Alanya is one of the most popular cities in Turkey, and rightly so. This city on the Turkish Riviera offers not only beautiful beaches, but also rich history, amazing nature, and if you’re not traveling with family, you’ll also appreciate the vibrant local nightlife. In this guide “Alanya, Turkey: 24 Best Things to Do and See” I have prepared 24 tips for you on what definitely not to miss.
When to Go to Alanya
The best time to visit Alanya is from May to October, when the weather is ideal for swimming in the sea and sightseeing. However, if you don’t like extreme temperatures, consider visiting in May, June, or September. Off-season, hotels are cheaper and the city is quieter.
You might also be interested in: 25 tips on what 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 are looking for a luxury experience, I recommend staying in the area around Cleopatra Beach, where you will find five-star hotels with all-inclusive programs. If you want to be closer to the historic center, choose accommodation near Alanya Castle.
You can choose from options such as:
Alanya, Turkey: 24 Best Things to Do and See
For those heading to Turkish Alanya, I have compiled 24 tips on what to see and do there.
Read: 15 tips on what to do in Turkish Side.
Historic Center
Alanya is rich in history, and its old town will take you back in time. Walk through the narrow streets and discover traditional shops, restaurants, and ancient houses. Don’t miss a visit to the old harbor, which is especially charming at sunset.
Cleopatra Beach
This famous beach is among the most beautiful in the world. The sand is fine, the water is clear, and the entire beach stretches for miles. According to legend, Cleopatra spent her days relaxing here, which is why the beach is named after her.
Medieval Castle
The local medieval castle is an iconic symbol of the city. From its peak, you’ll get an amazing view of the entire city and the sea. The castle was built in the 13th century and today serves as an open-air museum.
The walk to the top is more challenging, but there’s also a cable car to the castle, offering beautiful views. 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 harbor 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 marine park, where you can swim with dolphins and other marine creatures. Isn’t that great? At the same time, you can attend an entertaining show with trained dolphins and seals.
Damlatas Caves
Visit the Damlatas dripstone cave. This cave is known for its magnificent stalagmites and stalactites. It also has healing effects due to its high humidity and constant temperature, which benefits people with respiratory problems.
Dim Cave
Dim Cave is another beautiful cave worth visiting. It is located near the Dim River, and its interior is full of stalactites and fascinating formations. The cave is illuminated, and you can take beautiful 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 truly cold water. You can also rent a boat and take a ride on the river.
Phosphorus Cave
This cave got its name from the phosphorescent reflections on the water. In the light of the sun or moon, the water has a glowing blue-green color. It’s an amazing place to visit if you want to experience something truly unique. However, the cave can only be reached by boat.
Sepadere Canyon
For nature lovers, a visit to Sepadere Canyon is a must. The canyon is surrounded by mountains and offers beautiful views and waterfalls. Walk along the wooden walkways of the canyon and swim in the icy water (beware, it’s really icy. You’ll feel like your heart might stop 🥶).
Old Town Bazaar
If you like shopping, then the old bazaar in Alanya is the place to be. You’ll find everything from spices and textiles to handmade souvenirs here. Don’t forget to bargain – it’s common practice here.
Harbor
Alanya’s harbor is not only picturesque but also a center for many activities. You can rent a boat here, take a boat trip, or simply enjoy a coffee at one of the local cafes and watch the boats arriving in the harbor.
Kurşunlu Waterfall
Just a short distance from Alanya is the beautiful Kurşunlu Waterfall. It’s an ideal place for a nature walk and a break from the city bustle.
Termessos National Park
If you enjoy hiking and history, visit Termessos National Park. An ancient town once stood in the national park, and you can explore its remains today.
Tersane
The ancient shipyard in Alanya was built in the 13th century and today is one of the best-preserved examples of medieval shipbuilding.
Atatürk’s House and Museum
The house where Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, stayed during his visit to Alanya, has now been converted into a museum. You’ll find many exhibits related to his life and the history of Turkey here. If you’re interested, be sure to visit.
Ancient City of Syedra
The city of Syedra, located just a short distance from Alanya, is another gem for history lovers. Its ruins are scattered across the hills and offer magnificent views of the surrounding landscape. Take a half-day trip here.
Alanya Archeological Museum
If you are interested in history and archaeology, don’t miss a visit to the local archaeological museum. You’ll find artifacts from various historical periods here, which will give you a better understanding of the city’s and region’s history.
Paragliding
For all adrenaline lovers, Alanya is a great place, as you can try paragliding here, and it’s significantly cheaper than anywhere else.
Vibrant Nightlife
Alanya is a city that never sleeps. It’s rightly nicknamed the coastal Las Vegas. You’ll find plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants here where you can enjoy an evening full of dancing, drinks, and fun. I recommend visiting the four-story nightclub Robin Hood or the stylish Havana Club Alanya. However, you’ll have the best evening at the magnificent Summer Garden club. Most nightclubs are also open-air.
Excursions in the Surroundings
From Alanya, you can embark on many excursions. For inspiration, don’t forget to check out GetYourGuide.
TIP: Visit the ancient city of Hierapolis near Pamukkale.
Side
For a day trip, I recommend visiting the city of Side. It is known for its ancient monuments, such as the amphitheater and the Temple of Apollo. Walk through the ancient ruins and enjoy the city’s atmosphere.
Antalya
Antalya, the capital of the Turkish Riviera, is just a few hours’ drive from Alanya. This city offers beautiful beaches, historical monuments, and a bustling market. Visit the old town of Kaleiçi, where you can walk among historical buildings and taste local specialties in restaurants.
Manavgat
Manavgat is another great place for a day trip. You’ll find a beautiful park with waterfalls here, which is popular among tourists. You can also explore the local market, where fresh fruits, vegetables, and local specialties are sold.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale is known for its travertine terraces and hot springs. This natural wonder is a UNESCO World Heritage site and definitely worth a visit. You can enjoy a bath in the thermal waters here and admire the magnificent views. However, be aware that the bus journey from Alanya and back will be long (approx. 6 hours one way).
TIP: All information about Pamukkale can be found 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 do I get from Alanya to nearby excursions?
Many organized excursions are 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 observing basic safety precautions.
Do I need a visa to visit Alanya?
If you are a European Union citizen, Turkey allows you visa-free entry for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, always check for the latest 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.
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!
