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ALANYA
Alanya is a pretty town inside the borders of Antalya, on the eastern side
of the bay carrying the same name. A diversity prevails over the land,
with natural figures of high mountains, wide green meadows, plateaus and
innumerable rivers. The peninsula of Alanya, surrounded by its city walls,
extends to the south of the western Taurus Mountains and is separated from
these mountains by broad meadows. Related to its geographical structure,
this little town of the Mediterranean Coast possesses the typical climate
of this region: summers are hot and dry, while winters are temperate and
rainy. Suitably, agricultural activities are active on the fertile plain
of Alanya, with greenhouses and banana plantations spread over the area.Along
with these natural beauties, historical and archeological values of this
land, named Korakesion during the Hellenistic period, amaze the sightseers
visiting the region. Going under the hegemony of Romans and Byzantines,
the city changed its name then to ‘Kalanoros’, until the Seljuk sultan
Alaeddin Keykubat renamed it “Alaiye” in 1220.
Filled with the traces of history interspersed with wonderful views of
nature, Alanya today, has become one of the most important holiday resorts
of Turkey. Its modern and high capacity touristic establishments with
various facilities, complement the requisites of a good vacation.
With respect to transportation, Alanya is usually reached via Antalya.
Flights from all the major cities of Turkey and Europe arrive at the
international airport in Antalya, from where intercity buses are available
for traveling to Alanya. This trip takes about an hour and a half. Direct
buses from numerous cities to the area also exist. Another alterative is
to reach Alanya by sea, taking one of the cruises departing from Istanbul
organized by TML.
Touristic Attractions And Tour Opportunities
Alanya Fortress
Located behind the Alanya Harbour on a promontory, this famous fortress is
one of the most magnificent sights on the Mediterranean. It was built by
Alaeddin Keykubat in 1229, atop an old fortress built by Roman pirates,
and restored in later periods. Inside the castle, there exist a Seljuk
cistern, a Byzantine church, the Keykubat Sultan Palace and the ruins of a
Seljuk bath. On the walls, the largest lantern in the Mediterranean region
constructed in 1720, is present. This well-preserved fortress possesses an
impressive appearance worth seeing.
Red Tower
Built on a hill overlooking the harbour, this tower of about 35 m high had
been constructed with the purpose of guarding the dockyard. It is shaped
as an octagonal prism, the floors of which are built with ret stones and
bricks giving it the 'red' title and is the symbol of Alanya. In the
middle of the tower, there is a big cistern rising to the 5th floor
Beside its ruins are finds of an earlier period. The tower today serves as
an ethnographical museum.
The Dockyard
It is situated in the east of Alanya Fortress and was built by Sultan
Alaeddin Keykubat in 1226. The Seljuks constructed big ships in this
dockyard throughout their period of rule.
The Harbour
Alanya Harbour was restored recently and its most interesting feature
today is the little boats that will take you to see many caverns around
accessible only from the sea. The recommended itinerary for such a boat
tour would include Fosforlu Mağarasi (the Phosphorescent Cave), Aşiklar
Mağarasi (the Lovers’ Cave), and Korsanlar Mağarasi (Pirates’
Cave). You can even swim inside these caverns during your visit.Alanıya
Museum The museum, located on the street leading to the Damlataş
Cave and the citadel, houses many interesting objects dating back to
Phrygian, Lydian, Greek, Roman, Seljuk and Ottoman times.Seljuk Medrese (
Gulevşan Ruins)It is located 5 kms east of Alanya, near Oba village.
Constructed in 1232, the design of this medrese shows the fascinating
characteristics of Seljuk handicraft.
Leadres - Laerti ( Mahmutlar Ruins)
At a distance of 13 kms from Alanya, this area is near Mahmutlar. Reaching
the place is not easy as you have to climb for a while, so it is advisable
to take a guide from Alanya or Mahmutlar. Among the remains there are
churches, baths, cisterns, temples and small fortresses. Almost all
churches in the region are adorned with mosaics made up of stones of three
colours; white, black and red.
Syedra - Sedre
20 kms east of Alanya, this city is situated inside a valley facing the
sea. It dates back to 3rd century BC and the most important remains here
are, the tombs, bath and palace.
Lotapa (Aytap)
A distance of 30 km from Alanya. This city is supposed to be founded by
pirates, the ruins found in this harbour
town proves its belonging to the Roman period.Serapsu Inn
At the 15th kms on the road to Antalya, this old inn is situated over a
hill it resembles to a fortress and was built by the Seljuk Sultan Keyhüsrev.Alara
Inn and Alara Fortress This caravanserai,35 km northwest of Alanya,
was built by the Selcuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat on the banks of the
Alara River. It was constructed in the 13th century and has several rooms
with small windows and a long hail inside. Guarding the caravanserai,
Alara Fortress stands on a high and rocky area nearby. There is a palace,
bath and mosque in this castle and the view from the top is unique,
commanding the whole area.ALANYA Incekum
This region at the 20th km along the Alanya-Antalya road, possess large
pine forests that extend towards the clear blue sea. Camping and
picnicking are possible here, although permission is required from local
authorities.
Dim River
5 kms east of Alanya, is the Dim River and the valley nearby. Beaches
and Sports Facilities This town possesses sandy beaches, extending
both to the east west, with a length of 70 kms. Swimming pools of various
sizes exist inside the touristic establishments. Regarding to the sports
facilities, there is the Alanya city stadium with a capacity of 2000.
There is also tennis, basketball and volleyball courts near the Atatürk
Park.Hunting - Fishing
Wild boar, deer, hare and partridge can be hunted at the Taurus Mountains,
while fishing is possible with small boats.
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