The picturesque resort of Alanya might be one of Turkey’s best-kept secrets. Tucked between the Mediterranean Sea and the Taurus Mountains, Alanya awaits peacefully on the southern coast of Turkey.
With stories that date back to the 4th century, lemon and orange gardens, superb beaches, and fun activities, the resort has everything you need for a relaxing, yet adventurous holiday. Add to this, summer temperatures from June to December and over 300 days of sunshine a year, and you’ve just discovered a place blessed with eternal summer!
Dominated by the presence of a 13th-century castle and still, charming visitors with an ancient Byzantine wall beautifully blends history with contemporaneity. The resort abounds in hotels, resorts, and a variety of dining venues, as well as nightclubs and bars. Food is fantastic, as are the services, so you won’t find anything to complain during your Alanya trip. Just make a list with all the things to do and set for an unforgettable experience on Turkey’s “Turquoise Coast”.
Capture the best views from Alanya Castle
One of the most memorable attractions, Alanya Castle is the best departure point for your journey of exploration of the town and a great viewpoint for fabulous views. Its walls are still whispering tales dating back to the 13th century and even earlier if you take into consideration the fact that the fortifications date back to the 3rd century. Surprisingly well-preserved and incredibly fascinating, this fortress was the site where pirates used to take refuge back in the days of Alexander the Great. Continue your incursion into Alanya’s past with a walk down to the harbor where you’ll discover the magnificent Red Tower, a hexagonal structure built in 1226 to guard the castle and Old Shipyard, currently one of the most photogenic locations in Alanya.
Bathe in Cleopatra’s bay
Most travelers visit Alanya for its fine sand beaches, and no one ever misses a trip to Cleopatra beach. It is said that the Ptolemaic princess once bathed in these waters during her visit with Mark Anthony although many think she probably was on one of her many business trips and didn’t visit Alanya for pleasure. Either way, it’s a nice feeling to admire what once was admired by one of the most powerful women in history, so grab a sun bed and relax in the sun. The beach is superb and the water is crystal clear, ideal for long swimming sessions.
Take a pirate boat trip
And because we’ve talked about pirates how about a pirate boat trip? The experience is interesting and fun, especially for families with kids, and the journey rewards curious travelers with excellent views of the Red Tower, Old Shipyard, and the mighty castle, as well as a few mysterious caves. The pirate boat has three decks, ideal for sunbathing, and stops along the way from splashing sessions. Moreover, kids will be entertained with animation programs and a surprise appearance by Jack Sparrow.
Explore the Damlataș Cave
If you’re curious to visit one of the caves up-close, you should adventure into the depths of the Damlataș Cave. Don’t worry! The cave is not too deep, and you can pretty much tour its interior in about 15 minutes, but you can always stay longer if you want to relax on the beaches inside. The cave was discovered by accident in 1948 and is situated close to the gorgeous beach with the same name. Despite its reduced size, the experience of entering this sea-monster-like cave is extraordinary. Guests are welcomed by thousands of stalactites and stalagmites formed over a period of 15,000 years and an out-of-this-world air that it is said to heal asthma and help with rheumatism-related disorders.
Try stand-up paddling
Take advantage of the clear waters and experience stand-up paddling! No special skills needed except for balance and a can-do attitude. Rent a stand-up paddle board from Alanya Surf Team and enjoy two hours on the water while finding out more about the area and the underwater world. If you prefer a relaxing cruise, you can always hire a boat and set the course to the caves in the citadel’s vicinity. The views are spectacular!
Go on a jeep safari
A jeep safari is one of the most adventurous activities. This is a great way to discover the wilderness of the Taurus Mountains and reach an altitude of about 1,200 meters above sea level. The safari has several stops along the away, in pretty little mountain villages, and includes views of gorgeous waterfalls, dips in lakes, and delicious pancakes served in a hidden small café in the heart of the woods. Want to make things even more interesting? Book a jeep tour by night.
If you like this article you might also enjoy reading this: https://www.purevacations.com/top-5-small-towns-of-europe/
More places
