Ancient Seljuk ruins and mystical caves stand alongside golden-sand beaches and resort hotels in this lively city on the Turkish Riviera.
Old meets new in Alanya with an intriguing blend of ancient Seljuk heritage and modern resort activities. Explore a citadel of centuries-old landmarks, visit archaeological museums and discover the stunning natural beauty of Turkey’s Mediterranean coastline. Additionally, Alanya offers attractive sandy beaches, amusement parks, seafront hotels and a lively nightlife scene.
Alanya began as a fortified citadel on a rocky peninsula. It is home to popular historical attractions such as the 13th-century Alanya Castle, built by the sultan of the Seljuk dynasty. Stroll along zigzagging lanes lined with cafés and souvenir shops to Alanya Shipyard, one of Turkey’s last surviving Seljuk dockyards. Gaze up at the impressive Red Tower, a 108-foot-tall (33-metre) octagonal watchtower.
Stretching in both directions from the peninsula are safe swimming beaches framed by all-inclusive hotels, bars and restaurants. Select one to sip a raki (aniseed-flavored liquor) and sample a Turkish kebab or meze (mixed appetiser platter). Join boat trips to magnificent sea caves, including Asiklar Cave, Kizlar Cave and Phosphorus Cave.
Try Jet-Skiing, parasailing and snorkeling at Keykubat Beach and Portakal Beach, running east from the shipyard. Go to Damlatas Beach, near the peninsula’s western side, and marvel at the stalagmites and stalactites of Damlatas Cave. Continue to Cleopatra Beach, another popular watersports centre. Legend states that the Egyptian queen Cleopatra once swam here.
Away from the beach, museums retrace the city’s history. Spot artefacts from the Byzantine, Ottoman, Seljuk and Roman periods at the Alanya Archaeological Museum. Learn about the Turkish revolutionist Mustafa Kemal Ataturk at the Alanya Ataturk House Museum.
Have fun on fairground attractions and waterslides at Alanya Lunapark. Browse the boutiques and fashion outlets of Alanya Shopping Mall. Enjoy a night out at the cocktail bars, discos and pubs centred on the historic shipyard.
Get here by flying to Gazipaşa Airport, located 25 miles (41 kilometres) south from Alanya’s city centre. Flights arrive daily from major European destinations. Balmy Mediterranean temperatures make holidays in Alanya pleasant year-round.
