Türkiye hosts an increasing number of top international events across a wide range of disciplines, attracting athletes and fans from around the world. Antalya, at the heart of the sun-soaked Turkish Riviera, attracts millions each year with its pristine beaches, mild climate, cultural heritage and vibrant aquatic and mountain sports scene. The city’s hidden gem, Alanya, will once again host the Alanya Ultra Trail on March 27–28 on spectacular routes stretching between the warm Mediterranean sun and the cool slopes of the Taurus Mountains.

Alanya Ultra Trail is an internationally recognised trail race that has welcomed more than 700 athletes from 34 countries since its launch in 2017. Recognised by the International Trail Running Association (ITRA), the event highlights Antalya’s unique geography, rich cultural heritage, and nature-intertwined lifestyle.

The 2026 edition, organised under the motto “Tradition to Trail”, is supported by the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, along with various stakeholders. Beyond offering an exhilarating adventure that inspires participants to explore Antalya, Alanya Ultra Trail also provides an immersive experience in nature, bringing together the region’s rich heritage with its present-day spirit.

Tradition to Trail

Alanya Ultra Trail takes place along distinctive routes once used as migration paths by the free-spirited and resilient nomadic Turks (Yörüks). Echoing this spirit of endurance and freedom, today’s runners compete on demanding courses where it is possible to experience four seasons in a single race. Stretching from the snow-capped peaks of the Taurus Mountains to the world-renowned Cleopatra Beach, the routes pass through historic caravan trails, the centuries-old Alanya Shipyard, Alanya Castle, scenic highlands, and breathtaking natural landscapes.

In addition to the longest stage, the 68 km Alanya Ultra Trail (AUT) course, the race includes the 42 km Taurus Mountain Trail (TMT), 27 km Keykubat Mountain Run (KMR), 18 km Cleopatra Short Trail (CST), and 5 km Alanya Castle Run (ACR) stages. On the AUT course, runners start from the Damlataş Cave and the world-famous Cleopatra Beach, passing historic landmarks, such as Tophane, Kızıl Kule (Red Tower), the Shipyard, Esat Bastion, the Bedesten (Covered Market), and Alanya Castle. After a brief run along city streets, the adventure moves into the Taurus Mountains before returning to finish on Cleopatra Beach.

Meanwhile, the TMT, KMR, CST, and ACR stages follow the same starting routes as the AUT but turn back at designated points to reduce distance. On the TMT, runners leave the trail at the 24th km to return along the route, while the KMR branches off at the 16th km. The CST follows the same route up to the 9th km, while the ACR, tailored for nature enthusiasts, offers a shorter, scenic 5 km.

Antalya’s Best-Kept Secret: Alanya

Set on the Mediterranean coast, Antalya, Türkiye’s tourism capital, offers year-round sunshine, rich history, and pristine beaches. To its east, the coastal town of Alanya stands out as a vibrant destination, combining striking natural landscapes, historic landmarks, and lively nightlife into a perfect Mediterranean escape.

Founded as a fortified city by the Seljuks in the 13th century, Alanya is crowned by the remarkably well-preserved Alanya Castle, which remains open to visitors and offers mesmerising views from its rocky hilltop. Winding streets descend from the castle to the sea, lined with traditional houses set within lush, terraced gardens. Among the town’s key landmarks are the historic shipyard and the octagonal Kızıl Kule, originally built for defense and now home to an ethnographic museum. Alanya also boasts striking natural attractions, including Blue Flag beaches such as İncekum Beach and Cleopatra Beach, as well as Sapadere Canyon, Dim and Damlataş Cave, Dim Stream and Dereköy Highland.

Complementing its heritage and landscapes, Alanya offers a rich culinary scene ranging from street flavours like gözleme (stuffed flatbread) to Mediterranean specialties. Fresh seafood—grilled fish and octopus—is served with mezes, piyaz (white bean salad with tahini), and local white wines, while traditional dishes such as çoban kavurma (roasted meat) highlight regional recipes. Alanya’s vibrant nightlife, with its lively bars and live music venues, ensures that the energy continues well after sunset.