Alanya is the second largest City on this coast (after Antalya) and is often referred to as 'The Pearl of the Turkish Riviera'. To the east and west of Alanya lie inviting turquoise seas with inviting golden beaches. Taurus Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop to this amazing unspoilt resort. Crowning the headland is a sprinkling of Citadel towers and just below is a delightful harbour guarded by the old Red Tower.
The large popular resort centre of Alanya lies at one end of a rocky promontory which juts out into the Mediterranean between two long sandy beaches. Alanya is a beautiful holiday resort of modern hotels, numerous fish restaurants and cafes, bars as well as large European supermarkets and wholesale stores. There is also the old town which is a maze of meandering streets and alleyways tempting shoppers with their colourful boutiques and stalls.
Alanya has a mild and tropical climate, the many natural seas and land caves, the wildlife parks, valleys and rivers are all worth seeing in this modern nature paradise.
Alanya experiences a typical Mediterranean climate with 310-320 sunny days per year. By comparison with other regions Alanya has special characteristics. Through the mountains in the East, North and West the cool winds from the interior are broken making it possible to bathe in the sea for over 10 months of the year. Given the ideal weather conditions and the extremely fertile land, Alanya plays host to a large range of tropical plants and fruits, which are cultivated all year round.
As well as its cultural and historical sights, Alanya has unbeatable beach life too. Beautiful sandy Cleopatra Beach lies to the west of the resort while the fine sands of Alanya Kekybut beach stretch to the east. A good range of water-sports are available too.
The nightlife is easy-going and relaxed with a wide choice of nightspots located at the edge of town. Take your pick from lively bars to all night discos.
The Shops and Markets
|
It is not only small items that can be found at the markets of Alanya. Often there is the possibility of obtaining a very good bargain. Local farmers sell fruit and vegetables, laboriously brought from the mountains and markets outside the town. Many different people visit the markets. Tourists and locals all come to shop for their daily needs. The markets are open from sunrise to sunset.
|
|
The Toros Mountains
|
|
Take a drive up the small mountain roads to experience the villages where life almost stands still. From the centre of Alanya it takes no more than ½ hour before hotels and restaurants are replaced by clay-built houses, children playing in the dust, and old women guarding the family's only cow. Another possibility is to follow the Dimçay-river to the valley by the same name. Here you will encounter the construction of the new and great Dimçay dam from where the turbines are supposed to deliver electricity to Alanya in a few years. If you continue past the building site the mountains and valleys will once more open up to you.
|
Nightlife in Alanya
|
Nights out in Alanya are for partying and having fun until the early hours of morning. Everything from large international discotheques to smaller bars can be found here. Because of its size and intensity there is something for everyone - so whatever you like, rock, pop, disco, techno, salsa or Turkish music, there is a place for you here. Almost all nightlife is concentrated around the harbour area with the large discotheques facing the water and the smaller bars behind.
|
|
During high season even Sundays and Mondays are considered party nights. For a tourist a good night out starts with a visit to one of the many restaurants in the bazaar area and then continues at a bar from around 11pm. The parties at the discotheques are best after midnight and continue until closing time. At 3am music at the harbour has to stop but it is possible to continue even later at the discotheques away from the centre.
Property In Alanya
The property is very varied depending on which area of the city you are looking, both in price and in quality. Anything around the harbour area, or on the sea front, tends to be quite expensive. 2 bed apartments on the sea front start from a minimum of €160,000.
As you move away from the harbour area, you will find a lot of city apartments for sale. These areas are traditionally Turkish, and are highly developed with many apartment blocks. The facilities are generally of a good standard, with plenty of local shops nearby, but they are usually some distance from the beach, and the bars and restaurants. 2 bedroom apartments here start from approximately €75,000.
There are villas available in Alanya, however the majority of these are up in the foothills of the Taurus mountains, in an area called Bektaş. These villas generally have stunning views all around; mountains behind you, and the city of Alanya spread out in front of you, with a full sea panorama. However the quality of the views is reflected in the price, and a car is almost essential for getting into town. The few villas in central Alanya are varied depending on location and quality, and there really are no sensible guide prices for these kind of properties.
WARNING!!! - Many companies advertise some bargain "Alanya" properties. On closer inspection, these properties are often in Oba and Tosmur, or even as far as Mahmutlar and Avsallar!! If you are told a property is in Alanya, it's always best to make sure exactly where in Alanya it really is!
|
