Places to Visit in Alanya

Alanya

Alanya is built on a small peninsula.

The foundation of the city is not yet known, and  as a result of archaeological research, the history of Alanya:

It is known that in the First Age and Byzantine Period, the old name of Alanya was Korekesium, it was first mentioned by the ancient geographer Scylax in the 4th century BC.

During the Byzantine period, the city was called Kalanorus.

During the Seljuk period, the Anatolian Seljuk ruler 1. Allaaddin Keykubat conquered Alanya Castle in the 13th century and changed the name of the city to Alaiye, then Mustafa Kemal Ataturk changed it to Alanya in 1935 and this name has survived to the present day.

He captured the Alanya Castle of Alaaddin Keykubad and built structures such as palaces, mosques and caravanserais in the region.

The Seljuks had a hard time with the Mongol and Mamluk Invasions, the Mongol attacks in 1243 and the entry of the Egyptian Mamluks into Anatolia in 1277.

With the disintegration of the Seljuk State in 1300 and the sale of the region to the Karamanogullari, Alanya was conquered by the Ottoman Sultan Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1471 and joined the Ottoman lands.

During the Ottoman Period, Alanya was connected to the province of Cyprus in 1571, became the sanjak of the province of Konya in 1864, was connected to Antalya in 1868, and   became a district of this province in 1871.

Places to Visit in Alanya

• Alanya Castle

One of the important historical buildings in Alanya that welcomes local and foreign visitors  is Alanya Castle.

Built in the 13th century by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I, this enormous castle continues to exist as a structure that has been challenged by time from past to present.

Alanya Castle, which is the symbol of Alanya, the pearl of the Mediterranean, has an imposing appearance that impresses those who see it.

While laying the magnificent view of Alanya under your feet from its summit, it also embarks on a journey full of history and culture.  

The castle was carefully built for the purpose of defense and surveillance against attacks by sea.

After a steep and steep journey, you can reach the castle.

You will have the opportunity to visit important areas such as the large cisterns, the palace section, the artillery and the old Suleymaniye Mosque.

In addition, the colorful cafes and restaurants located in and around the castle offer visitors an unforgettable Alanya experience.

Here, history, nature and flavor come together, allowing you to create unforgettable memories.

• Alanya Lighthouse

After exploring the magnificent view and imposing stance of Alanya Castle, we definitely recommend visiting Alanya Lighthouse.

The lighthouse, one of the symbols of Alanya, has a modest structure built by French architects in 1880, in the last period of the Ottoman Empire.

Alanya Lighthouse, located on the walls of Alanya Castle, reveals the unique views of Alanya.

It is an ideal spot for photographers who want to take unforgettable photos at sunrise and sunset.

The lighthouse's range of 20 nautical miles is highly recommended to be added to the list of Places to Visit in Alanya.

Alanya Lighthouse offers visitors a unique experience by combining history, architecture, and natural beauty.

At this point, you can feel the traces of the past and experience peaceful moments accompanied by unique views.

It is a recommended stop for anyone who wants to explore the historical and natural riches of Alanya.

• Suleymaniye Mosque

The Suleymaniye Mosque, which was built by Alaaddin Keykubat in the 13th century and damaged by a lightning strike, was rebuilt by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent using the same materials.  

The mosque is also known as Castle Mosque, Middle Fortress Mosque and Alaaddin Mosque.

The Suleymaniye Mosque is an enormous historical building built with stone and woodwork, which stands out with its dome and arch shape.

The fact that it was rebuilt by Sultan Suleiman adds a special importance and meaning to the mosque.

The mosque is an architectural work that reflects important periods in Alanya's history.

Visitors can follow the traces of the past by visiting the Suleymaniye Mosque,

They can see the elegance of the Ottoman-era architecture up close and experience the tranquility of this sacred place.  

The Suleymaniye Mosque, which has an important place among the historical riches in Alanya, is an impressive structure that contributes to the cultural heritage of the city.

• Alaeddin Keykubad Palace

Alaeddin Keykubad Palace is a building located in Alanya Castle and dates back to the same dates, that is, the 13th century.

This dazzling architectural work, which was used as a winter palace by the Anatolian Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I, draws attention with its Seljuk period wood carving and enormous tiles.

Alaeddin Keykubad Palace is a building that has survived to the present day by preserving its historical texture.

As you stroll through the palace, you will have the opportunity to explore the aesthetics of Seljuk architecture and the  beauties of craftsmanship from that period.

Wood carvings and magnificent tiles are the highlights of the palace.

Photos taken at this historic site allow you to collect unforgettable memories by combining the past and the present.

In addition, by visiting Alaeddin Keykubad Palace, you will have the chance to see important historical sites such as Alanya Castle, Alanya Lighthouse, and Suleymaniye Mosque.

We recommend that it be added to the list of Places to visit in Alanya because these places are among the important structures that reflect the rich history and culture of the city.

• Dim Stream National Park

Dim Stream is one of the important water sources of Alanya, which rises from the Taurus Mountains and extends for 60 kilometers and flows into  the Mediterranean, close to Alanya.

Dim Stream, which stands out with its cool and clear water in summer, offers an ideal escape point for those who want to get away from the scorching heat.

The picnic areas around the stream, the country tea gardens consisting of tables and chairs placed in the tea provide a relaxing atmosphere to the visitors.

Dim Cave, which stands out with its natural beauty  and hosting the rafting track in the upper regions  of the Dim Stream, has been protected by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry with the status   of a National Park with  its rich wildlife, endemic plant species and lush forest texture.

The region offers many natural beauties such as waterfalls, camping areas, rich forest texture and caves along its route.

The inclusion of Dim Stream in the status of a National Park aims to protect the natural riches and various ecosystems of this region.

In addition, the restaurants and cafes around the tea offer a unique experience by serving chairs and tables in the tea.

This special region stands out as a perfect destination for those who want to experience pleasant moments in touch with nature.

• Ancient City of Laertes

In addition to nature walks, cultural tours and private trips in Alanya, the Ancient city of Laertes, which is on the list of Places to visit in Alanya,  stands out as an important archaeological site reflecting the rich history of the region.

The Ancient city of Laertes is located on the Taurus Mountains, at the southern slopes of Cebel-i Reis Mountain, which rises at the mouth of the Dim Valley, at an altitude  of 850 meters above sea level.

It is located within the borders of the region known as Mountainous Cilicia in ancient times.

Important ruins that have been preserved to this day include exedra, agora, cisterns, baths, theater and various temples.  

There is also a stone inscription in the ancient city of Laertes dating back to the 7th century BC, which takes the history of the city back even earlier.

This inscription is about the servant of the governor of the province and the problems in the concept of property and is exhibited in the Alanya Archeology Museum.

The necropolis of the ancient city of Laertes is in the south, and in this area, many ostotheque fragments and the pedestals on which the ostotecs stand can be observed.

This ancient city offers visitors the opportunity to take a historical journey and explore the atmosphere of antiquity.

• Cleopatra Beach

Cleopatra Beach, which is the subject of legends in Alanya

Cleopatra Beach is one of the important tourist attractions of Alanya, which is the subject of legends and hosts historical beauties.

According to legend, this beach, where the breathtaking blue of the sea where Cleopatra swam with her lover Mark Antony meets the golden sands, has witnessed a fascinating meeting of history and nature.  

Located to the west of Alanya Castle, this beach is known as the place where Cleopatra lay like a dream.

Entrance to the beach is free, but you may have to pay a small fee to use the services on the beach.

Cleopatra Beach stands out with  its shallow and waveless sea and 2.5 kilometers of golden beach.

The beach, which has received the blue flag award for its clean waters, offers a visual feast with various cafes and restaurants around it.

There are many water sports activities   such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, parasailing, sailing and canoeing in the deep blue waters of the beach throughout the day.

In the evenings, you can take pleasant walks on the coastal road with the view of the red sunset.

Cleopatra Beach combines history, legend, and natural beauty, providing visitors with an unforgettable experience.

• Sapadere Canyon

Sapadere Canyon, located near Sapadere Village in the east of Alanya, has impressive features.

The canyon is 750 meters long and about 400 meters high.

Located at the exit point of the Sapadere Stream, the canyon offers the opportunity to spend a wonderful day with its walking path created with steel supports and the promenade at the entrance of the canyon, country casino, tea gardens and camping areas.  

Sapadere Canyon is 40 kilometers from Alanya and 175 kilometers from Antalya Airport (AYT).

There is an enormous waterfall about 300 meters inland from the entrance of the canyon and it is a very popular destination with its beautiful streams where you can angling at the waterfall or cool off in its icy waters during the hot summer months.

It is among the preferred places in Alanya for activities such as rock climbing, mountaineering, and camping.

 Its mesmerizing landscape of limestone blocks means you can spend a peaceful day among endemic plant species and waterfalls flowing from a height of meters.

For those looking to escape the summer heat of Alanya, Sapadere Canyon is an ideal spot to cool off and enjoy nature.

It is important to visit cultural spots such as the water mill and silk weaving workshop in Sapadere Village to discover the history of the region.

In addition, tasting the ice-cold trout growing in the snow waters in the highlands and breathing the fresh forest air in the gazebos by the water is a nice way to get away from the stress of the city.

Sapadere Canyon is a unique tourist destination that impresses its visitors not only with its natural beauties but also with its cultural and culinary experiences.

• Dim Cave

Dim Cave is located on the western slope of Cebeli Reis Mountain, which rises up to 232 meters above sea level.

This cave, which consists of four galleries, extends up to 360 meters and has a horizontal structure.

The galleries, which are 10 to 15 meters wide, are decorated with eye-catching stalactites, stalagmites and travertine formations.

At the end of the cave, at a depth of 17 meters from the entrance, there is a small lake, the water surface of this lake exceeds 200 square meters.

Dim Cave has the distinction of being  the second largest cave opened to visitors in Turkey.

This special natural wonder is a tremendous point of discovery, especially for photographers, nature lovers, and travelers.

The aesthetic formations inside the cave and the lake area offer visitors an impressive panorama of nature.

Dim Cave is a major tourist attraction that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for exploration and adventure enthusiasts.

• Thinsand Beach

Incekum Beach reflects one of the natural beauties of Alanya with its Blue Flag award-winning 1 kilometer beach length and shallow sea.

The crystal clear sea  offers the perfect setting for those who want to observe the fish underwater.

This beach, which attracts attention with its golden and crystal-like sand, offers a pleasant experience to visitors with its bars, cafes and restaurants, making it an ideal choice especially for families with children.

Thinsand Beach is a destination that not only offers sunbathing and enjoying the sea, but also offers a variety of activities.

You can experience water sports such as windsurfing, sailing and canoeing, as well as fun activities such as beach volleyball.

The beach shows that it is a perfect place not only for those who want to cool off, but also for those who want to spend an active holiday.

Thinsand Beach is an important touristic spot preferred by holidaymakers with its natural beauties, clean sea and various activities.

• Dropstone Cave

Damlatas Cave was found by chance in 1948.

This natural beauty is located on the west coast of the historical Alanya Castle.

After a 50-meter-long passage at the entrance, a cylindrical cavity rising up to 15 meters is reached.

The cave got its name from the drops of water dripping from the stalactites, it was called Dropstone Cave.

This cave, which is famous not only for its impressive structure but also for its special atmosphere, is used for therapeutic purposes for asthma patients.

The atmosphere in which the stalactites inside the cave continues provides relief to asthma patients with a 21-day treatment course performed under the supervision of a doctor.

The air of the cave has unchanged characteristics in summer and winter, the temperature is 22 degrees Celsius, the humidity is 95 percent, and the constant pressure is 760 mm.

The composition of the air includes 71 percent nitrogen, 20.5 percent oxygen, 2.5 parts of ten thousand carbon dioxide and some radioactivity and ions.  

Dropstone Cave has become one of Turkey's touristic spots not only with its natural beauty but also with the special treatment opportunities it offers in terms of health tourism.

• Dropstone Beach

Dropstone Beach, which hosts the unique view of Alanya Castle, is one of the most popular beaches not only in Alanya but also in the Mediterranean Region.

Located just below the historical Dropstone Cave, which dates back millions of years, the beach offers a 250-meter-long and 100-meter-wide beach covered with fine sand.

Dropstone Beach has received the blue flag award thanks to its cleanliness  and is known for its fish that can be observed in its clear sea.

On the beach, there are tourist facilities where you can rent sun loungers and parasols, as well as water sports  centers, beach volleyball courts, cafes and restaurants that offer  many  water sports opportunities such as kitesurfing, sailing and parasailing.

Dropstone Beach is not only a sunbathing area that you can enjoy for free, but also offers the opportunity to explore its underwater richness by snorkeling or enjoy the stunning sunset views by taking evening walks.

• Alanya Observation Terrace

Alanya Observation Terrace is the impressive spot that lays the fascinating view of Alanya under your feet from a bird's eye view.

Located at an altitude of 650 meters from the sea, this terrace is located on Keykubat Boulevard.

You can reach it in a short time from the city center, and from here you can experience the extraordinary view of Alanya to the fullest.

Alanya Observation Terrace offers visitors facilities such as tea gardens, sitting areas, children's playgrounds, eating and drinking places, picnic tables, walking  paths, and buffets.

However, one of its most striking features is the breakfast tables, which offer an unforgettable experience.

Located at the top of the terrace, at 377 meters or in front of the Terrace Buffet, at 1069 meters, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of Alanya.

By observing Alanya Observation Terrace, Alanya Castle, Red Tower and Alanya's dazzling beaches, you can photograph these magnificent landscapes and immortalize your unforgettable memories.

Alanya Observation Terrace offers fascinating views not only during the day or sunset, but also at night, as it is illuminated by lights.

For this reason, you have the chance to explore the different atmospheres of the city by visiting at any time.

• Red Tower

The Red Tower, which is on the list of Places to Visit in Alanya and one of the symbols of the city, is a fascinating work that will immediately attract your attention during your travels with its eye-catching structure.

Built by Alaeddin Keykubad I in 1226, this legendary building is one of the prominent examples of Seljuk architecture.

The Red Tower retains its majesty, being surrounded by walls 33 meters high and 12.5 meters high.

Designed for defensive purposes, the tower takes its name from the red stones and you have to climb a staircase with 85 stone steps to reach the top.

The Red Tower, which has 5 floors in total, offers the opportunity to examine the handicraft products from the Seljuk to the Ottoman, reflecting the traditional lifestyle and culture of Alanya, with the Alanya Ethnography Museum serving on the ground floor and 1st floor.

The Red Tower is not only a monumental structure, but also an important historical treasure for architecture enthusiasts with its solid structure and interesting design.

• Alanya Cable Car

Alanya Cable Car is an impressive means of transportation that offers the opportunity to explore the historical texture of Alanya with a magnificent view.  

Starting from Dropstone Station, this cable car, which carries its passengers to the Ehmedek Gate of Alanya Castle, proceeds on a 900-meter line.

This journey, which takes place with 14 standard cabins for 8 people, offers an ecologically sensitive transportation experience with its technology that adapts to nature.

Alanya Cable Car offers a journey intertwined with nature and history, bringing its guests together with a fascinating view.

Together with Dropstone and Cleopatra Beaches, which are famous for their deep blue waters, it offers the chance to observe the town center in a panoramic way.

Visiting Alanya Castle by cable car offers the opportunity to meet the impressive visuality and unique historical riches of Alanya with its city center, beaches and harbor from the observation terraces when you reach the hill.

This experience promises an unforgettable journey for those who want to explore the beauties of Alanya.

• Phosphorus Cave

Phosphorus Cave is a natural sea cave located on the south coast, especially in the Alanya region.

Located on the front of the Mediterranean Sea, this fascinating cave bears the traces of millions of years of erosion of the rocks on the mountainside.

The lights filtering through the mysterious corridors below sea level turn the interior of the cave into a phosphorescent dream, which gives it an atmosphere of high geological value and extraordinary beauty.

Phosphorus Cave is famous for its magnificent views, especially those that appear with the sunset.

It is possible to dive with or without scuba in the cave and enjoy swimming in the waters of the riot of colors.

It also hosts romantic events such as moonlight and honeymoon tours.

Exploring the waters of the cave with expert divers offers an underwater adventure for those who want to experience the magic of colorful waters and rich marine life.

Phosphorus Cave is known for its unique underwater landscapes and phosphorescent colors that attract the curiosity of photographers.

From Alanya, you can easily reach Antalya Airport (AYT) and Gazipasa Airport (GZP) on time.

Transportation Options: You can easily reach Antalya Airport (AYT) and Gazipasa Airport (GZP) by using public transportation options, Municipal Buses, Metro and Tram.

Before using these lines, you should check and select the appropriate timetables for your trip on the website.

Air transfer lines: You can reach Antalya Airport (AYT) and Gazipasa Airport (GZP) comfortably and effortlessly with your Airport Transfer reservations made on the Airtransferlines website.

With Airtransferlines, it provides a comfortable, unique Airport Transfer experience with the latest model luxury vehicles.

Click www.airtransferlines.com to take advantage of the advantages of Airtransferlines, to find the right vehicle and driver for you with a wide range of transfer options, to get information about your destination or to make a reservation.

AIRTRANSFERLINES is your personal TRANSPORTATION advisor.