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Alanya, a coastal town on Turkey's southern Mediterranean shore, offers a blend of historical sites and natural appeal. It is particularly recognised for its extensive beaches and the prominent Alanya Castle, a Seljuk-era fortress that dominates the peninsula. The Red Tower, an octagonal brick structure, stands as a symbol of the town's maritime history, guarding the old harbour.
Beyond these landmarks, the Damlataş Cave presents an intriguing natural feature with its stalactite formations, located near Kleopatra Beach. The town also serves as a base for exploring the surrounding Taurus Mountains and provides various coastal pursuits. It maintains its character through local markets and a relaxed pace by the sea.
Most visitors to Alanya typically choose to stay in the Cleopatra Beach area, which is well-regarded for its sandy shore and proximity to various amenities. It offers a good balance for those looking for both beach access and convenient city exploration.
For a central location, Alanya City Centre provides a bustling atmosphere with a wide array of hotels, from budget-friendly options to more upscale establishments. This area is ideal for exploring sights like the Red Tower and the Alanya Castle, both easily reachable. You'll also find numerous restaurants serving traditional Turkish cuisine and shops along İskele Caddesi. The Alanya Archaeological Museum is also situated here, offering insights into the region's history.
East of the city centre, the Keykubat Beach area, also known as Portakal Beach, offers a slightly quieter experience compared to Cleopatra. Accommodation here ranges from larger resorts to comfortable family-run hotels. It's a pleasant spot for a more relaxed holiday, with the Dim River a short journey away, where you can enjoy riverside dining. The local area also features various eateries and cafes, often catering to those seeking a calmer environment.
Further east, beyond Keykubat, areas like Oba and Mahmutlar become more prevalent, often featuring larger, all-inclusive resorts that are popular with families. These areas are generally more spread out and offer a different pace, focusing more on resort-based activities. While they are a bit further from the main city landmarks, they provide a peaceful retreat with good local bus connections into the centre.
When considering hotel bookings, it's worth noting the journey from the airports. Gaziantep-Alanya Airport (GZP) is about an hour's drive, and Antalya Airport (AYT) is around two hours away. Many hotels offer airport transfer services, or you can arrange a shuttle or taxi directly to your accommodation. Public transport, particularly local dolmuş services, are frequent and connect most areas within Alanya, making it easy to get around once you've settled in.
To make your holiday funds stretch further when booking accommodation in Alanya, consider travelling outside the busiest periods. Prices tend to be significantly higher during the peak summer months, especially from July to August, and can also rise around the Eid al-Adha festival, which often falls in early summer and draws a large number of visitors.
For more economical rates, aim for the shoulder seasons or the quieter winter months. You'll often find better deals from November to March, excluding the Christmas and New Year period, and also in late April and May, before the main summer rush begins. This approach allows you to enjoy Alanya’s offerings without the premium prices.