Alanya is one of the oldest settlements in Turkey, with a history that dates back to the Bronze Age. The city's strategic location on the Mediterranean Sea made it an important trade hub for centuries, and it was occupied by a number of different civilizations over the years.
Today, Alanya is best known as a tourist destination, and it is visited by hundreds of thousands of people every year. The city has a lot to offer travellers, from its beautiful beaches and sunny weather to its rich history and culture.
If you're planning a trip to Alanya, be sure to read up on the city's history so that you can appreciate all it has to offer. And don't forget to book your hotel in Alanya in advance - the city is very popular and accommodations can fill up quickly!
Best time to visit Alanya
When is the best time to visit Alanya? The answer depends on what you're looking for. If you want sunny weather and high temperatures, the best time to visit is May-September. However, it's important to note that the heat can be unbearable in July and August. There is also a very low risk of rain during the summer months. If you don't mind cooler temperatures and are willing to risk a little rain, visiting Alanya in the spring or autumn may be more comfortable for you. Although the spring and autumn are comfortable in Alanya, it's still recommended to visit during the peak season if you're looking for guaranteed sun and warmth
Get around Alanya
Most of the sights in Alanya are within walking distance and it’s really easy to get around the city. But there are also many different transportation options in Alanya if you want to rest your legs, or simply just don’t bother to walk.
Dolmus: The dolmus is a shared taxi service that runs on fixed routes throughout the city. They are very affordable, and you can flag one down anywhere along their route.
Bus: Alanya has a public bus system that can take you to most of the major tourist attractions. The buses run frequently, and the fare is very reasonable.
Taxi: Taxis are plentiful in Alanya, and they are a great option if you want to go somewhere that is not easily accessible by public transportation. However, they can be quite expensive.
Pickup service: There are many private companies that offer pickup services from your hotel to various destinations around the city. This is a great option if you don’t want to deal with public transportation.
Scooter or car rental: If you want to explore the area outside of Alanya, you can rent a scooter or car. This gives you the freedom to go where you want whenever you want. Just be sure to drive safely!
Top attractions in Alanya
Alanya is a beautiful city located in Turkey. It's known for its history, culture, long white sandy beaches, and sun guarantee most of the year. There are many fun things to do in Alanya, but here’s a list of the very best and most important things to see in Alanya:
Alanya Castle is located on the rocky peninsula of Alanya and is the most important landmark in the city. It’s an absolute must-see in Alanya, but it’s especially the fascinating views from the top that are worth a visit.
Old Shipyard dates back to 1227 and was formerly used to build warships. It’s a historic visit with several archaeological finds.
Red Tower is another landmark in Alanya and was originally built as a water tower and lookout post.
Dim Cay is a freshwater lagoon that's perfect for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the natural surroundings.
Damlatas Cave is a natural wonder housing stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
Shopping in Alanya
Alanya is a great place to do some shopping, whether you're looking for souvenirs, copy goods, or just everyday items. The bazaar is the most popular shopping area in Alanya, and it's easy to see why. It's colourful and atmospheric, and you can find shops selling clothes, shoes, and bags at cheap prices. If you're looking for something more unique, there's a local market every day where you can buy everything from exotic fruits and spices to clothes and shoes. And if you're just looking for a normal shopping street, Atatürk Boulevard is the place to go. It's the main street and the largest shopping street in Alanya, with a wide selection of shops selling everything from clothes to souvenirs. So no matter what you're looking for, you're sure to find it in Alanya.
What to eat in Alanya?
For those who want to try something different, mezze and Shawarma are two of the most popular and delicious dishes in Turkish cuisine. Mezze is a type of appetizer that usually includes a variety of small dishes, such as dips, salads, and pastries. Shawarma is a traditional dish made with lamb that is slowly cooked on a spit and then thinly sliced. It is often served with rice, vegetables, and yoghurt sauce. These two dishes are considered some of the best in the world and are definitely worth trying when visiting Turkey. Don't forget to try the kebabs, Efes beer, Raki, lamb, and Turkish tea! There is so much great traditional Turkish food, so give it a try.