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Planning a trip to Alanya? Compare 14 tours and activities from licensed local guides, read genuine reviews and book online in minutes. Prices start from €25 per person.
Alanya sits on a peninsula on Türkiye's Mediterranean coast, about 120 kilometres east of Antalya. The old town, its hilltop castle and a long sandy shore give it a mix of history and beach life that suits couples, families with children and travellers who want an active holiday. If you are searching for things to do in Alanya, you will find that the city works well as a base for both slow days by the sea and full-day trips into the mountains and canyons.
What sets Alanya apart is how quickly you can move between very different landscapes. In one morning you can walk the castle walls above the harbour, and by afternoon you can be on a boat in a canyon or bouncing along a mountain track in a jeep. The city has a relaxed rhythm outside the peak summer weeks, and it is easy to combine a beach stay with a few organised excursions without spending hours on the road.
The castle stands on the cliff above the old harbour and is the first landmark most visitors head for. Its walls run around the headland, and the Red Tower (Kızıl Kule), a brick octagonal tower, is one of the best-known sights in town. Our Alanya Castle, Damlatas Cave and City Tour by Cable Car covers the fortress, the cave and a city overview in about four hours. For background on the site, see our Alanya Castle page. Go in the morning, when it is cooler and the paths are quieter, and wear shoes with good grip.
Flying tandem with a licensed pilot over Cleopatra Beach gives you a view of the castle peninsula, the coastline and the town from the air. The flight itself is short, and the full experience takes about two hours including preparation. Our tandem paragliding flight is a good choice on calm, clear days, when the wind is steady. If you are unsure, read our guide on paragliding safety in Alanya before you book. Flights depend on weather, so keep a flexible day in reserve.
The Green Canyon is a narrow gorge east of Alanya, reached by boat from the coast. The tour usually includes a cabrio safari and lunch, and the day lasts around seven and a half hours. Our Green Canyon Boat Tour with Cabrio Safari and Lunch is the most complete option. Bring a towel, sun cream and a change of clothes, because you may get wet during the boat and safari sections.
Sapadere is a different kind of gorge, with waterfalls, caves and a river setting where you stop for lunch. It is a full day, about six hours, and it suits people who want walking and nature rather than sea views. Book our Sapadere Canyon Tour with Lunch and Cave Visit, and read our Sapadere Canyon guide to plan your footwear and water. The paths can be slippery near the water, so flat sandals are not enough.
A catamaran is a comfortable way to see the coastline from the water. The cruise lasts about four and a half hours and includes lunch and soft drinks, with stops for swimming. Our Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Soft Drinks is a relaxed option for families and for anyone who gets seasick on smaller boats. Bring a hat, because there is often little shade on deck.
If you prefer something livelier, the pirate boat trip combines swimming stops, music and lunch. Our Pirate Boat Lunch and Soft Drinks with Transfer lasts about four and a half hours and includes hotel pick-up. It is popular with groups and younger travellers. Check the tour page for the exact pick-up arrangements before you go.
The jeep safari heads into the Taurus foothills on rough tracks, with a stop for a water fight and lunch. The full day lasts six hours. Our Jeep Water Fights Safari with Lunch suits groups and anyone who wants a full day of action. Wear clothes you do not mind getting wet, and bring a spare set in a bag.
For a shorter off-road ride, the 4x4 quad safari takes about three and a half hours and includes mountain tracks and village views. Our 4x4 Quad Safari in the Mountains also offers a buggy option. Check the tour page for the minimum age and licence rules, and wear closed shoes, long trousers and sunglasses. Our quad safari tour page explains pickup and timing.
A traditional hammam experience is one of the most authentic things to do in Alanya. Our Turkish Bath, Hamam and Spa Experience with Transfer lasts about two hours. Women who prefer a single-sex session can book the Women-Only Turkish Bath and Spa Experience, which takes around two and a half hours. If this is your first hammam, our what to expect guide explains each step.
Pamukkale, with its white travertine terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis nearby, is a long day from Alanya. Our Pamukkale Day Tour from Alanya with Salda Lake and Meals is listed as a 24-hour tour and includes a stop at Salda Lake. Because of the travel time, it is not a casual half-day trip. Read our honest guide on whether Pamukkale is worth it before you commit.
Spring, from about April to early June, and autumn, from about September to October, are the most comfortable seasons. Temperatures are warm enough for swimming and boat trips, and the castle paths and canyon walks are easier in the mild heat. Summer, from June to August, is hot and busy, with the most boat departures and the longest queues at popular stops. Winter is quiet, and many boat trips and beach activities run less often. Check our month-by-month guide for what to expect in each month, and confirm departures on the tour page before you book, because schedules change with the season.
Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport (GZP) is the nearest airport, about 40 minutes by road to the centre of Alanya. It is the most convenient option if you are staying in town. Antalya Airport (AYT) is larger and has more flights, but it is about 2 hours away by road, so plan for a longer transfer. Our guide on getting from Antalya Airport to Alanya explains the options in more detail.
If you want a door-to-door option, you can book a private airport transfer through our airport transfer page. Many tours include hotel pick-up, but you should always confirm the pick-up point and time when booking. Within Alanya, taxis and dolmuş minibuses are common, and the cable car and the old town are easy to reach on foot from the harbour area.
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For more ideas by group type, see our day trips from Alanya and things to do in Alanya for families.