Alanya
Best Destination
The shining star of the Mediterranean, Alanya, is the perfect tourist destination with its long, sandy beaches, historical artifacts, natural beauty, fish restaurants, contemporary hotels, cafés, bars and discos. Alanya welcomes you with its 13-centuries old Seljuk Castle, which is situated like a crown at top of Alanya’s peninsula.
An unprecedented shipyard and monumental Kizil Kule is the worth seeing historical places beside of the impressive castle. Summit of the Alanya peninsula where the castle is most behold place to have panoramic Alanya scenery. There are cafes and restaurants there servicing for the people who want to enjoy this magical scenery. In gift shops carefully made souvenirs and ornamentals will make your day unforgettable as well as restaurants and cafes. Alanya observation terrace is visually attractive place again for to have this panoramic view. You can also have an extra comfort by using the cafes and restaurants services in the terrace. Apart from watching the panoramic view from the terrace you also can have a picnic on green fragrant gardens.
Cafés are surrounding Alanya harbor and those cafes are creating decent day and night pleasures to you. Along the harbor road you will find boutiques are selling textile, leather, jewelry and local color bedeck gourds. On the way to harbor you find the painters and those painters can make your portrait or any picture you want on their stands. If you are one of the cave explorers you must visit Dimcay cave and Damlatas. Next to the Damlatas cave you will find Alanya ethnography museum. Daily boat trips are taking you to 3 different caves and those caves are with phosphorescent rocks Fosforlu cave (phosphorous Cave), Asiklar cave (Lovers Cave) and Kizlar cave (Girls Cave) where the pirates are used to kept women captive. Dimcay valley at north of Alanya is indispensable relaxing area for the people in hot Mediterranean summers. In that valley away from the heat you can relax in shaded shelters, swim in the cold water of Dimcay river and test the delicious fish in restaurants which built in harmony with the nature.
Alanya did many comprehensive studies for its residents and visitors, it is still developing it selves for to give better service. Along the beach line in Alanya there are paving stones decorated walking path. Public green parks by the beach has shaded sitting areas for the people who wants to rest after hiking, some of those green parks equipped with the sports equipment and some of those parks has pool. Alanya referred where the sun is smiling to people in Mediterranean with its long sandy beaches. Typical Mediterranean town Alanya has at least 300 sunny days in a year and rarely the temperature gets less than 10°.
Alanya is one of the most attractive tourist destinations with its exceptional scenery and historical places. Harmony of the modern and cosmopolitan atmosphere in Alanya takes millions of tourists to this region all year around. Reasonable prices, hot Mediterranean weather, long and sandy beaches, historical places and reach Turkish cuisine takes tourists attention to this region. Surfing, parasailing, jet skiing are some the sportive activities on Alanya beaches. Night clubs, bars, restaurants and live music clubs are offering exciting night life to the tourists in Alanya. Tourism industry makes 1.2 billion euros every year and this %10 of the national tourism income however this region also famous with its banana groves.
Foreigners who visit Turkey always gets surprised with the hospitality of the Turkish inhabitants and easily integrate with the surrounding society. When this hospitality is mixed with the marvelous and natural wonders of Turkey, it often gets difficult to leave the country at the end of people’s limited vacations. Compared to other countries in Europe, life costs is a lot less in Turkey. Especially in this last decade, where Turkey has gained more popularity among foreign investors. Some people buy properties to use only during the summer period, some people buy villas to line in all year long and some people buy houses to use in the future, during their retirement period. Apart from the factors stated above, all these people have one goal in common – to make a good investment for the future.
If you happen to make a good analysis, you’ll see how cost effective it is to acquire a property in Turkey. Besides, Turkey is soon on its way to becoming a part of the European Union and following with this membership, it is known for sure that the prices will raise dramatically.
Alanya, is a cute seaside city located in the south coast of Turkey and has been a huge attraction point for foreigners in this last decade. Apart from being a holiday resort, it is also perfectly suitable for those who are retired and wants to spend their life in a wonderful place with a hot climate, nice atmosphere and all of it for reasonable prices.
Alanya draw attention with its long, sandy, blue flag beaches and afford to look good and large size are important terms for satisfaction for swim and having great time on the beaches.
Blue flag is an international control administration for the clean and high standard beaches. They have standard and your beach must fit the their standard also they are controlling sea water is well it has to be clean in their standard again. If you can catch their qualifications they give you a blue flag valid for one year. Its mean that microbiological and physicochemical analysis of sea water for every each two weeks. In Alanya color of the sea water is becoming turquoise from the blue by the coast. In calm weather it is always possible to see fish in deep of the sea water. Alanya has the long and sandy beaches on both side of historical peninsula. West side beaches are Damlatas and Cleopatra east side beaches are Keykubat and Portakal name call.
Outside of the city center there are many beaches again and those beaches names are Ulas, Konakli, Fugla, Incekum and Mahmutlar. Alanya has kilometers of beaches. Beside the beaches bays are by the main road combinate with the nature and pine trees are welcomes to people who like to be in peaceful area.
In Alanya beaches, as well as the international rules the local authorities rules are apply too. Accordingly, entrance to the beaches are for free always. Sun loungers and beach umbrellas are paid. It is not necessary to use this services on the beaches you can always go to beach for free. All the cafes on the beaches have the same price list. There isn’t any price different on their menu.
Boats and water sports are not allowed approach to the sea side, swimming areas are identified with the barriers. The beaches are very secure in Alanya we have sea and beach polices responsible for security on the beaches.
DAMLATAS BEACH
Damlatas blue flag beach situated to the west side of historical Alanya peninsula in front of Damlatas cave. Beach is sandy like sea floor. Long sandy beach reaches up to the peninsula. The bay with the big rocks and extending to the peninsula is called Cleopatra. According to legend queen of Egypt Cleopatra swam in this bay when she visit Anatolian coast line. Cleopatra bay specialty is clarity of water. If you like hiking you can use to walking path for to reach to Fosforlu Magra (Phosphorous Cave) by the peninsula. If you dive with the goggles you will have to chance to watch natural beauty of seabed in clean sea water. Entrance is free to the beach but you must pay for the parasols and lounge chair if you use.
CLEOPATRA BEACH
As a continuation of Damlatas beach and approximately two kilometers long and blue flag beach. It is sandy like seabed. Long and large beach is very deep in few steps. It is one of the favorite beach in Alanya. In summer season this beach welcomes thousands of people. Just at the back side of the beach it is possible to find cafes, green parks, hotels and sports facilities. Water sports like parasailing, jet ski, pedalo are popular activities in this beach. All those activities area is outside of swimming zone. Entrance to the beach is free parasols and lounge beds are payable. Every each 50 m cafes are serving food and drinks. Sunset from this beach create magnificent scenery.
KEYKUBAT BEACH
Blue flag beach start from Alanya town hall and 3 km long at the easth side of historical peninsula. It sandy but in some places it has rocky spaces. Because of the bougainvillea plants in the parks and green areas near by this beach called Bougainvillea Beach by the local resident. Like Cleopatra beach this beach also popular and water sports activities available on the beach. Entrance is free but parasols and lounge beds are payable. The hotels cafes and restaurants on the beach can be used by the visitors on that beach. From some of hotels pier the boat trips are available and it is also possible to take this tours by visitors.
PORTAKAL BEACH
Blue flag one kilometer long beach situated east side of Alanya city center. As a continuation of Keykubat Beach it starts where the Oba Cay meets with the sea and it ands in estuary of Dim River. At the back of this beach magnificent Taurus mountains are set. The beach is sparse sandy and sometimes they are 100 m long. The seabed is sandy and rocky in this beach. Free entrance to this public beach. Cafes and restaurants are available for the visitors. It is possible to find water sports activities on this beach. The rivers are bringing cold water to the sea and it is a great fun to swim in this cold water.
Alanya situated in the boarders of Antalya province and it is in 135 km distance to the Antalya city center. Alanya located to 36° 30’07 and 36° 36’31 north latitude and 31° 38’40 east longitude total covering area of 175.678 hectares by the Mediterranean. Part of the Taurus mountains hosts Alanya highlands around 1000m above the sea level in north. Alanya castle at south with its 6500m length walls. Because of its location transportation is very convenient and easy from all directions. Natural and historical abundance, long summer season up to eight months, 60 km coast line and sandy beaches in Alanya Makes this town one of the most popular Mediterranean tourist destination. Alanya is also important town in terms of underground resources. Mineral Research and Exploration institute (MTA) were detected aluminum (Bauxite), barite, phosphate, quartzite and grit in Alanya but they didn’t operated this important mineral deposits.
MOUNTAINS AND RIVERS
Part of Taurus Geyik and Akcali mountains meets in north of Alanya at 1000 m altitude and this highlands and plateaus are surrounded by Mediterranean costal ranges. All those highlands are used by local people as a second holiday home for the hot Mediterranean summer season. Along the lower parts of those mountains lowlands are occurred. Alanya peninsula is separated from the Taurus mountains with one of those lowlands. Alanya has many big and small rivers and those rivers has different flows in every different season. Because of hot weather some of those rivers are having very weak flows and some of them even get dry in late summer. In autumn all those rivers having higher flows with the heavy Mediterranean rains and in spring all they come to maximum flows with the melting snow from the high Taurus mountains. Used for irrigation some of the important rivers are Alara, Kargi, Serap Su, Oba and Dim. Alara river is the boundary between Alanya and Manavgat districts. The Dim River has a popular promenade and also there is one barrage on this river which become operational in 2009.
VEGETATION
The total area of Alanya is 175.678 hectare. Agriculture area is 28.880 hectare which is %16.45, Grassland are is 9.860 hectare which is %6.26, heathland and forest areas are 115.013 hectare which is %65.48, lakes and rivers are 185 hectare which is %0.1, residential area is only 20.560 hectare which is %11.70 in Alanya . Because of its location and climate Alanya has the most fertile soil in the region. That’s why there are many kinds of plants growing in this region. Antalya provincial has the most wealth forest in Mediterranean region. Alanya is a district in Antalya and it has the most wealth forests in Antalya region. Alanya forests are forms %0.5 of national forests in Turkey. For to increase up this ratio every year 750 hectare lands planting with the several kind of trees. Some of the mountains are covered by typical Mediterranean lemur. In higher elevation of this mountains has larch and cedar grove shore side of those mountains has pine trees. In some places even the sea and mountain nested together like Incekum. Usually pine, larch, cedar, oak, fir, juniper, plane, alder trees are growing in this forests but it is also possible to see poplar, lime tree, chestnut tree and hazel. Apart from natural vegetation there is also agricultural plantation available in Alanya. Citrus and banana gardens gaining a lively greenery to Alanya, kiwi and alligator pear gardens are new coming up in this region. In high lands up on the mountains apple, pear, quince gardens are common. Long time ago eucalyptus trees brought here for reclaim the swamp lands but they are only foliage plants now by the roads. It is possible to find different natural vegetation in different areas and its one of the main reason for to be agricultural and touristic hot spot for Alanya.
CLIMATE
Summers are hot and dry winters are warm and rainy in Alanya it is a typical Mediterranean weather. Some years winters are like summers in this region, afternoons breeze comes from the Mediterranean and its making the hot summer days little bit cooler in Alanya. Mountain pass between Alanya peninsula and Taurus mountains creating an air stream and this is a positive factor for regulating hot temperature. Natural beauty and climate make this region as a most popular tourist destination. Besides its natural beauty and historical values in this tourism paradise it is important to know sunbath period, sea water and air temperature. For hot destinations tourists are preferring regions like Alanya because of its long and sunny days. For winter holiday cold and snowy regions are popular. Touristic destinations are always more preferable when they have stable climate. Because they can easily plan next holiday in comfort. Because of warm sea water temperature and sunny winter days you can see north countries residence swimming in winter time in this warm holiday spot. According to the meteorological measurements in Alanya the average temperatures are 20.0° for the air and 22.1° for the sea water.
ALANYA CASTLE
Alanya castle consisting rampart which lenght is approximately 6,5km, looks like a historical beauty 250mt over from the sea as a peninsula. Alanya castle comes to present time since the 13th century. Especially called Kandeleri local living life was in Alanya castle and takes history from the Hellenistic time. Alanya castle built by Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat after conquer Alanya in 1221. There are 83 towers and 140 signs in the castle. In the middle ages Seljuks built nearly 400 cisterns to get water for the town necessity. Some of these cisterns use in present time. Ramparts builts regulary, Ehmedek, citadel, throw man place, cilvarda burnu üstü, arabian sign and Esat sign to goes armory then to shipyard. There is another outdoor museum at the hill of the castle. Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat built his palace at here. There is residents in Alanya castle nowadays. In front of the wooden and stone house many residents presents otantic Turkish meals, weaving of cotton and silk on the wooden bench, paint gourds. There are vaiours cafe and restaurants with wonderful view of harbour on the way to the castle. Castle road is open to vehicle traffic and transportation is easily. It takes 1 hour by walk.
RED TOWER
Red tower is in Alanya port. This tower is historical place of Seljuks from 13th century. This tower is symbol of Alanya and like octagonal plan. Ebu Ali Reha El Kattani who built Sinop castle built this tower in 1226 by Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat. During the construction after a high level to carry stone blocks so difficult. After that level castle finished with red brick which is baked. For that reason the name of this castle was Red Tower. Octagonal type and each Wall is 12,5m width, weight of the tower is 33m and diameter is 29m. Entrance include 5 floor storey building. The stairs are stone and 2 stairs space is long. Totaly stairs are 85 to the up. The sunshine come from up to the entrance floor. There is a cistern in the middle of the tower. This tower built for against to attact from enemy to the city and shipyard. This tower restorated in 1950 and open as a etnographia museum in 1979.
SHIPYARD
Alanya shipyard is built in 1 year after 6 year of Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat conquered Alanya city in 1227. The side facade to the sea is 56,5m and deepnes is 44m. The place where choosen for shipyard to get much sunshine. There is a inscription on the entrance door of shipyard and that is armorial bearing of Seljuks Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat. Alanya shipyard is the first shipyard of Seljuks in Mediterranean. Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat get ‘’ sultan of 2 sea ‘’ degree after Alanya shipyard. One side is mosque one side is guard room. In a compartment draw well available.
ARMORY
This armory built to protect to shipyard over shipyard about 10m weight. At the same time there are produced war gun in the shipyard. In the present time the Alanya municipality is trying to became shipyard as a museum. So mayor of alanya getting in contact with culture and tourism ministry about that.
EHMEDEK
This castle built in the middle of the Alanya castle facade to the North side. This castle built in Seljuk times. We understand that Ehmedek built in 1227. The inscription on the entrance door tell us. Ehmedek name comes from the master of construction. The middle castle located to attact of the enemy and protect the Sultan’s palace. This castle wall’s come to present time made by Stones of Bizans. There are 3 cisterns and ship pictures in the Ehmedek.
SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE
Built in 1231 at the hill of the castle when there was restorating. But last years moque was fallen then Magnificent Suleyman restorated again. For that reason this mosque name is Suleyman Mosque. The structure made by rubble and style like square. Dome made by tile on the octagonal pulley. There are 15 cube perched to the dome for acustic. People understand the acustıc while praying. Cover of window and doors are example of Ottoman Empire wooden art.
BEDESTEN (BAZAAR)
Close to the Suleymaniye Mosque in the Alanya castle. According to tale that in 14th or 15th century age of Karamanoğulları for bazaar and hotel. Made by cut stone shaped as square. 26 rooms have inside and lobby was 13m width and 35m height. In the present time this historical place use for hotel, restaurant and cafe. There are also hotel rooms facade to the courtyard. These rooms was shop in the middle age. There is also big cistern to the garden. The view to castle rampart, beach, mountain and mediterranean sea.
DARPHANE ( MINT)
Built at the tip of the peninsula and nearly 400m. lenght. Located name is Cilvarda. Name is darphane ( mint) but there is no mint the money. There is small church made by cut stone. Rest of these places use for monastery. There is also cistern. The way to the tip of Cilvarda is not using nowadays. Come up from the sea is difficult and dangerous. There is attractive view from yacht tour at the tip of pensinsula and citadel.
AKBAŞE SULTAN MESCİT (MOSQUE)
Located in Alanya Castle, West of bedesten, distance to the Suleymaniye Mosque just 100m. Akbase Sultan Mosque built by first commander of Alaeddin Keykubat Akbase Sultan in 1230. Outer wall is made by cut stone,inside and dome made with brick. Spuare type and 2 rooms. One room is mosque, one room is tomb of Akşabe Sultan. There is also 3 more tombs. The ancient Show that historical place is so old. In the tale writing God knows everything in earth and sky. Just the people built the mosques of believe. Akbaşe Sultan built this mosque to Alaeddin in that days. There also amazing minaret near here.
ANDIZLI MOSQUE
Located in Alanya armory districk. This mosque take the name from the tree which is near mosque. Andızlı mosque built by Emir Bedruddin in 1227. At the same time called Emir Bedruddin. We can see the style of Seljuk original architecture. Made with cut stone. There is also minaret which is not high. Pulpit is excellent example from the Seljuk wooden carving art. Goes to the mosque from Red Tower from down door way.
SITTI ZEYNEP TOMB
According to history this tomb comes from Seljuks or Ottoman Empire. On the way to Alanya Castle Road. Consisting 2 rooms and dome. One room is empty, one room has tomb. There is no certain knowledge about Sitti Zeynep. This tomb used as a water tank at past.
HIDIRELLEZ CHURCH
Distance to the Alanya center 10km.in the line of Haci Mehmetli Village Hıdır İlyas placed. Some of the muslims, and christians use this church for worship. This church restorated in 1873 again. Another name is Agios Georgios church.
SARAPSA HAN
Distance to the Alanya 13km. between Antalya and Alanya intercity road. It comes from 13. Century. Built by Seljuk Sultan Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev between 1236-1246 on the silk road. Made with cut stone. Nowadays this place use for entertaintment.
ALARA CASTLE
Located in 37km West of Alanya, 9km faraway from the sea. Alaeddin Keykubat built this castle on 1232. This castle protect the cervans from the thieves. To reach this castle difficulty. So amazing looks it has. This castle is 2 parts. There are many tunnels in the castle. After all the panorama is magnificent.
ALARAHAN
To the Alara castle 800m. Near the Alara river. Built on 2000m2 landscape with cut stone. Alarahan restorated last 2 years and uses for shopping center nowadays. Looks like security home. Second door of Kervansaray open to the place where the customer staying place. Inside of Kervansaray has fountain, bath and mosque. The sign of expert is so attractive. There is a chance to swim in the river while you order your meal at this place.
KARGI HAN
Located on the Kargı and West of Alanya. There is no information in tale about built time. 46m width, 50m height stone building. This building us efor kervansaray comes from Rome, Seljuks and Ottoman Empire.