Alanya
Castle, beaches and a lively holiday
A lively coastal city famous for its historic castle on the peninsula, the Red Tower and Cleopatra Beach. Castle and caves by day, a lively seafront and nightlife by evening.
About the region
Alanya lies 130 km east of Antalya, built on both sides of a rocky peninsula reaching into the sea. The Seljuk castle on top of the peninsula defines the skyline; walking the walls you have the open blue of the Mediterranean on one side and the foothills of the Taurus on the other.
At the seaward end of the castle stands the octagonal Red Tower, dating from the 13th century and the city's emblem. West of the peninsula lies the long sandy beach named after the Cleopatra legend — the area's most popular stretch, with fine sand and clear water. Damlataş Cave sits right beside the beach, known for humid air long considered beneficial for asthma.
Alanya stands out by offering history and nature by day and a lively scene at night. There is plenty to do in and around the city: walking the cool water of Sapadere Canyon, seeing the underground formations of Dim Cave, eating by the Dim River and taking boat tours. Its developed infrastructure also makes it popular for longer stays.
Highlights
- Seljuk castle and walls on the peninsula
- Red Tower and the historic shipyard
- The fine sand of Cleopatra Beach
- Sapadere Canyon and Dim Cave
Good to know
- Good for
- Lively holidays with plenty of variety
- Distance from Antalya
- About 130 km
- How long
- 2–4 days
- Best time
- May–October