15 Things to Do in Alanya: Castle, Beach, Canyon and More
15 things to do in Alanya: the castle, Damlataş, Cleopatra Beach, boat trips, canyons, hammam and Pamukkale. What to do in October, which day to dedicate to what, a short guide.
The 15 things to do in Alanya are: Alanya Castle, the Red Tower, the shipyard, Damlataş Cave, Cleopatra Beach, paragliding, a boat tour, Green Canyon, Sapadere Canyon, jeep safari, quad safari, evening safari, hammam, the Dim River with Dim Cave, and a day trip to Pamukkale. You don't have to fit them all into one week. Below, I've explained who each one suits and how to group them, according to common questions.
What should a first-time visitor to Alanya see first?
Go up to the castle first. Alanya Castle, with its walls built in the 13th century under Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad, is the city's best historical stop, and the whole town can be seen from up there.
There are three more stops at the foot of the castle, and all of them can be comfortably done on the same day: the Red Tower, the Seljuk shipyard and Damlataş Cave. If you want to see all four in a single programme, the Alanya Castle, Damlataş Cave and City Tour by Cable Car takes care of it. You won't have to climb the hill on foot, leaving time for strolling along the walls and taking photos. Wear comfortable shoes, as stone surfaces can be slippery.
What can you do at Cleopatra Beach?
You can swim, watch the sunset, and, if you wish, look down from above. Cleopatra Beach is a golden sandy shore stretching along the edge of the peninsula west of the castle, and it is the city's best-known beach.
For those who want to see the beach from a bird's-eye view, there is a tandem paragliding flight taking off from the mountain: Alanya: Tandem Paragliding Flight Over Cleopatra Beach. Flights depend on the wind, so the schedule may shift according to the weather. Schedule it for the middle of your holiday rather than the first day, so you have a spare day.
How do you spend a half day at sea?
A boat tour is the easiest option. The Alanya coastline has caves and coves that are hard to reach by land. Alanya: Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Soft Drinks takes you around these coves and caves by catamaran. Lunch and soft drinks are included in the programme. The boat tour has a relaxed pace, with swimming stops along the way.
If you'd like a more active day, there are combined boat and safari programmes to Green Canyon in the direction of Manavgat. All you need to bring is a swimsuit, a towel and sun cream.
Which day is best for a mountain trip?
Put a mountain day between your sea days. Sapadere Canyon, at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, is a good choice for this. Leaving Alanya, you pass through banana and avocado orchards. Alanya: Sapadere Canyon Tour with Lunch and Cave Visit begins with a stone bridge and a traditional gözleme stop, followed by the canyon, a cave and lunch. If you're looking for a cool atmosphere after the beach, this is exactly the right place.
For those seeking more adrenaline, there are jeep safari and quad safari programmes in the mountains around Alanya. Wear old clothes, as you may get wet and dirty.
What can you do in the evenings?
There are two good options for the evening: a harbour walk and a hammam. You don't need a special ticket to see the illuminated silhouette of the castle from the harbour; walking there is enough. A night safari is also popular after sunset. A hammam is a good idea for shaking off the tiredness of the day. A scrub and foam massage is the classic treatment. Some programmes offer hotel pick-up, so you won't have to struggle getting there late at night.
What other places are there around Alanya?
The Dim River has riverside restaurants along its banks, and people escaping the summer heat come here. Nearby Dim Cave is known for its stalactites and stalagmites. As opening hours may change, check them before your visit.
And for those willing to take on a long day, there is Pamukkale. The white travertines and the ancient city of Hierapolis can be visited as a day trip from Alanya, but the day starts early and ends late. So don't plan it as a light day.
What can you do in Alanya at the end of October?
The end of October is a good time for most of the items on this list. The summer crowds have thinned, so the castle walk and the canyon day are more relaxed. The sea can still be swimmable in most years, but confirm this by checking the weather for that week. In the evenings, bring a light cardigan for boat trips and night programmes. On rainy days, indoor options such as the hammam and the castle museum come in handy.
Frequently asked questions
What can you do in Alanya in 3 days?
A sound plan is one day for the castle, the Red Tower, the shipyard and Damlataş, one day for a boat trip and the beach, and one day for Sapadere or another mountain programme. You can add a hammam or a harbour walk to your evenings.
Does the castle tour include the cable car?
The Alanya Castle, Damlataş Cave and City Tour by Cable Car, which covers the castle and Damlataş with the cable car, includes use of the cable car. For details, please see the current information on the tour page.
What can you do in Alanya when it rains?
The hammam, Alanya Museum and shopping are the safest options. Check the museum's opening hours before your visit. Outdoor activities such as boat trips and paragliding may be postponed depending on the weather.
Do I need previous experience for paragliding?
No. On a tandem flight, the pilot controls the flight and you can focus on the view. However, as the decision to fly depends on the wind, leave a flexible day when booking.
