A Mediterranean coastal city with a 13th-century castle, ancient ruins, and a marina. Surrounded by the Taurus Mountains and known for its turquoise waters.
Alanya, a coastal city in southern Turkey, sits on the Mediterranean coast. You can climb the 13th-century Alanya Castle, swim at Cleopatra Beach, or explore Dim Cave's limestone chambers. The city's warm climate and clear waters make it a good destination for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
Exploring Alanya's Beaches
Alanya's coastline has several beaches that cater to different preferences. Cleopatra Beach, named after the Egyptian queen who allegedly swam here, has fine, golden sand and clear waters. The beach stretches for 2 kilometers, and you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas there. For a calmer atmosphere, visit Damlataş Beach, located west of the castle peninsula. This smaller beach has cliffs surrounding it and calm waters, making it suitable for families with children.
Activities and Water Sports
For a different perspective of Alanya's coastline, take a boat tour. These trips usually last half a day and stop for swimming and snorkeling in quiet bays. Many boats also pass by the Pirate's Cave and Lover's Cave, allowing you to see these natural formations up close. If you're traveling with family, you might enjoy visiting one of Alanya's water parks. These parks have a variety of slides and pools suitable for different age groups.
Exploring Natural Wonders
Alanya has several large caves. Dim Cave, located 11 kilometers east of the city center, is the second-largest cave open to visitors in Turkey. As you walk along the well-lit pathways, you'll see formations of stalactites and stalagmites. The cave maintains a constant temperature of around 18°C, providing a cool environment on hot summer days. Closer to the city center, you'll find Damlataş Cave, known for its high humidity and mineral-rich air, which some believe helps with respiratory conditions.
Discovering Historical Sites
The Alanya Castle is the city's most prominent landmark. The Seljuk Turks built it in the 13th century on top of a 250-meter-high rocky peninsula. You can reach the castle by taking a cable car or driving up the winding road. Inside the castle walls, you'll see ruins of mosques, baths, and cisterns, as well as extensive views of the city and coastline. At the base of the peninsula stands the Red Tower, an octagonal structure that once guarded the harbor. You can visit a small museum inside the tower to learn about the city's maritime history.
Getting to Alanya
The nearest airport to Alanya is Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport, about 40 kilometers southeast of the city center. This airport serves both domestic and international flights, mainly from European countries. If you're coming from further away, you might need to fly into Antalya Airport, about 120 kilometers west of Alanya. From either airport, you can get to the city by taxi, shuttle bus, or rental car. The drive from Antalya takes about two hours along a coastal road.
