What is Alanya? A Guide to the Turkish Coast Town

Alanya is the perfect destination for travelers looking to combine a rich cultural experience with seaside relaxation. Located on the Mediterranean Sea in southern Turkey, Alanya boasts gorgeous beaches and stunning architecture. With something to offer everyone, from shoppers to sun seekers to nightlife lovers, Alanya appeals to travelers from around the world.

Eight Things to Know About Alanya:

1. Climate: Alanya’s climate is conducive to year-round activities, with an average annual temperature of 13.4 °C (56 °F). Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures averaging 33 °C (91 °F) and plenty of sunshine to enjoy. Winters are milder, with temperatures sticking around an average of 8 °C (46 °F).2. Location: Alanya is located in southern Turkey, within the province of Antalya and roughly 130 kilometers (81 miles) east of Antalya city center. The city sits in the east-central part of the Small Mediterranean Basin, which is framed by Turkey’s Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.3. Main Attractions: Many of Alanya’s attractions focus around its stunning natural features, historical sites, and the picturesque harbor. Stop by the fortifications at Red Tower and the seaward expansion of Alanya Castle to see spectacular views of the city and its surroundings. Visit Damlatas Cave for insight into the town’s 6th-century history, followed by a stroll along the seafront promenade to soak up Alanya’s lively atmosphere.4. Nature & Outdoors: There are plenty of options for outdoor recreational activities in and around Alanya. Explore the dramatic, rugged coastline with its hidden coves and secluded beaches. Or, for those looking for a unique experience, head to one of the local diving centers for a chance to explore the area’s vibrant underwater life.5. Cuisine: Turkish cooking has been influenced by a range of cultures over time, including Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. As such, typical dishes in Alanya are largely Mediterranean-inspired. Look out for fresh seafood cooked in garlic, herbs and lemon juice or a variety of kebabs served with pide – a type of flatbread. Specialties include lahmacun (a minced meat pizza) and börek (a savory pastry).6. Shopping: Alanya offers a variety of shopping experiences, from markets to contemporary malls. Kesik Bazaar is a great spot for finding locally-sourced goods including jewelry, leather products and antiques. Alternatively, head to Alanyum Mall for a range of high-street brands and eateries. 7. Nightlife: Partying in Alanya means a mix of both traditional Turkish vibes and international tourism – particularly appealing for those looking for a unique nightlife experience. Popular bars tend to be focused around the beach clubs and lined along the seafront promenade or dotted near the harbor, with plenty of options for pub crawls too! 8. Beaches: Whether you’re looking for a beach resort destination with tempting blue waters you can swim in or somewhere off-the-beaten-track where you can find little, hidden areas of unspoiled beauty, Alanya has it all. Escaping the beach resort scene requires venturing a little further, either east to the quieter beaches of Mahmutlar or west to Cleopatra Beach near Side – both are perfect spots for sunbathing, swimming, water sports or just taking it easy and soaking up the scenery.

How To Get To Alanya from major cities

Heading to Alanya from other major cities in Turkey can be done easily by road or rail; here are some of your options:

By Plane

Alanya Gazipasa International Airport offers direct flights from Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and other major cities around Turkey. Flight duration is approximately 1-2.5 hours depending on your departure points; several airlines offer competitively priced fares from both international and domestic carriers throughout the year.For other international flights that are further away from Alanya airport within Europe or further away countries there is a well connected airport in Antalya (Aytap Airport) which can take around 2.5 – 3 Hours by bus or taxi to reach Alanya city center.

By Bus

Hareket Bus is a popular option when travelling between cities in Turkey due its reliable schedule and competitive prices for tickets. Several buses depart daily from major hubs including Istanbul Intercity Bus Terminal (İstanbulateş), Ankara Intercity Bus Terminal (AnkaraısehisarBusMan), Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (İzmirADNAN). Depending on your point of exit these journeys can last between 7 – 10 hours and arrive at Alanya Bus Station located in Şekeroba district within the city center.KAF Blog

By Train

The high-speed train line through southeastern Turkey offers fast and reliable transport between Istanbul and Adana; trains run several times daily from both cities. From Adana it is possible to take one of the regular city busses that passes through the coastal towns along Turkeys southern Mediterranean coast including Alanya with daily departures to arrive at your destination directly at the Central Bus Station located in Şekeroba district; journey duration is approximately 7 hours.Turkey Train Travel.If you’re looking for somewhere with a classic Mediterranean coastal vibe but that also provides plenty of cultural experiences too, then look no further than Alanya. It’s a great choice for couples seeking romance or those wanting an all-inclusive package holiday with lots of activities on offer – whether that’s grazing the local cuisine at a Turkish food festival or lounging on sun beds in one of its many beach clubs! Whatever it is that you’re looking for on your trip, allow yourself some time during your visit to explore this beautiful part of Turkey – you won’t be disappointed!