Small and Boutique Hotels in Alanya

Alanya, one of the most popular tourism cities in the Mediterranean, located in Antalya, hosts a large number of domestic and foreign tourists every year. Thanks to its long summers and extended sunshine hours, Alanya offers an extended beach experience, making tourism one of the most sought-after activities in the area. As one of the region's key tourism centers, Alanya offers a wide range of accommodation options, including hotels, boutique hotels, and guesthouses. You can easily find accommodation that suits every budget and taste.

When planning your vacation, you should decide whether to stay in Alanya city center or in one of the surrounding districts. Whether you choose to stay in the city center or in the more tranquil districts, you won’t regret coming to Alanya. Additionally, the prices for hotels, guesthouses, or boutique hotels in both areas are affordable and offer great value. The comfort, quality, and amenities of Alanya's hotels will make your holiday enjoyable. However, it is recommended to make a reservation before arriving in Alanya. Especially during the high tourism season in summer, it’s not easy to find accommodation without a reservation. Booking in advance during the months of April and May will also allow you to take advantage of early booking discounts.

It is also worth knowing that Alanya has a rich history. In ancient times, it was known as the pirate city. During the Byzantine era, it was a feudal city, and under the reign of Alaeddin Keykubat, it became the capital. There is a famous legend about Alanya Castle, where prisoners were said to be able to earn their freedom if they managed to throw a stone from the castle to the sea. However, no one has ever succeeded in achieving this feat.

When is the Best Time to Visit Alanya?

Alanya is a destination that sees a major influx of visitors, especially during the summer months. The best time to visit Alanya is generally between May and September. During these months, the temperatures are high, the sea water is at an ideal temperature, and there are plenty of sunny days. July and August are the hottest and busiest months in Alanya.

How to Get to Alanya?

By Air: Alanya is located just 125 km from Antalya Airport. You can reach Alanya from Antalya Airport by taxi, bus, or some airlines’ shuttle services.

By Road: There are regular bus services to Alanya from many cities in Turkey. If you want to drive by your own car, here are the distances:

• Adana to Alanya: 430 km, approximately 6.5 hours.
• Ankara to Alanya: 550 km, approximately 8 hours.
• Antalya to Alanya: 130 km, approximately 2.5 hours.
• Bursa to Alanya: 650 km, approximately 9 hours.
• İzmir to Alanya: 590 km, approximately 9 hours.
• Istanbul to Alanya: 830 km, approximately 12 hours.

Must-See Places in Alanya

You must visit Alanya Castle, which is an iconic symbol of the city. The castle’s walls stretch about 7 kilometers and are situated on a peninsula. You can reach the castle by walking for about an hour. If you prefer to go by car, the road is open to traffic.

Alanya is also famous for its caves. The Damlataş, Dim, and Âşıklar Caves are among the natural wonders you should see. These caves are some of the most visited places in the region. The Red Tower (Kızılkule), located in the center of the city, is also worth visiting.

Besides these, you can go on nature walks or nature tours and photograph Alanya’s history and natural beauty.

Suggestions for Activities:

Boat Tour: First, visit the ancient shipyard, followed by Pirate Cave, Phosphorus Cave, Lover’s Cave, and the Mint. If you're lucky, you might also see dolphins.

Rafting Tour: Spend an exciting day rafting on the 14 km-long river section in Köprülü Canyon.

Jeep Safari: Join a safari tour in the Taurus Mountains to experience stunning natural beauty. Don't forget your sunglasses, camera, and driving license.

Bicycle Tour: Participate in a bike tour with a professional guide, including lunch, and explore the hills of Alanya by bike.

Aqua Land: Turkey's largest water park, featuring various water slides and waterfalls ranging from 40 meters to 100 meters, with opportunities to swim with trained animals.

Shopping Recommendations in Alanya

Handicrafts and Ceramic Products: You can find handmade ceramic products in Alanya and its surrounding areas. These include vases, pots, plates, and decorative items, which make excellent souvenirs.
Mandarin and Orange Products: Products made from Alanya’s famous mandarins and oranges are very popular. You can buy mandarin jam, orange molasses, orange oil, or gift packages made from these products.
Pomegranate Products: Pomegranates grown in the region are also very famous. You can buy pomegranate jam, pomegranate molasses, or fresh pomegranates.

Alanya Entertainment Suggestions

• Sapadere Canyon
• Rafting
• Zipline
• Quad, Buggy
• Jeep Tour
• Paragliding

History of Alanya

Alanya and its surrounding area have been home to various civilizations since ancient times. During the Hellenistic period, the region was under the control of the Seleucid Empire. In the 2nd century BC, the area became part of the Roman Empire and developed into an important port city. In the 7th century, the region was attacked by Arab forces and became part of the Byzantine Empire. During the Byzantine era, the castle and defensive structures were strengthened.In the 13th century, Alanya was conquered by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat, who built a large shipyard and a castle in the area. During the Seljuk period, Alanya became an important port and trade center. In the 13th century, Alanya became part of the Ottoman Empire. During the Ottoman period, the castle and the port were restored, and the region continued to develop. After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, Alanya became part of the Turkish Republic in the early 20th century. Today, Alanya is one of Turkey’s major tourist destinations, attracting many visitors due to its rich history.

What is Alanya Famous For?

• Alanya Castle
• Red Tower (Kızıl Kule)
• Beaches
• Alara Castle

Where to Swim in Alanya?

Cleopatra Beach: One of Alanya’s most famous beaches, Cleopatra Beach is located west of the city center. Known for its golden sandy beach and clean water, there are many cafes, restaurants, and water sports facilities near the beach.

Keykubat Beach: Located right below Alanya Castle, Keykubat Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the city center. With its long sandy beach and clean water, it attracts many visitors.

Orange Beach (Portakal Beach): Located on the eastern side of Alanya, Orange Beach offers a peaceful and quiet atmosphere. Known for its natural beauty, this beach is often preferred by locals.

Best Things to Do in Alanya 

While in Alanya, visit the Red Tower. Go to the shipyard. You can visit Alanya Castle, Damlataş Cave and Museum. You can walk around the old neighborhoods and photograph old houses. You can see Ehmedek Gate and Inner Castle. You can visit Sinek Castle. Also visit Alanya Museum and go to the Cave of Lovers.
Boat Tour: First you see the ancient shipyard, then Pirates Cave, Phosphorus Cave, Lovers Cave and the mint. If you are lucky, you can also watch dolphins.
 Rafting Tour: You can spend a fun day rafting on the 14-kilometer river in Köprülü Canyon. 
Jeep Safari: If you are going on a safari tour where you will admire the many natural beauties in the Taurus Mountains, don't forget your sunglasses, camera and driver's license.
 Bicycle Tour: You can join the bicycle tours with a professional guide, including lunch, and explore the hills of Alanya by bicycle.Gezlong Activity Suggestion: Alanya Castle. The castle, one of the symbols of Alanya, is six and a half kilometers long and dates back to the 2nd century BC. When you look at Alanya from the castle, you see the whole city and the Mediterranean Sea under your feet. Although the castle is at the bottom of the sea, the stones you throw never fall into the sea. Tophane. If you walk from Alanya Castle to Kızılkule, you can see Alanya houses that still preserve their natural texture and Tophane, the historical neighborhood inside the castle. You can sit in one of the cafes there, watch the unique view, eat pancakes made by Alanya women and have a cold drink.Kizilkule There is a cistern in the middle of the Red Tower, the first floor of which is currently used as a museum. Since it was difficult to lift the stone blocks, red bricks were used on the upper floors. The tower takes its name from the color of these bricks. Damlatas Cave. Known to be good for asthma, the stalactites and stalagmites of Damlataş Cave are thought to have formed in 15,000 years. The cave, named Damlataş because it drips 4-5 months of the year, is one of the must-see places in Alanya. Dim Cave Dim Cave, which was accepted to the International Association of Caves Open to Tourism in 2002, is a very ornate cave with its stalactites, stalagmites and columns. In an open part of the cave, there is an observation terrace and a binoculars to watch a part of the Taurus Mountains, the Mediterranean Sea and the city of Alanya. Alanya Archaeology Museum. In the museum where many historical artifacts from the Archaic, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman periods are exhibited, the most important work is the statue of Heracles. The statue, which dates back to the 2nd century after Christ, is exhibited in a separate section. In addition, the peacocks in the garden of the museum attract the attention of those who come to the museum.

Eating and Drinking Suggestions in Alanya

Since Alanya is a tourism center, it is possible to find different tastes from the world cuisine as well as Turkish and local cuisine. Olive oil dishes and kebabs are the most popular dishes in Alanya. You can easily find dishes that appeal to almost everyone's taste in Alanya    
In addition to meat dishes, grill varieties, pita and meatball varieties, restaurants also serve fish products. Apart from these, local specialties such as shepit, döğme aşı, löpe, bumbar, göleviz, ülübü meal, öksüz halva, çiğirdik, kırdakı, fresh broad bean meal, citrus jam, yarpuzlu akdarı soup are among the tastes you should definitely try.   
You can also find seasonal fresh vegetables, fruits, dairy products and many natural products made by local people in the bazaars established in Alanya.

Olive Restaurant: Each of the dishes prepared by award-winning chef Mutlu Şevket Yılmaz resembles a work of art. So much so that you can't bear to stick your fork in it, but at the same time you can't wait to taste it.

Flash: Assertive in pita bread, grills and meat varieties, Flash is especially famous for its roasted hair. While you are waiting for the roasted beef, you can taste the delicious pate, haydari, tulum cheese and lavash.

Queen Green Restaurant:Flambe meat dishes are served next to the table, while pistachios wrapped in foil paper are baked on a spirits plate and served with a special show.

Bamyacı Dondurma:Located in Alanya Marina, Bamyacı Dondurma is known as the best ice cream shop in Alanya. Especially try the melon ice cream.

Merlot Restaurant:At the Alanya pier where the deep blue Mediterranean meets the magnificent Taurus Mountains, Merlot is waiting for you for wonderful moments. Enjoy the delicious food and the unique view that will remain on your palate. Raise your expectations...

RIHTIM RESTAURANT:With the most beautiful view of Alanya, Rıhtım Restaurant welcomes its customers with delicious food and quality service.

KALE PANORAMA RESTAURANT:Panorama, located on the castle road, draws attention as one of the most dominant restaurants in Alanya with its magnificent sea and harbor view. You can have a romantic dinner with local and foreign boutique wines at the restaurant, which offers distinguished flavors from Mediterranean, Turkish and international cuisines.