Many people are enchanted by Alanya at first sight, so much so that they not only want to stay here longer but also consider buying a home and moving here permanently, without waiting for old age. This happens with some of our clients, even though for some, coming to Alanya was their very first visit to Turkey. What is the secret of this place's allure?
Historical background. Throughout its history, Alanya has changed several names. On the site of present-day Alanya, there once flourished the ancient region of Cilicia, which was part of the Hittite Empire in the 2nd millennium BC. Later, these lands were captured by Greek colonists. For a long time, Alanya remained a center for pirates and smugglers, and during the Roman Empire, it was known as Coracesium. Later, Mark Antony gifted the city and the surrounding territories to Queen Cleopatra. Under the Byzantine Empire, the place received the melodious name of Kolonoros, which means "beautiful mountain" in Greek.
In the 12th and 13th centuries, the fortress belonged to an Armenian family until it was captured by Alaeddin Keykubad I, the ruler of the Seljuk Sultanate, in 1230. Under the new name of Alaiye, the city became his winter residence and a strategically important base on the Mediterranean Sea.
Alanya has always been considered one of the most affordable resorts with budget hotels on the Mediterranean coast. Surrounding it are banana plantations and orange groves. Today, luxurious residential complexes rise here, ready to rival many five-star hotels in terms of infrastructure.
Now it is a vibrant, colorful city where European quality standards and Eastern traditions are harmoniously intertwined.
It is enough to climb up to the Old Fortress, Kale, to appreciate the scale of the city, which has more than 350,000 residents. From above, you get breathtaking views of the harbor with the lighthouse and Red Tower, the restored Ottoman-style houses, and the picturesque mountains surrounding Alanya.
It is pleasant to see that each year the city is rapidly developing and becoming more and more well-kept. You can wander endlessly through the cozy streets, sit in cafes, and peek into the welcoming shops where tourists are always welcomed. Alanya is ideal for those who are tired of noisy metropolises but prefer a comfortable life with all amenities. In Alanya, everything is balanced just enough to enjoy all the benefits of civilization without being overwhelmed by unnecessary hustle and bustle. Moreover, there are no factories or harmful industries here; the place is absolutely eco-friendly.
Alanya remarkably suits a wide range of people, as everyone will find what they are looking for. Young people – sports facilities, nightclubs, and discos; families with children – beaches and children's entertainment; older couples – the tranquility and relaxed pace of a southern resort. Entrepreneurs will see business opportunities.
Adaptation to new conditions happens quickly. For some reason, you don’t feel like a stranger here, and you quickly learn to smile back at the locals. A major advantage of Alanya is that it's easy to organize your life here even without a car. You can walk, bike, or use public transport to reach the beaches, shops, shopping centers, and interesting attractions.
There is always something to do and ways to diversify your stay in Alanya. At any time of the year, regardless of age and financial situation. Just visiting once is enough to feel how much this could be your dream city. Usually, intuition doesn't let you down, and it's hard to find someone who regrets moving to live in Alanya.
Main Advantages of Alanya:
- Accessible and extensive beaches within the city limits, both sandy and pebbly.
- A lively city even at night, yet cozy, where it’s easy to find seclusion.
- A hotter climate and longer season compared to other Turkish resorts. This allows for a longer enjoyment of the summer season and exotic fruits like bananas, which have become a symbol of the region.
- Two international airports with regular and charter flights from Russia, Europe, and the CIS countries: Antalya Airport (135 km) or Gazipaşa (25 km).
- An international environment. Alanya is home to representatives from over 20 nationalities, creating a unique atmosphere.
- Quick adaptation. Many Russian-speaking professionals and neighbors, a Russian school, communities, children's courses, and an active Christian church. Most locals speak foreign languages.
- Well-developed infrastructure, operating year-round. Every district has shops, pharmacies, ATMs, post offices, farmers' markets, cafes, and restaurants.
- A vast selection of luxurious residential complexes, including those within walking distance to the beach, at affordable prices.
- Rich history dating back to the times of Queen Cleopatra and Mark Antony, pirates, and Seljuks. The old fortress and landmarks are preserved, giving the city a unique appearance.
- Comfortable conditions for both vacation and permanent living.
