The Mediterranean is a favourite destination for foreigners visiting Turkey. The Mediterranean Sea is a coastline several hundred kilometres long, stretching along the south-west of Turkey and has a large number of diverse holiday resorts. One of the most popular is the unique Alanya.
So what makes life in Alanya so attractive for foreigners? Let’s try to find out in this publication.
About Alanya
Alanya is a 200-year-old resort, surrounded by the Toros Mountains on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other. According to archaeologists, the area where Alanya lies today was already inhabited in Hittite times (2nd millennium BC). The first traces of architecture date back to the Hellenistic period, when Alexander the Great conquered the territory of modern Alania. Roman and then Byzantine civilisations developed here in turn.
The city is very popular because of its developed tourist base and good infrastructure. This is evidenced by the numbers. Alanya is a city with a population of around 300,000 people. During the summer season, when tourists visit the resort, the number of inhabitants can even increase to one million.
Climate and nature
The comfortable Mediterranean climate on the coast, combining the freshness of the sea breeze with the scent of pine trees, is helped by the numerous mountain ranges in the northern part of the Toros Mountains and the warm Mediterranean Sea to the south. Alanya is surrounded on all sides by coniferous forests, citrus groves and banana plantations.
These are the conditions that create the favourable Alani climate. The water temperature in the sea depends on the season. The highest recorded temperatures in the Mediterranean Sea range from 23 to 30 degrees Celsius during the summer season (June, July, August, September). This is the hottest period in this part of Turkey, when not only the sun is scorching, but also the humidity is palpable. In Alanya, as befits the Mediterranean climate in this area, the summer is warm and dry and the winter temperatures are mild (the average annual temperature is 17 degrees Celsius). A healthy life in Alanya Turkey for the elderly and those with upper respiratory illnesses.
Beaches
The area’s beaches are awarded with the European Blue Flag for crystal clear waters and high quality amenities.
It’s wide, sandy and sunny – Cleopatra Beach in Alanya, where thousands of tourists from all over the world visit each year! It is close to the city centre and is 2 km long. It is equipped with everything necessary for the convenience of holidaymakers – sun loungers, umbrellas, feeding points and showers.
Keykubat Beach starts just outside the harbour and ends at Oba. It is a beautiful sandy beach with walking paths, outdoor fitness centres, children’s parks and sports facilities.
Infrastructure
Today the resort has little resemblance to ancient Turkey. In the last decade alone excellent motorways have been constructed, the promenades have been repaired and the beaches, which now rival the best beaches in Europe, have been impeccably maintained. Nearby there is all the necessary infrastructure for life and leisure. Many restaurants for all tastes, wonderful natural bays and beaches, shops, as well as schools and sports centres.
An undoubted attraction in Alanya are the local bazaars. There is a market place in every district of the city, which takes place every day of the week. The most famous and biggest bazaar (CUMA PAZARI) takes place on Fridays in the centre of Alanya. The market is located in close proximity to the bus stop in the city centre.
On other days, the markets roam the districts:
Monday – in the Oba district, next to Hacıkadirolu ALANYA Primary School,
Tuesday – in the western part of Alanya by the fish market (Halk Pazarı),
Thursday – in the Tosmur area, next to the Sarıtaş Hotel,
Saturday in Cikcilli district with fruits and vegetables.
Attractions and entertainment
Alanya’s main attraction is undoubtedly the castle at the top of Kale Hill, which is an example of the town’s defensive fortifications. The castle complex consists of Kizikule Castle, a red octagonal tower, a chapel, a shipyard, the Suleiman Mosque and an ammunition depot. The 14th century Seljuk castle is situated atop a 250 metre promontory overlooking the Mediterranean, and is protected by a 6.5 km long defence wall.
In the western part of Alanya, at the foot of Kale Castle, is the Damlatas Cave. It was discovered by chance during the construction of the port in 1948. The temperature in the cave is constant throughout the year, at 22 degrees.
The biggest attraction, especially for children, is a visit to the water park. It is situated not far from the centre of Alanya. There are 8 slides for children and 16 for adults, plus there is a river with artificial waves, a disco, bars and restaurants, and animation for the kids. For the more adventurous there is a bungee jumping facility.
The attitude of the locals towards foreigners
Alanya is very often chosen by the citizens of the former Soviet Union. It’s not just because of the hospitality of the locals, who are always smiling and ready to help foreigners. It is not just the hospitality of the locals, who are always smiling and ready to help foreigners, who choose Alanya to live in recent years.
Life in Alanya
There’s no community like the one in Alanya but there’s the Mahmultar, where the first steps towards its establishment have already been made. Here it is very easy to meet a Russian speaking person. It is not uncommon for the service personnel at the restaurants and beauty salons, medical and financial institutions to be able to speak Russian on a decent level.
In addition, there is a school with classes in Russian, as well as a kindergarten for Russian-speaking children. This makes it easier to adapt and get used to life in the country.
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