Top Things to Do in the Alanya | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Alanya

Places To Visit In Alanya

Alanya Archaeological Museum

One of the most comprehensive historical resources of the city, the Alanya Archaeology Museum houses relics spanning across several of Turkey’s eras. It contains artefacts from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman reigns. There is an outdoor museum garden and an indoor museum. The indoor sections are divided into two; Archaeology and Ethnography. Founded in 1967, all the initial exhibits were donated by the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. The Museum Garden contains many sarcophagi and osthoteks. These are ancient coffins. There are also amphoras, which refer to the vessels used in ancient olive oil production. Inside, the archaeology section contains the statue of Heracles, an impressive 52-metre-tall sculpture. There are also ancient coins, nautical instruments, floor mosaics, and an inscription by a Roman emperor. In the ethnographic section, one can glimpse many objects ancient Turks used in their daily lives. These include jewellery, carpets, and a handwritten Koran. Alanya Archaeology Museum is located in the city centre and is easily accessible by public transport. Entry is free for those with a museum pass. Read More

Boat tours with various themes are a popular day-out attraction in Alanya. Boat rides are also a great way to view the beautiful island of Alanya from the sea. Most boat tours cover major attractions such as Alanya Castle, Red Tower, the old shipyard, and the three main caves - Lover, Pirates and Phosphorus. Relax with a sunbath on the deck or go snorkelling or jumping from the deck. This 6-hour-long boat ride includes many activities like treasure hunts and in-house animators and complete entertainment for all age groups with music and foam parties. Boat tours offer lunch and unlimited soft drinks in the boat and multiple swimming stops at the beaches, including Kleopatra beach. Snorkeling gear and towels are provided in some tours. Most packages also include pick up and drop off from nearby hotels. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase in the boat, but are not included in the package. Read More

Situated regally atop a high peninsula, Alanya castle offers a walk through the history of Turkey itself. In sharp contrast to the modern city centre, these highly fortified walls enclose the remnants of the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman dynasties. One can climb to the top floor of the Red tower to enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean views, complete with lush vegetation surrounding the area. It can be reached by Alanya cable car. A renowned pirate hideout, the castle was taken over by the Romans, who fortified its defences. After that, it belonged to the Byzantine empire, which made it a bustling trade port across the Mediterranean. They also erected churches and monasteries. This was followed by the Seljuk rule, which further strengthened protection, and also built the Red tower and the shipyard. These landmarks still stand tall today. After a short rule by the Cypruses, the Ottomans took over, building establishments one can see all along the six-kilometre wall. These include old houses with red roofs and the Suleymaniye Mosque. The inner fortress (Ic Kale) is not to be missed, housing many of the Byzantine and Seljuk ruins. Read More

Hammam or Turkish baths are the world-famous steam baths from Turkey. It is a must-try at Alanya as many places in the city offer authentic Turkish baths. Some of the best hammams in the city are Spa Alanya, Kleopatra Turkish Bath Spa & Wellness, Orient Luxury Spa, Zenn Spa and Aqua Jasmine Spa & Hamam. The first step of the bath is to sweat out in the sauna room, salt room or steam room. Then professionals freshen you up with a foam massage at the interior of the Hammam. After that, a calming oil massage and lastly a refreshing face massage with the addition of face masks. It is a rejuvenating, once in a lifetime experience and the baths even offer drinks like apple tea. Read More

Greeting visitors from across the bay, the Alanya Lighthouse stands tall on the city’s harbour. The Turkish flag waves from atop the bright white tower. The lighthouse has lit up the path for wayward boats and fishermen for 132 years. The lighthouse can be admired up close on a walk on the harbour. Away from the bustle of the city centre, spend some quiet time, or click scenic photographs to the oceanic backdrop next to the lighthouse.

Ruins of the ancient city of Anemurium is a 500 m stretch along the shores of the Mediterranean sea, near the modern town of Anamur in the Southern Coast of Turkey. Even though Anamur is primarily an Agricultural town, the scenic beaches, the ancient city including the castle of Mamure, and the magnificent necropolis attract visitors. Anemurium has many historical sites like public baths, a covered odeum and a theater. The well-preserved Castle of Mamure is built on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Beaches in Anemur are pristine and less crowded than the ones in Alanya. Another attraction is the archaeological museum displaying the history of the old city. There are one-day tours from Alanya which include transit from the hotel, guides, and food, while public transportations and cabs are also available. Read More

The Alanya Teleferik refers to the cable car service that connects many of the tourist attractions within the city. Starting from the Damlatas caves and ending at the lower castle district of Ehmedek, this ride gives one a bird’s eye view of Kleopatra beach, Alanya castle, and the beautiful Mediterranean coastline and vegetation below. The Alanya Teleferik is best travelled during sunset. The Alanya Teleferik was opened in 2017 as a new way to experience oceanic views. The cabins move at a height of 300 metres, spanning a total distance of 900 metres. A total round trip lasts around 10 minutes. The pace of the gondolas is steady, allowing one to take in the views and click photographs. The frequency of the gondolas is high, with each cabin arriving within a span of a minute at maximum. There are 14 gondolas, and each gondola can carry around six people at a time. One can also carry their bikes with them after obtaining prior permission. Although unsuitable for those with acrophobia or any disability, this is a tourist favourite. It’s a quiet, stable journey, carrying around 1130 people every hour. Read More

The Damlatas caves are a small yet ancient cave system located along the western side of the Mediterranean peninsula. Inside, several glistening stalactites and stalagmites formed due to rainwater’s reaction with the humidity and temperature conditions within. The cave is also used for medicinal purposes and is known for its consistent temperature of 22-23 degrees Celsius throughout the year. A special aspect of this cave is its claim to cure asthma patients. The carbon dioxide ratio within the cave is said to be much higher than normal. In addition to this, the atmosphere is slightly radioactive as well. Many doctors prescribe their patients a 21-day retreat to Damlatas caves. In fact, the cave is open from 6 AM to 10 PM only for visiting patients. One can avail of these programs at a lower price than usual with a doctor’s prescription. Public buses run to the caves, and parking is available for private vehicles. The mouth of the cave faces the seaside, which is named Damlatas beach after the cave itself. Formed over an estimated period of 15,000 years, the inside of the cave has a fifteen-metre-long cylindrical opening that leads to its basement. Accidentally discovered in 1948 during the construction of the port, this cave was vetted by two geologists before being opened to the general public. Read More

Situated atop the Dim Valley, the Dim cave is one of the most sought-after tourist attractions for nature lovers. A natural karst, or limestone cave, this place is estimated to have been formed over a million years. The cave is 410 metres long and lit beautifully throughout. It has a constant inner temperature of 18 degrees Celsius throughout the year. It’s also known to have a high humidity level, and one can hear the water flow through the cave's walls. Stalactites and stalagmites line the walking platform all along the way. In the end, one can see a small lake with a surface area of around 200 meters square. It can take around an hour to experience the cave fully. Getting here by public transport is possible, but private transport is recommended. On reaching Dim Valley, hike up to Dim cave, enjoying the beautiful coniferous forests along the way. There are also many restaurants near the cave. It is a physically intensive journey inside the cave, so caution must be exercised before entering. Locals and shepherds have used it as a shelter for a long time, but it was opened to the public only in 1998. Read More

Named after the Ptolemaic Queen, Kleopatra beach is one of the most renowned coastlines of Turkey. Its green cliffs, clear water, and golden sands make it a certified Blue Flag beach. Roman politician Marcus Antonius is said to have gifted this beach to queen Cleopatra. There are many water sports here, such as jet-skiing, parasailing, scuba diving, surfing, and sailing. The waters are clear enough to see schools of fish swimming along. This 2-kilometre-long stretch is marked by its rice-sized grains of sand, which are known to not stick to your body due to their unique texture. Although July to September is the recommended period to visit Kleopatra beach, the Mediterranean temperatures keep this sea at an ideal temperature throughout the year. It is shallow near the shore, but the ocean gets deep fast, so one must exercise caution. On the shore, sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented, or one can indulge in a fun game of beach volleyball. The beach has several free-to-use facilities, such as showers, changing rooms, and restrooms. Several snack bars and stalls line the beach. The cliffs surrounding Kleopatra beach are lush with flora, some of which include palm plantations and olive groves. Getting there is possible via public or private transport, as Kleopatra beach is only 2 kilometres away from the city centre of Alanya. Read More