The Most Beautiful Places in Alanya: Discover Coastal Charm & Historic Wonders

Alanya is one of those places that seems to have it all—sun-soaked beaches, rich history, and jaw-dropping scenery. If you’re on the hunt for the most beautiful places in Alanya, start with Cleopatra Beach. Its golden sand and crystal-clear waters are straight out of a postcard.

Just a short trip away, Alanya Castle stands tall, offering sweeping views of the Mediterranean and a peek into the city’s Seljuk past. Then there’s the iconic Red Tower, a proud symbol of Alanya’s heritage. For a slower pace, head to the Dim River, where you can hike, relax, or grab a bite by the water. As one of Alanya’s most beautiful places, it’s perfect for unwinding in nature. And when the sun goes down? The city comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene. Whether you’re in it for the history, the beaches, or the culture, Alanya never disappoints.

Why Alanya Belongs on Every Bucket List

If you’re dreaming of a Mediterranean escape filled with sunshine, history, and breathtaking views, Alanya is hard to beat. This coastal gem on Turkey’s southern shore has something for every kind of traveler, and if you’re planning a visit, our Alanya travel guide is a great place to start.

Here are the top 5 reasons why Alanya deserves a spot on your bucket list:

1. Year-Round Sunshine – With over 300 sunny days annually, Alanya offers a perfect getaway no matter the season.
2. Breathtaking Beaches – Iconic spots like Cleopatra Beach and Keykubat Beach deliver turquoise waters, soft sands, and beach clubs that buzz with life in the summer.
3. Rich Historical Heritage – Explore ancient castles, Roman ruins, and the iconic Red Tower. Alanya’s history stretches back centuries and is waiting to be discovered.
4. Outdoor Adventures – From paragliding and hiking to boat tours and scuba diving, the town is an adventure lover’s paradise.
5. Vibrant Nightlife – Whether you’re into beach bars or rooftop lounges, Alanya offers a fun, laid-back nightlife scene.

Now, let’s explore some of the most beautiful places in Alanya. Breathtaking spots that capture the heart of this coastal paradise and show exactly why travellers from around the world love it.

The Red Tower (Kızıl Kule): A Seljuk Legacy from the 13th Century

The Red Tower (Kızıl Kule) is a 13th-century Seljuk construction and one of the main tourist attractions in Alanya. A member of UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List, it’s one of the best-preserved Seljuk towers in the world. For fans of medieval military engineering, this tower is the best spot in Alanya to experience a mix of history, architecture, and scenic beauty.

Built in 1226 by Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat I, the tower was designed to protect Alanya Harbour from sea-based invasions. The octagonal-shaped tower is called Kızıl Kule (Red Tower) due to the red brick and mortar on its walls. The tower consists of five floors, connected by narrow stone stairs, with the top floor offering panoramic views of Alanya, the Mediterranean, and the harbour.

Since 1979, the Kızıl Kule has hosted the Ethnographic Museum of Alanya, showcasing Seljuk and Ottoman weapons, traditional Turkish textiles, and maritime artefacts. It underwent major renovations in the 1950s and 2000s. One of the tower’s fascinating features is its secret tunnel, believed to connect to Alanya Castle via underground passages.

The Red Tower operates daily from 08:30 AM to 7:00 PM, with an entry fee of €3. The ideal time to visit Red Tower in Alanya is early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat. For the best experience, don’t forget to climb to the top for 360° views of Alanya. The tower is easily accessible on foot from Alanya city center or a short taxi ride.

Alanya Archaeological Museum: Discover the Ancient Civilisation

The Alanya Archaeological Museum (Alanya Müzesi), located in the heart of the city, showcases a fascinating collection of artefacts from various historical periods, spanning the Bronze Age to the Ottoman Empire. Established in 1967, the museum’s primary aim is to preserve and display relics discovered in and around Alanya. It is conveniently located near popular attractions such as Damlatas Cave and Cleopatra Beach, making it a perfect stop for history enthusiasts.

The museum’s exhibits take visitors through time, starting with Bronze Age items (3000–1200 BCE), including pottery, tools, and weapons from early Anatolian civilisations. The Hellenistic and Roman periods (4th c. BCE–4th c. CE) feature inscriptions, coins, statues from Pamphylia and Cilicia, and Roman-era sarcophagi adorned with intricate carvings. The Byzantine and Seljuk sections (4th–13th c. CE) showcase Christian relics such as crosses and church decorations, along with Seljuk ceramics and coins. One of the museum’s highlights is the 2nd-century AD bronze statue of Heracles, discovered near the port of Alanya. The museum also has an ethnographic collection, displaying Ottoman-era items, including traditional weapons, clothing, jewellery, handwritten Qurans, calligraphy, and copperware. A reconstructed Ottoman-era Alanya house with period furnishings adds to the immersive experience.

The museum is open daily from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM, with an entry fee of €3. It is easily accessible on foot from the city centre or a short taxi ride.

As you immerse yourself in Alanya’s rich past, from ancient relics to Byzantine art, with the ability to activate a Turkey eSIM before your trip, you can enjoy reliable 5G mobile connectivity throughout your visit.

Cleopatra Beach: Golden Sands and Crystal-Clear Waters

Cleopatra Beach (Kleopatra Plajı) is known for its beautiful sands and crystal-clear waters, making it the perfect spot for relaxation and water sports. Whether you’re taking a swim or enjoying a boat tour, make sure to stay connected with an Esimatic eSIM, offering uninterrupted best mobile data experience while you explore Alanya’s coast.

It stretches along Alanya’s western coast, near the historic Alanya Castle and Kızıl Kule. This makes it a long beach, with more than 2.5 km (1.5 miles) of soft, sandy shoreline. The beach’s calm, turquoise Mediterranean waters are perfect for swimming.

The beach is named after a legend that claims that Cleopatra VII of Egypt swam here during her visits to Mark Antony in the 1st century BC. The beach was supposedly a romantic meeting spot for the legendary couple. The sand is even said to have been specifically brought from Egypt for Cleopatra, which might sound over the top. However, according to closer environmental assessments, the fine golden texture of the sand is rare in this region, fuelling the legend. Additionally, the natural wonder is Blue Flag certified, meaning it has:

• Clean seawater (regularly tested for pollution).
• Well-maintained facilities (toilets, showers, trash bins).
• Eco-friendly practices (recycling, no plastic waste).

Unlike many Mediterranean beaches with pebbles or rough sand, Kleopatra Beach has fine, powdery sand that stays cool underfoot, making it safe for toddlers to play without discomfort. Moreover, the beach’s gradual, shallow entry into the water makes it even better for children, elderly visitors, or nature lovers who just want to swim/stand in the calm of the Mediterranean Sea. If you’re looking for more fun things to do in Alanya, you can find the water sports below at Kleopatra Beach:

• Jet Skiing (€7-12 for 15 min).
• Parasailing (€14-19 for a thrilling aerial view).
• Banana Boat Rides (€4-6 per person, great for groups).
• Paddleboarding and Kayaking (for a more relaxed experience).
• Scuba Diving (nearby centres offer beginner dives to explore marine life).
• Boat Tours (€7–12 for a scenic coastal cruise).

Damlataş Cave: Healing Properties and Stunning Formations

Known for its stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and therapeutic microclimate, the Damlatas Cave is one of Alanya’s most famous tourist spots. Located just steps from Kleopatra Beach, the natural wonder was hidden until 1948 and was coincidentally found during the construction of the harbour. Despite the late discovery, the Damlataş Cave is estimated to be older than 15,000 years. It includes stalactites and stalagmites created from the slow drip of minerals over thousands of years, forming surreal shapes. The cave’s natural beauty is only enhanced by the strategic placement of lights, creating a colourful illumination.

The Damatlaş Cave has 2 chambers: the main hall with towering formations and a smaller passage, which is more intimate and delicately structured. But it’s best known for its therapeutic properties (speleotherapy). The cave’s high humidity levels (90-98%), constant temperatures (22-23°C / 72-73°F), and mineral content of Carbon Dioxide, Magnesium, and Iodine are said to help with conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, allergies, and sinus issues.

If you’re planning a visit, consider checking the best time to visit Alanya to make the most of the experience. The cave is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with an entry fee of €3. It is easily accessible from Cleopatra Beach, either by walking or a short taxi ride.

The Ancient Ruins of Syedra: A Quiet Exploration of Roman History

Boasting spectacular ruins and a stunning seaboard location, the ancient city of Syedra sits on a hilltop between Alanya and Gazipaşa and provides a fascinating look at Turkey’s Roman and Byzantine worlds. It was likely founded during the Hellenistic period (3rd–1st century BCE) and flourished under Roman and Byzantine rule. However, after the Seljuk and Armenian invasions in the 13th century, the ancient city was abandoned. Later in the 1990s, excavations revealed the impressive ruins once more. The word “Syedra” itself is possibly derived from the Luwian word for “water source”, which could refer to the springs near the ancient city. Key ruins to see if you’re visiting this tourism magnet include:

• The Colonnaded Street: A 200-meter-long Roman road lined with columns, once the city’s main artery. The remains of shops and public buildings flank the street.
• The Nymphaeum (Monumental Fountain): A two-story fountain decorated with statues and reliefs (now in Alanya Museum). The structures supplied water to the city via an ancient aqueduct system.
• Byzantine Basilica: A 5th–6th-century church with mosaic floors, which are partially preserved. You’ll also see evidence of Christian worship after Syedra’s Roman era in this part of the ruins.
• Roman Baths & Cisterns: With heated rooms, bathing pools, and underground water storage, they show the city’s advanced engineering.
• Inscribed Rock Panels: Roman-era inscriptions detailing city decrees and victories, with one of them mentioning Emperor Septimius Severus (193–211 CE).

The site is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with an entry fee of €3. It is easily accessible by car or taxi from Alanya, located about 25 km away.