The sea season will start very soon: many will pack their bags and rush to their beloved Turkey, where beaches, lukum and full çok güzel (from Turkish — marvelous) are already waiting for everything. Today we are talking about Alanya through the eyes of the author of the Islet blog Ksenia Semkina, who has been living here for several years. A resort town on the Mediterranean with a pirate past and a resort present — Alanya, meet!
Content
- How to get there
- Where to stay
- What to do in the city
- What to see in the area
- Where to eat and drink
How to get there
From Moscow, only Pobeda Airlines has direct flights to Alanya (Gazipasha airport). The cost in the off—season starts from 28,300 rubles in both directions, during the holiday season – from 54,000 rubles. You can also fly to Antalya (in summer, the main flow of flights moves there) and get by transfer, rented car or bus to Alanya in two hours.
You can also fly to Antalya and take a transfer, a rented car or a bus to Alanya in two hours. Photo: Nejdet Duzen/Shutterstock.com
Where to stay
When choosing where to stay, it is always important to understand what you want. If the goal is to relax in solitude and silence, then consider areas further away, outside the city, for example, something towards Gazipasha. If you dream of hangouts, restaurants, clubs and an even tan, then you definitely need to settle near the beaches of Cleopatra, in the Damlatash area. Those who plan to constantly take a taxi or a rented car should definitely live in the atmospheric area of the castle. And if you want to be mostly among Russian compatriots, then choose Oba or Mahmutlar districts.
What to do in the city
Take a walk through the ancient fortress
The most romantic and beautiful place in the city is, of course, the Alanya Fortress. Alanya Kalesi is located on a 250-meter-high cliff and can be seen from different parts of the central part of the city. It looks especially impressive in the evening when the lights come on.
The history of the place, as well as Alanya in general, is quite fascinating and dates back to pre-Roman times, when the first fortifications were built, and the local territory belonged to pirates. After the Roman Empire came here, weakening the position of the pirates, and then, in the Byzantine era, the town that had already been formed here (then it was still called “Beautiful Mountain”) became one of the main ports of the Mediterranean. In the XIII century, the Seljuks (the Turkic dynasty) came here and the city, then renamed Alaya, was experiencing its heyday: fortress walls, large cisterns, shipbuilding docks, the Red Tower and other architectural monuments were being built just then. Alanya is becoming one of the main commercial and naval bases. The city spent some time under the rule of the Kingdom of Cyprus (from 1293), but in 1471 it came under the rule of the Ottoman empire.
Once, just the fortress walls grew into a large and atmospheric city of Alanya, so it is doubly pleasant to wander through the streets of the castle, imagining what events took place here several centuries ago. Now the inner fortress, the Red Tower and the Shipyard are available for visiting (tickets must be purchased everywhere). However, in addition to these locations, you can just walk along the ancient streets and trails and look at the magnificent views, the remains of ancient temples, an ancient mosque of the XIII century, luxurious villas of different eras. And there is also a good selection of cool view restaurants upstairs, where you definitely need to get out for dinner at least once. In general, the Alanian castle is a top and a must visit, even if you are an avid olinclusionist.
The most romantic and beautiful place in the city is, of course, the Alanya Fortress. Photo: Oleg_P/Shutterstock.com
Arrange a promenade from the Red Tower to the lighthouse
Ride a teleferika during sunset
The telephone exchange is open from 9:30 to 20:00, the cost of a round-trip ticket is 265 liras/765 rubles (the exchange rate is indicated for March 2024).
The Teleferik (Turkish cable car) in Alanya is an unspoken meeting point in the city center, as well as a beautiful cable car that will take you to the above-mentioned castle on top of the mountain. Photo: tichr/Shutterstock.com
Swim on the beaches of Cleopatra
The most beautiful beaches of the city (but also the most crowded) are concentrated in the city center and are called Cleopatra beaches. According to legend, this place was given as a gift to the Egyptian ruler from her lover, Mark Anthony. The queen loved this place, but was dissatisfied with the local sand, and the Roman emperor ordered it to be replaced by another one imported from the banks of the great Nile.
We will never know how it really happened, but the legend is beautiful and I want to believe in it. In addition, the beaches are truly worthy: the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea of amazing shades, delicate sand and all the infrastructure for recreation. The most popular beaches: from the first to the fourth, they are located in close proximity to the mountain with a castle, there are cafes, sun loungers, music, the finest sand, convenient access to the water, sports and children’s playgrounds nearby, Damlatash cave. However, the prices of sun beds are growing exponentially every year.
Cleopatra’s beaches stretch for a couple of kilometers towards Antalya (the last number of the beach is the 29th), all of them are awarded the Blue Flag. In parallel, there is a beautiful promenade with shops and restaurants. The only point is: the further the beach is, the more inconvenient it is to enter the water — here the stones begin.
The most beautiful beaches of the city are concentrated in the city center and are called Cleopatra beaches. Photo: Romas_Photo/Shutterstock.com
Choosing a Turkish resort
The Islet blog contains guides to the main resorts and beaches of Turkey, be it Bodrum, Antalya, Kemer, Kas, Oludeniz or Trabzon.
Buy goodies at local markets
Well, what is Turkey without a bazaar? Dozens of varieties of olives, delicious cheeses, fruits, vegetables, herbs, fish, meat, flowers, in general, a million of everything, colorful sellers and a general atmosphere, just for the sake of which it is worth coming to the bazaar! There are many of these bazaars in Alanya and they work almost every day, but in different parts of the city. The most popular of them are the Friday market in the center (in addition to food, they sell clothes, shoes, dishes, souvenirs, etc.), the fish market (at the same time try delicious fish at reasonable prices in one of the restaurants) and the Sunday market (mainly fruits and vegetables).
Feel like a real pirate
Alanya Marina has everything for this. Huge pirate ships (greetings from the history of the city) with heroes from the Pirates of the Caribbean, ancient gods or jellyfish heads are lined up along the embankment. Such ships go on a short voyage with a large number of tourists for an hour and a half, foam parties are often organized on board. But in general, you can take a private boat and go for a boat trip or fishing only with your company — you will see an incredibly beautiful sea of different shades, where you can swim in solitude, and gorgeous views of the city from the water.
If such a story is not for you, then go — according to the pirate tradition — to drink rum (or another strong drink to your taste). You won’t have to look for a place for a long time — all the hot spots are concentrated around the marina. It’s dull here in the off—season, but in summer it’s really hot.
Huge pirate ships with heroes from Pirates of the Caribbean, ancient gods or jellyfish heads are lined up along the embankment. Photo: acsen/Shutterstock.com
Take a look at the atmospheric church
There is one church in Alanya on the top of the mountain, which is always pleasant and peaceful. You can get to the church of the Great Martyr George only by car or taxi. Upstairs there is a church shop (a shop for tourists) and the church itself (here it is really nice). The temple is small, very minimalistic, but with interesting icons and a garden of olives and roses around. Fantastic panoramas open from the observation deck and along the way.
I’ll get a tattoo on this and that…
There are resort towns where tourists often return with tattoos. So, Alanya is just one of them. Tip: in order not to make irrevocable mistakes, go to the proven Alanya ink Tattoo piercing salon. Don’t thank me.
What to see in the area
Royal Bay in Gazipasha
An extraordinarily beautiful lagoon with crystal clear water, shimmering with emerald and turquoise colors. Photo: Evgeniia Freeman/Shutterstock.com
Sapadere Canyon
The ancient city of Siedra
A perfectly preserved ancient city, spread out on one of the slopes of the Taurus Mountains. Walking surrounded by buildings and columns from the Roman and Byzantine empires, lush forests and sea views is a pleasure! It is especially beautiful here at sunset.
Perfectly preserved ancient city, spread out on one of the slopes of the Taurus Mountains. Photo: Sener Dagasan/Shutterstock.com
Dim Cave
is a large ancient cave with stalactites and stalagmites that will definitely impress any visitor. There is a small cave lake inside. In tandem with the backlight, everything looks very atmospheric.
Dim Tea
The natural park and the Dim Chai River are a place with amazing nature. People often come here to have a nice breakfast in one of the many establishments, but it’s worth just driving around to fall in love with the local scenery.
The natural park and the Dim Chai River are a place with amazing nature. Photo: Pavel Gussev/Shutterstock.com
Uchansu Waterfall
Alara Castle
These ruins of the Byzantine fortress, located on top of a steep hill, are definitely not worth visiting for those who have claustrophobia (part of the route up goes through a dark narrow dungeon), as well as not particularly active people without physical training (you will have to climb up and then descend a lot). Otherwise, the castle is a delight. Interesting ruins created for the recreation and protection of caravans, and breathtaking views of the place where the Silk Road was once located.
These are the ruins of a Byzantine fortress located on top of a steep hill. Photo: Selcuk Oner/Shutterstock.com
Incekum Park
Konakli Observation Deck
Where to eat and drink
There is no shortage of good places in Alanya and there is something suitable for any occasion.
Breakfasts
- Tersane cafe — it serves simple but delicious traditional breakfasts with wonderful views of the sea and the Red Tower. And next door they cook some of the most delicious gozleme of Alanya.
- Cafe Local bakes the best croissants in the city.
- Daphne’s Coffee &Tea offers breakfasts with granola, cheesecakes and specialty coffee.
- Paper Roasting Coffee & Chocolate serves a variety of morning dishes, from the usual benedict to Turkish classics.
- ATELIER CREME is a great food and hangout for local Russian guys.
- The Kurşunlu Restaurant offers Turkish breakfasts with a million delicious snacks on plates and a gorgeous view of the city.
Cafe Local bakes the best croissants in the city. Photo: cafelocal.net
Dinners
- Lezzet Kebap Evi is the abode of the most delicious meat (you choose it yourself first, and then they cook it for you) and raki, the Turkish national strong alcoholic drink. The cafe opposite serves excellent desserts.
- Sefin Yeri Restaraunt — the best soups and lahmajuns.
- Yoresel Alanya Ev Mutfagi — excellent home cooking and tavern (pumpkin dessert).
- HAYDAR USTA OCAKBAŞI RESTAURANT — an extensive selection of delicious meze (snacks) for gatherings over a glass of raki.
- Konyali Haci Bey Restoran — pide is served here, as in Konya, incredibly delicious and super long. It is recommended to drink freshly prepared foamy ayran.
Konyali Haci Bey Restoran serves pide, as in Konya, incredibly tasty and super long. Photo: Aktif_Reklam/Shutterstock.com
Restaurants with a view
- Lui beach & lounge and Soul Of Kitchen with the best views of the sea and the castle.
- Go to Nabucco for Italian cuisine with a view and Moscow service.
- The stylish House of bohem has good wine and an excellent salad with hummus.
- Ev Restaurant and Enberi Cafe have great live music.
- In Lost in Alanya, it’s just always good.
- At Hisariçi Cafe | Restaurant | Something interesting is constantly happening here, there is a large area with animals and a view from the castle to the city. I really love this place!
- Go to MIRMIR beach restaurant for delicious seafood and raki. Tables in the season are right by the sea.
- At PARKORMAN RESTAURANT, you should go for the atmosphere of a real chalet in a pine forest, where you can eat well and take a jar of homemade pickles with you.
Soul Of Kitchen with the best view of the sea and the castle. Photo: Soul Of Kitchen
Coffee
You can drink coffee anywhere — real Turkish coffee is prepared everywhere. But if you want something more familiar, the Surf Coffee chain is also represented in Alanya.
Something stronger
- Stylish Barrel bar with a rich selection of beer, wine list, a good assortment of spirits and cocktails. There is a pool table on the ground floor.
- At Harry’s Pub Alanya, you need to go hang out with the locals. Turkish musical hits are performed live here, and the atmosphere is always pleasant.
- The Privee Beach Club and ORIGIN often organize interesting parties.
- And Casa Del Vino Alanya hosts wine tastings.
- Anjeliq Nomad Beach is a stylish restaurant with its own pier, where parties are held periodically (open only in season).
Stylish Barrel bar with a rich selection of beer, wine list, a good assortment of spirits and cocktails. Photo: Barrel
So we have revealed all the appearances and passwords for Alanya. I hope you will be able to explore the city not only from the window of the resort hotel, but also from the places in this collection. Have a great trip and a smooth tan, dear friend!
Cover photo: Efired/Shutterstock.com
