Türkiye, Alanya - “One day in Alanya! Where to go and what to see on your own? A must-have mini-program for solo travelers.” Sights of alanya or winter trip to turkey

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Alanya is one of the most popular Turkish resorts among our compatriots. For us, Alanya is, for the most part, nothing more than luxurious beaches, hot sun and first-class hotels. The beaches here are really steep, with fine yellow sand and azure waters. Almost all of Alanya lies on a 250 m high rocky promontory protruding into the sea. However, few people know that Alanya was founded in the second century BC. Then it was a famous port, which in 67, still BC, joined the Roman Empire. The city often changed its name, then it was Korakesion, then Kolonoros, then Alaye.
In general, the story is long and interesting.

But the most interesting thing in Alanya, in my opinion, is its entertaining past. The city houses numerous historical monuments that are a must-see during your visit to Alanya.

Archaeological Museum (Alanya arkeoloji muzesi)

The museum was built in the late 60s of the last century and consists of 14 exhibition halls. The museum's collections are divided into eras. What is not here! Gizmos of the Bronze Age, clay Byzantine and ancient Roman products, tombstones, marble artifacts, inscriptions, mosaics of the 7th-5th centuries BC. A valuable exhibit is a stone with an inscription in the Phoenician language, 625 BC. It's just mind-boggling!
Tourists usually linger for a long time near the bronze statue of Hercules, which dates back to the 2nd century BC. A statue half a meter high was found in a mountain village near Alanya more than half a century ago. It is believed that this figure is a trophy from a ship robbed by pirates. But the statue, of course, impresses with its grace. Even the face of Hercules is unrealistically realistic, pardon the tautology. And there is also a hall in this museum with vessels for the ashes of the Byzantine and Roman periods. Limestone vessels in the form of a sarcophagus with interesting lids and various drawings on the walls - plants, horsemen, faces of men and women, inscriptions. These vessels, as you already understood, are for burials, because in a mountainous region it was sometimes difficult to dig up the ground, it was easier to burn the body and place it in such a sarcophagus. Well, different religious ones are also inherent in this. What else is in this museum: coins, weapons from the Ottoman era, a handwritten Koran, ancient clothes, carpets, jewelry, local embroidery, wood carvings, grape presses and much more. The museum is very informative and interesting. The museum is located near the coast, on Saray Mahallesi, almost in the center of the city.

Tersane Shipyard

This building is located next to the Red Tower, by the sea. The structure is impressively massive - 56 by 44 meters, with five aisles in the form of an ara and deep galleries 40 meters deep. A completely monumental building from the Seljuk era was erected here in the first half of the 13th century. Moreover, this structure was built quite quickly, somewhere in a year. When the shipyard was completed, the ruler Aladdin Keykubat, under whom all this happened, finally realized his old dream of becoming the "sultan of the two seas", and at the same time this building prevented a potential attack by enemies from the eastern side. On the left you can see a small mosque and outbuildings. Today, this shipyard is a marina for small boats and a very popular tourist attraction, especially in the evenings. It is best to admire this ancient structure from the sea, from a boat or yacht, which many tourists do.

Kyzylkule Tower

The city owes the construction of this tower to the same Aladdin Keykubat. The tower was built for defensive purposes, in the city harbor. Kyzylkule in Turkish means "Red Tower", because it was built of red brick. This tower is now a symbol of Alanya and is even depicted on the flag of the city. The walls of the octagonal building are about 8 km long. The tower is 29 meters in diameter and about 33 meters high. All in all, a powerful and impressive build. It was built in 1226, and it took about 12 years to build it. Up to 2,000 people can fit inside the building at the same time. On top of the tower there are loopholes, from which warriors poured hot oil or tar onto opponents. The design is amazing in that, despite the fact that it has five floors, the light passing through the top of the tower penetrates right up to the first floor. You can climb into the territory of the Red Tower from the western side, through the entrance next to the fortress walls. Climb up the stairs - 85 steps, get ready! But from the top offers a magnificent view of the city and the sea. The Turkish flag flies at the top. Oh yes, there is an Ethnographic Museum on the first floor.

Alanya Fortress (Alanya Kalesi)

One of the largest in Turkey and the best preserved. It consists of 140 towers and walls with beautiful ornaments. The walls are made of rough cobblestones. The length of the wall is about 6 km. Inside you can see the reservoirs. Arched gates with preserved ancient runes are well preserved. Once on the territory there were a winter palace, a military building, residential buildings, a mosque, trading shops and even places for execution. In general, life inside this fortress was in full swing. The Red Tower, by the way, is part of this building.

Suleymaniye Mosque

The Byzantine fortress on the mountain was built in 1231 on the territory of the fortress of Alanya. True, it was destroyed and rebuilt in the 16th century. A square stone mosque with one minaret is often called either the Aladdin Mosque or the Fortress Mosque. Under the dome of the mosque, you can see 15 small ones - this was done to improve acoustics. The wooden gates of the mosque are fine examples of art from the Ottoman Empire. The complex also includes a palace, schools and military buildings.

Tomb of Askebe Turbesi

The tomb of the Sultan is also located inside the fortress of Alanya, a hundred meters from the Suleymaniye Mosque. The square-shaped tomb is made of stone, the dome and walls inside are covered with brick. Inside you can see two halls - in one the Sultan rests, in the other there are three more tombs. Perhaps once the grave looked much more luxurious, perhaps it was covered with faience. Today, only some inscriptions and parts of decorations can be seen on it. Nearby is a cylindrical minaret made of brick, or rather, part of it, up to the balcony.

Helpful answer?

Alanya is one of the largest cities on the Antalya coast and no less popular resort. Being here on vacation, you should visit the city itself, see its iconic places, join, so to speak, history, give "food for thought". History can be seen in the city center, as well as near the main promenade.

Among the most iconic sights is the red tower (Kizil Kule). It is perfectly visible both from land and from the sea. This is the symbol of Alanya. I saw a similar symbol in Greek Thessaloniki, but the tower is white. True, it became white only after the transition of the city from the Turks to the Greeks. During the existence of the Ottoman Empire in Thessaloniki, the tower was also red and it housed a prison. Here in Turkey, the tower symbolizes the dominance of the Turks on the seas. It was built after the capture of Alanya by the Seljuks and was an excellent defense of the bay of the city.

Alanya is associated with the name of Queen Cleopatra. In the city there is a beach of the same name, the sand on which was brought from Egypt. The beach is open to the public. This is really a sandy beach. You can also get to the beach by traveling along the coast of the city on a tourist boat. Usually it is stopped close to the shore and you can swim in clear emerald-colored water. True, there is a belief that Cleopatra has never been to the beach.

Another antiquity is Cleopatra's castle or the fortress of Alanya. The fortress walls are quite long. They "descend" from the mountain towards the Mediterranean Sea. It is better to climb the mountain to see all the beauties of the city from a height of 250 meters above sea level and to see the fortifications in more detail. Fragments of building structures, as well as the Byzantine fortress named after St. George, have been preserved here. The fortress was built by the Seljuk Turks in the 13th century. Now it is a monument of architecture in the open air.

Even on the territory of Alanya there are two famous caves - pirates and lovers. True, to see them you need to transfer to a boat or a boat. You can't see them from the shore. Some fabulous, in my opinion, stories are connected with the caves. So, in the cave, the pirates hid the stolen goods, as well as the kidnapped girls.

As for the cave of lovers, there is a belief that if a man passes through it from one entrance to another, he thereby proves his love and this love for life. Legend, myth or truth - who knows, but people believe.

Do not be too lazy to visit another attraction of the city - the Damlatas cave. It was discovered in the last century, but it has existed for a very long time, as evidenced by the size of stalactites and stalagmites. Located 100 meters from the coast.

Again, there is a myth here. Allegedly, the pirates hid the kidnapped girls here and at the same time thought that after they were here, they would become even more beautiful. Maybe because the air in the cave is healing. The natural entrance to the cave has been preserved. The temperature here is about 22 degrees and very high humidity. Damlatash air perfectly cures bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory diseases. It even has its own doctor who can recommend the best course of treatment. Everything is at the service of vacationers.

Alanya is a city-museum. There is no need to visit exhibition halls, museums. Everything related to ancient history in plain sight. Therefore, you can travel around the city on your own, admiring the beauties of nature, vivid landscapes and monuments of ancient architecture. Alanya is an opportunity to combine beach holidays and hiking.

In Alanya, all the main attractions concentrated in one place - on the mountain where the fortress is located, and near this mountain. I propose two routes which include visiting all of these attractions in one go. The difference between the routes is only in difficulty.

The most important sights of Alanya, which are included in these routes, you can see with a tour in Russian, ordering it at home via the Internet on the website.

The first route is easier: it is necessary walk down the mountain, the second is more difficult: it is necessary climb the mountain on foot. These routes can be taken as a basis, and you can go through the main attractions of the city a little in your own way. Read about all the sights that you can see in Alanya in a separate article.

In one day you can see in Alanya all major attractions. This is the easiest route, but will require the cost of a cable car ticket as well as entry fees to paid attractions. The route is designed for the whole day. You need to leave early in the morning - immediately after breakfast, otherwise you may not have time.

Route starts from (1) . Before the walk, you can swim in the sea, and then go to (2) which is located 100 meters from the beach. It will take no more than half an hour to explore the cave. Advice! Take a single ticket, which will allow you to visit not only the cave, but also the Red Tower and the Tersane shipyard - these two attractions are also included in our walking route. A single ticket costs a little less than all three tickets if bought separately. Return after the cave to the lower station of the cable car (3). Here we buy a ticket and climb almost to the very top of the mountain, where (5) .

cable car not laid to the very fortress (5) – from the upper station of the cable car (4) several tens of meters will have to climb the wooden platforms. On the mountain, first we go to (5) A: For this you need to buy a ticket. This ticket is also valid for visiting (8) , which we will go to a little later. Then we go to (6) . This mosque is active, and you can see it in Alanya on your own (go inside). Next go to Museum "Traditional Turkish House" (7). This museum is free, the museum staff is friendly. The museum is located next to the mosque, the road to it is marked with signs that say Kültür Evi - Culture House.

Cannons on the fortress wall on the "Path of the Guards" between the Red Tower and the shipyard.

After visiting the museum, go to (8) . In the fortress, as I said, the same ticket is valid as for visiting Ehmedek fortresses (5). Inside you will see water storage tanks (9) and dilapidated Church of St. George (10). So observation deck (11) the citadel offers a breathtaking view of the sea and Cape Gilvarda (12).

If you have good eyesight, then you can see the cape Christian monastery (Manastir Surlar) (13). You cannot visit it, because the road to it is now impassable. To get a better view of the monastery, it would be good to have binoculars with you or look at it through the camera lens if it brings objects closer to you. Then from the fortress of Ich-Kale we have to go down the mountain. Please note that you can go not only along the road, but also along the paths, which are much shorter. A slow descent will take no more than an hour.

Going down, you will pass through the narrow Turkish streets with beautiful houses that are crowded on the mountainside. This so-called Old Alanya (14). In general, I advise you not to rush: some residents keep a cafe where you can sit, relax and drink Turkish tea. Going down, focus on (15) You need to get as close to her as possible.

red tower is also paid, but a single ticket is valid for visiting it, which you bought to the Damlatas cave. After the tower, be sure to go to (17) - the same single ticket is valid there. This is a very curious place, it will be especially interesting for children. The shipyard is located 250 meters from the Red Tower. The path to it partly goes along fortress wall on which the guns are mounted. You can also see medieval throwing machines here. Sometimes this place is called Path of the Guards (16). After inspection shipyards (17) go back to Red Tower (15) and from there go to embankment of Alanya (19).

There you will see lighthouse (18) and many ships, some of which are disguised as medieval. You can get closer to the lighthouse and even, if you're lucky, go inside. At the discretion of the lighthouse keepers, they can take money for this, or they can skip it for free. On the waterfront, you can treat yourself to hot corn or cold ice cream. Now go to the main tourist Damlatas street (20), where many cafes and souvenir shops are concentrated. By the way, on the right side of the road on this street there is a cheap BiM market chain store. Go through the whole street and finally, if you have the strength, visit (21) . That's it - the walk is over.

Route number 2 - harder, for adventurers

You can see in Alanya at one time all the main attractions that are included in route number 1, plus a few more small ones. This route is harder: you will need to climb the mountain on foot along the fortress wall. But at the same time this is a more interesting route., designed for those who like a little more extreme. Route designed for the whole day- Leave immediately after breakfast.

Route starts from small (1) . After visiting it, walk along the main tourist Damlatas street (2) to the sea port and waterfront (3). There you will see various ships (some of them are converted to look like old ones) and lighthouse (4), to which you can get closer and even, if you're lucky, visit it. Sometimes the keepers charge money to enter the lighthouse, sometimes not. After walking along the promenade, go to (5) (it is clearly visible from the embankment).

Buy a ticket to visit the tower. Take a single ticket right away, which will also be valid in the shipyard and Damlatas cave - all these sights can be seen in Alanya in one day, which we will do during our walking tour. A single ticket is cheaper than three separate tickets! From (5) By Path of the Guardians (6) go to (7) . It's about 250 meters. Path of the Guardians (6) partly passes along the fortress wall, where cannons and throwing machines are installed. To get to the shipyard, present a single ticket that you bought in the Red Tower.

After inspecting the shipyard, go to Arsenal (Tophane) (8). Through this tower next to the shipyard (through the gate) you can go to the streets Old Alanya (9) and walk along them, climbing the mountain to the fortress. There are two options: first (easier) - Climb up the mountain through narrow streets Old Alanya (9), second (more complex) - to climb the mountain along the fortress wall.

If you decide to walk along the fortress wall, then it is necessary from Arsenala (Tophane) (8) go along the streets of Old Alanya (9) to the left, gradually approaching the fortress wall. Along the way, you will see several stone necks that look like chimneys that stick out of the ground. This water storage tanks (10). In the place where the wall is built with a slope (it starts to rise uphill), you need to find the steps that go to fortress wall (11). There are such steps in many places: if you miss one, then look for the next. Attention! It is almost impossible to pass under the wall! There are huge boulders!

Walking along the fortress wall must be done carefully. The path along the wall is not equipped with any barriers and exists in the form in which the builders left it many centuries ago. Keep in mind that the path along the wall not very wide and in some places rises above the ground for several meters. So if you fall from here, then injury is inevitable, because below is not sand, but sharp boulders.

The path along the fortress wall will lead you to observation deck (12). But the most important thing is that there will be no steps down - you will have to go down without them. Jumping down is also not easy, because broken bottles and stones are scattered below. Get down more carefully, use the niches hollowed out in the wall. Well, if there are two of you, then you can insure each other. The height of the wall at the place of descent is not more than 2 meters.

After descending, go to observation deck (12) and then go to (13) . Along the way, you can drink a glass of freshly squeezed pomegranate or orange juice. The fortress of Ich-Kale is paid, but the purchased ticket is valid in another (21) where we will go a bit later. In the citadel there is an old Christian Church of St. George (15) and a few water storage tanks (14). So observation deck (16) inside the citadel offers a wonderful view of Cape Gilvarda (17). There is a very ancient Christian monastery on the cape. (Manastir Surlar) (18), but it is impossible to go to it now - the path is very dilapidated. The best way to see the monastery is from the sea, if you order a boat trip on a yacht.

After inspecting the citadel, we go to (19) . The mosque is active, and you can see it in Alanya on your own (go inside). Near the mosque is free museum, which is called "Traditional Turkish House" (20). On the signs, it is marked in Turkish as Kültür Evi and in English as Culture House. Next go to (21) . To enter the fortress, you will need the same ticket as to enter the citadel.

Free Museum "Traditional Turkish House".

Then from the fortress go down the wooden platforms to the top station of the cable car (22). Buy a ticket and go down the cable car to the bottom station of the cable car (23). After descending, it is best to go first to (25) , in which a single ticket purchased for the Red Tower and the shipyard is valid. And after the cave, go to (24) and swim in the sea after a long and eventful walk. That's all - the route is over.

Alanya (Türkiye) - how tempting this phrase sounds. The bewitching coast of the Mediterranean Sea, thickets of tropical vegetation and the bright sun, which shines like a diamond in an infinitely blue sky, arise in thoughts. Among the many Turkish resorts, Alanya enjoys continued popularity. In this region of Turkey, many factors have come together that ensure the constant delight of the guests who come here.

Let's try to put all the reasons together!

First of all, it is a wonderful climate.

Alanya is the only place on the coast of Turkey where bananas ripen! The ripeness of the tropical fruit is evidence of the wonderful climate of Alanya. The vegetation here is predominantly palm, interspersed with colorful islands of oleander inflorescences. The Taurus Mountains remain a little far away, but if you wish, you can take an excursion there.

The swimming season at this resort opens in mid-April, and ends at the end of autumn in November. The sea here warms up wonderfully for the May holidays, so it’s quite wonderful to celebrate the First of May and Victory Day on the Turkish coast. It is believed that Alanya is the warmest city on the Turkish Riviera.

Secondly, the city of Alanya is attractive for its historical heritage.

Many interesting buildings of bygone eras have been preserved here - a fortress, churches, watchtowers, an old quarter. Ancient buildings make the panorama of the city very picturesque, and a walk along the old streets is very exciting.

The symbol of the city and a bright historical landmark of Alanya is the Seljuk Fortress. The building dates back to the 13th century. The fortress has preserved not only the outer outlines of the walls, but also about 150 towers. Such an impregnable citadel more than once saved the inhabitants of Alanya from enemies and frightened those who wanted to attack. Inside the walls of the fortress, the ruins of mosques, the church of St. George, a covered bazaar and a caravanserai have been preserved.
The red tower of Alanya called Kyzyl Kule is one of the favorite attractions among tourists. It is also the symbol of Alanya, which is displayed on the flag. The tower is an outstanding example of medieval defensive architecture. According to the plan of the ancient architects, the Kyzyl Kule Tower was supposed to intimidate opponents and demonstrate the power of the Turkish empire.

The scale of the building and the red brick used in the construction of this structure distinguishes this tower from the rest. Inspection of the Red Tower can be supplemented by a visit to the ethnographic museum, which is located inside the tower.

Photos of Kyzyl Kule:

In Alanya, you can walk through the halls of the archaeological museum, which stores relics preserved from the times of Ancient Greece, Byzantium, Lydia. Here you can see a chic find, which is considered as the former treasure of pirates - a bronze statue of Hercules half a meter high. The museum also houses artifacts made by the skilled craftsmen of Cilicia, the weapons of the Ottoman conquerors and an old Alanian house.

It is from Alanya that the easiest way to make an unforgettable boat trip on the coast of Turkish Cyprus. A few hours on a catamaran - and you are already in Cyprus.

The city of Alanya itself was founded in the 2nd century BC and was called Karakession. First, Greek colonists settled here, and then Alanya became a pirate paradise. Later, the Alanian lands became a gift to Cleopatra from Mark Antony. Here the Egyptian queen used local cedars to build her fleet.

With the advent of the Seljuk conquerors, ancient culture began to gradually be squeezed out by Muslim culture. The name of the city from Karakession was renamed Alay and later sounded like Alanya. Under the Seljuks, a fortress and the Red Tower were erected. Modern Alanya is a developed tourist city.

Thirdly, Alanya is famous for its fine sand beaches.

Not every Turkish resort can boast a sandy beach, but Alanya can. The cleanliness of the beaches here is indisputable, it is no coincidence that almost all Alanian beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag. Many freshwater rivers flow down from the Taurus Mountains, which makes the water in the coastal zone of Alanya very clean, and there are no huge ports and industrial fishing.

Damlatash, Portakal, Keykubat beaches are popular with tourists. Keykubat is most suitable for tourists with small children, as the entry into the sea is very gentle, walking park areas are located near the beach. Portakal is tempting with various water sports activities, and Damlatas beach is known for its proximity to the cave of the same name.

The pearl of Alanya is Cleopatra Beach. Türkiye protects this piece of the Mediterranean coast as a national treasure. According to legend, this beach was created by Mark Antony for his beloved Cleopatra. In order for the beloved not to burn her beautiful legs, Mark Antony brought special sand that does not heat up in the sun. The sand does not contain dust and therefore sea water always remains transparent, like a tear.

Scientists have long unraveled the mystery of Cleopatra's beach and discovered a similar composition of sand in northern Africa. Who knows, perhaps it was from there that Mark Antony brought priceless sand for his beloved. It is unlikely that you will be able to take a piece of this sand with you. Forcibly, all those visiting Cleopatra Beach leave before the showers leave, and walking along the coast in shoes is strictly prohibited.

Fourthly, the natural attractions of Alanya.

The richness of the nature of the Turkish region is undeniable. The proximity of the sea and mountains make this country a tasty morsel for tourists. In Alanya, there is an opportunity to enjoy a visit to the underground kingdom, which will be demonstrated in all its glory by the caves. It is the caves that are another visiting card of Turkish Alanya.

Among the most popular with tourists are Dim, Pirates, Lovers and Phosphorous caves. The special charm of the caves is created by their recent past. Brave filibusters and pirates chose these mysterious grottoes many years ago. Who knows, perhaps, in one of these Alanian caves, an innumerable treasure of pirates is still stored?

Damlatas cave. The largest cave among all Turkish caves accessible to tourists. Only Khasbag Cave, which is located 4 km from Alanya, can surpass Damlatash in scale. Previously, there was a quarry in Damlatash, but what was the amazement of the workers, who, after another explosion, which made it easier to extract the stone, discovered an amazing cave in which stalactites and multi-colored stalagmites of unusual beauty were preserved. On the stones, like tears, droplets are visible, which give the unspoken name to the natural miracle - the “cave of wet stones”.

Today Damlatas Cave is not only a natural landmark of Alanya, but also a national treasure of Turkey. In addition to natural beauty, the cave has healing properties: the air is permeated with carbon vapor, which is very useful for people suffering from asthma and respiratory diseases.

If the Damlatash cave can be seen while walking in Alanya, then the rest of the caves are only visible from the sea.

The Cave of the Pirates, or the Cave of the Girls will captivate with its legends. In this place, militant pirates hid the kidnapped girls, who were later transported to the slave markets. In this mysterious grotto, you can see beautiful colored stones at the bottom, and perhaps hear the voices of girls who mourned their inevitable harem fate.

Cave of Lovers. The name of this corner of nature was given by a beautiful legend. They say that if lovers want to stay together forever, then they definitely need to jump into the sea together from the ledge, which is located near the cave. You can climb it without difficulty, but jumping off is a very brave thing. Rumor has it that it was in this cave that international lovers, a Turk and a German, who did not want to be separated, hid for three months.

Phosphorus cave. The presence of natural phosphorus makes it very beautiful. At night, it glows from within.
Dim Cave. This incredibly large cave will captivate you at first sight. Here nature has worked very skillfully. The variety of forms of stalactites and stalagmites in the Dim cave is simply amazing, see photo:

The bizarre shape and cornices of the overhanging rocks make an indelible impression. At the end of the cave, another surprise awaits the tourist - a beautiful mountain lake, and the inspection will be complemented by magnificent lighting, comfortable bridges and benches.

In Alanya, many factors of an unforgettable holiday came together:

• unique climate;
• sandy beaches and clear sea,
• historical heritage, for which you do not need to travel far, but you just need to go for a walk in the city; unique landscapes of the underground world of mountains;
• noisy life of the oriental bazaar and street trade, endless cafes and cozy taverns on the seashore;
• incendiary discos and night parties.

What else do you need to have an unforgettable vacation?

The main attraction of Alanya is the fortresses on the mountain, to explore which lay half a day (a story about the fortresses -). Also in Alanya there is the Archaeological Museum and Damlatas Cave. Nearby is the Sapadere Canyon and several other caves.

The cave is located at the junction of the mountain with the beach of Cleopatra - on the right hand of the mountain.

Entrance - 4.5 lira. You can buy a complex ticket Kyzylkule (Red Tower) + Shipyard + Damlatash for 9 lira. These attractions are located on opposite sides of the isthmus: if you face the mountain, then the Red Tower and the Shipyard will be on the left, and the cave on the right.

Pointer to Damlatash Cave

The cave is small and is a narrow passage that turns into a wide cavity. A staircase descends to the bottom of the cavity. From there you can "goose step" go to another nook. Actually, that's all. But it's definitely worth a visit, it's beautiful there. And warm, oddly enough.

Towards - a whole procession

They say that the microclimate of the cave is good for asthmatics. I can’t vouch for asthmatics, but I once cured a runny nose in a cave. It was near Krakow, in Wieliczka. I went down into the salt mines half-cold, with a stuffy nose, got out two hours later - my nose was breathing, and I felt normal. Miracles!

About local Russians

In the last article, I wrote about Cleopatra Beach, which stretches to the right of the mountain. The beach is excellent, sandy, wide. Behind it stretches a pretty embankment.

The "left-handed" beach was also not bad. It is sandy, there are fewer people than on Cleopatra Beach. True, the entrance to the water is on stone slabs. However, in some places the plates are cut down, and the entry is sandy.

Beach on the left side of the mountain

I learned about the sand entry from a woman who was located not far from me on the sand. When I, after swimming, slowly went out on the slabs to the shore, she said that we had to go a little to the left, there were no stones there.

I asked: "Why don't you swim?"

“Yes, you know,” the woman replied, “when you live here permanently, the body is rebuilt. The water seems to be cold to me.

We chatted with her for about an hour.

Lena (that was the name of my new friend) said that three years ago she sold an apartment in Kyiv (very on time) and bought an apartment in Alanya. They left with their daughter, the daughter bought an apartment in Mahmutlar.

Before that, many proposals were revised both in Antalya and in other Turkish coastal cities. Antalya was immediately abandoned - a big, noisy city, and even there they got to a political demonstration. I didn’t want to leave Kyiv from political squabbles and get into Turkish ones.

Kemer seemed to be a purely resort place, dying out in winter. But Alanya turned out to be a living full-blooded city, life in which did not subside in winter. At the same time - not too fussy, with excellent beaches and developed infrastructure.

“But it must be very hot here in the summer, isn’t it?” I asked.

- Yes, the first summer, I thought I couldn’t bear it, I sat at home under the air conditioner. The heat usually stands from mid-July to September. But now I've gotten used to it.

But the rest of the time - the weather is wonderful, the Mediterranean climate is very good.

In Kyiv, I was sick all the time, endless colds, asthma, in winter - depression, slush all the time, it gets dark early, there is not enough sun. And here - no depression, no asthma, no colds. We walk along the sea, we go to the mountains.

- Didn't you get a job?

- No, I do not have the right to work officially, and for unofficial work, if you get caught, deportation threatens. Why should I? There is enough money. Part of the money from the sold apartment in Kyiv was spent on the purchase of an apartment, the other (and other savings) was put on deposit. Every month I withdraw interest and live on them. There is also a pension, which, however, now, after the fall of the hryvnia, does not play a big role.

The communal is cheap, we pay only for cold water and electricity. The water is heated by the sun (all over Alanya, over every house there are many tanks for heating water by the sun). Therefore, there is no hot water in the morning, it is heated only for dinner.

On the roofs of houses in Alanya - tanks for heating water and solar panels

There is no heating, in winter we heat ourselves with air conditioners. In June, the apartment tax is paid - not burdensome. Plus internet and TV.

I don't spend much on food. Vegetables and fruits are cheap. Cucumbers per kg - about 1 lira (20 rubles), tomatoes - 1.5 lira. Here the meat is expensive - about 600 rubles, there is no pork, only chicken and beef.

Clothing is also inexpensive, T-shirts, shorts, flip-flops. Warm clothes are not required. In general, one thousand lira is enough for a month (20 thousand rubles).

Well, after all, Türkiye is a Muslim country.

- Alanya is full of Russians, and the Turks behave decently: non-drinkers, hard workers. In addition, they understand that their well-being depends on tourists and, in general, on visitors. Won Mahmutlar was built, a whole city for visitors.

- Don't you miss the life in the capital?

- No, the Internet, books, Russian channels on TV are enough. Living near the sea is much more pleasant for me than in the capital.

In general, I listened and even somehow got carried away. Apartments here from 25 thousand dollars, life is inexpensive. In his declining years, why not start a seaside housing? Indeed, both autumn-winter depressions tortured me, and colds.

On the other hand, I really love big cities, I’m sick without them, I love Moscow, it fills me with energy, and it’s a great happiness that I live nearby and at any moment I can connect to its powerful field and always find something interesting there for myself.

At the same time, I am happy for people who have found a place where they feel good, where they enjoy life. And, maybe, on some long rainy winter evening, I will remember this meeting and imagine how a good person is now walking with his dog along the flowering embankment, breathing the sea, looking at the sun leaning towards the sea - and kindly envy.

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Alanya is one of the most popular holiday destinations among domestic tourists. Low prices and well-developed infrastructure attract thousands of people here, especially those with low incomes and young people.

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Story

The first mention of this city begins in the 2nd century BC, when it was founded by the Greeks. For many years it served as a transit base for pirates who healed their wounds and had fun between raids. Then it was called Karakession and Kalonoros. In 67 BC the city was freed from smugglers and presented by Mark Antony to Cleopatra. It was attached to Byzantium and was used to harvest logs for ships (because there are a lot of forests here).

The next thousand years history knew both ups and downs. By the 7th century, due to frequent wars with the Arabs, came to an economic decline. In the 13th century, the city was captured by the Seljuks and renamed Alaiye. It was then that the Red Tower was built - one of the main attractions that have survived to this day.

In 1571, the city passed to the Ottomans and became the winter residence of Sultan Selim II. It was a major military and commercial port.

In 1871 it became the administrative region of Antalya. In 1933 it received its modern name.

Since the 50s of the last century, a tourist boom has begun among the Turks. They came here to improve their health with the healing air of the Damalatash cave. Then came the foreign tourists. Currently, the resort is visited annually by more than 100 thousand people.

Alanya on the map of Turkey and the world

You can buy tickets to Turkey as profitably as possible with the help of special search engines that collect data from all airlines.

Antalya Airport is two hours away by bus (about $7) or. Buses depart from Antalya's Kazim Ozalp Cad bus station and arrive at Alanya's bus station, which is 3 km from the center and can be reached by public transport.

There are direct flights to Antalya operated by many airlines, such as Aeroflot and Turkish Airlines. Flight time is about 3 hours.

Inside Turkey

If you are in Turkey and want to get to Alanya, then it is better to use it, located just half an hour from the resort. It receives local flights.

In addition, there is a bus service to some cities: (fare $ 15, travel time 10 hours), ($ 13, about 7 hours). From (the city of Kyrenia) ferries come to the port of Alanya several times a week.

Transport

In Alanya, there are dolmush minibuses and taxis. The first ones mainly run in the central part of the city, the fare is from 1 dollar. Taxis are found near many hotels, as well as on major streets. They can also be called by phone. Fares start at $10. It is possible to/from the airport.

If you have an international driver's license, then you can.

Who should go

Alanya is traditionally considered a beach resort in Turkey and many believe that apart from swimming and sunbathing, there is nothing to do here.

But this is far from true. Nearby there are interesting sights and museums, during the day you can do active sports (diving, rafting, climbing, yachting), and in the evening go to a nightclub (Havana, Auditorium Club). Children will love the Dolphinarium and Water Planet Water Park. Not the last place is occupied by shopping, silk fabrics, textiles and leather goods are especially popular for buying. The largest shopping center -.

Beaches

Alanya has sandy beaches, they are considered among the best in Turkey. Many have been awarded the Blue Flag, which indicates their cleanliness and well-developed infrastructure.

The coast stretches for tens of kilometers. The beaches have a gentle entrance to the water, so they are ideal for couples with children. There are many bays, where even in a strong wind the sea is quite calm. Below is a video about the beaches near the city.

In addition to entertainment on the beach ala banana and tablet, you can go fishing, rafting, and diving. You can try your hand at yachting and windsurfing.

Since the Taurus Mountains are nearby, they are well developed: mountaineering, trekking, caving.

Climate

Alanya has a Mediterranean climate. This is the warmest resort in Turkey, because the Taurus Mountains protect from the cold northern air. Summers are dry and hot, winters are relatively cool and rainy. The greatest amount of precipitation falls in November-January. The average temperature in June is +25…+27, in January +11…+13.

When is the best time to go

The best time to travel to Alanya is from the end of April to November, when the swimming season lasts. At this time, the water temperature in the sea is comfortable (+19…+26). The winter period is not very good, as it rains a lot and there is less choice of hotels (some close in the low season). Indeed, the prices have been reduced.

* weather data for Alanya provided by Yandex.Weather service.