the city, view from the mountain’s scenic landscape is amazing. In fact, all that remains of the former fortified castle is a ring of defensive walls. However, it is worth reaching the top to Kale Castle in Alanya to see beautiful panoramic views of the entire Alanya bay, the port and the city. Within the defensive walls, the ruins of a Byzantine chapel and a cistern have been preserved.

Teleferic cable car

When traveling around Alanya, it is worth taking the cable car to the Kale Castle Hill. Built in 2017, the Teleferic cable car departs directly from Cleopatra Beach and reaches halfway to the castle hill. From here there is quite a steep ramp and stairs towards the outskirts of the castle. Along the way, you can visit a 13th-century mosque, a former Muslim cemetery and charming tenement houses. But the most important thing are the beautiful views from the top in Alanya.

Alanya Archaeological Museum

The Alanya Archaeological Museum has a collection of finds from the Bronze Age, Phrygian, Urartian and Lydian periods, which are of great importance for discovering the deep-rooted history and rich chronological history of Anatolia.

Dim Cave

Another impressive attraction is the Dim Cave, 12 km east of the Turkish city of Alanya. It is located on the slope of Mount Cebel-i Reis (height 1,649 m above sea level), part of the Taurus Mountains. It is probably about a million years old. It consists of two separate parts, one extending 50 m and the other 360 m deep. The cave, surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites, has a small lake at its bottom.

Big Kral Pirate Ship Cruise

Great adventures will be provided by a trip on the Alanya Big Kral pirate ship, which invites you to take part in an exceptionally fun day at sea. Sail into the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea on a three-deck boat, have fun on the boat and admire the stunning views.

This full-day tour will provide you with an amazing sailing experience as you sail along the beautiful coast of Alanya. You will see pristine and peaceful bays. We will stop at four different caves where you can swim and discover their beauty. Caves: Cleopatra’s, Phosphoric, Lovers’ and Pirates’ Caves.

During the boat trip, you will be part of a crazy party full of foam. The Ship has a fully equipped disco, where you can hit the dance floor and have fun with rhythmic international music. The Alanya Big Kral Pirate Ship Tour is also a great option for families with small children. A professional crew will provide children with entertainment and pirate-themed activities, such as treasure hunting, puzzles and various games.

Holets

Aria Riva Hotel Alanya

The best hotels in Alanya:

Aria Riva Hotel Alanya

Kleopatra Arsi Hotel

Museum Hotel Antique Roman Palace

Oba Star Hotel

Arsi Enfi City Beach

Avena Resort & Spa

Kaila Beach Hotel

Alan Xafira Deluxe Resort & Spa-ULTRA ALL INCLUSIVE

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Monica
Monica is a passionate travel article writer with a deep love for exploring new destinations and immersing herself in different cultures. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she brings her readers along on captivating journeys through her vivid descriptions and engaging narratives.

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