Alanya is a busy city and
popular holiday resort located on the southern Mediterranean coast
of Turkey. Its popularity with tourists has seen it steadily grow
over recent years. Being amongst the biggest tourist areas of the
Mediterranean has also led to an increase in property prices in
Alanya and its close neighbour Konakli.
Less well known to Brits than resorts like Bodrum and Marmaris on
the Aegean coast, Alanya has been a favourite with the Germans and
Dutch for many years. However, in recent years it has now become a more popular destination for travellers from the UK.
Alanya is home to many historical buildings with many
places of interest. There are water parks, museums, a castle, a
harbour, countless bars and restaurants, shops, nightclubs, and of
course the famous Cleopatra beach sometimes spelled Kleopatra beach. Whether you want to take a boat
trip, an excursion, wine and dine, dance until the early hours or
simply relax on the beach, there’s sure to be something to suit.
The Castle Walls
A visit to
Alanya castle is well worth it for the views alone. Built in
the 13th Century it sits on top of the Alanya Peninsula. Looking
east and north provides breathtaking views of the harbour against a
backdrop of the Taurus Mountains. Looking west and south, gives
spectacular views of the well known Cleopatra’s beach and the deep
blue waters of the Mediterranean
Cleopatra
Beach
As well as being a marina
for fishing boats, yachts and private boats, the harbour in Alanya
is often frequented by Mediterranean Cruise ships with Cyprus only a
short trip away. There are many bars and restaurants around the
harbour and many more in the maze of narrow streets.
Boats in the harbour
On the west side of
Cleopatra beach is the Damlatas Magarasi (Damlatas
Cave) where you will find an assortment of stalactites and
stalagmites inside. The air inside the cave is very humid with a
constant temperature and is thought to be good for people who suffer
from asthma.
Entrance to
Damlatas Cave
If you like caves and spectacular views, a visit to Dim Magarasi
(Dim Cave) is essential. Much bigger than Damlatas Magarasi, you can
reach it in about an hour by bus from Alanya Centrum (town centre).
Inside
Damlatas Cave
The Red
Tower
Based on archaeological findings, Alanya is thought to have been
inhabited in pre-historic times. Like
Side, there
have been many turbulent periods in its history where both Hittites
and Romans have ruled.
The climate is typically Mediterranean with hot dry summers and
cooler wet winters. It is ideal for the many plants that grow in the
area. As well as the more common orange and banana trees there are
other tropical fruits like avocado, papaya and a variety of dates.
With an average temperature of 21C, the water is ideal for swimming
and water sports for most of the year.
