Things to Do in Alanya You Don’t Want to Miss

Things to do in Alanya range from soaking up the sun on pristine beaches to exploring ancient ruins steeped in history. This lively Mediterranean city offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, making it a top choice for holidaymakers. Wander through vibrant bazaars, take a dip in crystal-clear waters, or hike up to Alanya Castle for panoramic views. Whether you’re into culture, nature, or simply unwinding by the sea, Alanya has something to suit every taste. With its warm hospitality and endless attractions, it’s easy to see why Alanya continues to charm visitors from around the world.

Visit Alanya Castle and the Red Tower

It’s impossible to find an Alanya travel guide that doesn’t include the Red Tower and Alanya Castle. These Alanya historical landmarks have thousands of years of history behind them, showing how old empires (from Romans to Seljuks) used to use nature to create masterpieces that were not only stunning but effective, too.

Alanya Castle (Alanya Kalesi): A Magnificent Medieval Fortress

Visiting the Alanya Castle (Alanya Kalesi) is one of the most widely recommended things to do in Alanya. The fortress is known for its historical value, with remnants from the Roman era to the Ottoman Empire. Still, it’s best known for its role during the rule of the Seljuks. The Castle stretches over 6.5 km of walls with 140 towers and about 400 cisterns. This, in addition to the castle’s position on a 250-metre-high rocky peninsula, used to make it a potent strategic site.

Nowadays, tourists love to visit the Inner Castle (Iç Kale) and its breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, the Adam Atacağı (Thrower’s Cliff), where prisoners were allegedly thrown to the sea, and the Süleymaniye Mosque, which is a 16th-century Ottoman mosque that was rebuilt in the 20th century. Last but not least, you can’t go to Alanya Castle without enjoying its 360° panoramic views.

• Opening hours: 08:30 – 19:00 (Summer) / 08:30 – 17:30 (Winter)
• Ticket price: €12
• How to get there: Mainly accessible by car or public transportation.

The Red Tower (Kızıl Kule): Symbol of Alanya

The Red Tower (Kızıl Kule) is a 13th-century structure that was built as an extension of the Alanya Castle to protect the city, its Tersane (shipyard), and the harbour from naval attacks, particularly from Crusaders and pirates. The tower features an octagonal architecture, which was a revolutionary design for its time. It made the tower more suitable to deflect projectiles and resist siege attacks. Additionally, red bricks were used to build the top part of the tower, which is where it gets its name from. A fun fact about Alanya’s Red Tower is that it was never conquered, which is a testament to its strong design.

The Red Tower has 5 floors that are connected by a spiral staircase. Moreover, the tower houses the Ethnographic Museum of Alanya today, where you can see Seljuk and Ottoman artefacts, traditional weapons, textiles, and daily life objects, as well as models of historical ships.

Beach Bliss: Discover Alanya’s Coastal Gems

Some of the most beautiful places in Alanya are its beaches. With the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean and the mountain views of a lifetime, these top beaches in Alanya offer various coastal experiences.

Cleopatra Beach: Alanya’s Legendary Jewel

Soaking in the sunny beauty of Cleopatra Beach is one of the most sought-after things to do in Alanya. The beach is known for its golden sand and stretches about 2.5 km (1.5 miles), with clubs, cafes, and sunbeds decorating its full length.

Legend says that the sand was imported from Africa in the first century BC by Mark Antony, because Cleopatra VII was about to visit Alanya. The beach got its name after the visit and Cleopatra’s alleged swimming sessions there.

Today, the beach is a perfect destination for families, swimmers, and sunbathers who want to enjoy its clear, warm, and shallow waters. It also often appears on Alanya nightlife guides because of its vibrant bars and parties.

Keykubat Beach: A Less Crowded Escape

If you’re looking for a quiet and laid-back day by the water, visiting Keykubat Beach should definitely be on your “things to do in Alanya” list. The beach is located in Kestel, about 6 km east of Alanya centre. You can get there by minibus (Dolmuş), by car or taxi, or on foot.

Keykubat Beach is well frequented by the locals. The shoreline is a mix of soft sand and small pebbles. The waters are calm and don’t get massive waves, making it a perfect beach for families, children, or weaker swimmers. There are also cafes and local restaurants lined up along the beach, but they’re less abundant.

Portakal Beach: Soft Sands and Smaller Crowds

The Portakal Beach is generally favoured by locals and tourists who seek quiet vibes. It’s located on the west side of Alanya, and you can arrive there by taking minibuses, cars, taxis, or boat tours. The attraction’s name comes from the pine forests and orange groves that surround the beach, as the word “Portakal” in Turkish means orange.

The Portakal Beach’s soft, golden sand and clear waters make it the ideal destination for those who want to indulge in the laid-back scenic beauty of the Mediterranean and take their sunset photos.

Beyond the Beach: Best Day Trips from Alanya

Alanya is located on the southern coast of Turkey. The city’s great location gives it access to waterfalls, canyons, boat tours, and historical ruins, all in less than 2 hours.

Sapadere Canyon: A Cool Getaway

Taking a day trip to the Sapadere Canyon (Sapadere Kanyonu) is one of the most relaxing things to do in Alanya. The natural wonder is just 40 km (25 miles) northeast of Alanya, near the village of Sapadere. The canyon walk is one of the site’s main attractions, where you can stroll on 750 metres of wooden walkways and enjoy the waterfalls, pools, and greenery as you go.

Coming to the canyon’s pools, they are shallow, crystal clear, and freezing, making them perfect for quick, refreshing dips. The wildlife in the Sapadere Canyon is also mesmerising, with over 200 plant species.

• Opening hours: 08:00 to 19:00
• Ticket price: €3
• Location: Alanya
• How to get there: Mainly accessible by car or public transportation.

Side & Manavgat Waterfall: A Blend of History and Nature

Visiting Side and Manavgat is one of the most frequently recommended things to do in Alanya. It makes for quite the day trip to have you entertained for at least 8 hours. You can use guided tours or take an adventurous leap and self-drive. Either way, you will probably arrive at the Manavgat Waterfall first. It’s a stunning sight, not towering but wide and cascading on the Manavgat River. Although you can’t swim there because of the strong currents, the place definitely allows for dipping your toes in the water and taking gorgeous pictures of the scenery. You’ll also have access to restaurants, tea gardens, and souvenir shops there.

Your next stop is Side, a place packed with ancient ruins. There, you can see the Temple of Apollo and its seaside columns, the gigantic Side Ancient Theatre (seats 15,000 people), and the Side Museum, which is housed in a Roman bath and displays ancient artefacts.

• Opening hours: 08:00 to 20:00
• Ticket price: €5
• Location: Alanya
• How to get there: Mainly accessible by car or public transportation.

Green Canyon: A Serene Escape Into Nature

The Green Canyon is a stunning yet relaxing mountain lake that’s located about 75 km northwest of Alanya. It’s easily reachable by tour (less than a 2-hour ride), but you can go there alone, too. The canyon is nestled around the Oymapınar Dam in the Taurus Mountains. You can enjoy the 17-km boat tour over the emerald waters of the lake that’s formed by the dam. What’s more, the lake is surrounded by lush pine trees and dramatic cliffs.

The Green Canyon is home to diverse wildlife, including wild goats, foxes, and various bird species. The dense forests are primarily composed of red pine, cedar, and oak trees. Overall, the canyon offers a great opportunity to relax and explore the natural wonders of Turkey.

• Opening hours: 09:00 to 21:00 (weekdays) / 09:00 to 17:00 (weekends)
• Ticket price: None
• Location: Alanya
• How to get there: Mainly accessible by car or public transportation.

Syedra Ancient City: Ruins from the 1st Century AD

Another popular day trip destination from Alanya is the Syedra Ancient City, located only 20 km southeast of Alanya (a 30-minute drive). The location is a hidden gem for history lovers, offering the same rich background as Side and Perge but with much smaller crowds. In fact, the ancient city has roots in the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine eras, peaking in the 1st to 4th centuries AD.

The Grand Colonnaded Street is one of the most popular attractions of the ancient city, offering a 200-metre-long Roman road with column bases still intact. Even today, the street is lined with shops and public buildings. There are also the ancient baths and cisterns of Syedra, which are definitely worth a visit. There, you’ll find well-preserved Roman baths with mosaic fragments, as well as massive underground water reservoirs. Also, don’t forget about the Hellenistic temple, which was later converted into a Byzantine church. You’ll see inscriptions detailing the ancient city life there. Syedra is especially known for one inscription, a 1st-century AD tablet listing athletes’ victories, serving as proof of Syedra’s sporting culture.

• Opening hours: 08:30 to 17:30 (winter) / 08:30 to 19:30 (summer)
• Ticket price: None
• Location: Alanya
• How to get there: Mainly accessible by car or public transportation

Fun for All Ages: Family Adventures in Alanya

As a family, Alanya should definitely be on your ideal destinations list. The city is safe and offers a lot of fun and interactive activities you can take part in together. These activities include water parks, animal encounters, beachside fun, and family tours.

Alanya Aquapark (Saray Mahallesi): Crazy Fun

Paying the Alanya Aquapark a visit is probably one of the best things to do in Alanya as a family. The facility is the largest aquapark in the city, and it offers a wide variety of slides and other family-friendly adventure activities in Alanya. The waterpark is only 5 minutes away from the Alanya city centre, and you can easily reach it by getting a cab or driving there. When you get there, there are a number of slides offering thrill and excitement, including:

• Kamikaze Slide: Near-vertical drop for adrenaline junkies.
• Black Hole: Pitch-black enclosed tube slide.
• Multi-Lane Racing Slides: Compete with friends.
• Tornado Funnel: Spin wildly before splashing down.

Additionally, there are more family-friendly and kid-safe zones if you don’t want constant adrenaline. For example, you can slowly float around the park on the lazy river. You can get the little ones to the Kids’ Castle Area, where they’ll play on mini slides and shallow pools.

Sealanya Dolphin Park: Animal Shows

You can also travel 20 km west of Alanya city centre to the Sealanya Dolphin Park, which is known for its shows of dolphins and sea lions and the opportunity to swim with dolphins. The facility also has a mini waterpark, which both kids and adults can use. You can visit other species there, too, including exotic birds, seals, and reptiles like snakes and turtles.

There are restaurants available at the facility, which offer pizza, burgers, and Turkish Kebab alongside snack bars where you can find popcorn, ice cream, and refreshing drinks.

Beach Playgrounds & Pirate Boat Rides

On your quest to find things to do in Alanya with your kids, pirate tours and beach playgrounds are must-tries. For example, you can find trampolines, bouncy castles, and mini water slides at Kleopatra Beach’s playground. On the other hand, Keykubad Beach has climbing nets, rope courses, swing sets on the sand, and even a shaded picnic area for the parents.

One of the most popular family activities in Alanya is fun pirate tours. For instance, the Black Pearl Pirate Boat is the most famous pirate tour in Alanya, where you can enjoy live pirate shows with sword fights and dancing, swimming spots at the Phosphorus Cave, and a massive foam party on the deck. Other rides include the Captain Hook Pirate Ship and the Red Dragon Pirate Adventure.

Explore Alanya’s Famous Caves

Aside from its beautiful beaches, Alanya is also home to some of the most beautiful caves in Turkey. By visiting these caves, you can let loose to the scenic beauty of Alanya; all the while, history and geology play right before your eyes.

Damlataş Cave (Damlataş Mağarası)

One of Turkey’s most well-known caves. Only 5 minutes away from Kleopatra Beach, the Damlataş Cave coats its healing powers with breathtaking beauty. The 15,000-year-old cave has 2 chambers that are covered by stalactites and stalagmites: the main hall and the more intimate lower cave. The constant microclimate of the cave (22°C (72°F) and 90% humidity) and its high ionisation enable the Damlataş Cave to offer therapeutic benefits against conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and allergies.

• Opening hours: 10:00 to 17:30 (winter) / 10:00 to 19:00 (summer)
• Ticket price: €3.5
• Location: Alanya
• How to get there: Mainly accessible by car or public transportation

Dim Cave (Dim Mağarası)

Located just outside of Alanya, and can be reached via a 20-30 minute drive. It’s estimated to be more than 1 million years old, with giant stalactites and stalagmites that are more than 10 m tall. The 360-meter cave is also known for its frozen waterfall (created by calcite formations) and crystal-clear underground pools. The Dim Cave is decorated with LED lights all throughout, and its microclimate is similar to the Damlatas Cave but with less ionisation.

• Opening hours: 09:00 to 17:00 (winter) / 09:00 to 19:00 (summer)
• Ticket price: €5.5
• Location: Alanya
• How to get there: Mainly accessible by car or public transportation

Lovers’ Cave (Aşıklar Mağarası) & Phosphorus Cave (Fosforlu Mağara)

There are two other attractions of Alanya. The Phosphorus Cave is on the eastern side of the Alanya Peninsula, below the Red Tower. With glowing waters (blue/green) created by the emission of bioluminescence by Plankton, the cave is accessible by relaxing boat trips.

On the other hand, the Lover’s Cave is on the western cliffside of the Alanya Castle peninsula. It’s named after a forbidden love story between a princess and a soldier. Rumour has it that if you kiss your partner in the cave, you’re going to be together forever.

Visit the Dim River (Dimçay) for a Cool Escape

Dim River (Dimçay) is one of Alanya’s most refreshing natural escapes. The river has ice-clear turquoise waters from the mountain springs, with rocky cliffs and small waterfalls upstream. The riverbanks are covered with rich pine forests. One of the coolest things about the Dim River is probably its floating restaurants, with tables half-submerged in the freezing-cold waters of the river.

When visiting the Dim River, you can swim in the natural small pools around it, cooling off as you step against the smooth rocks there. If you’re more of an adrenaline seeker, though, you can jump from the river’s cliffs (3-5 m).

Take a Trip to Alanya Teleferik (Cable Car)

If you’re looking for something to truly elevate your journey to the next level, then the city’s Teleferik might be the right option for you. It’s a modern gondola cable car that connects Cleopatra Beach to the Alanya Castle. Perfect for those who don’t want to hike, the Teleferik offers a great alternative that lets you also look over the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean.

The Alanya Castle cable cars are suitable for all ages, offering an intimate moment between those who share a cabin. The best time to visit Alanya Teleferik rides is around sunset, when the sky turns golden and the city lights start to pique.

Keep in mind, though, that you need to book tickets in advance.

• Opening hours: 09:30 to 23:00
• Ticket price: €4.65
• Location: Alanya
• How to get there: Mainly accessible by car or public transportation

Experience Turkish Culture at a Local Hammam

Traditional Turkish hammams (baths) in Alanya represent a centuries-old cleansing ritual deeply rooted in Ottoman culture. The traditional experience combines ancient Roman bath traditions, Ottoman-era social customs, and Islamic purification rituals. You’ll get a steam bath, a full-body scrub for exfoliation, and a foam massage, which makes hammams a great way to relax.

There are also more modern alternatives, which offer spa-like services, private rooms, and more. While the traditional hammams allow you to taste a slice of history, modern facilities might be more comprehensive.

Explore Alanya’s Markets and Bazaars

If you want to experience the local life and become one with Alanya natives, a great way to do so is by going to the city’s markets. Not only will you learn to haggle like a local there, but you’ll also get a taste of local life, flavours, and the ultimate experience of shopping in Alanya and its traditions.

Grand Bazaar

Alanya’s Grand Bazaar (Ulu Çarşı or Alanya Çarşısı) is the city’s most vibrant open-air market. It’s located in the city centre, near Alanya Castle’s lower slopes and the Red Tower. When visiting the Bazaar, you can pick from Alanya’s finest carpets and kilims. There are also ceramics and evil-eye souvenirs, spices, Turkish delight, and, of course, silver and gold jewellery.

Friday Market

Alanya’s Cuma Pazarı (Friday Market) is a vibrant and culturally rich experience, offering a glimpse into local life and Turkish traditions. Held every Friday in the heart of Alanya, this bustling market is a must-visit for both locals and tourists seeking fresh produce, unique souvenirs, and an authentic shopping atmosphere. In the market, you’ll find fresh produce sourced directly from local villages around Alanya, spices and sweets, clothing and accessories, handmade crafts from local artisans, and street food. ​

Tips to Make Your Shopping Smoother

To have the best experience on your Alanya cultural tours while shopping, you could:

1. Bargain like a local: Bargaining is an essential part of the shopping experience in the Grand Bazaar. Don’t hesitate to negotiate prices.
2. Bring cash: While some shops may accept credit cards, many vendors prefer cash. It’s advisable to carry Turkish Lira for smoother transactions.
3. Make sure your timing is right: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds. The Bazaar can get busy, especially on weekends, so coming earlier will give you a more relaxed experience.
4. Explore beyond the souvenirs: The Grand Bazaar offers more than just souvenirs. You can find unique Turkish textiles, jewellery, and even local art.
5. Stay hydrated: With its hustle and bustle, you’ll be walking around quite a bit. Be sure to bring water or take breaks at one of the many cafes inside the Bazaar to refresh.
6. Try Turkish delights and spices: Many shops offer free samples of Turkish delights, dried fruits, and spices. Take the opportunity to taste before you buy.
7. Dress comfortably: The market is large and can involve a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and light clothing, especially if you’re visiting in the summer.

Taste Alanya: Local Food and Dining Spots

Alanya is a fantastic destination for food lovers, offering a wide variety of local Turkish dishes, Mediterranean flavours, and street food experiences. Here’s a list of must-try dishes and where to eat in Alanya:

Must-Try Dishes

Alanya’s food scene is a delicious blend of traditional Turkish flavours and Mediterranean charm. Whether you’re grabbing a quick snack from a street vendor or sitting down for a long, lazy dinner, these are the dishes you won’t want to miss:

• Kebabs – Available in many variations, they’re a staple of Turkish cuisine.
• Gözleme – A savoury Turkish pastry filled with cheese, spinach, minced meat, or potatoes, then grilled on a hot flat surface.
• Meze – A selection of small dishes typically served with bread and rakı, perfect for sharing.
• Künefe – A dessert made from thin strands of dough soaked in syrup and filled with melted cheese. Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside.

Where to Eat

Wondering where to try all these tasty treats? Alanya has a wide variety of places to suit every mood and budget. From traditional spots serving time-honoured recipes to breezy coastal eateries, there’s no shortage of flavour-packed options:

• Traditional Turkish restaurants – Specialising in grilled meats, meze platters, and hearty local dishes.
• Seaside restaurants – Great for enjoying fresh seafood with stunning Mediterranean views.
• Street food vendors – Perfect for a quick, authentic bite while exploring the city.
• Local sit-down restaurants – Ideal for a more relaxed dining experience with full menus featuring regional flavours.

Alanya Awaits: Start Planning Your Journey

When it comes to taking a trip to Alanya, the things to do have no limits. You can relax at the city’s stunning beaches, explore its natural wonders (caves, rivers, canyons), or take a history tour of constructions from as early as the 1st century AD. If you’re planning to travel with your family, Alanya offers a great deal of family-friendly experiences.

Now that you’ve got your itinerary sorted, it’s time for the next step. Get your Turkey eSIM ahead of your Alanya trip so you can easily connect to the internet right after touching down at Antalya Airport (AYT). Esimatic will guarantee you have the best 5G internet on your trip to Alanya (you have to post those gorgeous pics, after all). These SIM cards are affordable and easy to set up, and they are just what you need to make your journey easier.