Alanya: seaside resort between fortifications and beaches

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Alanya is one of the most popular tourist resorts on the southern Turkish coast. Located in the Gulf of Antalya in a beautiful location. Surrounded by the Tauern Mountains, which exceed 2.500 meters here. The city is located 135 km from Antalya. Located along the coast around a rocky promontory located between two sandy beaches and topped by a fortress.

Alanya was inhabited from the time of the Hittite and Persian empires. The first fortification of the peninsula dates back to the Hellenistic period. The city was called, during this period, “Karakesion”.

In 65 BC it became part of the Roman Empire, later it was part of the Byzantine Empire. From 1221 it became part of the Seljukid Kingdom. It was in this period, the most prosperous of the city, that the imposing fortifications we see today were built. Alanya was then the winter capital of the Seljuks. The city was an important commercial port, which maintained routes and exchanges with Egypt and the Italian maritime republics.

After the Mongol invasion that led to the end of the Seljuk Empire, Alanya was subject to the rule of small Muslim potentates. This happened until in 1471 it was annexed to the Ottoman Empire.

HOW TO GET

Airport and Flights: The international airport that serves Alanya is Antalya Airport (135 km away) (IATA: AYT). There are direct flights from some European cities. There are also numerous connections with the Istanbul airport which has Turkish Airlines flights with numerous European cities.

WHAT SEE

The Alanya peninsula is surrounded by an imposing wall. Inside the walls of the castle you can see a cistern from the Seljuk era, a Byzantine church, the palace of Sultan Keykubat and the ruins of the Seljuk baths.

The castle extends towards the sea and also contains the port and the medieval arsenal. The latter is defended by an octagonal tower 33 meters high, the Kızıl Kule or Red Tower. Around Alanya, the Damlatas Cave (Damlatas Magarasi) is worth visiting, where you can admire interesting rock formations.

Do not miss a boat trip to the sea caves of: Fosforlu Magara (Phosphorescent Cave), Kizlar Magarasi (Women’s Cave), and Asiklar Magarasi (Cave of Lovers).

The beaches of Avsallar (Incekum) are also 25 km west of Alanya. On the opposite side, 30 km east of Alanya, on the road leading to Gazipasa are the remains of the ancient port of Iotape. Just beyond are the archaeological remains of Selinous / Trianopolis.

The stretch of road from Gazipasa (Yalan Dunya Magarasi cave with natural pools) reaches the Anamur (castle of Mamure Kalesi, remains of Anemourion) and Silifke is also beautiful.

The city is a destination for many tourists, especially Scandinavians, Germans, Russians and Dutch, who spend their holidays in Alanya during the summer months. Many Europeans have also purchased a holiday home there. The city has become a destination for European retirees who have established their residence here.

The climate of Alanya.

Official site of the municipality of Alanya.

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