Alanya Castle, Red Tower, Shipyard and Damlataş: Worth Visiting?
Is Alanya Castle, the Red Tower, the Shipyard and Damlataş Cave worth visiting? A half-day plan with an hour-by-hour route, durations and practical tips.
Alanya Castle, the Red Tower, the Shipyard and Damlataş Cave sit close together on the same peninsula, so they can be comfortably covered in half a day and are worth it for most visitors. The castle and walls preserve 13th-century Seljuk heritage, while Damlataş offers a cool break on a hot day. The most efficient order is: the castle top in the morning, the harbour area towards midday, then the cave.
Late October is a good time for this trip. Daytime weather is milder than in summer, so climbing and walking are more comfortable. Check the sunset time and opening hours before your visit.
09:00 – Cable car and entrance to Alanya Castle
Alanya Castle was commissioned by Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad in the 13th century. You can walk up to the hilltop or take the cable car. The slope is steep and unshaded, so going up early in the morning is a good idea.
Once you pass the castle gate, the settlement is still alive. Inside the walls there are houses, small cafés and stalls selling handicrafts. We covered how to reach the castle in another article; here we describe the visit itself.
09:45 – Inner Castle and walk along the walls
At the highest point of the hill stands the Inner Castle (Ehmedek). From here you can see both the sea and the Taurus Mountains. As you walk along the walls you see the two coves on either side of the peninsula together. The best light for photos is in the early hours of the morning.
The ground is uneven stone and old paving. Wear flat, non-slip shoes. Not every section is open at the same times, so ask at the entrance which parts can be visited during the day.
- Approximate duration: allow 1.5–2 hours for the castle.
- Bring water; there are few sales points at the top.
- Sun cream and a hat are useful even in October.
11:30 – Red Tower
The Red Tower stands at the end of the road that runs from the castle slope down to the harbour. This octagonal, stone-clad tower was built in the 1220s, during Keykubad's reign, to protect the harbour. Inside there is a small exhibition space. Here you can better understand Alanya's defence system.
You don't have to climb the tower. Looking at it from outside is enough, but the interior is cool and suitable for a short rest. You can finish this section in 30–40 minutes.
12:15 – Seljuk Shipyard
The shipyard right next to the Red Tower is one of the rare Seljuk maritime structures in Anatolia to have survived to the present day. Its long arched galleries were used for shipbuilding. Today, this section is as much a reminder that Alanya is a harbour city as its interior is.
This is a short stop. It makes sense to visit the shipyard and the Red Tower back to back. Afterwards you can sit by the harbour and have lunch.
14:00 – Damlataş Cave
Damlataş Cave lies near the harbour, at the foot of the cliff. The cave was discovered in 1948 during quarrying work. It is known for its stalactites and stalagmites. The inside is small and the visit is brief, but the cool, humid air is a welcome relief after the heat outside.
Humidity inside is high. The floor can be slippery, so choose shoes with good grip rather than flip-flops. Some people say the cave air is good for breathing; take this as local lore rather than medical advice. If you have health concerns, consult your doctor.
Going on your own or on a tour?
The route is short and walkable, so visiting on your own is not difficult. However, if you want historical commentary or would rather not deal with transport, guided options are useful.
- Alanya Castle, Damlataş Cave and City Tour by Cable Car Combines Alanya Castle, Damlataş Cave and a city tour with the cable car. Takes about 4 hours. It is the most direct option for anyone who wants to see the castle, Red Tower, shipyard and cave in one go.
- Alanya: Relaxing Cruise With Transfer A relaxed boat tour departing from Alanya Harbour. A good complement if you want to explore the castle during the day and head out to sea the next day.
- Alanya: Night Jeep Safari, Boat Trip and Dinner An evening jeep safari that follows the Damlataş and Cleopatra coastal road and stops at the castle's western entrance for a photo break. If you saw the castle during the day and want to see the same silhouette from a different angle in the evening, it's a good fit.
Is it worth visiting?
Yes, because it offers a compact route in Alanya that goes beyond the beaches and seafront, and you can see it in half a day. If you're only looking for a beach and boat holiday, this route may not be necessary. But if you have a free morning, you'll see Alanya not only as a seaside resort but also as a Seljuk harbour city.
Frequently asked questions
Can Alanya Castle, the Red Tower, the Shipyard and Damlataş Cave be visited in one day?
Yes. Starting with the castle in the morning, then the Red Tower and shipyard towards midday, and the cave in the afternoon, is sufficient. Planning 4–5 hours in total makes for a comfortable day.
Do you walk up to the castle or take the cable car?
Both are possible. The slope is steep and unshaded, so the cable car is more comfortable during hot hours. Check opening times before your visit.
How long do you spend in Damlataş Cave?
The cave is small, so visits usually take a short time. Queues can lengthen at busy times, so you might try early afternoon.
Is this route suitable for children?
For most children, yes. However, the castle ground is uneven and sloping. With young children, the cable car and comfortable shoes make things easier.
Is October a sensible time to go?
Yes. The weather is milder than in summer and walking is more comfortable. Sunset comes early, so plan your evening accordingly.
