Alanya is one of the most colorful and picturesque cities in Turkey, located on the southern coast of the country, in the province of Antalya. This resort town on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea attracts millions of tourists every year due to its mild climate, historical heritage, turquoise sea and hospitable atmosphere. Alanya is more than just a resort. It is a place where Eastern culture meets Western comfort and antiquity meets modernity.

📍 Geography and climate

Alanya is located in the southwest of Turkey, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Taurus mountain range. The unique geographical position creates a microclimate here: warm winters and hot but relatively humid summers. There are more than 300 sunny days a year. The average air temperature reaches +30°C in summer and rarely drops below +15°C in winter. The bathing season lasts from April to November.

🏛 History

The history of Alanya goes back thousands of years. In ancient times, the city was called Korakesion and was known as a base for pirates who controlled trade in the eastern Mediterranean. Later, during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, the city became an important port.

Alanya reached its greatest prosperity during the Seljuk Empire in the 13th century, when Sultan Alaeddin Key Kubad made it his winter residence. It was during this period that the famous Red Tower(Kızıl Kule) and the shipyard(Tersane) were built and the city walls that still surround the historical center were reinforced.

🏖 Beaches and nature

Alanya is famous for its picturesque beaches, most of which have the Blue Flag for cleanliness and safety:

• Cleopatra Beach is the most famous and popular, with golden sand and crystal clear water. According to legend, Queen Cleopatra vacationed here.

• Keikubat Beach - stretches along the eastern coast of the city, ideal for walks and family vacations.

• Damlatash - near the cave of the same name, known for its healing properties due to the high humidity and saturation of the air with minerals.

In addition to beaches, the nature of Alanya offers mountain trails, waterfalls (such as Duden near Antalya), canyons and caves, including the unique Damlatash Cave and Dim Cave located in the Taurus Mountains.

🏰 Attractions

Alanya is a true open-air museum. Here are just some of its main attractions:

• TheAlanya Fortress is a monumental 13th century structure located on a rocky promontory. The views from here are some of the most picturesque on the coast.

• TheRed Tower (Kızıl Kule) is an octagonal red brick tower, the symbol of the city, built in 1226.

• Old Shipbuilding Dock (Tersane) - Turkey's only surviving medieval shipyard.

• Archaeological Museum - a small but interesting museum with exhibits from the Roman and Byzantine period.

• Damlatas Cave - one of the firstcaves opened to tourists in Turkey, a popular place for asthma treatment.

🍽 Cuisine and gastronomy

Alanya's cuisine combines the traditions of Mediterranean and Anatolian cuisine:

• Gözleme - flatbreads with cheese, herbs or potatoes, pan-fried.

• Kebabs - in different variants: adana, urfa,kebabs.

• Seafood - fresh fish and calamari, often served with olive oil and lemon.

• Orange honey is a specialty of the region.

• Local fruits - figs, pomegranates, oranges, bananas - are often grown right within the city limits.

🛍 Shopping and bazaars

Alanya is famous for its oriental bazaars and markets, where you can find:

• Turkish sweets - lukum, baklava, halva.

• Spices and herbs.

• Handmade ceramics.

• Leather goods and textiles.

• Jewelry and copperware.

Modern shopping centers such as Alanyum and Konaklı Time Center offer branded stores and cafes.

🏡 Real estate and living in Alanya

Alanya has become a popular place not only for tourists but also for foreigners to live. There are many residential complexes with swimming pools and sea views, developed infrastructure, there are international schools, clinics, restaurants.

The city is actively developing, while maintaining a unique atmosphere of measured life by the sea. Russian-speaking community is also quite numerous, many services are duplicated in English and Russian.

✈ Transportation and accessibility

The nearest airports are:

• Gazipasa (GZP) - 40 km from the city, serves domestic and international flights.

• Antalya (AYT) - about 125 km away, the largest airport in the region.

Intercity buses, shuttles(dolmuş), cabs and car rentals make it easy to travel both in and out of the city.

🎭 Culture and events

Every summer Alanya hosts:

• Red Tower Jazz Festival

• Alanya Culture and Arts Festival

• Festivals of kites, gastronomy, fishing, etc.

Traditional Turkish parties, 1001 Nights shows, hammams and pirate ship rides are also popular.

🧳 Conclusion

Alanya is the perfect balance between relaxation, culture and nature. It is suitable for both beach vacations and for those looking for inspiration in history, architecture and picturesque landscapes. Here everyone will find something different: bustling center with bars and restaurants, secluded bays, ancient ruins, active sports, nightlife and family comfort.

Alanya is a city you want to come back to.