Alanya History: Castle, Shipyard and History Tours Guide
Alanya history guide: the Seljuk castle, Red Tower, shipyard and history from the sea. What to see, how long it takes, which tours suit you and how to book?
If you're searching for "Alanya history", you're probably wondering: is this city just about beaches, or does it really have a past worth seeing? It does. Alanya is a city on a rocky peninsula stretching into the Mediterranean coast, associated with its 13th-century Seljuk heritage. In this article we outline a brief history, the places worth visiting and how you can plan your day. Let's say this upfront: our catalogue has no guided "castle walk" tour for Alanya. You'll need to explore the castle and the historic centre on your own. A few tours that complement the history with an experience are available, though.
A brief look at Alanya's history
In antiquity, the area was a coastal settlement known as Korakesion. Steep cliffs and a natural harbour made it suitable both for defence and for maritime activity. The city took on its present appearance mainly during the Seljuk period, under Sultan I. Alâeddin Keykubad. The castle walls, the Red Tower and the shipyard are the best-known structures of this period.
The city's former name was Alaiye. The current name, Alanya, was adopted in the Republican era, in the 1930s. Local accounts also tell stories of Cleopatra and Antony. It's best to hear these as beloved local legends rather than firm historical facts.
Main stops for seeing Alanya's history
Alanya Castle and walls
The castle, the city's emblem, sits on the peninsula rising from the sea. Once you climb up, you'll see both the remains of the walls and the views over the bay and the city. Inside the inner castle area you'll find traces of old structures, mosques and narrow streets. Walking surfaces are uneven and steep in places. Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes and bring water.
Red Tower and shipyard
With its octagonal body, the Red Tower is an easily noticed structure beside the harbour. The Seljuk shipyard nearby is a good stop for understanding the maritime past of the period. Entry fees, opening hours and visiting conditions for both may change, so check before your visit.
Museums and the old bazaar
The museums in the city centre and the streets of the old bazaar are a good option for those who want to explore history at a calmer pace. It's worth checking their opening hours before you go too.
Tours that add to the historical experience
The tours in the catalogue are not museum tours. But if you'd like to round off your historical visit with the sea and local tradition, three of them could suit you.
View from the sea: Relaxing boat tour
[Alanya : Relaxing Cruise With Transfer](\/tour\/alanya-relaxing-cruise-with-transfer-100) is a 5-hour boat tour with transfer, starting from 30 EUR. The day begins with a two-deck boat heading out into the Mediterranean. The tour description mentions a historical place as the first stop. Read the route details on the tour page before booking. It's a good complement for anyone who wants to understand Alanya's coastal settlement and rocky silhouette from the sea. We won't go into detail here, as the view from the sea is the subject of a separate article.
Shorter and more fun: Pirate boat
[Alanya: Pirate Boat w\/Transfer, Lunch & Soft Drinks](\/tour\/alanya-pirate-boat-w-transfer-lunch-soft-drinks-101) lasts 4.5 hours, includes lunch and soft drinks, and also has transfer. It starts from 20 EUR. This tour focuses less on history and more on swimming and snorkelling. It suits families with children, or anyone wanting a lighter day after a history outing.
A century-old tradition: Hammam and spa
[Alanya: Turkish bath Hamam & Spa Experiance w\/ Transfer](\/tour\/alanya-turkish-bath-hamam-spa-experiance-w-transfer-104) gives you the chance to experience the hammam tradition that has continued in Alanya for centuries. It lasts 2 hours, includes transfer, and starts from 20 EUR. If you're tired after climbing to the castle, it's a good break either the next day or in the evening of the same day. We already have an article describing in detail what happens in a hammam, so here we only explain how it fits into your plan.
A sample history day plan
- Morning: Go up to the castle early. In October the summer heat is usually milder, but the sun can still tire you around midday.
- Towards noon: Explore the structures inside the castle, then head down and move on to the area around the harbour.
- Afternoon: Wander around the Red Tower and the shipyard area, and take a lunch break in the bazaar.
- Evening: For relaxation, plan the hammam [Alanya: Turkish bath Hamam & Spa Experiance w\/ Transfer](\/tour\/alanya-turkish-bath-hamam-spa-experiance-w-transfer-104), or a boat tour for the next day [Alanya : Relaxing Cruise With Transfer](\/tour\/alanya-relaxing-cruise-with-transfer-100).
The area around the castle looks especially beautiful in the light at sunset. Think about your route back in advance, as paths going down in the dark can be more difficult.
What to look for when choosing a tour?
- Duration: Do you want a half-day or a full-day tour? [Alanya: Turkish bath Hamam & Spa Experiance w\/ Transfer](\/tour\/alanya-turkish-bath-hamam-spa-experiance-w-transfer-104) is short, while [Alanya : Relaxing Cruise With Transfer](\/tour\/alanya-relaxing-cruise-with-transfer-100) and [Alanya: Pirate Boat w\/Transfer, Lunch & Soft Drinks](\/tour\/alanya-pirate-boat-w-transfer-lunch-soft-drinks-101) take up most of the day.
- Transfer: All three tours include transfer. Check on the page that your hotel's area is covered.
- Pace: If stairs and slopes tire you, leave the history for the morning and the more relaxing activities, such as the sea or the hammam, for the next day.
- Expectations: These tours are not guided history tours. They are experiences that complement history. If you're looking for a guided castle commentary, you'll need to look into this separately once you're there.
How do you book?
On TurB2C, choose the tour, enter the date and number of people, and save your voucher once confirmation arrives. Tours are operated by licensed local agencies in Türkiye. Prices are "from" starting prices per person. You'll see the exact amount on the tour page, depending on the date and options you select. Since the weather in October can change from day to day, be flexible when planning boat tours.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours are enough to see the historic sites in Alanya?
Half a day is enough for most people to explore the castle, the harbour and the area around the Red Tower together. If you add the museums and the bazaar, plan for a full day. Check the entry requirements in advance.
Is there a guided history tour in Alanya?
Our catalogue doesn't include a guided castle or museum tour for Alanya. You can explore the history on your own and complete the day with a boat trip from the sea [Alanya : Relaxing Cruise With Transfer](\/tour\/alanya-relaxing-cruise-with-transfer-100), or with the hammam tradition [Alanya: Turkish bath Hamam & Spa Experiance w\/ Transfer](\/tour\/alanya-turkish-bath-hamam-spa-experiance-w-transfer-104).
Is it suitable for families with children?
The castle road is steep and involves a long walk. Plan breaks according to your children's ages. After the history outing, a fun-focused boat tour such as [Alanya: Pirate Boat w\/Transfer, Lunch & Soft Drinks](\/tour\/alanya-pirate-boat-w-transfer-lunch-soft-drinks-101) can be a good balance for children.
When is the best time for a history trip to Alanya?
In October the summer heat usually decreases, which makes walking easier. Even so, prefer early mornings or late afternoons, and bring water.
