Best Things to Do in Alanya: An Hour-by-Hour Day Itinerary
Learn the best things to do in Alanya in a morning-to-night order: the castle, Damlataş, Cleopatra Beach, a boat tour and a night jeep safari.
The best things to do in Alanya are gathered along the coastline between the castle hill, Damlataş and Cleopatra beaches, the harbour and the open sea. If you give the morning to the castle, the afternoon to the sea and the evening to the night safari, you will have seen most of the city on your first day. The route below follows this order; after each stop there is an option you can change if you wish.
Morning: Alanya Castle and the Red Tower
Start the day with the castle. The walls built in the 13th century by Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad overlook the whole city from the top. In the morning hours the air is cooler and there are fewer people on the hilltop. In late October, when the days are shorter, this order is especially useful: you finish the walking part early.
Inside the castle you walk along the walls and visit the octagonal Red Tower and the shipyard. Stone surfaces can be slippery, so wear shoes with non-slip soles. Opening hours of the castle and museums change with the season, so check before your visit.
If you prefer a guided visit, the Alanya Castle Damlatas Cave and City Tour by Cable Car covers the castle, the Red Tower, the shipyard and Damlataş Cave in a single tour with the cable car, and lasts about 4 hours. If you go on your own, allow at least 2 hours for the castle.
Before noon: Damlataş Cave and the shipyard
When you come down from the castle, stay on this side of the city. Damlataş Cave is right beside the coastal road, at the foot of the castle. Inside there are stalactites and stalagmites, and the atmosphere is cool and humid. This makes it a good short break. Before going in, check whether it is open, as the hours can change.
Walking from the cave to the shipyard and the harbour takes you 10-15 minutes. Around the harbour there are places serving fish and grilled food for lunch. If you walked up to the castle, you will probably want to rest at this time.
Afternoon: Cleopatra Beach
Cleopatra Beach is a short distance from the city centre and is Alanya's most famous beach. Its golden sand and its position at the foot of a steep mountain set it apart. According to legend, its name comes from Cleopatra swimming here, but there is no historical evidence for this; it is only a local story.
In late October the sea stays suitable for swimming on most days. Even so, the evenings cool down quickly, so bring a thin cardigan.
If you want to see it from above
If you would like to see this coast from above, the Alanya: Tandem Paragliding Flight Over Cleopatra Beach tandem paragliding flight takes place over Cleopatra Beach. You take off from the mountain with a professional pilot, who manages everything during the flight. The total duration is about 2 hours. As the flight depends on the wind, keep this day flexible; if necessary, you can move it to another day.
Full-day option: Coves and caves by catamaran
Seeing the coast from the sea is one of the best alternatives in this route. However, the Alanya: Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Soft Drinks catamaran tour lasts about 4.5 hours and includes lunch and soft drinks. So adding it to the morning when you visit the castle would not make sense. Leave this tour for the second day.
The tour stops at caves and coves along the Mediterranean coast. If you are looking for a calmer experience rather than a crowded pirate boat, the catamaran is more suitable. Bring a swimsuit, sun cream and a towel for swimming.
Evening: Castle west entrance and the night jeep safari
To close the day, the Alanya: Night Jeep Safari, Boat Trip and Dinner is a good option. The tour starts from the meeting point at 18:30 and lasts about 5 hours in total. In Land Rover Defender vehicles driven by professional drivers, you travel along the coastal road past Damlataş and Cleopatra beaches to the west entrance of Alanya Castle. There is a photo stop there. The programme also includes a boat trip and dinner.
If you climbed the castle in the morning, in the evening you see the same place from a different angle, with its lights. The evening wind can feel cool, so take an extra layer with you.
How do you adjust the route?
- If you have one day: Castle and Damlataş tour, Cleopatra Beach in the afternoon, night safari in the evening.
- If you have two days: Add the catamaran tour or the paragliding to the second day.
- If a rainy day comes: Cave and museum stops are less affected by the weather; move the beach and boat plans to another day.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I start on my first day in Alanya?
Start at Alanya Castle. The air is cool in the morning and there are fewer people on the top. Then you can go down to Damlataş and set aside the afternoon for the beach.
Can you swim in the sea in Alanya in late October?
In most years, yes, but the weather varies from year to year. Before you go, check the short-term forecast and take a thin top for the evenings.
Can the castle, Damlataş and Cleopatra Beach be visited on the same day?
Yes, all three are close to each other. Castle and Damlataş in the morning, Cleopatra Beach in the afternoon is a good order.
Does the catamaran tour fit on the same day as the night safari?
The catamaran tour lasts about 4.5 hours and the night safari starts at 18:30. Fitting both in is technically possible but would be very tiring. Spreading them over separate days is more comfortable.
Is the paragliding flight available every day?
No, the flight depends on wind and weather conditions. Leaving a spare day in your programme makes things easier.
