Alanya is the easternmost of the popular Turkish resorts. Below the fortress, on a hill that connects the promontory to the coast, lies the original city center. Today Alanya is a place of entertainment for residents and guests of the resort. Beautiful beaches stretch for miles east and west of the city, where individual tourist centers such as Konakli or Mahmutlar are being set up.
Beaches
Alanya has a total of over 26 km of beaches, so even in the highest season there is a good chance of finding a "relatively" quiet place. But it will probably be far from civilization and with a minimum of services. The famous Cleopatra Beach on the western side of the castle can be found right in the city.
Right next to Cleopatra's beach is the three-kilometer Damlatas beach, which is no less popular. Due to the steep slope of the seabed, it is more suitable for good swimmers and divers than for families with children. The beach owes its name to Damlatas Cave, which is easily accessible by boat.
If you need more tranquility, you can take a taxi to Ulas dinlenme beach, which is located a few kilometers from Alanya. The beach is well planned with picnics and barbecues. A few meters away there is a "wild" beach.
Tourist areas in Alanya
Konakli
Konakli is a small charming resort located about 18 km west of the center of Alanya. Long sandy beaches, shopping and entertainment venues can be found here. The center of Alanya is easily accessible by bus or taxi. Many of the higher-end hotels have their own minibuses to the city center.
Okurcalar
About 30 km from Alanya is the Okurcalar resort, where the hotels are located in large tropical gardens, integrated into the surrounding area. The resort is characterized by beautiful beaches and clear sea and is suitable for those seeking tranquility.
Avsallar
About 25 km from Alanya is Avsallar with long sandy beaches where you can practice various water sports. The center of this friendly village offers many shops and bars.
Incekum
The Incekum region (translated as “fine sand”) has a really apt name. Beaches up to 10 km long are covered with fine sand. The coastline stretches along a large bay, which is sometimes interrupted by romantic stone cliffs.
Manavgat
About 50 minutes drive west of Alanya is the small town of Manavgat, which comes alive once a week in the local market. The city center consists of several waterfront restaurants, city hotels and guesthouses.
Sights
The dominant feature of Alanya is the ruins of a massive old fortress, which rises on a cliff jutting out into the sea. The well-preserved 6.5 km long walls tempt tourists, especially at night. The fortress has 83 towers and 140 bastions. Some of the approximately 400 water tanks built during the Middle Ages are still in operation. The fortress is still inhabited by local residents who sell mainly handmade souvenirs. There are many restaurants and cafes on the way to the fortress, offering beautiful views of the harbor, the Red Tower and the eastern part of Alanya.
In the port of the fort there is a symbol of Alanya, the octagonal towers of the Red Psalm of 1226. The tower was built of red bricks. The tower was built to protect the port and shipyard from naval attacks and has served for military purposes for centuries.
Cleopatra beach
Due to its location and neatness, the so-called Cleopatra Beach still fascinates tourists. This beach was the first in Turkey to be awarded the EU Blue Flag. The beach is dominated by a rocky promontory and a medieval fortress with well-preserved walls over 6 km long, offering breathtaking views of the city, the beaches and the Taurus Mountains.
It is difficult to retire and spend time in silence on Cleopatra Beach, but you can choose from a large number of services offered. Sports enthusiasts can go water skiing, surfing or beach volleyball.