Alanya Area Guide
Alanya is a beach resort town on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast in the province of Antalya and is around 84 miles east of Antalya City. It has wide, sandy beaches lined with hotels including Cleopatra Beach, where the Egyptian queen reportedly swam. Alanya is positioned on a rocky bluff right above the seashore and is famous for its antiquity including the octagonal Red Tower – constructed in 1226 – and beautiful fortified harbor. It is a major tourist destination with a vibrant night life and social scene.
Whilst Istanbul may the area of choice for many investors, Alanya and Antalya towns are becoming increasingly popular for offering value-for-money in locations in demand with tourists. The infrastructure is excellent with new highways, fast transportation links and large-scale leisure facilities.
For investors, Alanya offers all year round rental opportunities supported by its burgeoning residential areas.
Alanya Beaches
Alanya is noted for its fine, golden sand beaches and here are some of the best:
Cleopatra Beach, Alanya
The most famous stretch of sand in Alanya is the blue flag certified Cleopatra Beach, close to Alanya Marina, with good, clean water and safe swimming monitored by life guards. There are stunning views out across the bay and plenty of food and drink options with a number of bars and restaurants.
Damlatas Beach, Alanya
Running on from Cleopatra Beach to the east is Damlatas Beach, Alanya which starts from Damlatas Cave. This is a popular beach for snorkeling, as the sea is calmer, with daily diving excursions available. Damlatas Beach is also wheel chair accessible with disabled friendly sunbeds and showers. There are quite a few beach bars, restaurants and, for the more active, volleyball courts, an open air fitness centre, large children’s playground, tennis and basketball courts plus many green spaces all along the beach.
Konakli Beach, Alanya
This grey-brown, slightly pebbly beach with clean, transparent sea is perfect for families looking for somewhere quieter and less hectic than the mainstream beaches. The distance between Alanya and Konakli is 12 km, around a 20 minute drive and is also on the main bus routes. Konakli Beach is also known as Turtle Beach. In the right season you can watch turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. In the nearby Konakli village there is an ancient caravanserai, where travellers along the silk road used to stay. The town also has lots of shops, an amusement park, go-karting and golf.Click here to view Alanya, Turkey sea view apartments for sale
Shopping in Alanya
If you love bargains and are shopping mad, here are some of the best places to go:
Alanya shopping – Alanya Bazaar
Alanya Bazaar starts from Alanya harbour by the castle and runs to the central bus station. Shopping in any of Turkey’s bazaars is always a rich, cultural experience and Alanya Bazaar is no exception.
There are souvenirs of every kind, ideal for your family and friends back home, fine silks, jewelry, time pieces, local craft ware, leather goods including jackets and handbags, home ware such as lights and candles, and traditional, high quality Turkish carpets. It is fine to barter for whatever takes your interest and the vendors will not take offense if you do so, in fact they would be surprised if you didn’t try to get a better price. This is all part of the spectacle!
And after all that shopping you can sit back and relax at one of the many cafes and enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee or delicious black tea. Don’t forget to buy one of the famous blue eye charms (Nazar Boncugu) for good luck!
Alanya Shopping – Alanyum Mall
Located between Mahmutlar and Alanya, this three floor air conditioned mall is bliss in the summer. Here you will find a number of international and Turkish brands plus make-up stores offering the odd bargain here and there! And there is a food court with restaurants and fast food outlets, a Carrefore supermarket so you can stock up on essentials, a pharmacy, lots of ATMS from different banks, and a playground for kids.
Alanya Shopping – Ataturk Boulevard
Ataturk Boulevard is Alanya’s main shopping street and is attractively landscaped with palm trees and benches. The boulevard is also adorned with many bronze statues of modern art, with street performers often entertaining, creating a lively and friendly atmosphere.
Here you will find numerous shops selling specialized local goods such as leather, fine silks and jewelry. There are many boutiques featuring both local and international brands plus a huge choice of cafes and restaurants.Click here to view Turkey, Alanya new build apartments for sale
