Alanya...
..A city on the southern
coast of Turkey - The Turkish Riviera - offering whatever your
heart desires…Miles of sandy beaches, ancient sites of many
worldly cultures, pristine Mediterranean landscapes, crystal
clear water and coves...Then of course lets not forget the grand
hotels, bazaars, clubs, café bars and restaurants and all of
this is right next to the spectacular marina.
Alanya
is a city district of Antalya and is located 135 km east of
Antalya. To the east lies the district Gazipasa and in the West
Manavgat / Side. Alanya is known as the "Pearl of The Turkish
Riviera" and became world famous for the miles of sandy and
clean beaches, crystal clear turquoise ocean and the warm
soothing Mediterranean climate. The historical past, the many
natural attractions and the multi-cultural cosmopolitan
lifestyle makes Alanya an unforgettable very special experience.
Thanks to the vast choice of land and water sports the colorful
bazaars and the cheerful bustle nightlife Alanya has become one
of the most popular seaside resorts both for domestic and
European tourists on The Turkish Riviera.
One of the most famous symbols of the city is the powerful rock
leading from the castle far into the sea this magnificent piece
of history originates from the year 1225.
In the Alanya region, there are about 230.000 inhabitants. The
city and region offers a very good and inexpensive bus
connection.
A new marina has been built just outside the city center and the
old port has been completely renovated!
In the old town there are hundreds of restaurants, bars, cafes
and patisseries to sit and relax at and watch the world go by
but if you prefer a more energetic time there is also 5 large
open air nightclubs.Take your pick!
Of course you find many traditional Turkish restaurants but also
you will discover a worldwide cuisine such as: Italian, Mexican,
Chinese, Indian and traditional English food served at certain
restaurants which boast a delicious Sunday lunch and English
breakfast.
Shopping in Alanya varies from small local grocery stores to big
supermarkets such as (Migros, Metro, Alanyum, Kipa(known as
Tesco in England) as well as jewellers, leather shops, modern
furniture stores, farmers market (bazaar) with the freshest
organic fruit and vegetables you have ever seen. There is also
an indoor wholesale market selling freshly caught fish as well
as fruit and vegetables and locally made handcrafts. The Turkish
bazaars are something not to be missed out on, the excitement,
smells, food an unforgettable experience!
Alanya also offers cultural inspiration with its museums,
libraries and Internet cafes.
The Antalya International Airport is easy to reach from all
cities in Europe. The driving time from Antalya Airport to
Alanya (per route 125 km) is only 80 minutes on the newly built
highway.
The first settlement in the Alanya region goes back to
Pre-Christian times. Before the discovery of tourism the locals
lived from agriculture, fishery and animal household. These
nomade tribes spent the mild winter in Alanya and in the summer
time they moved with their herds to the pastures of the Taurus
Mountains. With the development of tourism many of these people
have become sedentary and take part of the business life in many
of the hotels, shops and restaurants.
The present population structure has within the last 20 years
made Alanya into a multicultural city. When tourism started to
develop the first businessmen came from Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir
and other major cities and established the first hotels and
shops. Then came the Turks who were living abroad who invested
their savings into tourism. They also contributed by helping
make Alanya known in Europe.
With the development of infrastructure, healthcare, modern
hotels, villas, apartments and shops came the first purchase of
apartments by the Europeans. To date on The Turkish Riviera more
than 35,000 Europeans purchased property here (mostly Germans -
about 15,500). For most of the time they live here permanently
as our new local friends embracing the Turkish culture and laid
back way of life.
The popularity of Alanya both by locals and Europeans is based
on the high quality of the tourist facilities, hotels and
beaches. The miles of beaches are open to everyone free of
charge. Even the hotels are not like in other resorts with a
capacity of 50-100 rooms, comfortable and very homely. They are
located along the beaches or lying in the city center and
managed in a family and professional style ensuring a relaxed
atmosphere. Discover the history, nature and culture of Alanya.
Experience the Turkish hospitality in tranquil surroundings.

Alanya's History
Alanya's Sights
Alanya Pictures