Alanya

Alanya, set along Türkiye’s sun-drenched Mediterranean coast, has evolved from a strategic stronghold for successive Mediterranean powers into a thriving tourist destination. By night, it transforms into a bustling downtown!

Here, travellers can find three historical striking landmarks: the imposing Alanya Castle atop its rocky peninsula, the distinctive octagonal Red Tower guarding the harbour, and the strategically positioned Alara Castle overlooking ancient trade routes. For those looking beyond the usual tourist spots, these fortresses offer a compelling glimpse into Alanya’s medieval history.

Beyond history, Alanya also caters to adventure seekers, with activities like cycling and paragliding— there are thrilling ways to take in the stunning coastal scenery.

Alara Castle

Overlooking the Alara Stream, just 40 KM northwest of Alanya, stands the magnificent Alara Castle. Rebuilt in 1232 by Seljuk Sultan Aladdin Keykubat while preserving its Byzantine foundations, this fortress once protected vital trade routes and the Alara Inn.

The castle features impressive inner and outer walls strengthened with towers. Adventurous visitors can access the second wall via a staircase carved directly into the rock from the stream below, where they can catch the beautiful sight of the Turkish countryside.

Alanya Castle

One of Anatolia's best-preserved Medieval fortresses, the majestic Seljuk-era Alanya Castle is an open-air museum that is encircled by 6.5 KM of impressive walls and 140 bastions.

Visitors can reach the castle via a steep climb through the Tophane district, by catching the hourly bus 4, taking a taxi, or riding the Alanya Teleferik cable car from Cleopatra's Beach to the castle's Ehmedek section.

Red Tower (Kızıl Kule)

The Guardian of Alanya's harbour, the Red Tower, is one of the Mediterranean's finest medieval defence structures and a lasting symbol of the city. Built in 1226, this striking octagonal fortress protected the harbour and Alanya Castle from sea attacks for centuries.

Today, it houses the Ethnographic Museum of Alanya, while the adjacent Alanya Tersane (Dockyard)—still safeguarded by defensive walls—remains a remarkable example of medieval military architecture.

Now an exhibition space, this iconic landmark continues to captivate with its architectural brilliance and historical significance.

Alanya is also an ideal destination for exploring fascinating caves:

Damlataş Cave

The cave, uncovered in 1948 during pier construction, lies beneath Alanya’s western coastline.

Damlataş has gained fame as a natural healing destination, maintaining a constant 22°C temperature and 95% humidity year-round. Its unique atmosphere contains elevated carbon dioxide levels beneficial for respiratory conditions, attracting health-seekers who typically visit for 21-day treatment periods.

Within 10 minutes walk, you will also arrive at the Damlataş Beach, one of visitors’ top favourites in Alanya

Pirates Cave (Dive site)

Once a notorious hideout for pirates who roamed these waters centuries ago, the cave still echoes tales of secret tunnels and hidden treasures. Local lore even speaks of a mysterious passage connecting the cave to the castle above, used by pirates for swift escapes.

Accessible only by boat, Pirates Cave captivates visitors with its striking rock formations and shimmering waters, making it a fascinating stop for those exploring Alanya’s coastline.

Dim Cave

Dim Cave, located 11 km from Alanya on the slopes of Cebel-i Reis Mountain, sits 232 meters above sea level and stretches deep into the earth. Its ever-growing stalactites and stalagmites create a mesmerizing underground landscape.

Once a shelter for hunters and shepherds, the cave now invites visitors to admire its crystal-clear pool and otherworldly formations.

Alanya is a resort town, so of course they have the most vacation-coded activities for visitors:

Beach

Cleopatra/ Kleopatra Beach

Stretching 2 km along Antalya’s eastern coast, Cleopatra Beach is famed for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Named after the Egyptian queen, who, according to legend, swam here, it remains a top destination for sunseekers.

The beach offers amenities like sunbed rentals, beach bars, and showers, with quieter spots found further along the shore.

İncekum Beach

Within the charming town of Avsallar in Alanya, İncekum Beach is known for the remarkably fine yellow sand that feels luxuriously soft underfoot, giving the beach its name which translates to "fine sand" in Turkish.

The crystal-clear shallow waters and gentle gradient seabed create an ideal environment for swimmers of all ages, allowing visitors to wade far into the Mediterranean while still standing comfortably.

Damlataş Beach

Damlataş Beach is the eastern extension of the famous Cleopatra Beach. It is known to be a haven for snorkelers and divers, with daily diving boats exploring the area’s underwater wonders.

As Alanya’s only fully wheelchair-friendly beach, Damlataş offers easy access, wheelchair sunbeds, and disabled-friendly showers, ensuring everyone can enjoy its sunny beauty.