1: Alanya

When books are written it is not all towns that can brag of having pirates, queens and great war lords as main characters – Alanya can!
In its early years Alanya was a small town discovered by pirates where the inhabitants existed mainly by farming and trading. The town, which at that time was named Coracesium, did not really start to grow until the arrival of Alaaddin Keykubat who, after five years of trying,finally conquered the town in 1226. He soon brought about the final construction of Alanya Castle and changed the name of the town to Alaiye, which means the town of Alaaddin.
The name Alanya did not appear until 1934 when Turkey’s president at that time, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, visited the town. He did not like the name Alaiye and changed it to Alanya. Other prominent visitors who should be mentioned are Queen Cleopatra of Egypt and the Roman Emperor Mark Antony. According to legend, they spent their honeymoon in Alanya, after which Mark Antony gave the town to his wife as a present.
Thereafter she had the many huge forests felled and the wood sent back to Egypt, where it was used for the construction of warships.
Today, Alanya has grown from strength to strength and developed into one of the most popular travel destinations in Turkey. The locals support themselves from tourism and work hard during the tourist season, from the beginning of April to the end of October. Many people come to work in Alanya during the summer, leaving their families behind in their villages. The winter is spent mainly in relaxation and visiting family in other parts of Turkey



Alanya Centre

Alanya Centre

Alanya Centre is as its name suggests at the very heart of Alanya and you have virtually everything to hand. The large commercial area, the bazaar, is here. You also have the small harbour and the beautiful marina where lunch can be enjoyed at one of the many cosy restaurants.
There is a great deal of activity in this part of the city where restaurants and shops are to be found on practically ever street corner.
If you prefer greener areas, the northern part of this district is recommended. You will find newly established buildings with playgrounds and parks making this area more beautiful and very good for young children.





Alanya Castle

Alanya Castle

Alanya Castle is one of the most sought after districts of Alanya.
In this area you live with Alanya’s largest attraction, the Castle, as your neighbour. At the same time you have fantastic views of the city, the mountains and the beaches from your own balcony. You will not find better views anywhere else!
The district is very peaceful and quiet as there is minimum traffic and it is well above the rest of the town. Alanya Castle divides the town into a Western and Eastern part and so this district is effectively the centre of town. This means that although you live up on the hill everything is still within easy reach. You can either take the bus or use some of the many stairways that are built into the hillside. Thus you come directly to the shops, city life and other activities.
However, if you are walking-impaired, you should think carefully before choosing this district as there are many level changes and lots of steps.





Alanya North

Alanya North

Alanya North offers easy access to the beautiful Taurus Mountains as well as to the town. This is because Alanya North is the boundary between town and countryside.
The southern part of Alanya North is still relatively close to the centre of town whilst the northern part is a little away from the town and closer to village life in the magnificent Taurus Mountains.
From the mountains you have an exceptional view of the town and the surrounding area.
Furthermore there are excellent opportunities for hiking in the mountains.
This district is suitable for those who want to have a home with a lovely view in secluded surroundings but still only a relatively short distance to both the town and beach.
Hiring a scooter or car is recommended as public transport in the northern part especially is not yet fully established.





Alanya East

Alanya East

Many years ago, with the rapid expansion of Alanya, the eastern district was developed. The district was built as a continuation of the central part of Alanya and therefore is only minutes away from the centre.
Transport is easy using the many local buses.
Near the sea the district is characterised by its many hotels while normal local life proceeds behind these.
In addition the district lies on the Eastern Beach where the sea is relatively shallow and therefore better for children and where a wide variety of beach and watersport activities is available.





Alanya West

Alanya West

Alanya West is one of the newer districts of Alanya.
The construction in this district therefore is all relatively new and only a short distance from the wonderful Cleopatra Beach, which is the rallying point of this area. Many different nationalities gather here creating a good atmosphere.
Migros, one of the largest supermarkets in the town, is located here. Several parks with playgrounds for children are also to be found here.
Going into the centre is easy as local buses depart about every ten minutes.





Alanya Oba

Oba // 4 kilometres from the centre of Alanya

Oba is a charming part of greater Alanya.
Pleasant beautiful surroundings characterise this district.
Great importance has been attached to the creation of an attractive district and this is evident in the wide pavements, small squares and many park areas.
Many wonderful experiences are on offer near Oba where the Dim River and Valley are only about a fifteen minute drive away.
Oba has a very good public transport system and the journey to the centre of Alanya by bus takes approximately ten minutes.





Alanya Tosmur

Tosmur // 4.5 kilometres from the centre of Alanya

A quiet and peaceful district east of Alanya, Tosmur offers rural surroundings, tranquillity and natural beauty for the whole family.
You are close to the Dim River; a famous tourist attraction. The local Turks have for many years sought refuge by this river when the summer has become too hot – the reason for this is the temperature of the river is only about 15 degrees. Both locals and tourists sit on the floating rafts situated on the river, enjoy good food and a refreshing bathe in the river.
The green surroundings in Tosmur also tempts with long walks to the Taurus Mountains.
Tosmur has a beautiful beach promenade and in the area there are shops and markets for everyday shopping.
The local bus goes to Alanya every 5 minutes during the day.




Alanya Kestel

Kestel // 7 kilometres from Alanya centre

Kestel is a very tranquil district which is suitable for those who want to live peacefully and quietly.
The beautiful rural surroundings give the impression you are living in the countryside but actually you are not far away from the town. Thus, the centre of Alanya can be reached within about fifteen minutes using one of the many local buses.
The district is situated fairly close to many wonderful sights and the Dim Valley and River are awaiting you a mere ten to fifteen minutes drive away.
Kestel is very noticeable for its local Turkish life and many succumb to its idyllic landscape and the peace and quiet.



Alanya Konakli

Konakli // 10 kilometres from the centre of Alanya

Konakli is situated west of Alanya.
The town is situated in wonderful rural surroundings close to the Mediterranean.
There are many large hotel complexes here but there is also a good local village atmosphere due to the many farms in the area.
Konakli has excellent transport opportunities to Alanya and Antalya, where the airport is situated, since the main coastal road runs through the town.



Alanya Mahmutlar

Mahmutlar // 15 kilometres from the centre of Alanya

More and more choose the town of Mahmutlar for their holiday home. Mahmutlar offers a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, green and pretty scenery and a long beach promenade. In the centre of Mahmutlar are shops, restaurants, bars, pharmacies and supermarkets. The town is surrounded by large banana plantations and the Taurus Mountains. Every Tuesday and Saturday there is a market in Mahmutlar and you can buy anything from clothes and toys to fresh fruit and oriental spices. There is a good connection with local buses from Mahmutlar to Alanya. Mahmutlar is recommended for people who want a holiday in quiet and peaceful surroundings, together with beautiful green natural scenery.



Alanya Kargicak

Kargicak // 15 kilometres east of Alanya

Kargicak lies east of Alanya town and has lately become a popular area for tourists and property buyers. Kargicak tempts with its lovely coast line and an impressive green landscape.
Kargicak has a small local centre with small shops for everyday necessities, restaurants and bars.
Some larger villa parks and apartment complexes are to be found in Kargicak.
The journey from here to Alanya takes about 20 minutes with a local bus.




Alanya Demirtas

Demirtas

Demirtas is an area with a distinct local atmosphere. There are no large hotels full of tourists but instead a beautiful beach area and silence which makes it easy to enjoy peace and quiet.
Demirtas has lovely natural scenery where the local Turks farm the land. If you want to hike in forest and mountains, you have easy access to the Taurus Mountains.
Shopping is done at the local general store or in the small kiosks.
There are good public transport services to Alanya. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes.



Alanya Cikcilli

Cikcilli // 3 kilometres from Alanya centre

Cikcilli is situated in Oba, east of Alanya. Characteristics of Cikcilli are the green surroundings and the many small orange groves. The area is also denoted for its local Turkish everyday life. Cikcilli is an area under positive development and many fine apartment complexes are being built. The buildings are well-planned with space between them and private areas for parking. In Cikcilli there is to be a new shopping centre with shops and a cinema.
From Cikcilli you have good public transport to the centre of Alanya and down to the Keykubat beach, which is only 500-700m away.
Cikcilli is a peaceful area and perfect for those who want to live in quiet surroundings and at the same time have easy access to Alanya centre.



Alanya Avsallar

14: Avsallar // 20 kilometres from the centre of Alanya

Avsallar is a holiday resort with fine sandy beaches.
The many large hotel complexes have increased the development of the area and the resort has many shops and restaurants. There are still pleasant green areas and forests with lovely picnic areas where you can enjoy nature at its best.
Avsallar has excellent transport facilities to Alanya and Antalya, where the airport is situated, since the main coastal road runs through the town.
Alara River flows through Avsallar and on the banks of the river is one of Turkey’s best preserved caravanserai, Alarahan dating from the 13th century.




1: Alanya
2: Bodrum
3: Side
4: Kemer
5: Belek
6: Antalya