If you asked people to name a resort on Turkey’s Mediterranean coastline, there’s a pretty good chance Antalya would be the first that came to mind. It’s second only to Istanbul as the country’s most-visited destination, welcoming millions of visitors from all over the world.

However, a couple of hours to the east lies another area rapidly growing in popularity. Alanya has a unique ambience, and its special charms tempt tourists back time after time – and inspires many of them to invest in a dream holiday home.

So just why is Alanya so popular with holidaymakers?

Its rich history

With so much heritage on the doorstep, the city has a fascinating story to tell – including its days as a base for pirates, an important Roman and Byzantine port, a settlement for the Seljuk Turks who swept through Anatolia to lay the foundations for the Ottoman Empire, and even as a temporary home to the father of the modern Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

The fortified harbour, a castle, and the famous 14^th century Red Tower on the peninsula dividing the city’s western and eastern beachfronts are just some examples of the ancient architecture which gives Alanya a sense of historical significance.

It might not be as mainstream as Antalya, but nor has the world passed it by. So many people floc there that tourism is now the most important industry for the local economy, outstripping the citrus groves which used to bring the majority of its income.

Beaches and attractions

Where Antalya boasts names like Lara, Konyaalti and Belek, Alanya has Cleopatra, Damlataş and Portakal.

Building regulations limit Alanya’s seafront to less ambitious development projects than Antalya, but they still stretch along an impressive 18kms. From the fun fair and Havana Beach Club to the west of the peninsula to the Kırbıyık Hotel complex to the east, there’s plenty to offer anyone seeking to soak up the Mediterranean sun. Little wonder so many people decide to buy property in Alanya so they can visit as often as they like!

All have the spectacular Taurus Mountains as a backdrop with many of the hotels, guest houses and beach clubs including coffee shops, cafes and restaurants overlooking the sea.

If you’re happy to travel a little further, Sealanya – bigger than any other water park in Europe – is around ten miles to the west. The amazing gorges, forests and mountain scenery of the Dim River National Park are only around five miles inland from central Alanya.

Vibrant nightlife

Alanya excels in blending the old with the new, enhancing its appeal to visitors from all over the world.

During the day there is plenty to see and do – wander streets lined with shops offering quality leather goods, trinkets of silver and gold, exotic spices and stylish handmade clothes. There’s a popular Friday market, too.

However, at night, the city – and harbour area in particular – comes to life, with a rich blend of music and entertainment including high-end restaurants and lokantas, bars and nightclubs.

The city is also well-known across the region for hosting festivals throughout the year, including May’s Culture and Arts Festival, a jazz festival in September and even a Christmas programme for the Christian expat community in December.

It’s easy to get there

You’ll find direct flights to Antalya International Airport from much of western Europe. A two-hour private transfer is then usually enough to reach your accommodation. Alternatively, fly to Istanbul first and then take an internal flight to Gazipaşa Airport, about 40 minutes from Alanya’s city centre and Antalya’s second airport.

Passengers from some Baltic states, parts of Russia and some German airports might even find direct flights to Gazipaşa, so if this is an option it’s worth exploring.

A great choice of properties

If you’re considering buying your own property in Alanya, you’ll be pleased to hear it’s generally cheaper than Antalya. Demand dropped a little as a result of global and regional challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, but there’s a new surge of interest now.

As supply is currently meeting demand, asking prices remain reasonable. You’ll find luxury apartments for around £100,000 and private villas in their own grounds for anything from £200,000.

If you’d like to know more about properties for sale in Alanya, get in touch with your budget and wish-list – we’ll help you find your perfect piece of paradise, whether it’s a permanent or holiday home or a buy-to-let investment.