Things to Do in Alanya with Children: A Stop-by-Stop Family Day
Things to do in Alanya with children: a family route hour by hour covering the castle, beach, boat trips and harbour, plus which tour suits which family and how to book.
The most relaxed plan for things to do in Alanya with children is this: the castle and Damlataş Cave in the morning, Cleopatra Beach in the afternoon, and a harbour walk in the evening. The castle and cave tour takes about 4 hours, and boat tours last around 4.5 hours. Below I describe this day stop by stop, and for the next day I offer two separate options.
Is Alanya a good place for families with children?
Yes, because the distances are short. The beach, harbour and castle sit side by side along the same stretch of coast, so when a child gets tired it is easy to return to the hotel. Sandy beaches, boat tours and water-fun safaris particularly appeal to school-age children. Getting around the castle area with a pushchair is difficult; a baby carrier is more practical there.
Morning: Alanya Castle and Damlataş Cave
It makes sense to put the most tiring part of the day in the morning, as the slopes are more bearable before the sun climbs high. The Alanya Castle, Damlataş Cave and City Tour by Cable Car tour does exactly this: you take the cable car up to the castle, walk along the Seljuk walls, see the Red Tower and the shipyard, then descend to Damlataş Cave. The total duration is about 4 hours.
The best parts for children are the cable car and the cave. The cave is a cool, damp indoor space and makes a good break after the stone floor of the castle. The castle path has stones and slopes, so dress children in closed, non-slip shoes and bring water. If the whole tour feels long for a small child, tell your guide and keep the castle section short.
Afternoon: Cleopatra Beach
After the cave you can walk a short distance or take a taxi to Cleopatra Beach. It is a sandy beach, and entry into the sea is usually gradual, which is why families with small children like it. Even at the end of October the sea is often suitable for swimming on most days, but the days are getting shorter. Check the weather and sea conditions before you set out.
Bring sun hats and light T-shirts for the children. There are cafés on the beach for lunch; if you want to avoid the busy hours, sit down to eat around 12.30.
Evening: Alanya Harbour and Red Tower
Go down to the harbour as the sun sets. You can start beside the Red Tower and walk along the harbour; the route is flat and suitable for pushchairs. Children can watch the moored boats and eat ice cream here. Evenings get dark early, so do not set off on the walk too late.
Opening hours for the tower and the surrounding museums change with the season, so check before your visit.
Next day, for sea lovers: Pirate boat
If the children love the sea, the Alanya: Pirate Boat Lunch & Soft Drinks w/Transfer pirate boat tour is a good choice. The tour lasts about 4.5 hours and includes hotel transfer, lunch and soft drinks. You swim in the coves where the boat stops, and those who wish can look at the underwater world with a snorkel.
It is fun for older children; for little ones there is a risk from sun and waves. For children who cannot swim, clarify the life jacket question with the tour page and the agency before booking. Sailing days may decrease at the end of October, so check availability when you choose a date.
If you prefer a calmer boat, there is also the Alanya: Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Soft Drinks catamaran tour. It sails past caves and coves and includes food and drinks.
Next day, for energetic children: Green Canyon
The Alanya: Green Canyon Boat Tour with Cabrio Safari and Lunch includes a cabrio safari, lunch and a mud bath on the water. Note that the duration is 7.5 hours: this is a full day for school-age and active children. For those under four it may be long. Check the age requirements and clothing suggestions on the tour page; you will get wet, so bring a spare set of clothes.
Booking and practical tips
- Plan ahead: Book through TurB2C; the tour page lists the duration, what is included and the conditions for children.
- Choose morning times: Do not leave an intensive programme with small children until the afternoon.
- Leave a spare day for each tour: If the weather turns, a boat trip may be postponed.
- Sun and water: Hats, sun cream and enough water are needed before every stop.
Frequently asked questions
Is Alanya suitable for families with children?
Yes. Short distances, sandy beaches, and boat and safari options suited to children are available. Only the area around the castle becomes difficult with a pushchair.
What should we start with on the first day with children?
Putting the castle, Damlataş Cave and Cleopatra Beach on the same day is a good start. Allow about 4 hours for the Alanya Castle, Damlataş Cave and City Tour by Cable Car castle tour and leave the afternoon for the beach.
Which tour is better for small children, a boat trip or a safari?
Boat tours are generally more relaxed. The Alanya: Pirate Boat Lunch & Soft Drinks w/Transfer and Alanya: Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Soft Drinks last 4.5 hours and include swim stops. 7.5-hour tours such as Green Canyon suit older children better.
What can you do with children in Alanya at the end of October?
The castle, the cave, the beach and the harbour walk are still suitable. Boat sailings and opening hours may change towards the end of the season, so check before you choose a date.
