Alanya, Turkey is one of the most popular cities in Turkey, and rightly so. This city on the Turkish Riviera offers not only gorgeous beaches, but also a rich history, stunning nature, and — if you’re not travelling with the family — a lively local nightlife you’ll appreciate. If you’re heading off on holiday to Alanya, I’ve put together 24 tips for things you definitely shouldn’t miss.
The full destination guide: Asia — guide and what to see
When to visit Alanya
The best time to visit Alanya is from May to October, when the weather is ideal for swimming in the sea and exploring the sights. If you don’t like extreme heat, though, consider visiting in May, June or September. Off-season, hotels are cheaper and the town is quieter.
You might also like: 25 tips for things to see and do in Antalya.
Best hotels in Alanya: where to stay
Alanya offers a wide range of accommodation, from luxury resorts to more affordable apartments and smaller hotels.
If you’re after a luxury experience, I recommend staying in the area around Cleopatra Beach, where you’ll find five-star hotels with all-inclusive packages. If you’d rather be closer to the historic centre, choose accommodation near Alanya Castle.
You can choose, for example, from:
24 places, activities and sights in Alanya
For everyone heading to Alanya in Turkey, I’ve put together 24 tips on what to see and do there.
Read more: 15 tips for things to do in Side, Turkey.
Historic centre
Alanya is rich in history, and its old town will take you back in time. Wander the narrow lanes and discover traditional shops, restaurants and old houses. Don’t miss a visit to the old harbour, which has a special charm, especially at sunset.
Cleopatra Beach
This famous beach ranks among the most beautiful in the world. The sand is fine, the water crystal clear, and the whole beach stretches for kilometres. According to legend, Cleopatra spent her days of rest here, which is why the beach bears her name.
Medieval castle
The iconic symbol of the city is its medieval castle. From the top, you’ll get an amazing view over the whole city and the sea. The castle was built in the 13th century and today serves as an open-air museum.
Walking up to the top is fairly demanding, but there’s also a cable car to the castle with beautiful views along the way. I recommend visiting the castle in the morning, or in the evening at sunset.
Red Tower
The Red Tower is one of the most famous structures in Alanya. This 13th-century defensive tower was built to protect the harbour and is considered an architectural gem. Today there’s a small museum inside, which is also worth a visit.
Swim with dolphins
In Alanya you’ll find the Sealanya sea park, where you can swim with dolphins and other sea creatures. Pretty amazing, right? You can also catch a fun show with trained dolphins and seals.
Damlataş dripstone caves
Visit the Damlataş dripstone cave. It’s famous for its stunning stalagmites and stalactites. It also has healing properties thanks to its high humidity and stable temperature, which benefits people with respiratory problems.
Dim Cave
Dim Cave is another beautiful cave worth visiting. It’s located near the Dim River, and its interior is full of dripstones and fascinating formations. The cave is lit up, and you can take some lovely photos here.
Dim River
If you want to escape the heat, I recommend a trip to the Dim River. The area around the river offers shady spots and swimming in genuinely cool water. You can also rent a small boat and take a ride along the river.
Phosphorus Cave
This cave got its name from the phosphorescent reflections on the water. In sunlight or moonlight, the water takes on a glowing blue-green colour. It’s an amazing place to visit if you want to experience something truly unique. The only catch is that you can only reach the cave by boat.
Sepadere Canyon
For nature lovers, a visit to Sepadere Canyon is a must. The canyon is surrounded by mountains and offers gorgeous views and waterfalls. Walk along the canyon’s wooden boardwalks and take a dip in the icy water (careful — it really is icy. You’ll feel like your heart might stop 🥶).
Bazaar in the old town
If you love shopping, then Alanya’s old bazaar is a place you have to visit. You’ll find everything from spices and textiles to handmade souvenirs. And don’t forget to haggle — it’s common practice here.
The harbour
Alanya’s harbour is not only picturesque but also the hub of many activities. You can rent a boat, take a boat trip, or simply enjoy a coffee in one of the local cafés and watch the boats sailing into port.
Kurşunlu Waterfall
Just a short drive from Alanya lies the beautiful Kurşunlu Waterfall. It’s an ideal spot for a walk in nature and a break from the bustle of the city.
Termessos National Park
If you enjoy hiking and history, visit Termessos National Park. An ancient town once stood here, and today you can explore its remains.
Tersane
This ancient shipyard in Alanya was built in the 13th century and today is one of the best-preserved examples of medieval shipbuilding.
Atatürk House and Museum
The house where Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, stayed during his visit to Alanya has now been turned into a museum. Inside you’ll find many exhibits related to his life and the history of Turkey. If that interests you, it’s well worth a stop.
The ancient city of Syedra
The city of Syedra, just a short drive from Alanya, is another gem for history lovers. Its ruins are scattered across the hills and offer wonderful views of the surrounding landscape. Make it a half-day trip.
Alanya Archaeological Museum
If you’re interested in history and archaeology, don’t miss a visit to the local archaeological museum. You’ll find artefacts from various historical periods that give you a better understanding of the history of the city and the region.
Map of points of interest for your phone
Paragliding
For all the adrenaline junkies, Alanya is a great spot, since you can try paragliding here and for significantly less than almost anywhere else.
Buzzing nightlife
Alanya is a city that never sleeps. It’s not called the seaside Las Vegas for nothing. You’ll find plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants where you can enjoy an evening full of dancing, drinks and fun. I recommend the four-storey Robin Hood nightclub or the stylish Havana Club Alanya. But you’ll have the best night at the spectacular Summer Garden club. Most of the nightclubs are open-air, too.
Day trips in the area
From Alanya you can set off on plenty of trips. For inspiration, be sure to check out GetYourGuide.
TIP: Visit the ancient city of Hierapolis near Pamukkale.
Side
For a day trip, I recommend visiting the town of Side. It’s known for its ancient monuments, such as the amphitheatre and the Temple of Apollo. Stroll among the old ruins and soak up the atmosphere of the town.
Antalya
Antalya, the capital of the Turkish Riviera, is just a few hours’ drive from Alanya. This city offers beautiful beaches, historic monuments and a bustling market. Visit the old town of Kaleiçi, where you can wander among historic buildings and taste local specialities in the restaurants.
Manavgat
Manavgat is another great spot for a day trip. You’ll find a beautiful park with waterfalls here that’s popular with tourists. You can also check out the local market, where they sell fresh fruit, vegetables and local specialities.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale is famous for its travertine terraces and hot springs. This natural wonder is on the UNESCO list and is definitely worth visiting. You can enjoy a soak in the thermal waters and admire the stunning views. Just keep in mind that the bus journey from Alanya and back is long (roughly 6 hours each way).
TIP: You’ll find all the information about Pamukkale HERE.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best beaches in Alanya?
Cleopatra Beach and Damlataş Beach are considered the best beaches in the city.
How can I get from Alanya to nearby excursions?
There are many organized tours available from Alanya, but you can also rent a car or use public transport.
Is Alanya safe for tourists?
Yes, Alanya is generally considered a safe city, but we recommend following basic safety precautions.
Do I need a visa to visit Alanya?
If you are a citizen of the European Union, Turkey allows you to enter without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, always check the current information.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
🚗 Car rental on the roadVerified rental cars in TurkeySearch with the DiscoverCars comparison engine — it compares prices from dozens of local and international rental companies, and most bookings come with free cancellation.
Compare car prices in Turkey →Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
