Let's tell you about the places in Alanya that every tourist should see
Alanya is not only beaches and sun, but also a real find for lovers of history and beauty. Here every corner breathes legends, and ancient ruins are adjacent to cozy cafes and modern entertainment.
Main sights of Alanya
Especially for you we have already collected in one place all the best, interesting and must-see attractions. Some of these famous sights are the real calling cards of Alanya!
Kizil Kule
This octagonal symbol of Alanya stands right by the harbor and was built in the 13th century. The tower used to protect the harbor from attacks and now houses an ethnographic museum. You can climb to the upper level by an ancient spiral staircase. From there you can see the waterfront and the harbor itself.
Address: Çarşı, İskele Cd. No:102, 07400
Shipyard
This is the only surviving Seljuk shipyard on the Mediterranean Sea. Its arches go straight into the water and the place looks like a scene from a historical movie. It is a good choice for atmospheric photos against the backdrop of the sea.
Address: Tersane Sk. No:9, 07400
Suleymaniye Mosque
Built in the 13th century and rebuilt in the 16th century after being struck by lightning. The wooden parts are made of cedar wood and are a rare example of the carving skills of the Ottoman period.
Address: Hisariçi, Ehmedek Sk. No:10, 07400
Lighthouse
The slender, snow-white building juts forward 500 meters into the sea. Despite its modest height, its light can be seen from 200 nautical miles away. One of many ideal spots for lovers of picturesque sunset photos.
Address: Unnamed Rd., Çarşı, 07400
Damlatas Cave
A cave with incredibly humid air and stalactites over 15,000 years old. It is believed that the air in it is useful for respiratory diseases. It is also a great way to refresh yourself on a hot day.
Address: Çarşı, Damlataş Cd. No:81, 07400
Alanya Fortress
The medieval hilltop fortress is another symbol of the city. It offers a stunning view of the city, the sea and the surrounding area. The walls stretch for 6.5 km and in some places are well preserved. The climb to the top is not easy, but the view from the top is worth every drop of sweat.
Address: Hisariçi, 07400
Tophane Tower
This is also the Nusretie Clock Tower, which once served as an artillery post. From here they defended Alanya from the sea, and now you can admire the beautiful sunsets and the panorama of the bay. All around are cozy streets with Turkish charm.
Address: Tophane, Tersane Sk. No:9, 07400
Cleopatra's Beach
According to legend, this beach was a gift from Mark Antony to Queen Cleopatra. Locals say that the sand here is special - it was brought from Egypt. Clear water, well-groomed shore - what else is needed for a vacation?
Address: Kızlar Pınarı, Atatürk Blv. No:187, 07460
Atatürk Park
A green oasis in the heart of the city, ideal for relaxing in the shade of palm trees. There are plenty of benches, fountains and even a mini zoo. You can grab an ice cream, take a walk or just escape the heat. The park is named after Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey.
Address: Saray, Güzelyalı Cd. No:6, 07400
Funicular to the fortress
The cable car to the fortress can be called a separate attraction because of the magnificent views it offers. It is especially beautiful in the evening at sunset. The funicular takes you from Cleopatra's beach straight to the walls of the fortress.
Address: Kızlar Pınarı, Atatürk Blv. No:187, 07460
The most interesting places in Alanya
Surprisingly, but in Alanya you can have time to climb the fortress, and go down into the cave, and look into the ancient city - all within a couple of kilometers. Even those who are not the first time in Turkey, will easily find something new. Let's tell you what interesting things are waiting for you!
Streets and squares
Alanya is a city not only for lying on the beach, but also for walking. Here are the most colorful places for tourists:
Ataturk Street - the main city artery with a bunch of stores, cafes, boutiques and the atmosphere of a southern resort town. It's a nice place to just walk around in the evening.
The square near the Red Tower - here you can sit by the sea, visit museums, and admire the ships in the harbor.
The promenade on the way to the lighthouse - lively promenade, street performers, ice cream, sunsets. Everything is beautiful, bustling and summery.
Museums and exhibitions
Yes, museums in Alanya are not boring. They are sure to please adults, teenagers and children. Here's what to see and what to show:
Ethnographic Museum in the Red Tower - will tell you how people lived and traded in Alanya many years ago.
Alanya Archaeological Museum - small but interesting. There are ancient statues, ceramics and even a bronze sculpture of Hercules.
Shipyard Museum - in an ancient shipyard building by the sea. The atmosphere is impressive, it's like stepping back in time.
Ataturk House Museum - a museum in the house where the founder of the Turkish Republic stayed. You can visit it for the interiors and stories.
Temple architecture
There are not many religious buildings in Alanya, but there are a couple of places worth visiting. First and foremost is the Suleymaniye Mosque, which we have already mentioned. And also the Emir Bedruddin Mosque in Topkhan, built in 1227. It acquired its modern shape after the restoration in 1970. It can be easily noticed by its minaret. There are not many Orthodox churches and cathedrals in the city, but in the neighborhood you can find an old Byzantine church on the territory of the fortress.
Parks
Alanya is not the greenest city in the world, apart from Ataturk Park in the city center. But you can also take a walk in the fresh air in the shade of palm trees along Cleopatra Beach. And if you have time, we advise you to go outside the city to the park by the Dimchay River.
Monuments
There are not so many monuments to see in Alanya. The main one is the monument to Ataturk in the center of the city. It is very popular and you will find it in any guidebook. And also - in almost all other cities in Turkey. An iconic figure!
Theaters
Alanya is not the best choice for going to theaters and philharmonies, but there is something to visit here. Outdoor venues sometimes host summer concerts and festivals or street musicians. Jazz and Turkish national music festivals are very good.
Entertainment
Looking for places to go and places to visit to have fun? We offer another list of interesting places! Save it if you have at least 2 days to spare!
Water Planet Water Park is one of the largest water parks in the region. Steep slides, pools, lazy rivers - all overlooking the sea. It's also in the forest! It's definitely worth seeing.
Sealanya Sea Park Aquarium - a little further from the city, but here you can watch marine animals, swim with dolphins and even snorkel.
Alanyum AVM Entertainment Center - the mall has a movie theater, arcade and food court.
Castles
The main and, perhaps, the only castle of the city is the very Alanya Fortress, a monument of history and architecture. It is not just a fortress, but a whole neighborhood with ancient walls, gates, a mosque and a viewing platform. It's worth a visit even if you plan to explore the city in just 1 day.
Viewpoints
The best panorama of the city is from the observation deck of the fortress. Alanya Seyir Terası is located on the hill to the city limits. It is the same one, free of charge, for youth and adults, where people take cool atmospheric photos with the sign "I ♥ Alanya".
Alanya knows how to surprise - and it's not just about beaches and hotels. Here, history, nature and oriental flavor are combined in an amazing mix. Even if you have only a few days to spare, you will have time to see something really memorable. The main thing is to take comfortable shoes and don't forget your phone for photos!
