For our tourist, we have selected the best sights of Alanya with photos and descriptions, which you should definitely see on vacation by the sea, both independently and with the help of exciting excursions. We made a map and noted all interesting places, found several cozy restaurants where it is worth spending the evening after a long walk around the resort and its environs.
Alanya is a famous Mediterranean resort that annually receives a huge number of tourists. The city is the warmest in Turkey, with an average annual temperature of +20 degrees.
The resort is located at the foot of the Taurus Mountains. It attracts vacationers with an abundance of beautifully arranged beaches and offers them a full range of various services.
The city has existed since the fourth century. Once its territory was used to house a pirate base, and now there are numerous caves along the coast.
Admiring the sights of Alanya with photos and descriptions, and planning what you need to see upon arrival here, we note the most beautiful Damlatash grotto and a number of other beautiful places worth visiting.
Red tower
One of the most recognizable landmarks of Alanya in Turkey. She is depicted on the coat of arms of the resort, as well as on one of the country's banknotes.
The structure has an octahedral shape, erected in 1226. The citadel was built to protect the city from pirates and successfully coped with this task.
In Turkish, the stronghold is called Kyzyl-Kule. It is almost five stories high and 29 meters in diameter. A stone staircase leads to the top floor of the tower. On the last level, an observation deck with magnificent views of the city was arranged, and an ethnographic museum was opened below.
The Red Tower tells about the past, decorates the coastline and gives the resort a distinctive look.
Lighthouse
The structure is located near the Red Tower. It was made and assembled by the French in 1880, and a little later it was brought to the Ottoman Empire.
For more than a hundred years, the twenty-meter lighthouse has been illuminating the way for ships arriving at the port. The lighting equipment installed on it spreads the signal over almost four hundred kilometers.
If you are looking for what you can see in Alanya on your own, be sure to visit this attraction. Vacationers and locals, especially newlyweds, like to walk and take pictures near it.
Alanya Kalesi Fortress
The ancient stronghold was built in the 13th century and served as a defensive function. Roman and Byzantine buildings were used as a foundation for it.
The citadel is perfectly preserved and has a well-groomed appearance. You can climb to it by cable car, while admiring the surrounding landscapes.
In the evening, the fortress is illuminated by hundreds of lights, mesmerizing with mystery and beauty. Do not hesitate what to see on your own from the sights of Alanya, but be sure to visit it.
Damlatash cave
Located near Cleopatra Beach and the funicular. Its name is translated from Turkish as "Stone tear".
The humidity in the cave is 60%. It consists of stalagmites and stalactites, filled with ions and carbon dioxide.
Damlatash is small in size, but very beautiful, light and warm. Her air is said to be healing. Staying in it is useful for people suffering from rheumatism.
Tersane Shipyard
If you have not yet decided what to see in Alanya on your own, go to this attraction. It is located next to Kyzyl-Kule and was built in the same year.
The shipyard fully provided the Sultan's flotilla and until 1361 was used only for its intended purpose. You can reach the shipyard by boat or walk along the promenade.
This historical object will be informative for adults and children to visit, just walk along the coast, touch the past and enjoy the local beauty.
Monument to Ataturk
Installed in the center of the resort. The monument has existed since 1933 and is dedicated to the first president of Turkey.
The sculpture is located in front of a snow-white stele. The leading role in this composition is given to the leader, who raised his hand to greet his supporters before the performance. On one side of it stands a young man with a national flag, and on the other side there is a sculpture of a girl with an olive branch.
Ataturk House Museum
Kemal Ataturk is a national hero, a public figure, an innovator, a person revered throughout the country. The museum exposition was located in the house where he lived, gathered like-minded people and communicated with them.
Atatürk fought in Syria, and after his return he settled in a mansion with his sister and mother.
If you are interested in the history of Turkey and its leaders, a visit to the museum will certainly add to your wealth of knowledge.
Dim cave
Tourists who are looking for something to see in Alanya and the surrounding area on their own will certainly want to visit it. The distance from the resort to Dim is 12 km. She was discovered in 1986.
In 1998, this grotto, which is the second largest in Turkey, was opened to tourists. The trail through the underground kingdom is approximately 400 meters. It consists of two sections, the first of which has a lake.
It is recommended to visit the underground kingdom in the morning, since there are fewer vacationers at this time.
Water Planet water park
If you are traveling outside the city of Alanya in Turkey, visit the largest water park on the Mediterranean coast, Water Planet, located on the territory of the hotel of the same name.
The capacity of the water park is up to two thousand guests. There are dozens of slides, several pools, various attractions for adults and youngest guests. The adult and children's area is separate from each other.
A wide range of entertainment for any request allows every tourist to get the most out of the attraction they like. Perfectly equipped play areas, restaurants, cafes with a children's menu - everything here is done for the comfort of guests.
Archaeological Museum
It will delight tourists with a collection of various artifacts belonging to several historical eras. The museum was opened in 1967, but today it is constantly replenished with new exhibits.
The exhibition halls of the institution showcase collections of ceramic, bronze, glass products and other ancient items. Fans of archeology, who know exactly where to go and what to see in Alanya, will surely wish to see them. By the way, if you are in Antalya, be sure to visit the same museum, the exhibition halls there are much larger.
Suleymaniye Mosque
The mosque is an architectural creation of the architect Sinan, built at the direction of Sultan Suleiman in the 16th century. The building is located on a hill, it is distinguished by its simplicity of construction, stained glass windows and good acoustics.
The temple has a rectangular shape, pointed arches, a round domed prayer hall and four minarets, the last of which symbolizes the reign of Suleiman.
The structure withstood 89 earthquakes and survived a fire in 1660. In 2000, the temple was restored. During the reign of Suleiman, he also served as a haven for the poor, with him a canteen and a hospital were opened.
The Suleiman Mosque is a famous landmark of Alanya, but representatives of another faith will not be able to get into it, since it is active.
Alanya Aquapark
The resort has its own water park, so vacationers do not have to go outside to the Water Planet. This water park has a more modest area with fewer attractions, but offers a good selection of activities. It is equipped with swimming pools, play areas, and the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable stay.For fans of extreme sports who want to get a more vivid impression of their pastime, we recommend visiting the Water Planet.
Alanya Gardens
A wonderful city park, where it will be very pleasant to walk. In the park there are palm trees planted in orderly rows, there are walking alleys, green lawns and flower beds. Green bridges are laid across an artificial reservoir with azure water. The fountains of the park are illuminated in the dark, giving it a mysterious look.
The park is very cozy, it is wonderful to relax in it at any time of the day. The territory is equipped with tennis and basketball courts, a playground, houses for cats, and fish swimming in the fountains.
Dolphinarium Sealanya
You can get to the dolphinarium in a few minutes by car, since it is located very close to the resort. The dolphinarium constantly hosts amazing shows with dolphins, seals and lions. Its marine inhabitants surprise the audience with their talent, demonstrating magnificent performances to those present.
What to visit in Alanya to recharge with positive energy and swim with the animals? Of course, the Sealanya Dolphinarium.
Old city
Walking along the wonderful streets of the Old Town brings aesthetic pleasure, and this is always noted by numerous guests. Just set aside a few hours to leisurely wander through the resort's fabulous locations. Sit in a cozy cafe with a cup of coffee, contemplating the endless sea surface, beautifully shimmering in the rays of the southern sun. Take a photo of Alanya from Turkey among flowering plants, pleasing to the eye with luscious greenery and a riot of cheerful colors.
Syedra antique city
Fans of antiquity looking for something else to offer at the resort will definitely want to go to ancient Syedra. It is located two dozen kilometers away. The settlement is believed to have existed since the first century. At that time, it was quite developed and issued its own coin.
Until today, a cobbled street, an old building with mosaics in the interior, part of the acropolis has been preserved in Syedra.
Cleopatra beach
Best in the entire resort. It has a long length and is distinguished by a well-groomed area with clean sand. The gently sloping entrance allows you to visit it with small children, and the abundance of entertainment contributes to a full and fun rest.
There are numerous hotels along the beach, offering guests first-class service.
All the best beaches in Alanya
Harbor
Where to go in Alanya on your own? Visit the harbor, which is lined with cafes, restaurants with a sumptuous fish menu and teahouses for every whim.
The bay is a wonderful place for a promenade, there are ships and yachts in it. Book a boat trip on a yacht and enjoy the enchanting melody of the warm sea breeze.
Dim-Chai river
Located six kilometers from the resort, it is a favorite leisure spot for the locals, who often come here to relax in a pleasant, friendly company. The territory has all the necessary attributes of recreation: attractions, observation decks, fishing areas, restaurants and cafes offering delicious national dishes.
Sapadere canyon
Leafing through the guide to Alanya, you can see a recommendation to visit this gorge, located forty kilometers from the resort. Since the area is very popular with hikers, a 750-meter long road has been specially built to the gorge.
While climbing, travelers admire the surrounding beauties, enjoy the fresh air, coolness emanating from the waterfalls. Those who are not afraid of cool water can even swim in small mountain lakes.
Where to eat tasty and inexpensive?
- One of the most popular places among tourists is Mezze Grill Ocakbasi Restaurant at Ataturk Caddesi No 84 / B-C. In the evenings, a lot of people like to sit here, because the cooking is really very tasty, we especially recommend trying barbecue meat, well, and traditional seafood.
- A restaurant Hakan Moonlightrestaurant & Metin at Kadipasa Mahallesi, Sokak No 5A (about 1 km from the fortress). Here you can eat deliciously and cheaply, unlike the first option, and we also advise you to definitely order grilled meat.
- Prima Restaurant Bar on Tosmur Mah 8, Sokak. The excellent preparation of European cuisine should be noted here, but traditional dishes are also present in full.
- We definitely recommend meat lovers Hasir restaurant on Guzel Yali caddesi street No 14. Meat dishes can be ordered in any form and in large portions.
- One of the under-visited but underrated restaurants by MH food & drinks at Saray Mah, Sirinevler Sok. No 16/1. It is worth noting the cozy and calm atmosphere with live music, all dishes are beautifully presented, we especially recommend desserts. By the way, it is located just 600 meters from the Cleopatra beach.
