Guide to Alanya, the Favorite Holiday Destination

Alanya is a touristic city located on the Mediterranean coast of Türkiye. Alanya, which is connected to Antalya province, attracts attention with its magnificent natural beauties, historical richness and modern tourism opportunities. Alanya, which is a favorite of vacationers with its white sandy beaches, clear sea and sunny climate, also has a rich heritage with its historical ruins. Especially Alanya Castle is one of the symbols of the city and offers unique views to its visitors by preserving its historical texture. Alanya is also famous for its delicious Mediterranean cuisine. In addition to touristic activities, it also offers many activities such as nature walks, water sports and nightlife. Alanya is the perfect destination for anyone looking for both a relaxing vacation and exciting moments.

What to Eat in Alanya?

There are many delicious options where you can enjoy a meal in Alanya. We can list the flavors you should definitely try in Alanya as follows;

Alanya Pita: Alanya pita, one of the famous flavors of Alanya, is a kind of pizza-like dish prepared with various ingredients on thin dough. It is especially preferred with minced meat or cheese.

Fish and Seafood: Alanya is famous for its fresh seafood as it is a coastal city. You can taste fresh and delicious seafood in fish restaurants. Especially local fish such as red mullet, sea bass and sea bream are worth trying. 

Stuffed Zucchini Blossom: Stuffed zucchini blossoms, one of the original flavors of Alanya cuisine, is a dish prepared by frying or boiling zucchini blossoms stuffed with filling.

Shish Meatballs: Shish meatballs, one of the indispensables of Turkish cuisine, are also very popular in Alanya. Ground meat blended with spices is skewered and cooked on a barbecue and usually served with lavash bread and appetizers.

Tangerine and Orange Products: Alanya is famous for tangerine and orange cultivation. For this reason, I recommend you to taste products such as tangerine juice, orange jam and orange slices.

Turkish Desserts: For dessert lovers, there are various Turkish desserts in Alanya. You can especially try desserts such as baklava, künefe and şekerpare.

Historical Places of Alanya

Alanya, located on the Mediterranean coast of Türkiye, is a city that stands out with its historical richness. Alanya, which has a rich history dating back to ancient times, contains many important historical sites.

Alanya Castle

Alanya Castle is one of the most important historical landmarks of Alanya city located on the Mediterranean coast of Türkiye. Built on a high hill, the castle is of great historical and architectural importance. 

The history of Alanya Castle dates back to the 4th century BC. However, it took its present appearance by the order of the Great Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat. Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat had the castle built and used it to protect the city and defend against attacks from the sea.

The castle attracts attention with its impressive walls, bastions, towers and historical buildings. There are many historical buildings inside the castle, including the Red Tower, Suleymaniye Mosque, Shipyard and other important monuments. The castle also has spectacular sea views from a high point in Alanya.

Today Alanya Castle is an important tourist attraction. Visitors can visit the castle and explore its historical texture, watch the panoramic view of the city and examine the historical buildings. In addition, various events are organized and exhibitions take place in the castle. It is an important point that must be seen for visitors to Alanya.

Syedra Ancient City

The ancient city of Syedra is a historical settlement located about 7 kilometers west of Alanya on the Mediterranean coast of Türkiye. The area where the ancient city is located is high above the sea, right next to today's modern city of Alanya.

Syedra has a history dating back to the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. The city is full of scattered ancient ruins and much of the city has yet to be uncovered by excavations.

Among the most important structures of the ancient city are the theater, aqueducts, temples, rock tombs and city walls. These are known as important structures that reflect the life and cultural heritage of the region's past.

Although Syedra is one of Alanya's tourist attractions, it is less known and less crowded among visitors. This is an important opportunity for those interested in the historical and archaeological aspects, because here they can take a quieter and more detailed tour.

The ancient city is an interesting and important place to explore in Alanya for history and archaeology enthusiasts.

Suleymaniye Mosque

The Suleymaniye Mosque in Alanya is an important part of the city's historical and cultural heritage. The mosque was built by Mimar Sinan in the early 16th century by order of the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman Khan (Suleiman I).

The architecture of the Süleymaniye Mosque bears the characteristics of classical Ottoman mosque architecture. Set around a large courtyard, the main entrance of the mosque is adorned with a high and ornate crown gate. The minaret of the mosque has an elegant structure and stands out prominently in the city skyline.

The interior of the mosque is filled with a mihrab, minbar and bright windows decorated in classical Ottoman style. Ottoman-era tile work and decorations on the walls add to the aesthetic value of the mosque. 

Süleymaniye Mosque is an important center where locals worship in Alanya, as well as a historical building visited by tourists. Since the mosque is located in the center of the city, it is easily accessible for visitors to Alanya. It is a place worth seeing for anyone interested in history and architecture.

Sharapsa Khan Caravanserai

Şarapsa Han Caravanserai is an important historical building located in Alanya, Türkiye. The caravanserai is a type of caravanserai where caravans stayed, rested and carried out trade activities during the Seljuk and Ottoman periods. Sarapsa Han was built in the 13th century during the reign of the Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat. At that time, such structures were built extensively to ensure the security of trade routes and to meet the needs of caravans. The inn has been repaired over time and has survived to the present day.

The caravanserai was built in a typical Seljuk architecture. There are rooms and warehouses around a square or rectangular courtyard. Surrounded by high walls, the courtyard provides an ideal space for caravans to keep their animals and cargo safe. The entrance gate is usually large and ornate, built to welcome visitors.

Today, Şarapsa Khan Caravanserai is an important tourist spot visited by many tourists. Reflecting the historical and cultural texture of Alanya, this structure attracts the attention of history and architecture lovers. There are also touristic businesses such as restaurants and souvenir shops around it, so visitors can find the opportunity to rest and shop while exploring a historical place.

Places to visit in Antalya

Alanya, located on the Mediterranean coast of Türkiye, is a city of great natural beauty, rich history and modern tourism opportunities. There are many places to discover for visitors to the city.

Iotape (Aytap) Ancient Harbor City

Iotape is an ancient port city, known today as “Aytap”. Located on the Mediterranean coast of Türkiye, this ancient settlement has served as an important trade center throughout history. Iotape continued its existence from the Hellenistic period and came under the influence of the Roman Empire.

The city gained importance due to its port and strategic location at the intersection of trade routes. It has been one of the main stops of maritime trade and ship voyages.

Iotape has been under the rule of various civilizations throughout history. The city, which was under the control of the Seleucid Kingdom during the Hellenistic period, later passed under the rule of the Roman Empire. Many architectural works built in the city during this period have survived until today.

Today, Iotape represents a historical heritage unearthed through archaeological excavations and research. The ruins of the ancient city provide visitors with information about the lifestyle and trade activities of the ancient period. It is also an important stopping point for those who want to explore the historical and cultural richness of the region.

Alanya's Investment Value

In the last 3 years, house prices in Alanya have increased by 550%. The average cost per square meter is 18,000 Turkish Lira and the average price for a 100 square meter apartment is 99,221 Euros. Despite this, investors continue to choose Alanya every year, including city families as well as business owners and remote workers, considering that Alanya has become a new home. Furthermore, the average monthly rental income in the city is approximately 450 Euros. This makes Alanya an attractive option for both residential investors and renters.

The most popular purchases in Türkiye are usually one or two bedroom standard and comfort class apartments. Recently, however, the demand for luxury and ultra-luxury residences has increased. In particular, there is growing interest in residential complexes that offer hotel-standard infrastructure and services. These complexes offer a true “mini city” experience with their own spa centers, sea and city center transfers. 

Alanya has become a preferred destination by thousands of investors every year. The reasons behind this preference include the warm climate as well as factors such as investment potential, safe living environment, modern amenities provided, and the availability of desirable property for sale in Alanya. In addition, being a center of touristic attraction and its international recognition also attracts investors. FOA Invest evaluates property investments in Alanya by offering tailor-made solutions to the needs of its customers.