Alanya is a resort worthy of Cleopatra herself.
Alanya is one of the most popular resorts located in Turkey. This place is famous for its mild climate, picturesque nature, where the rocky coast is interrupted by beaches with golden sand and the purest aquamarine water.
Alanya is a city whose history goes back more than four thousand years. It was founded in the second century BC by Greek colonists. Was a haven for ruthless and bloodthirsty sea pirates during the Roman Empire; part of the Byzantine Empire; for several centuries, was part of the Armenian kingdom of Cilicia; and later became part of the Ottoman Empire. Such a bright, multifaceted, eventful history could not but be reflected in the culture of the modern city.
The Roman commander Marcus Aurelius gave this place to his beloved - the queen Egypt Cleopatra VII Philopator. Cleopatra fell in love with this place and spent a lot of time there. Today, her name can be found throughout the city in the names of hotels and residential complexes, cafes and restaurants, beauty salons; one of the city's beaches is also named after Cleopatra.
For more information about history, climate, interesting places, see HERE.
You can fly to Alanya through Gazipasa Airport, which is the closest to the city (40 km from it) or airport in Antalya (140 km to Alanya, which takes approximately 3.5-4 hours by bus or car). From Gazipasa airport to Alanya can be reached by public transport (local minibuses or bus), order a transfer, taxi or rent a car.
What to see in Alanya.
Most of the sights are located in the very heart of the city, on a rocky peninsula protruding into the sea. Here you can visit:
Alanya Fortress, built in the 13th century. This fortress is one of the symbols of the city. Impregnable, surrounded on three sides by sheer cliffs, it has been perfectly preserved. On its territory there is a medieval castle, as well as the Suleymaniye Mosque;
Tersane Shipyard. It was also built in the 13th century and served faithfully for many years, until the 1960s, when it was finally converted into a museum;
The Red Tower (Kyzyl Kule). Monument of the Seljuk period of the city's history. Another fortification that protected the city from invaders from the sea. The octagonal tower rises 33 meters up. From its top, which can be climbed by climbing 56 steps, you can see the whole city, the harbor and the sea. In the tower itself, on the ground floor, there is the Ethnographic Museum, which exhibits household items from the Ottoman Empire.
More details about the city and its historical places can be read on the official website of the Municipality Alanya.
Without leaving the city center you can visit a natural attraction - Damlatash Cave and admire the ancient stalactites and stalagmites, as well as breathe in the healing air of the cave.
Not far from the cave is Alanya Archaeological Museum. Household objects from different times are presented here, placed in 14 rooms inside the museum and in the open-air hall.
Another atmospheric place is the lighthouse. A magnificent snow-white building from which the whole city and the coast are visible.
Interesting places near the city of Alanya.
It is more convenient to view the beauty of nature, mountains and rocks, as well as sights around the city with a rented car. Within 50 km from Alanya are available:
Siedra Antique City. If you leave the city in the direction of Gazipasa, approximately in the middle of the way, the ruins of a large medieval trading city will open. It once had a population of about 5,000 people.
Sapadere Canyon. The most beautiful place where you can cool off a little on a miserable summer day, take a walk along the hiking route along the mountain gorge, enjoy the picturesque views of nature, pine forests and streams of icy water falling down. It is located 50 km from the city.
Sealanya Dolphinarium. This is a real city of water entertainment, just a 25-minute drive from the center of Alanya. In addition to pools where dolphins and fur seals perform, visitors have the opportunity to snorkel on the coral reef, ride around the city, relax on the sandy beach, etc.
Alara Khan Fortress. More one medieval fortress built during the Byzantine Empire. It is located at a distance of about 40 km from the center of Alanya. The fortress is located high on the mountain. You can climb to the top on foot, overcoming 120 steps carved directly into the rock or using the funicular.
What and where to eat in Alanya.
The basis of the local cuisine is meat dishes seasoned with various vegetables. In particular, here you can taste kebab (grilled meat) made from beef, lamb, poultry.
Fish dishes are also held in high esteem, such as river trout, as well as seafood. As a snack, as a rule, they will serve lavash or haidari.
Delicious, hearty meal or order with delivery at an attractive price, both European and local dishes can be found at the Oztas Kebap & Tantuni cafe located at Merkez, Kadıpaşa Mahallesi, ptt sk, Postane Arkası 2 a, 07400 Alanya/Antalya (tel. +902425136499).
You can taste excellent steaks, fish dishes, seafood, as well as pizza or pasta at Olivia Gourmet Restaurant & Cafe Bar, located at Guller Pinari Mah, Ahmet Tokus Bulvari, No: 35, Alanya 07400 (tel. +90 242 519 09 07).
You can enjoy meat and seafood dishes with excellent service at Mezze Grill Ocakbasi Restaurant. The restaurant is located at Saray Mah.Atatürk Blv. No:84/B, Alanya 07400 (tel. +90 242 512 89 00).
Back to news » Parking in Alanya.
Only personal vehicles will give freedom of movement, especially since there are excellent roads and a huge number of viewing platforms in the resort part of Turkey. Help in finding a car for rent will be provided by the website bookingautos.com.
In the city center, near the beach and local attractions, most often parking is paid, as indicated by large and very visible signs. Hourly fee 15 minutes free, 1 hour - 3 lira, 2 hours - 6 lira. Enforcement of parking rules is monitored by special people in orange vests who issue receipts and accept payments. You can buy a subscription from the parking attendants, valid for one month, which will save on parking.
In the center of the city of Parking are next to:
· red tower - Turkey, Antalya, Alanya, Charshi, Rıhtım Cad., 17;
· municipality - Turkey, Antalya, Alanya, Izzet Azakoglu street, 58;
· Bus station - Turkey, Antalya, Alanya, Maiden Couple., Ali Dizdaroälu Sok., 7.
You can park for free at within the city, in places where parking is not prohibited.
