Cleopatra Beach

Cleopatra Beach is the postcard image of Alanya: a long curve of fine, light sand running along the western flank of the castle peninsula, with the Taurus Mountains behind and the sea shading from pale green to deep blue. The name comes from a local legend that Mark Antony brought Cleopatra here and gave her the shore as a gift, and while historians doubt the story, it has stuck for generations. The tour linked here is an Alanya city outing that combines the cable car, the beach and the sunset views, which is a sensible way to see the best of the headland in one afternoon.

The beach is long and gently shelving, with calm water on most summer days and plenty of room to spread a towel. Sunbeds and umbrellas are rented along much of the front, and behind them runs a promenade lined with cafés, ice cream stands and small restaurants. Swimmers will find the water clear and warm from early summer into October, and the shallow, sandy bottom makes it one of the easier beaches for small children. Lifeguards operate in season, and flags on the posts show the day's conditions.

Water sports are part of the scene. Jet skis, banana boats and parasailing operate from the beach in season, and paragliders drift down onto the sand from the mountain above, a remarkable sight if you are lying on a lounger. If you prefer quiet, walk toward the castle end of the beach, where the crowd thins and the cliffs rise above you. Early morning is lovely for a swim before the heat, and the beach is much calmer than at midday, when day-trippers and tour groups arrive.

Sunset is the moment this beach is known for. As the light fades the castle walls turn gold, the sea goes silver, and the promenade fills with strollers. The city tour linked here is built around that moment, using the cable car for a view over the bay and then returning to the beach as the sun goes down. It is a relaxed, low-effort evening that works for couples, families and anyone who wants a taste of the town without a packed schedule.

Practical tips are straightforward. Cleopatra Beach is free to enter, with charges only for sunbeds and umbrellas, and prices vary with the season and the section of beach. Bring sun protection, because the sand reflects heat, and keep valuables out of sight when you swim. Some hotels in this guide sit close to the beach and make it easy to come and go. In the peak summer weeks arrive early to claim a good spot, and in spring and autumn enjoy the beach with far fewer people.

The neighbourhood behind the beach is easy to enjoy on foot. A short walk inland brings you to the main town streets with shops, bakeries and bars, while the other direction leads to the harbour and the old quarter. Families often use the beach as a base, nipping back to the hotel for lunch and a rest, while couples prefer a late afternoon swim followed by dinner on the promenade.

If you are staying elsewhere on the coast, local minibuses and taxis make the trip straightforward, and the beach is flat and wide enough that even in August you can usually find a patch of sand to call your own.