Alanya Castle How to Get There: A Guide to Getting to Alanya Castle
How to get to Alanya Castle? Route to Alanya from Antalya Airport and Side, cable car, bus and walking options to the castle, opening hours and a day plan.
Alanya Castle stands on the peak of the peninsula in the city centre. You can get up there by taxi or city bus, take the cable car, or walk up the steep road. The easiest way is to go up to the castle by vehicle or cable car in the early morning and walk back down. If you have not yet arrived in Alanya, you will first need to reach the town. I have described the routes from the airport and Side below.
Route from Antalya Airport, Gazipaşa and Side to Alanya
Antalya Airport is roughly 120-130 km from Alanya. Depending on traffic and the location of your hotel, the journey takes between 2 and 2.5 hours. For those who would rather not deal with connections and waiting after their flight, a private transfer is the most hassle-free option: From Antalya Airport to Alanya Vip Transfer takes you directly from the airport to your hotel in Alanya and does not stop at other hotels along the way.
Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport is closer to the city; the distance is roughly 40 km. If your flight schedule brings you there, reaching the castle takes much less time.
Side to Alanya is roughly 60-65 km and takes about an hour along the coast road. There are dolmuş and buses too, but timetables may change in high season. If you want to add other stops beyond the castle during the day, a vehicle with a driver is less tiring.
Morning: Red Tower and Alanya Harbour
Starting your castle visit from the harbour is a good idea. The Red Tower stands at the harbour's edge with its octagonal body and dates from the Seljuk period. The shipyard is right next to it. If you see these two structures before climbing to the castle, you will better understand what the walls above were protecting.
At the end of October mornings are mild, and the weather can still be warm towards midday. If you are going to walk, choose morning hours for this reason. Take water and sturdy, closed-toe shoes; the castle road has stony and slippery surfaces.
Damlataş and cable car: the starting point of the routes up to the castle
The Damlataş area is the most practical starting point for going up to the castle. From here both walking paths and the cable car line head upwards. Damlataş Cave is also here, near the seafront. Visiting the cave before the castle works well, as the two are close together.
If you are thinking of walking, be aware that the path is steep. For families with children and those who would rather not get tired in the heat, the cable car, taxi or city bus makes more sense. Bus routes and stops can change, so get up-to-date information from your hotel or a local information point.
If you would rather not organise everything yourself, Alanya Castle Damlataş Cave and City Tour by Cable Car takes you through the castle, the Red Tower and the shipyard, then Damlataş Cave, all in one trip. This tour, with a guide and travelling by cable car, lasts about 4 hours. The guide also explains the history along the walls, which is left unexplained when you wander the castle alone.
Alanya Castle's walls and Inner Castle: opening hours and duration
The castle was built in the 13th century by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad. The walls stretch for kilometres across the peninsula. Inside the castle there is still a living neighbourhood, mosques and old buildings; the Inner Castle is the highest section.
Opening hours vary by season and some sections may have different hours. Check current hours before your visit. As a general rule, going early in the morning is safer than going close to closing time.
You should allow at least 1.5-2 hours for the castle. There is no need to rush when taking photos at the viewpoints, walking around, or looking at the buildings inside. If you intend to climb as far as the Inner Castle, allow more time; the paths are stony and steep.
Evening: sunset and which way down?
At the end of October, sunset falls around 6 pm. If you want to be up at the castle before it closes and come down as the light changes, plan your return route in advance. Walking between the walls in the dark is not pleasant; going down by taxi or bus is safer.
If you want to spend the evening differently, Alanya: Night Jeep Safari, Boat Trip and Dinner takes you by night jeep safari from Damlataş and Cleopatra Beach along the seafront road to the western entrance of Alanya Castle, where there is a photo stop. Dinner and a boat trip are also included. It is a good option for those who only want to see the view rather than explore the castle from inside.
If you want to see the sea side as well during the day, leaving Alanya: Relaxing Cruise With Transfer, a boat trip departing from the harbour, for the next day is less tiring.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Alanya Castle?
You can go up from the city centre by taxi, city bus or cable car; there is also a walking route, but it is steep. The Damlataş area is the most practical starting point.
What time does Alanya Castle open?
Opening hours vary by season, so I do not give exact times. Check the current opening and closing hours before your visit.
How far is Alanya from Side?
The distance is roughly 60-65 km. It takes about an hour by car along the coast road; this may vary with traffic and season.
How far is Antalya Airport from Alanya?
Roughly 120-130 km; the journey takes 2 to 2.5 hours. If you want a private transfer directly to your hotel, From Antalya Airport to Alanya Vip Transfer is suitable.
