A Turkish seaside escape with heritage sites aplenty, Alanya is a brilliant spot for sun seekers, history buffs and travellers looking to party the night away. Alanya’s popularity with European visitors has ensured that there is a wide array of accommodation available, including simple guesthouses and elegant historic house-hotels. Our pick of the best places to stay in Alanya features hotels brimming with traditional charm, as well as gorgeous harbour and sea views. Whether you’re dreaming of sun-drenched family beach days, exploring ancient monuments or savouring delicious Turkish fare with friends, Alanya has it all.
A strategic Mediterranean harbour for a whole host of powerful forces — from ancient Persian traders in honey and wine to notorious sea-bandits — legend has it that Alanya was gifted by Mark Antony to Cleopatra during the Roman era. Later the thirteenth-century hub of the Seljuk navy, Alanya was incorporated into the Ottoman empire, becoming a key maritime port for trade with Cyprus, Syria and Egypt. This rich history is best appreciated through a guided walking tour of ancient landmarks, or a day out on the water, dotting between the secret coves and enormous caves once used by pirates. If it’s heritage sites that you’re after, begin your explorations at Alanya Castle, a Seljuk-era edifice topping a rocky peninsula above the town. There are extensive ruins and beautiful vistas — plus the Alanya Teleferik cable car is a novel way to travel up or down. Don’t miss the Alanya Archaeological Museum, the Omürlü Kemal Atli Cultural Centre in Ehmedek, or the almost 800-year-old Red Tower, either.
For a sense of the modern-day town, stroll through the Grand Bazaar, sample fresh local produce — including the region’s famed oranges — on market day, and pause for a super-strong Turkish coffee or two. There’s ample opportunity for long, lazy days of sand and sunshine, too. Swim in the waters of Cleopatra Beach, where the Queen herself reputedly bathed, before trying your hand at sailing, kayaking, snorkelling or diving. Thrill-seekers will adore paragliding, whilst there’s exhilarating white water rafting and canyoning to try further inland, and day-long boat trips to striking Sapadere Canyon.
Topped with enchanting red-tiled Ottoman roofs, hiding heaps of fantastic fresh seafood restaurants and lively bars and clubs for night owls to dance ’til dawn, Alanya is a fun seaside destination with a fascinating cultural legacy. Whether you’re in town for the buzzing nightlife or the hundreds of years of history, the best places to stay in Alanya promise easy access to the pretty harbour, and a warm welcome in lovely heritage edifices.
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Alanya (Antalya)
This hotel is located in a traditional stone house in the historic centre of Tophane, Turkey. Guestrooms feature wooden beams, exposed stone walls and antique furniture; book a luxury room for sea views. Enjoy dinner on the hotel restaurant's terrace overlooking the marina; a stylish seaside break.
Alanya (Alanya)
This charming hotel is located in the Alanya Castle in Alanya, Turkey. The elegant guestrooms feature four-poster beds, Persian rugs and regional artwork; book a luxury suite for sea views. Unwind by the outdoor pool or with a local beer on the terrace overlooking the bay; a stylish heritage hotel.
