Alanya

Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea along what is known as the “Turkish Riviera”, Alanya is a coastal resort renowned as a magnificent beach destination. Since ancient times, the shoreline of this area has been highly coveted, with numerous rulers and sovereigns said to have loved bathing in these waters. Its strategic position has always made it a contested territory during the various kingdoms and empires that succeeded one another—from Roman to Ottoman, passing through Egyptian rule and the Seljuk dominion. In particular, after being conquered by the Roman Empire, the area was gifted by General Mark Antony to the Egyptian queen Cleopatra, who particularly appreciated this stretch of coastline.

Subsequently, the area came under Byzantine control, then fell to the Seljuk Turks, who made the city an important political and commercial centre. Under the leadership of Sultan Alâeddin Keykubad I, from whom the city also took its name, Alanya gained great significance through the construction of a defensive system comprising the Red Tower (Kızıl Kule), an arsenal and formidable city walls. In the 15th century, following the expansion campaigns of Sultan Mehmed II, known as the Conqueror, the city was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire.

Alanya’s beaches

The coastline of Alanya is rich with beaches surrounded by hotels, resorts and bars that attract tourists throughout the summer, not only from Turkey but also from other countries, particularly across Europe. Starting from Alanya’s harbour area, it’s lovely to stroll along the seafront promenade, which is always bustling with cafés and restaurants serving local cuisine.

Among the city’s most famous beaches is undoubtedly Cleopatra Beach (Kleopatra Plajı), one of the most renowned not only in the area but throughout Turkey, thanks to its fine sand and crystal-clear waters. Legend has it that Queen Cleopatra herself swam in these splendid waters thousands of years ago and fell so in love with the location that she requested it as a gift from General Mark Antony. Here, spacious equipped areas with sunbeds, umbrellas and facilities alternate with free beach zones, whilst bars, cafés and restaurants surround the shore.

Nearby is Damlataş Beach, home to the eponymous caves that can be explored via excursions offering the chance to admire unique stalactites and stalagmites. The beach is not particularly extensive, but boasts well-equipped facilities with everything you need (sunbeds, umbrellas, toilets, showers, changing cabins…) and allows you to spend relaxing days in the sun as well as swimming in calm, clear waters.

Moving towards the eastern section of the coastline, you’ll find Portakal Beach, a well-equipped shore where you can enjoy a wide range of water activities and sports, such as SUP, canoeing, jet skiing and windsurfing. Another distinctive feature of this beach, however, is definitely the sea bed, which is not sandy but composed of pebbles, requiring the use of water shoes.

In the area between the Dimcay river and the Mediterranean Sea, you’ll find the tranquil Tosmur Beach, characterised by fresh river waters mingling with the salt water of the sea to form a clear and crystalline pool.

Things to do in Alanya

Beyond its beautiful beaches, Alanya also boasts a medieval historic centre and numerous sites of great interest worth visiting to discover the history of these territories. Perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the coastline stands Alanya Castle, a fortress built in the 13th century by Seljuk Sultan Alâeddin Keykubad but subsequently restored multiple times. The complex can be reached via a scenic cable car journey, affording magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from the summit. It is now considered an open-air museum, and houses a museum site preserving artefacts from the Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman periods. At the top of the hill you’ll also find the Süleymaniye Mosque, constructed during the same period as the Castle but restored in the Ottoman era, and a lively covered bazaar (bedesten) with numerous stalls and shops selling local produce.

Descending to the shoreline area, not far from the historic centre, stands the famous Red Tower (Kızılkule), which for years was an important part of the city’s defence and fortification system. Now considered Alanya’s symbol, the Tower is an octagonal building constructed in the 13th century by Sultan Alâeddin Keykubad, and from its summit you can enjoy breathtaking views.

Another wonderful activity in Alanya is an excursion to Damlataş Cave (Damlatas Mağarası), located near Cleopatra Beach and renowned for its numerous ancient rock formations.

Where to stay in Alanya

Alanya is rich in accommodation options, resorts and boutique hotels, principally concentrated in the town centre and seafront area. In particular, near Cleopatra Beach and along the eastern coastline (near Portakal Beach), you’ll find many hotels and resorts with sea views across various price ranges and with different facilities included.

Recommended hotels in Alanya

We offer a selection of hotels at Alanya to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Alanya, sorted by number of reviews.

Apartments and vacation homes in Alanya

If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Alanya. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Alanya are in high demand.

How to reach Alanya

Alanya is located 130 km south-east of Antalya, the principal city in this region, and the two are connected by the D400 state road, which winds along the coast. Alanya also has an airport 40 km from the town centre, offering connections to the capital Ankara and to both Istanbul airports.

Alternatively, Antalya’s international airport, which has far more frequent flights and connections to more Turkish cities, is approximately 125 km away. From Antalya, you can take a taxi, private transfer or buses connecting the two cities in around two and a half hours. Another option is to use rail connections, as Alanya station is linked to various cities in the region, though train journeys are often quite lengthy.

Alanya Weather