Alanya Turkey Guide – Activities & Best Things To Do In Alanya

Discover the top things to do in Alanya, a gem on the Turkish Riviera, renowned for its natural beauty and rich history. This stunning coastal city offers a treasure trove of experiences, from exploring the most beautiful beaches to embarking on captivating Alanya tours.

Dive into the heart of its culture with a leisurely boat ride, marvel at the ancient city walls, and immerse yourself in the unique blend of historical sites and natural wonders. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Alanya’s array of attractions promises an unforgettable visit

The popular seaside resort, Alanya, is nestled in front of the Taurus mountains and is definitely worth a visit.

With beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich culture, there is so much to do and see in Alanya – as a bonus, it is such a beautiful destination.

If you are ready for a great beachside holiday, here is everything you need to know for a perfect trip to Alanya, Turkey.

Things To Do In Alanya – Attractions In Alanya

Rich in culture and history, there are so many things to do in Alanya. However, here are some of the key sights in Alanya, Turkey:

1. Take A Tour Of Alanya Castle

This 14th-century castle is situated on top of a 250-meter hill and boasts stunning views of the city below.  Accessible by foot or you can take the cable car, the ancient ruins are one of the city’s most important monuments.

2. Marvel At The Archaeological Museum In Alanya

History buffs will love a visit to this top-rated museum, and it’s also a great way to get out of the sun for a few hours. Inside, you’ll find countless artifacts from the region’s history, with items dating back to the Bronze Age. The huge Hercules statue made of bronze is the museum’s central piece.

The museum is open all year around, although it does have shorter opening hours during the winter months.

3. Visit The Iconic Red Tower

The Red Tower in Alanya is the main site in the old city, and it is used in many depictions of the town, including the regional flag. Built in the 13th century, the tower was built as a lookout and defense mechanism to keep an eye out for any incoming attacks over the Mediterranean Sea. Today, it towers over Alanya and offers impressive views from the top of Alanya city below.

4. Ride Alanya Teleferik (Cable Car)

The very popular teleferik connects the main beach area with the castle and offers terrific views over the mountains and beyond. During the summer months, you might have to queue a little, but the service is very regular, so the wait shouldn’t be too long. The journey takes just over five minutes, and it’s well worth a ride.

5. Explore Maritime History At The Shipyard

Just next to the castle, you’ll find the shipyard, which has now been turned into an open-air museum to explore maritime history. The structure dates back to the 3rd century and used to be a base for the Seljuk Navy before turning into a vital trading point amongst the central Mediterranean countries.

6. Walk Through Dim Cave

Dim Cave is another cave system in the Alanya area. This cave is quite small, but it’s super atmospheric, which gives it an almost other-worldly feel.

Located in Dim Valley, you’ll walk to the cave through a forested area, which is wonderfully cool no matter the time of year. Around 360 meters of the cave are open to the public and fully lit so that you can see the stalagmites and stalactites inside. There are also four separate chambers to explore, along with a small pond.

7. Visit The Port & The Alanya Lighthouse

The port of Alanya is home to many important sites, including the Old Shipyard and its incredible archaeological treasures; the Red Tower with its Ethnological Museum; the historic Old Town district; and the lighthouse of Deniz Feneri.

Taking time to enjoy these sites and picturesque views out to sea is one of the best things to do in Alanya.

By night, the port also turns into the city’s party center.

8. Take A Jeep Safari Or Quad Safari

If you want to see the countryside around Alanya (highly recommended), then a quad or jeep safari day out is the best way to do it. You’ll find these trips sold by all excursion vendors around the town, and it’s a full day of off-road adventure, with several stops along the way and lunch in a traditional Turkish village.

This is a great day out for the family, but there is very little shade all day long, so remember hats, water, and sunscreen.

9. Enjoy An Alanya Boat Trip

Many boat trips leave Alanya harbor during the summer months, and you can book these from street vendors. Most trips take you to various stop-off points along the coastline, where you can get into the sea and swim before moving on to the next one. Lunch is served on the boat, and you can purchase refreshments all day. You can also book a pirate boat trip, which is ideal for families.

10. Visit The Ancient Damlataş Cave

A short distance away from Alanya Castle, you’ll find an incredibly atmospheric cave – Damlatas Cave, where you can walk down to the bottom and admire the fascinating stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is also reputed to be useful for anyone who has asthma, and it’s wonderfully cool all year around.

Incidentally, this is the first cave that was ever opened to the public in the country.

11. Explore The Dim River – Dimçayı

This beautiful mountain river location is just a short distance away from Alanya and is the best place to get away from it all and enjoy nature.

Along the river, you’ll find restaurants that almost hang over the edge of the water, and they’re all covered in shady trees, which is ideal during the hottest months. You can also swim here, and the water is always a lot cooler than the air temperature!

12. Shop At The City’s Atmospheric Bazaars

Each district in the city has its own bazaar, full of vendors selling local fresh delicacies, sweets, clothes, and souvenirs. The most famous Alanya bazaar is the Cuma Pazari, which takes place each Friday from early morning to 7 pm.

13. Enjoy The Nightlife Around Alanya

As a major tourist destination, Alanya has a vibrant nightlife with plenty on offer for all tastes. Bar Street is the main party hub in Alanya, a boulevard lined with bars and clubs where tourists and locals can enjoy the night.

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Best Beaches In Alanya, Türkiye

Lined by the beautiful Aegean Sea, Alanya boasts many stunning beaches, including some of the best beaches in Turkey.

14. Cleopatra Beach – Kleopatra Beach

A long beach named after the Queen of the Nile herself, Cleopatra Beach, boasts golden sand and an incredible ocean. Often crowded, due to its popularity, you can pay to rent sun loungers and enjoy food from one of the many restaurants and cafes lining the beach.

Damlataş Beach

This beach is located near the popular Damlataş Cave. With views over green mountains, azure waters, and even Alanya Castle, it’s no wonder this is one of the busiest beaches on the coast. For those who enjoy more adrenaline-filled days, there are many activities available at the beach, such as boat tours and water sports.

16. Oba (Orange) Beach

Stretching one kilometer long, this beach offers plenty of sun loungers and parasols, giving you a sense of privacy from beach-going crowds. If you feel peckish throughout the day, you can enjoy delicious food at one of the restaurants and cafes nearby.

17. Incekum Beach

A shallow beach, Incekum offers plenty of water sports for an action-filled day out. Of course, if relaxation is more your style, you can sit back and relax on the lovely golden sand.

18. Keykubat (Begonvil) Beach

Close to Alanya Center, Keykubat Beach is the perfect place to cool down after a day exploring the city. With many facilities nearby, Keykubat Beach is ideal for those who enjoy staying by the beach until past sunset.

Where To Eat Turkish Food In Alanya

Turkish cuisine is considered some of the best in the entire world and for a good reason. The rich spices, succulent meats, and stunning salads are a culinary treat.

While mezze is a popular way to enjoy the cuisine, there are also plenty of Turkish snack foods to try on foot, including lahmacun, pide, borek, gozleme, and simit.

As Alanya is a tourist hub, there is an excellent array of restaurants offering traditional food, fast food, and international fine dining.

Here is a list of some of the best in the area, depending on your taste:

How To Get To Alanya

Alanya is located on the southern coast of Turkey, in the country’s most touristic region. The region’s main airport is located in Antalya, around one hundred kilometers west of Alanya. However, there is also a smaller airport closer to the city, thirty kilometers away, at Gazipasa.

Both airports are served by international flights and serviced locally by public transport to the coast’s many resort destinations, including Alanya.

Where To Stay In Alanya

Best Time To Visit Alanya

Alanya can be visited at any time of the year, but if you want to get the best out of it, it’s a good idea to go between the end of April and the middle of November. Outside of those times, most bars and restaurants close for the season, and it can be very quiet during the winter months.

Having said that, Alanya can be really peaceful and a great place in the winter if you want to get away from it all and enjoy the natural surroundings. The entire Antalya province enjoys mild winters, too, with some very warm days where you can walk around in just a T-shirt and jeans. However, the sea is very cold so swimming isn’t advisable!

Between the end of June and the end of August, Alanya is extremely busy and very hot. If you don’t enjoy crowds and heat, the shoulder months of May, the beginning of June, September, and October are great times to visit. The weather is still very warm, beach time is totally possible, and you’ll find accommodation slightly cheaper at this time, as the Turkish and European school holidays are over, meaning fewer crowds.

FAQ About Your Experience In Alanya

What is Alanya known for?

Alanya is renowned for its beautiful beaches, historic castle, vibrant nightlife, and the stunning Taurus Mountains backdrop. It’s a favorite destination for sun-seekers and history enthusiasts alike.

How do you get to Alanya?

Alanya can be reached by air through two airports: Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport (GZP), which is about 45 km from the city, and the larger Antalya International Airport (AYT), which is approximately 125 km away. There are also bus services connecting Alanya with other Turkish cities, and it’s accessible by road.

What’s the best time of year to visit Alanya?

A: The best time to visit Alanya is between April and October when the weather is warm and sunny. July and August are the hottest months, while May and September offer more comfortable temperatures.

Are there any historical sites in Alanya?

Yes, Alanya boasts a number of historical sites, including the Alanya Castle, the Red Tower, and the ancient city of Syedra. There’s also the Alanya Archaeological Museum for history buffs.

Can you recommend any activities in Alanya for families with children?

Families can enjoy the Alanya Aquapark, visit the Alanya Gardens, take a pirate ship tour, or explore the Damlatas Caves. The beaches also offer many family-friendly activities, such as snorkeling, banana boat rides, and beach volleyball.

Is Alanya a good place for nightlife?

Yes, Alanya has a vibrant nightlife with a plethora of bars, clubs, and discos. The harbor area is particularly famous for its nightlife.

What language is spoken in Alanya?

The primary language spoken is Turkish. However, due to the tourism industry, English, Russian, and German are also commonly spoken.

Do I need a visa to visit Alanya, Turkey?

Visa requirements for Turkey depend on your nationality. Many travellers can get an e-Visa online before their visit, while others can get a visa on arrival. It’s best to check with the nearest Turkish consulate or embassy for the latest visa information.

Is Alanya safe for tourists?

Alanya is generally considered safe for tourists. However, as in any tourist destination, it’s wise to take standard precautions to safeguard your belongings and personal safety.

Are there any local foods I should try in Alanya?

Definitely! Don’t miss out on local specialties such as gözleme, a Turkish flatbread with various fillings, and fresh seafood dishes. Also, try the regional kebabs and baklava for dessert.

What type of accommodation is available in Alanya?

Alanya offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts and all-inclusive hotels to budget-friendly hostels and apartments for rent.

With all this information in hand, you are ready for a great trip to Alanya, Türkiye.