Alanya is a large resort in Pamphylia on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, with a population of 364,180 in 2022. It's a modern town but dominated by its ancient citadel, with a long beach strip either side.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Much of Turkey's coastline is rugged, with only small coves for harbours and inland access, but from Antalya to Alanya and further east is the low coastal plain of Pamphylia. It's narrow, hemmed in by the Taurus Mountains, but has attracted settlers from prehistoric times to the modern era of Airbuses and Boeings. "Pamphylia" means land of many peoples, and each of them has occupied the defensible crag here and given it a different name. The Luwians called it Korakassa or "protruding city" for the way the crag divides the long sweep of beach, and then it was Coracesium then Kalonoros.
Walking is the best option in the town centre. Dolmuşes ply all the main streets, flag them down anywhere, or join others attempting to do so. Alanya Teleferik is a gondola cable car from Sultan Alaadin Cd (Damlataş station) by the beach to Ehdemek (Kale station) at the top of the citadel. It runs continuously daily from 09:30 to 23:00, and the ride takes five minutes. A round trip is 500 TL (updated Jul 2023)
The Citadel (Kale) occupies the headland between the port and beaches. Most of the area is free to stroll, and you only pay for İç Kale the inner castle. This obvious defensive position has been occupied since prehistory and was fortified in Roman and Byzantine times, but what you see now is a Seljuk bastion built from 1220 AD. Houses, shops and other buildings have sprung up within the citadel walls. Kale Cd the road up from town is a 3 km zigzag, and the taxis waiting near the foot are betting you can't walk it - see above for the cable-car.
Beaches are sandy, stretching several km either side of the headland. Boat trips sail round the headland and sea caves. There's half a dozen operators along the harbour. Scuba diving: the caves are memorable, outside is typically Med, just rocks, eel-grass and few fish. Scuba shacks are Dolphin, Magic Dive and Alanya Diving Centre. Jeep safaris are based at Zambak Sk next to Alaiye Kleopatra Hotel. Paragliding: half a dozen outfits offer this. Football: Alanyaspor play soccer in Süper Lig, the top tier. Their home ground is Kırbıyık Holding Stadium (capacity 10,800) ten km northeast of town towards Kızılcaşehir.
Budget places cluster around Damlataş Cave and the nearby beach. Rami Restoran, Köseoğlu Sk (next to museum). Reliable friendly place for trad food. (updated Jul 2023) Sushi Co, İsmet Hilmi Balcı Cd 11 (north side of museum), ☏ +90 444 7844. Daily 11:30-23:00. Chinese and Japanese, since you need a break from Turkish. (updated Jul 2023) Sherlock Holmes Restaurant, Damlataş Cd (next to museum), ☏ +90 532 544 8536. Daily 08:00-00:00. Welcoming cafe at all hours. (updated Jul 2023) 1 Mystery Steakhouse, Damlataş Cd 71, ☏ +90 242 513 5164. Daily 09:00-01:00. No mystery, just good steaks and grills. (updated Jul 2023) 2 Willi's Kneipe, Güzelyalı Cd 26/D, ☏ +90 242 512 2579. Daily 09:00-00:00.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Alanya typically sees ~32°C daytime highs and 0 rainy days.
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