Alanya is a beautiful peninsula in Pamphylia, Turkey, sheltered by the Taurus Mountains. It is a paradise on sea with extravagant stretches of golden sand, turquoise waters and medieval history. The town has grown in many directions around the port and the fortress, and the town itself is a unique blend of ancient and modern.
You’ll find here the cobbled streets, quiet neighborhoods and grand views of the blue Mediterranean from inside the fortified walls.
However, Alanya will not disappoint you with its vast choice of restaurants, shops and bars to take a deserved break from the wandering in the heat.
A Little Bit of History
The View of Alanya
The first settlement here dates back to Paleolithic Age and its ancient name was Coracesium. It is first mentioned in history in the fourth century BC, when it was invaded by the Persians.
It was home to the Mediterranean pirates until the Romans captured it in 65 BC. It passed into the hands of the Byzantines after the Roman fall.
The city was taken over by the Selcuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat in 1221 and he gave the city its current name, Alanya. He made this port city the winter capital of Selcuks.
Alanya Tersane Ancient Shipyard in Alanya
The Ottomans made Alanya a part of Cyprus State in 1571 and then an administrative district of Antalya in 1871. The agricultural city became a tourist destination in the twentieth century.
The new town in Alanya offers a good selection of designer and local products. You can find some typical Turkish souvenirs at the bustling bazaar in the narrow alleys above the harbor.
Alanya’s Tourism and Arts Festival, Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival, Jazz Festival and Swimming Marathon are some of the popular local events.
Where is Alanya?
- 84.5 miles/ 136 km from Antalya, Turkey
- 36.6 miles/ 59 km from Manavgat, Turkey
- 163.4 miles/ 263 km from Konya, Turkey
- 510.1 miles/ 821 km from Istanbul, Turkey
- 77.6 miles/ 125 km from Antalya Airport, Turkey
- 185.1 miles/ 298 km from Larnaca International Airport, Cyprus
- 159 miles/ 256 km from Ercan International Airport, Cyprus
Things to See
- Seljuk Fortress
- Dripstone Cave
- Kizilkule
- Alanya Museum
- Ataturks House Museum
- Damlatas Aqua Centre
- Sapadere Canyon
- Turkish Baths
- Shipyard
Beaches
- Cleopatras Beach
- Keykubat Beach
- Damlatas Beach
- Ulas , Incekum, Konakli, Alara, Avsallar and Fugla are the other popular beaches.
Excursions
- Syedra Antique City
- Pamukkale
- Cappadocia
This port city is a blend of cosmopolitanism and authentic Turkey, a mix of international and local restaurants, and boutiques and market stalls.
It is a region with rich ancient history, which will not disappoint culture-enthusiasts. It buzzes with life in the evenings, when holidaymakers linger late over dinner, sip cocktails at bars and party into the night.
We wish you a fantastic Mediterranean cruise!
