International Relations Office

About Alanya

ABOUT ALANYA
Alanya is a prominent tourism district located on a peninsula along the Mediterranean coast in the Antalya province of Türkiye. The Taurus Mountains lie to its north. Boasting the longest southern coastline in the region, Alanya covers an area of approximately 1,598 square kilometers. According to the latest data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), the district's population reached 371,547 in 2025.

Throughout history, Alanya has served as a crucial Mediterranean stronghold for empires such as the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman. The region gained significant geopolitical importance during the Seljuk period under the rule of Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I. The city’s present-day symbols, including the Red Tower (Kızıl Kule), the Shipyard (Tersane), and Alanya Castle, were constructed during this era.

A typical Mediterranean climate prevails in the region; winters are mild and rainy, while summers are hot and dry. Thanks to its favorable climate, the district hosts numerous sporting and cultural events throughout the year. Alanya holds a 9% share in Türkiye's overall tourism and maintains its leading position with an impressive share of up to 30% in property purchases by foreigners in Türkiye. Tourism, which began to develop rapidly after the 1958s, has become the most dominant business sector and the primary driver of rapid population growth in the region.

The district's economy relies heavily on tourism, agriculture, and the rapidly developing service sector associated with them. Almost all of the goods and services produced are consumed within the surrounding tourist facilities.

Alanya plays a vital role in national tourism. The major tourism boom that began in the 1980s shaped the city into its modern form. While apart-hotels were common initially, today the district offers a wide variety of tourist facilities, ranging from 1,000-capacity hotels to massive holiday resorts accommodating up to 3,500 guests.

CLIMATE
Alanya experiences a typical Mediterranean climate. The Mediterranean basin receives significant rainfall during the winter, whereas summers are longer, hotter, and drier compared to the winter months. Although not very frequent, coastal areas occasionally experience sudden downpours. The proximity of the Taurus Mountains to the sea can cause morning fog and frequently forms rainbows. Rarely, snow falls on the higher elevations of the mountains. The average annual sea water temperature in Alanya is 21.4 °C (71 °F), peaking at 27.9 °C (82 °F) in August. The high sea temperatures and the abundance of sunny days ensure that tourism remains vibrant for most of the year.

SPORTS
Alanya has become a global brand in international sports organizations. The International Alanya Triathlon, held every October for over thirty years, is one of the world's most established triathlon races, starting at Keykubat Beach and finishing at the harbor. Furthermore, Alanya is a global hub for beach sports. The world's most prestigious beach volleyball organizations, including the World Beach Volleyball Pro Tour and European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) events, are hosted at the newly built, fully equipped Alanya International Beach Sports Center and the world-famous Cleopatra Beach.

SISTER CITIES
Alanya has strong ties with many cities around the world. Our sister cities include: