Places to Visit in Alanya and Alanya Travel Guide

You can find whatever you are looking for from a holiday in Alanya; History, nature, sea, culture, entertainment are all waiting for you in this beautiful city! History of Alanya, best time to go to Alanya, transportation to Alanya, places to visit in Alanya, what to eat in Alanya, accommodation in Alanya, Alanya nightlife, activities to do in Alanya, Alanya beaches comic What you need to know about Alanya everything Alanya travel guide I have brought together in this article of the nature, do not make a plan for Alanya without reading this article!

History of Alanya

Before I start showing you around Alanya, I would like to briefly talk about the history of Alanya. Thus, our stops in the list of places to visit in Alanya will be much more meaningful.

Although the first establishment date of Alanya, which is one of the most important holiday resorts of the Mediterranean Region and by whom it was founded, is not known exactly. Finds dating back to 20.000-17.000 years ago have been found. Since it was located on the border of Pamphylia and Cilicia in ancient times, it went into the pages of history as the city of Pamphylia and sometimes Cilicia. According to the historian Herodotus, the people living in this region are descendants of the colonies that dispersed to Anatolia after the Trojan War.

The name of the city, which was named Kalanoros in the Eastern Roman Period; In the 13th century, when the Anatolian Seljuk ruler I. Alaaddin Keykubat (1200-1237) took the castle, it was changed to Alaiye, which means the city of Alaaddin.

Scylax, one of the ancient geographers of the 4th century BC, and later the famous ancient writer Strabon, Piri Reis, İbn-i Batuta and Evliya Çelebi came to this region and mentioned Alanya in their works. The city, which was the second capital of the Anatolian Seljuks, increased its importance at that time. The important historical places of the city such as the Shipyard, Kızıl Kule and Tophane were built during this period. After the collapse of the Anatolian Seljuks, the city was first included in the borders of the Karamanoğulları and then the Ottoman Empire.

Best Time to Go to Alanya

Although Alanya is one of the favorite holiday destinations of summer vacationers, the best time to go to Alanya for me is April-May, October-November. If you do not want to struggle with heat and humidity, you can choose these periods. However, I want my bones to warm, I'm going for the sea-sun. If you say to Alanya, of course, you can choose the summer months. If you are going during the summer months, don't forget to take plenty of sunscreen and a hat, of course.

Transportation to Alanya

Alanya is located within the provincial borders of Antalya in the Mediterranean Region, which is the warmest region of our country. Alanya is built on a peninsula surrounded by the magnificent Taurus Mountains in the north and the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea in the south.

Places to visit in the center of Antalya Check out my post too.

• The distance between Alanya and Antalya city center is approximately 133 km,
• The distance between Alanya and Antalya Airport is 125 km,
• The distance between Alanya and Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport is approximately 41 km.

Reaching Alanya by air The best option is to use Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport. You can rent a car from the airport or use Havaş shuttles. It takes about 1 hour between Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport and Alanya center and the price is 2022 TL in May 45. You can also reach the city center by taxi or the transfer service you can get from the hotel you will be staying.

If you are going to Alanya with your own private car or rental car; When you follow the coastal road to the east after Antalya, the road will bring you to Alanya. I personally don't like to drive on this road because there are always traffic lights or radars. Don't say that you have to go slow on the big highway.

If you are going to Alanya by public transport; Well-known bus companies from many big cities of Turkey have direct bus services to Alanya. If you cannot find the time that suits you, it may be another option to come to Antalya and continue with Alanya buses from Antalya.

List and Map of Places to Visit in Alanya

On the map below, you can see the list of places to visit in Alanya, accommodation options in Alanya, places to eat and drink in Alanya and Alanya Central Beaches.

List of places to visit in Alanya is summarized below. You can find the details in the rest of the article.

Places to Visit in Alanya

Let's come, probably the reason why you are reading this article. Places to visit in Alanya to the details of our list. As someone who has been to Alanya many times at different times, I tried to add my own favorite places and popular spots to this list. If there are places that you think are missing, if you add them to the comments, it will be useful to others who read this article.

Alanya Castle (Inner Castle)

Alanya Castle, one of the most beautiful medieval castles preserved in Anatolia to this day, is an open-air museum built on a 10-hectare peninsula and surrounded by 6 km long walls. The castle, which is the symbol of Alanya; It has many places to visit with 140 bastions, 400 cisterns, churches, Kızılkule, Ehmedek, İçkale, Tophane and Shipyard, old Alanya houses.

There is no fee to enter the castle walls, but since the section where the inner castle is located has the status of a museum / ruins, the entrance is paid and there is a restriction on visiting hours. In this section, the cisterns, the sultan's palace, the wards and a chapel can be visited.

• Entrance fee: 50 TL, Museum card valid.
• Visiting hours: Opening Time: 08:30 – Closing Time: 20:30 – Box Office Closing Time: 20:00
• Transportation: You can reach the castle from Alanya center by cable car or minibus.

We used to throw stones into the water from this part of Alanya Castle, we believed that if the stone reached the sea, our wishes would come true. Unfortunately, they banned the throwing of stones.

Ehmedek Castle

Since Alanya Castle is a peninsula surrounded by the sea on three sides, another inner castle was built to strengthen the land side, it is called Ehmedek. Ehmedek consists of two separate sections with three towers each. Suleymaniye Mosque, Culture and Silk House, Mecveddin Cistern, Gemili Masjid and Market Gate are the places you can see in this region. Entry to this part of the castle is free. This is the first part to be reached from Alanya center by cable car. Also, the sunset view from here is amazing!

Red Tower

The castle and the port area are among my favorite places in Alanya. Kızılkule welcomes those who come to the port with all its beauty and splendor, like the watchman of the port area.

Kızılkule was built by Alaaddin Keykubat in 1226 to protect Alanya Harbor. The octagonal planned tower is 33 meters high and 29 meters in diameter. You'll have to climb the 85-step stone staircase to get to the tower, so don't push your luck on hot summer days. Even when I went in October, I met someone who fainted from the heat. In the middle of the tower is one of the many water cisterns of Alanya Castle. There is a walking path extending from the first floor of Kızılkule to the inside of the city wall, now you can go to a certain point, then it is closed.

The entrance fee of Kızılkule in 2021 was 12 TL and the Müzekart was valid. However, it was said that it will be removed from the Müzekart system in 2022, it would be great if those who go and learn about the latest situation report it.

Let's not pass without mentioning that there is an Atatürk Monument on the beach right in front of Kızılkule.

Historical Alanya Shipyard

One of the places that played an important role in making Alanya Alanya, in my opinion, is the Historical Alanya Shipyard. It still looks beautiful from both land and sea. One of the symbols of Alanya, the Shipyard was built in 1228 by Alaaddin Keykubat.

The Shipyard, which consists of five arched eyes facing the sea, was built at a length of 56,5 meters and a depth of 44 meters. Realizing the strategic location of Alanya, Alaaddin Keykubat had a shipyard built here, and with the shipyard he had built on the Black Sea coast, he dominated the Mediterranean and the Black Sea and received the title of "sultan of the two seas". During this period, he increased the importance of the city by making trade agreements with the Venetians.

This beautiful shipyard continued to serve as a shipyard until the 1960s. It can now be visited as a museum. Old ship skeletons and shipbuilding materials are also exhibited inside. The entrance fee of the Shipyard in 2021 was 12 TL and the Müzekart was valid. However, it was said that in 2022 it will be removed from the Müzekart system.

Maybe you want to bring your swimsuit when you come to Tersane, because there is a sparkling beach in front of the Shipyard where you can swim, also called Tersane Beach.

Armory

While walking from Kızılkule to Shipyard, you will pass Tophane. Tophane, which was built in 10 to protect the Shipyard at an altitude of 1227 meters from the sea, can be seen as an open-air museum today, you do not need to pay any entrance fee.

Alanya Harbor

When you come to Alanya, Alanya Harbor is one of the places where you will eventually fall on your way. The port, which is currently used by daily boat tours, diving boats and fishing boats departing from Alanya, was an important trade center in history. You can take a break at one of the many restaurants and cafes around the port and watch the lively day here.

Damlataş Cave

Damlataş Cave, one of the first caves in Turkey to be opened to tourism, was discovered by chance in 1948 during the construction of the port. At the entrance of the cave on the west side of Alanya Castle, there is a 15-meter passage at a height of 50 meters, after which you can proceed towards the cave. It is estimated that the stalactites and stalagmites in the cave were formed in 15 thousand years. The constant temperature of 22.3 degrees, 95 percent humidity and 760 mm pressure in the cave in summer and winter are good for asthma patients.

The cave can be visited between 09:00 and 20:00, the full entrance fee for 2021 is 12 TL, and the student entrance fee is 6 TL.

Alanya Cable Car

Two minutes away from Damlataş Cave, there is the Alanya Cable Car, where you can go up to Alanya Castle. The exit view is so beautiful, especially at sunset, that it seemed to me that it took a very short time. I took the photo above during this debut.

The cable car operates between 09:30 and 23:00. For 2022, the one-way fare is 38 TL, and the round-trip fare is 45 TL. For all current ticket prices Alanya Cable Car websiteYou can visit.

Alanya Museum

Alanya Museum, which is within walking distance of Damlataş Cave; It consists of Anatolian Civilizations, Ship and Maritime, Herakles, Alanya Castle, Coin Hall sections. Artifacts from the recent history, starting from 12 thousand years ago, are exhibited in the museum. The most famous work of the museum is the Heracles Statue, generally everyone comes to the museum to see this statue.

Alanya Museum entrance fee is 15 TL, Müzekart is valid.

Alanya Ataturk House Museum

A traditional Alanya House, where our Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk stayed for a while during his visit to Alanya in 1935, has been turned into a museum and opened to visitors. Atatürk's personal belongings, a telegram he wrote to the people of Alanya, and materials describing the traditions and customs of Alanya's recent past are exhibited in the museum.

Alanya Atatürk House Museum entrance is free.

Alanya Observation Terrace

If you want to watch Alanya from a height of 650 meters from the sea, you can visit the Alanya View Terrace, arranged by Alanya Municipality. There is also a buffet and a tea garden on the terrace with a picnic and resting area. You can choose this place for breakfast or sunset.

Alanya Marina

Alanya Marina, which is only 5 km from Alanya city center, serves as a marina. Although this place does not seem like a place to visit, it is a place where people of Alanya often fall, with its restaurants and Illusion Event Hall.

Dim Cave

Dim Cave, located 14 km from Alanya city center, is one of Alanya's popular touristic spots. Located at a point overlooking the valley formed by the Dim Stream, the cave was formed by the erosion of the limestone rocks by the rain waters, and its estimated age is 1 million. For everything you wonder about Dim Cave and Dim Stream Dim Cave You can take a look at my post.

The entrance fee to Dim Cave is 60 TL in full, 20 TL at a discount.

Dim Stream

Dim Stream is a great cooling off point to escape the heat of Alanya. In summer and spring, you can come for breakfast or main course at the restaurants on the banks of the river, swim in the tea, sunbathe and enjoy the coolness. There are many restaurants on the banks of Dim Stream, I ate trout and cooled off at Pınarbaşı Restaurant, the photo above is from there.

Sapadere Canyon

One of my favorite places in Alanya without a doubt. Sapadere Canyon. Located 45 km from Alanya city center, the canyon is a great option to be in touch with nature, to cool off in Sapadere waters and to take a canyon trip that is not difficult. You can also choose to spend time under plane trees in cafes and restaurants at the entrance of the canyon.

Entrance to Sapadere Canyon is 15 TL.

Cave of the Dwarves

You can stop by the Dwarf Cave, which is only 9 km from Sapadere Canyon, on the way to or from the canyon. The cave was opened to visitors in 2012. The walking distance inside the cave is only 155 meters, you can see stalactites and stalagmites on the walking route. Outside, it has a beautiful view of the valley.

While you are in Alanya, you can extend your route and see Aytap Ancient City, Güney Kral Bay (Delikkaya) and Natural Pools in Gazipaşa. 5 places to visit in Gazipaşa Check out my post too.

Activities to Do in Alanya

If you ask what we will do when we finish the places to visit in Alanya, there are many activities to do, don't worry, you won't get bored.

Boat tour

You can join daily swimming tours with boats departing from Alanya Marina, and enjoy the beautiful bays and nature around. Since boat tours usually last all day, it is useful to arrange your tour the night before.

Dive

Alanya is one of the beautiful spots to dive in the waters of our country. Although the diversity of living things under the sea is not very high, the beauty of the surface continues under the water, Alanya is a nice option to see the different landforms under the water and to enjoy diving in the warm water.

Jeep Safari

Although there are long beaches on the shores of Alanya, it is a city with its back to the Taurus Mountains. As such, there are many natural beauties to see such as streams, canyons, streams, and caves. One of your options to reach these beauties is to join jeep safaris. Safaris around Alanya, especially Dim Stream and Sapadere Canyon, are a good alternative to cool off.

Alanya Ultra Trail

Organized in Alanya every year in spring, when the flowers bloom in the Taurus Mountains, Alanya Ultra Trail brings together many runners from different countries of the world. Setting off with the motto "Following the Yoruks, to the Peak of the Taurus", the run has routes of different difficulty levels: 76 km Alanya Ultra Trail, 48 km Taurus Mountain Marathon, 28 km Keykubat Mountain Run and 15K Alaiye stage. If you are interested in running, especially ultra marathon, do not forget to follow the dates and register in advance.

MLO Strongman Champions League

The most powerful men in the world The finals of the MLO Strongman Champions League World Series will be held in Alanya in autumn. To watch the contestants show off their strength You can watch the races held at Cleopatra Beach and İskele Waterfall Square. It might be a little difficult for you to participate as a competitor, but if you are planning a trip to Alanya in November, it can be interesting to watch the competitions.

Bonus: Alanya Influencer Fest 2022

Alanya Tourism & Promotion Foundation Altav In May 2022, 10 social media phenomena from 15 different countries of the world were invited to the city to promote Alanya. During the 4-day event, the historical values, natural beauties and gastronomic richness of Alanya were shown to the participants. The event, which was held for the first time in 2022, is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. I was also happy and proud to be among the guests and to be the only social media phenomenon from Turkey.

Alanya Center Beaches

One of the important reasons why Alanya is a popular holiday destination is undoubtedly its beautiful, long and clean beaches. Alanya's most known, centrally located blue flag beach Cleopatra BeachLocated in front of Damlataş Cave at the end of Cleopatra Beach. Damlatas Beach, offering the opportunity to swim in front of the Historical Shipyard Shipyard Beach, lined up in the direction of Gazipaşa Keykubat and Orange Beaches The first beaches that come to mind where you can swim in the city center of Alanya.

Since you can go to these beaches with your towel, you can also get services such as sun loungers, umbrellas, food and beverage from the beach clubs that serve on the beach.

What to Eat and Where to Eat in Alanya?

Alanya is full of large and small restaurant options where you can find many examples of both local and world cuisine. You will not go hungry in Alanya, rest assured! I have listed the eating and drinking options that I experienced during my trip to Alanya with my comments below. If there are places that you have tried and satisfied, you can add them to the comments.

Gardenia Restaurant

Gardenia Restaurant is located inside Alanya Castle, in one of the best spots to watch the sunset. There is a drink and food menu, the food was delicious. Of course, the prices are a little high due to its location. The main problem is that the service personnel are extremely indifferent and rude. I can say it's a shame for such a nice restaurant. Click for location.

Alanya Municipality Culinary Culture House

An old Alanya House in Alanya Castle was restored and put into service as a Culinary Culture House. On the upper floor of the house, there are animations of Alanya culinary culture, you should definitely see it. The Culture House, which normally serves as a cafeteria, organizes cooking workshops where dishes unique to Alanya are prepared for those who wish. Click for location.

Esma Abla Home Cooking

If you want to eat Alanya-specific dishes in Alanya, this is the place to go. You can taste Ox Halva, Gülüklü Soup, Ülübü Piyazı, İçli Pide and many other local dishes that I can't remember yet. And if you haven't tried pistachio lemonade anywhere else, make sure to ask here. Click for location.

Cilvarda Hisarici

If you want to eat delicious food in a beautiful place when you go to Alanya, Cilvarda Hisariçi is definitely the place to go. It's only been 2 months since this place opened, but they made a great place. When you enter from a narrow street, you cannot imagine that you will see such a place. A huge garden, a view of the castle walls, simple and elegant decoration, a very decent and beautiful environment, friendly service and, on top of all, very delicious food. The drink and food menu is rich. What more can I say, I love this place! Click for location.

Occo Beach Club

If you want to eat, drink something or just take advantage of the beach in a stylish place by the sea, Occo Beach Club is a nice place to go on Damlataş Beach. Click for location.

Dim Stream – Pınarbaşı Restaurant

Your blogger, who offers a place for every taste and every budget, has come up with a suggestion for a place where you can eat cool trout by the creek. You can find many places on the banks of the Dim Stream, 10 km from the center of Alanya. It is a good option for both breakfast, eating and drinking and swimming in the creek, so have this place on your list. Click for location.

Cigerci Turan Usta

If you don't want Alanya local food or luxury restaurants, I wanted to suggest a place where you can eat shish kebab and appetizers. I haven't tasted it, but those who eat say it's the best liver shish in Alanya. Click for location.

Alanya Markets

While you are in Alanya, I definitely recommend you to go to a market and taste the delicious, fresh and tropical fruits grown in the surrounding area. Although Alanya and Gazipaşa are known for their bananas, many tropical fruits and vegetables are grown here, from kiwi to avocado. Among them, dragon fruit is the most popular, you should definitely taste it.

Accommodation in Alanya – Alanya Hotels

You can find a wide range of accommodation in Alanya, from pensions to holiday villages, from boutique hotels to beach hotels. I have listed the hotels with different features below, you can choose one according to your budget and holiday type.

Sunprime C Lounge Hotel

This is my stay in Alanya in May 2022. Sunprime C Lounge HotelI did it. The hotel, which provides service with an all-inclusive system, is located 10 minutes from the city center. The rooms of the 5-star hotel, which has its own beach, pool and hammam, are also comfortable. The buffet menu is very filling and delicious. Click for location.

passed by the end of 2022 You have a special 5% discount for those who read a lot on the Sunprime C-Lounge website. With discount code INSTA15 click this linkdick You can trade.

Cook's Club Hotels

Cook's Club Hotels One of the 5 star hotels on the seafront at Cleopatra Beach. I did not stay, but I went to the restaurant/beach part to eat and drink. Being by the sea is a great advantage, and the pool is parallel to the beach. The beach bar is also very enjoyable. Click for location.

Kaila Beach Hotel

Another hotel I stopped by for a drink was Kalia Beach. They are on the same line as Sunprime C-Lounge Hotel, this place also has a beach and a pool. The 5-star hotel provides service with an all-inclusive system. Click for location.

Hotel Villa Turka

I don't like big hotels, I wanted to add an option for those who want a boutique hotel. Located in Alanya Castle, Villa Turka has been converted from an old Alanya house to a hotel. It is an option that will make boutique hotel lovers happy with its magnificent Alanya Marina view and pool. Click for location.

Sirius Deluxe Hotel

If you want it to be in the city center, all inclusive, 5-star, if you want to stay out of the hotel, this is the place for you. Click for location.

Club Hotel Titan

I thought I would add a holiday village to the alternatives. This is a hotel designed in the form of two-storey houses, where green and blue are intertwined. The hotel, which provides service with the ultra all-inclusive system, is located in Kargicak. It can be a good option, especially for families with children. Click for location.

Alanya Bungalow Houses

If you want to get away from the heat of Alanya and have a holiday in nature among the orange and pomegranate trees, Alanya Bungalow Houses is for you. You can reach this beautiful place when you travel 12 km from Alanya city center towards the Taurus Mountains. Kclick for it.

Caligo Apart

Don't say you always tell us expensive places. An affordable apartment Caligo in the city centre, at the foot of Cleopatra Beach. Everywhere is within walking distance, nightlife, beach, bazaar, market everything is at your fingertips. Click for location.

Hotel La Finca Marina

This was the hotel where I stayed in Alanya in October 2022. It is within walking distance of the Marina, among the banana groves, and 5-6 km from the city center. A modest and pleasant hotel with a pool. Click for location.

Alanya Teacher's House

Here is another economical option for you! Alanya Teacher's House, located on Cleopatra Beach, is probably one of the most beautiful teachers' houses in Turkey. It is very difficult to find a place, so I suggest you make a reservation early. Click for location.

Alanya Nightlife

Nightlife is very active in Alanya due to the high number of foreign tourists and the high number of foreigners living in Alanya. In the city center, there are many bar-nightclub options around the marina.

Illusion Event Hall

Located in Alanya Marina, the best quality nightclub in Alanya, even the Mediterranean Region Illusion Event Hall. Click for location.

This is not just a nightclub, but a place where concerts and events are held. The operator of the venue, which was designed in the form of a giant tent, was a former Fire of Anatolia dancers. He really knows the nightlife and dance business. There are different dance shows and DJ performances every night. Security is at a high level, and many officers watch the place to prevent people who will drink and tease you.

I suggest you make a reservation before going to the Illusion Event Hall. You can make a reservation by calling 05320151636.