About Alanya
Alanya is defined by its Seljuk castle, crowning a rocky peninsula that juts into the Mediterranean, and by the long sandy beaches stretching away on either side. The town takes its name from the Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubad, who captured it in the 13th century and made it one of the dynasty's winter seats; the octagonal Red Tower and the rock-cut shipyard by the harbor date from his era. With the Taurus Mountains close to the coast, high pastures, canyons and cold streams are only a short drive away. From Konaklı in the west to Mahmutlar in the east, the shoreline offers plenty of room for a long beach holiday.
The most popular of all Alanya tours is the cruise around the peninsula, stopping at sea caves and Cleopatra Beach. On land, jeep safaris into Taurus villages and the Dim River valley, trips to Sapadere Canyon and city tours round out the options. Visit the castle in the cool of the morning, Damlataş Cave in the midday heat and save the boat for the afternoon. Compare the programs of local firms running Alanya tours on TurTalebi and book securely by card.
Alanya Tours
Tours run by local firms in the area. Pick a date, see the price and book securely by card.
Tours Coming Soon
There are no tours live for this destination yet. Read the guide or browse all tours across Türkiye.
All ToursTop Things to See
Alanya Castle
Seljuk-era walls ring the top of the peninsula for several kilometers. Walk up, drive or take the cable car, then enjoy views from the Inner Castle and Ehmedek over both the harbor and Cleopatra Beach.
Red Tower and Shipyard
The octagonal Red Tower guarding the harbor is a symbol of the Seljuk era and now houses a small museum. The nearby shipyard, carved into the rock with arched bays, is best admired from the water.
Damlataş Cave
Right at the start of Cleopatra Beach, this cave is known for its stalactites and stalagmites. Its humid air at a steady temperature is traditionally believed to ease asthma and other breathing conditions.
Cleopatra Beach
West of the castle, this beach of fine sand and clear water is Alanya's favorite. Legend says Cleopatra swam here, and the castle rising behind it makes the setting even more memorable.
Dim River
East of town, ice-cold water flows down from the Taurus Mountains, and you can eat on platforms set right over the stream to escape the summer heat. The nearby Dim Cave makes an easy add-on.
Sapadere Canyon
Deep in the Taurus Mountains, wooden walkways lead past waterfalls and icy pools through this narrow canyon. A regular stop on jeep safaris, it offers welcome shade and cool air in midsummer.
Plan Your Trip
When to Go
Alanya has a long beach season, and you can usually swim from May to early November. April to June and September to October are ideal for walking up to the castle and exploring canyons. July and August are hot and humid, when cool spots like the Dim River and Sapadere and time on the water come into their own. Thanks to its mild winters, Alanya is also popular with visitors who come for long stays in the colder months.
Getting There
The closest airport is Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport, east of town and about 40 minutes from the center by road. Antalya Airport, with far more flights, is about two hours away. The coastal highway between Antalya and Mersin runs straight through Alanya, and within town, municipal buses and minibuses run regularly along the coast from Mahmutlar to Konaklı.
Practical Tips
- Inside Damlataş Cave the steps are damp and slippery, so wear shoes with good grip and take it slowly.
- The Dim River stays very cold even in midsummer, which is refreshing but calls for extra care with young children.
- On jeep safaris and canyon trips, bring a change of clothes, non-slip shoes and sunscreen, since you may get dusty and wet.