Alanya Castle Opening Hours: What to Know Before Your Visit
Alanya Castle's opening hours change with the season. Find out when to go, how many hours to set aside, how to get up to the castle and how long the airport transfer takes, all in one place.
Alanya Castle's opening and closing times can vary by season, weekdays and weekends, and public holidays. For this reason, I recommend checking the exact time before your visit. In this article, rather than guessing the hours, I explain which time of day is worth going, how long you will spend at the castle and how it fits into your plan.
What are the opening hours of Alanya Castle?
I won't give an exact time, as opening hours change over the year and outdated information could leave you at a closed gate. In the summer months a longer schedule is generally expected, and in winter a shorter one. This is only a general trend and does not replace the official timetable.
Check the current hours the day before you go. Your hotel reception or tourist information points are also the quickest source for this. 'Çalışma saatleri' (working hours) and 'açılış saatleri' (opening hours) mean the same thing, so whichever you search for, you are looking at the same information.
Do other castles with the same name get mixed up?
Search results may also show places in other countries with 'castle' in their name. This article covers only Alanya Castle in Türkiye. Alanya Castle is a walled fortress on the hilltop above the town, built in the 13th century under Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad.
How many hours should I spend at the castle?
Half a day is enough to walk along the walls and stop at the viewpoints. A tour covering the castle, the Red Tower, the shipyard and Damlataş Cave in one plan takes about 4 hours. If you are going on your own, allow at least 2–3 hours. The paths are steep, and photo stops and rest breaks extend the time.
What is the best time of day to visit the castle?
In the summer heat, early morning or late afternoon is more comfortable. Around midday the stone walls and open paths get very hot. We have now reached 28 October: the weather is milder, but the days are getting dark earlier. In autumn and winter, check the closing time and avoid squeezing your visit into the afternoon.
Bring water, a hat and flat, non-slip shoes. Stone surfaces become slippery when wet.
What is the easiest way up to the castle?
You can walk up the hill, but the climb is long and tiring in summer. A more comfortable option is the cable car. Alanya Castle, Damlataş Cave and City Tour by Cable Car includes the ride up by cable car. If you want to see the Seljuk walls, the Red Tower and the shipyard, followed by Damlataş Cave, with a licensed guide, this tour is a sensible choice. The guide arranges the timing and order for you.
For details on getting there, see our article 'Getting to Alanya Castle'. I won't repeat them here.
If I can't go during the day, can I see the castle in the evening?
There is a way to see the castle's surroundings in the evening instead of going inside. Alanya: Night Jeep Safari, Boat Trip and Dinner The night Jeep Safari, Boat Trip and Dinner programme starts at 18:30. In Land Rover Defender vehicles, you travel along the coastal road from Damlataş and Cleopatra beaches to the western entrance of Alanya Castle, where there is a photo stop. It does not include a tour inside the castle, but it is a good option for seeing the hilltop and town at sunset. Total duration is about 5 hours.
How long does the transfer from Antalya Airport to Alanya take?
A private transfer from the airport to your hotel in Alanya takes about 2.5 hours. For the return from Alanya to the airport, allow about 2 hours. Traffic and your hotel's location can change the time by a few tens of minutes. If you are thinking of visiting the castle on your first day, it is more comfortable to arrive by transfer, rest, and leave the castle for the following morning.
For bookings, you can look at From Antalya Airport to Alanya Vip Transfer and From Alanya to Antalya Airport VIP Transfer, the VIP transfer options from Antalya Airport to Alanya and from Alanya to Antalya Airport. The driver takes you directly to your hotel or the airport exit, without stopping at other hotels.
How do I book the tour?
You can book from the tour page by selecting the date and number of people. The pick-up point and times are listed on the tour page. Read these before booking, as they may vary by hotel and area.
Frequently asked questions
Is Alanya Castle open every day?
The days and hours it is open can vary by season. They may also differ on public holidays. Check the current information before your visit.
Should I visit the castle on a tour or on my own?
Both are possible. For a guide who tells the history and convenient transport, Alanya Castle, Damlataş Cave and City Tour by Cable Car is a good choice. If you prefer to wander at your own pace, you can also go on your own.
Is the castle suitable for young children and older people?
The paths are steep and the ground is stone. If you have a pushchair or difficulty walking, going up by cable car and touring at a slow pace is more comfortable. Comfortable footwear is important.
How much time should I set aside to see Alanya Castle?
Plan at least 2–3 hours for your visit. A tour covering the castle, the Red Tower, the shipyard and Damlataş Cave together takes about 4 hours.
