Alanya in October: A 3-Day Itinerary Featuring the Castle, the Beach and the Sea
A three-day itinerary in Alanya in October, combining the castle, harbour and beaches with a day out on a boat. Find out when and where to go during the off-peak season.
When people think of Alanya, most picture the summer crowds. Yet October is a lovely time to visit this coast. As the sea has warmed up over the summer, it’s still perfect for swimming; the beaches are quieter, and you can walk up the castle hill without breaking a sweat. In this article, you’ll find a relaxed, three-day itinerary that balances land and sea activities in Alanya.
Why October?
In October, days along the Mediterranean coast are generally warm and sunny. In the evenings, however, a light jacket might come in handy. Compared to the height of summer, the beaches and historic sites are less crowded, making it more enjoyable to take photographs and go for a stroll. The weather varies from year to year. We recommend checking the forecast for the next few days before you go.
A note: October marks the tail end of the season. Some businesses may have altered opening hours. Check the opening times of museums and archaeological sites, as well as the sailing days for boat tours, before your visit.
Day 1: The Castle, the Red Tower and the Harbour
Spend your first day at the castle, the symbol of Alanya. Perched atop the headland, Alanya Castle, with its walls dating back to the Seljuk period, offers sweeping views of the town and the sea. If you don’t like the heat, choose early morning or late afternoon. Around sunset, the light enhances both the view and your photographs.
After descending from the castle, walk to the harbour. Here you can see the following:
- Red Tower: An octagonal structure from the Seljuk period, standing on the harbour’s edge.
- Shipyard: A historic site illustrating the shipbuilding traditions of the era.
- Damlataş Cave: A stop well worth a brief visit, known for its stalactites and stalagmites.
Entrance fees and opening hours are subject to change. Please check for up-to-date information before you go. You can have dinner around the harbour and round off the day with a short stroll along the seafront.
Day 2: A Day at Sea
One of the best ways to experience Alanya is to view the coastline from the sea. The cliffs, caves and castle hill appear from a different perspective when viewed from a boat. The two boat tours in our catalogue cater to different preferences.
For those who love action: the pirate boat
Alanya: Pirate Boat w/Transfer, Lunch & Soft Drinks Alanya: Pirate Boat w/Transfer, Lunch & Soft Drinks, lasts approximately 4.5 hours and starts at 20 EUR. The programme includes a pirate-themed boat trip along the Alanya coastline. The tour features swimming stops, snorkelling to observe marine life, lunch and soft drinks. Transfer is also included. If you enjoy getting in the water and a fun atmosphere, this is a great choice, particularly for families with children and groups of friends.
For a more relaxed day: a double-decker boat
Alanya: Relaxing Cruise With Transfer Alanya: Relaxing Cruise With Transfer, lasts approximately 5 hours and prices start from 30 EUR. You’ll be picked up from your accommodation and taken to Alanya Harbour. You’ll then set sail on a spacious, double-decker boat across the turquoise waters. It’s ideal for those who want to sit on deck, enjoy the scenery and spend a leisurely day.
When deciding which of the two tours suits you best, compare the services included on the tour page. As sea conditions and sailing days may vary in October, please check the latest information before booking.
On the day of the boat trip, please bring the following with you:
- Sun cream, a hat and sunglasses
- Swimsuit and towel
- A light top for when it might get windy
- Non-slip, easy-to-remove footwear
Day 3: Beach, Walk and Free Time
Take it easy on your final day. You can spend the morning at the beach. Cleopatra Beach, with its long stretch of fine sand, is Alanya’s most famous beach. According to legend, it takes its name from Cleopatra. Finding a spot here in October is generally easier than during the summer months.
Two ideas for the afternoon:
- A seaside walk: You can stop off at cafés along the promenade that runs along the seafront in the city centre.
- A stroll through the market: Pop into the shops in the centre for local produce, spices and souvenirs. Don’t hesitate to compare prices whilst shopping.
A lovely day to sample Mediterranean cuisine. Fresh fish, meze and local desserts could feature on your table. It’s always a good habit to ask about prices before ordering.
Practical Tips
- How to get there: The nearest major airport to Alanya is in Antalya. You’ll need to travel to Alanya by road. Allow time for the transfer in your travel plans.
- Best time to visit: Schedule castle and open-air tours for the morning or late afternoon, and boat trips and beach visits for midday.
- Footwear: The path to the castle is steep. Choose comfortable shoes with sturdy soles.
- Water and sun: The sun can still be strong, even in October. Make sure you carry water with you and protect yourself from the sun.
- Booking: Booking boat trips in advance increases your chances of securing a place on your preferred day.
Three days in Alanya are enough to experience both its history and the sea on the same itinerary. Climbing the castle and cruising along the coast by boat in October’s calm weather is a lovely way to get to know this city.
