Alanya Travel Guide

Alanya was favored by the Seljuk Turks as a seaside resort almost over 800 years ago. Yet still, it is same for the thousands of British, German and European visitors who pack its hundreds of hotels and villas today.

For todays visitors the attraction is Alanyas long stretches of sand beach, the warm waters of Turkeys Mediterranean coast, and the deep history feeling all around the city.

Alanya has grown incredibly during the past decade, and now occupies a population of more than 250.000, which doubles during the summer tourist season.

Many visitors fly into Antalya airport on inexpensive package vacations, then take a bus to Alanya. Lots of new hotels have been built to cater to the package trade.

While you are here, visit the vast Seljuk fortress which dominates the town from its promontory; the tall, octagonal Seljuk Kizilkule (Red Tower); and the Tersane (shipyard).

The dank atmosphere of Damlatas Cave, said to be beneficial to asthma sufferers. Well actually, with hordes of tourists exhaling hot carbon dio into the humid, already stuffy atmosphere, its hard to say it still serves primary purpose.

But ofcourse Alanyas big attraction is its beaches, long swaths of sand to west and east.

In Alanya there is one general tip. Head to the harbour! This is where all the action is. If you go here looking for nightlife you are in the right place! All the big discos are situated on the harbour, and in the bazarstreets above you can find lots of nice bars and restaurants. Many locals go to these places, while most of the tourists dance the night away at one of the discos in the harbour.

Check the list of Alanya Hotels for accommodation options.