Alanya is a resort town on the Turkish Mediterranean, built around a rocky headland topped by a thirteenth-century Seljuk fortress. The town curls around two harbours and several beaches, with the Taurus Mountains rising steeply behind. It is easy, sunny and relaxed, with a mix of history, boat trips, caves and adventure activities that suits couples, families and groups of friends. This guide explains how to plan a first visit so that you see the best of it without rushing.
How many days
Four to five days is a comfortable first visit. That gives you one day for the castle and the old harbour, one for the beach and a boat, one for a day in the hills, such as the Dim Cave and river lunch or Sapadere Canyon, and a flexible day for an adventure activity or a Turkish bath. A week lets you add a Gazipasa bays cruise, the ancient cities tour and a few slow beach days. If you only have a weekend, focus on the castle, Cleopatra Beach and one boat trip.
What to see first
Start with Alanya Castle and the cable car, because the view from the walls explains the geography of the whole town. Walk down through the old Ehmedek quarter to the Red Tower and the Seljuk shipyard, then add Damlatas Cave and a swim at Cleopatra Beach. This loop takes a long half day and gives you the essential Alanya in one go. A late-afternoon walk is ideal, as the light is soft and the heat has eased.
What to book ahead
In the busy summer weeks, book boat trips, paragliding and popular day tours a day or two ahead, since the best departures fill. Hotels near Cleopatra Beach are in demand in July and August, and booking early gives you a better choice of rooms. Out of season, you can often book on the day, but check which services operate, since some boats and beach facilities close for winter.
Getting here and around
Most visitors fly to Antalya airport, about two hours away by road, or to the small Gazipasa-Alanya airport, which is closer. Transfers can be arranged in advance, and buses and shuttles are available. In town, minibuses called dolmus run along the coast road and are cheap and frequent, taxis are plentiful and the old town is best explored on foot. Many tours include hotel pickup, which removes the need to rent a car.
Beaches and swimming
Cleopatra Beach is the famous one, with fine sand and calm water, and it is lively in summer. Other beaches stretch along the coast on either side of town, some with rented sunbeds and cafés. The sea is warm enough for swimming from late spring into October. Keep an eye on the flag colours where lifeguards operate, and use sun protection, since the Mediterranean sun is strong even on cloudy days.
Boat trips
A boat day is part of almost every Alanya holiday. The pirate boats are lively, with lunch, swim stops and a foam party, while the catamarans are calmer and the sunset cruises add dinner and a view of the castle in the evening. For quieter water, a cruise to the bays near Gazipasa is a good alternative. Pick the style that matches your group, and check what lunch and drinks are included.
Adventure and nature
The Taurus Mountains give you quad and buggy safaris, horse rides, canyons and caves within an hour of the coast. Dim Cave and the river, Sapadere Canyon and the mountain villages are the classic outings, and tandem paragliding over Cleopatra Beach is the headline thrill. If you do one adventure activity, make it a morning one, when the air is cooler and the light is better.
Money, language and customs
The currency is the Turkish lira, and prices in tourist areas are often quoted in euros or pounds as well. Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for taxis, small cafés and tips. English is common in the tourist area, and a few Turkish words are always appreciated. Dress modestly when visiting mosques, and remember that swimwear belongs on the beach rather than in the streets. Bargaining is normal in the bazaar but not in shops with fixed prices.
Putting it together
A simple first plan is to spend your first morning at the castle and old harbour, your first afternoon on Cleopatra Beach, and your second day on a boat. Use the third day for the hills and the fourth for a rest, a Turkish bath or a paragliding flight. Keep a spare day in case of weather, and leave time to wander the harbour at night, when the town is at its most atmospheric.