Photo: Hydrox (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source 10 places to visit in the Alanya district of Antalya: Alanya Castle, Seljuk Shipyard and Kızılkule (Red Tower). Plan your trip to Alanya with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Alanya is a tourism district of Antalya Province on the Mediterranean coast of Türkiye. Located 154 km from the provincial centre, Alanya covers 1,577 km² and has an average elevation of 18 metres above sea level. Throughout history, Alanya served as an important fortress on the Mediterranean for empires such as the Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans.
Research has shown that the first settlement dates back 20,000 years, to the Upper Palaeolithic period. In antiquity, Alanya, lying between Pamphylia and Cilicia, was a haven for pirates. In 1471 it was incorporated into Ottoman territory by Gedik Ahmet Paşa, one of the commanders of Mehmed the Conqueror.
Alanya rose to the status of capital in the Seljuk period and is a historic city. Alanya was captured in 1221 by the Anatolian Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat. The shipyard from the Seljuk period was built in 1227. Damlataş Cave was discovered in 1948.
Last updated:
Photo: kallerna (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source An octagonal tower 33 metres high, built in 1226 in the Seljuk period, is the symbol of Alanya. Built of red brick, the tower was constructed to protect the shipyard and today serves as an ethnography museum.
View on map
Photo: Hydrox (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source Built in the Seljuk period, the castle is one of the present-day symbols of Alanya.
View on map
Built in the Seljuk period, the shipyard is one of the most important structures of the city.
View on mapLocated in the city centre, at the start of the road up to Alanya Castle.
View on mapThe house in Alanya where Atatürk stayed for a time during his visit in 1935.
View on map
Photo: Rexadex (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source A 2.5 km golden-sand beach, it is named after the legend that Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, swam here. With its clear turquoise water and fine sand, it is counted among the most beautiful beaches in Türkiye.
View on map
Photo: BillBl (CC BY 2.0) · Source Discovered in 1948 during a quarry blast, Damlataş Cave is notable for its stalactites and stalagmites, around 15,000 years old. The humid, constant-temperature air of the cave is believed to be beneficial for asthma sufferers.
View on map
Photo: The original uploader was Emirhanizmir at Turkish Wikipedia. (CC BY-SA 2.5) · Source Located 12 km east of Alanya, Dim Cave is one of the largest caves open to tourism in Türkiye at 360 metres long. Its underground lake and stalactite and stalagmite formations offer visitors an impressive underground experience.
View on mapA canyon located at the outlet of the Sapadere Stream in the Alanya district.
View on mapWhile you are in Alanya, you can also see the highlights of Antalya province. These places are in other districts; Alanya is about 130 km from the provincial centre.
Alanya Gülüklü (Hülüklü) Soup was registered as a protected geographical indication on 26 September 2019 (TÜRKPATENT registration no: 459). Product group: dishes and soups. Registered by: Alanya Municipality.
Prepared by roasting lamb on a horizontal spit over a wood fire, cağ kebabı is one of Alanya's best-known flavours.
Prepared with dried beans, onions, parsley and tahini, Antalya piyaz is an indispensable meze on traditional tables in Alanya as well.
Fresh fish caught in Alanya harbour is served in bread. It is the most popular flavour at the fish restaurants along the harbour.
Made from Alanya's famous bananas, this dessert is prepared by serving caramelised banana slices with ice cream or kaymak.
Associated with Alanya, balık mançuru is prepared with yellowtail and cooked by frying.
Alanya was conquered in 1221 by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad, who used it as a winter capital. The castle, Kızılkule and the shipyard are the most important works of this period.
Alanya is a cosmopolitan holiday resort hosting millions of foreign tourists every year. A multicultural way of life has developed in the district, which attracts strong interest from German, Scandinavian and Russian tourists in particular.
Held every year, the festival enriches Alanya's tourism season with concerts, exhibitions and cultural events.
The economy of Alanya rests largely on tourism. Hotels, restaurants and entertainment businesses have developed in the district, which hosts millions of domestic and foreign tourists every year. In agriculture, banana, avocado and citrus production are important sources of income. The real estate sector is also growing with the interest of foreign investors.
Alanya is 130 km from Antalya city centre. Gazipaşa–Alanya Airport is 40 km from the district. Transport is also available from Antalya Airport. Intercity bus services connect it with all major cities.
The 10 highlights of Alanya are: Alanya Castle, Seljuk Shipyard, Kızılkule (Red Tower), Cleopatra Beach, Damlataş Cave, Dim Cave, Alanya Archaeology Museum, Dim Stream, Sapadere Canyon and Alanya Atatürk House Museum.
Alanya Gülüklü (Hülüklü) Soup, Alanya Cağ Kebabı, Piyaz and Balık Ekmek (Fish Sandwich) are the standout flavours on Alanya's tables.
Alanya is known for Alanya Avocado and the Seljuk Heritage. Registered at TÜRKPATENT as a protected designation of origin product.
Alanya is 130 km from Antalya city centre. Gazipaşa–Alanya Airport is 40 km from the district. Transport is also available from Antalya Airport. Intercity bus services connect it with all major cities.
Suggested visit length: 3–4 days. Best time to visit: May–October.