Overview

Alanya, formerly Alaiye, is an upscale beach resort city at the southern end of Turkey's Mediterranean region. It is located in Antalya's easternmost region. It's one of Turkey's most popular vacation spots nowadays, especially among sun, sea, and sand devotees. It attracts millions of tourists each year.
Many Mediterranean empires have fought for control of Alanya's strategic location on a small peninsula in the Mediterranean below the Taurus Mountains.
In 1985, 87,080 people lived in the city; today, about 248,000. Many of these people are immigrants from countries like Germany, Russia, Denmark, and the United Kingdom, to name just a few.
The population, including tourists, reaches roughly 1.1 million people during the summer months. Here in Alanya, you can see that it's a major tourist attraction and also a multicultural center.
In Alanya, Turkey's southernmost city, visitors may enjoy a unique blend of relaxation, historical exploration, and adventure.

Tourists flock to Alanya because of its pristine beaches, historical artifacts, natural beauty, restaurants, bars, and discos in modern hotels, cafes, and pubs. Its Mediterranean climate, natural wonders, and rich history make it a famous tourist destination.
It accounts for nine percent of Turkey's total tourism revenue and thirty percent of all Turkish real estate sales made by foreign buyers outside of the country.
Annually, Alanya hosts a variety of warm-weather sporting and cultural events. One of the most striking features of Alanya is its location at the foot of Turkey's Taurus Mountains.
Seaside resorts are a significant draw to Alanya. From June to August, northern Europeans flock to the town's sandy beaches and those that line the surrounding coast for a laid-back beach vacation.
Alanya's charm extends far beyond the city's coastline. Stone walls and well-preserved fortifications encircle a historic castle area on the peninsula's cliffs. More historical relics may be seen in the harbor, surrounded by a bay full of yachts ready to take you out to sea.
Alanya's proximity to some of the Mediterranean region's best-known historic ruins and tourist attractions means that if you'd prefer to go away from the beach for a day, there's plenty to keep you engaged.

Things to Do & See in Alanya

Explore Alanya Castle and Red Tower

A 10-hectare peninsula once encircled by 6 kilometers of walls, the Castle of Alanya has seen civilizations as diverse as Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman. It is a must-see when visiting Alanya. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage Sights list as a possible candidate.

Fortress Alaaddin Keykubat, the Seljuk Sultan who conquered the city and rebuilt it, erected the castle in 1221. At this castle, there are 83 turrets and 140 bastions. About 400 cisterns were constructed to supply the city's water needs. Today, a few of the original cisterns are still in active use.

In addition to taking in the breathtaking 360-degree view, you get a distinct impression that this is a place where history has been made. During the Classical period, the rocky, cave-filled peninsula that now houses Alanya Castle was a favorite hangout of pirates. During the Roman period, the Greek-built walls were expanded.

The inner castle has Greek, Seljuk, and Ottoman relics. It can be reached through a trail from Ehdemek. Today, it is still in service as the largest of its 400 cisterns.
In the fortress, the Byzantium Church is among the most well-preserved works. The stair-accessible part behind the church serves as a viewing platform. Watching the city from this location, especially around sunset, is highly recommended.

After exploring the castle ruins, head to the waterfront to see the Red Tower, a hexagonal structure that dates back to the 16th century. It was constructed in 1226 to guard the fortress and the neighboring shipyard.

See Breathtaking Views at Sapadere Canyon

Sapadere Canyon lies in the mountains east of Alanya. You won't be disappointed by Sapadere, which is a hidden gem. It's a deep canyon, with limestone cliffs on both sides, cut through the mountains by the raging river. It provides visitors with a chance to take in the crisp, clean air and listen to the soothing sound of the rushing water.

At Sapadere, you'll observe the humble beauty of a mosque and Turkish house and the machinery used to produce silk and silkworm cocoons.

With a well-maintained path through the woods, You can enjoy breathtaking views of the canyon's cascading waterfalls. You'll get a great view of the waterfall from wooden footbridges along the cliffs. Of course, you don't need to be an expert climber or have any specific equipment to enjoy this experience. A few ladders are available for those who choose to climb up and down.

It's an excellent place to learn how to do cold-water swimming because the water is only about 10 degrees Celsius. It is a lovely way to take in the breathtaking scenery surrounded by mountains and rock formations. There are a few places where you may cool yourself in the lake.

From Alanya, it's about a 40-minute journey to Sapadere, which offers stunning mountain views.

Visit Kleopatra (Cleopatra) Beach

Kleopatra beach, the town's most decent sandy length, folded at the foot of the great peninsula topped with a medieval castle. It is a long expanse of sand that gradually narrows toward the castle and the Taurus Mountains in the north.

A large promenade between the beach and Ataturk Boulevard is dotted with beach clubs with sun loungers and an area of vegetation with playgrounds and flowerbeds.

The beach may best be seen from the medieval castle's vantage point, framed by the pretty steep foothills of the surrounding mountains. Teleferik, a cable car service, makes getting to the beach easier.

Cleopatra inspired the beach's name, which is surrounded by mythology. The Egyptian queen is claimed to have bathed here with Mark Anthony, her lover.

There is little doubt this is a beachfront fit for a king or queen, thanks to its beautiful and delicate sand, regardless of the story's strength. It's no surprise that this beach has received numerous Blue Flag honors over the years, given the fact that the water is both warm and incredibly clear.

A vast promenade surrounds the beach with numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants. In addition, there are hoops and tennis courts, fitness centers, and a swimming pool with a diving board.