10 Things to Do in Alanya: Which One Is for You?
10 things to do in Alanya: castle, Damlataş, boat trip, canyon, safari, hammam and more. We walk you through how to choose, question by question, for late October and early November.
The 10 things to do in Alanya are: Alanya Castle, Damlataş Cave, Cleopatra Beach, a boat tour, Green Canyon, Sapadere Canyon, jeep or quad safari, tandem paragliding, hammam, and a Side–Manavgat day trip. Spreading them over a week is the most comfortable option. In late October and early November the days are shorter and the schedules of some sea tours are adjusted for the end of the season, so the order changes slightly. Below we cover each item along with the question it answers.
Where should the first day start?
Start with the castle, because it is the best viewpoint in the city and the other two stops are nearby. Alanya Castle was built in the 13th century by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad. Walk along the walls and you can see the Red Tower and the shipyard.
The tour that goes up by cable car and descends to Damlataş Cave, lasting about 4 hours, combines these three stops on one route: Alanya Castle Damlataş Cave and City Tour by Cable Car. Cleopatra Beach, west of the castle, is the natural continuation of the route. In autumn the weather is usually suitable for walking and a beach break, but check the forecast before you set out. Opening hours for the castle and cave vary by season, so check before your visit.
Boat tour or Green Canyon?
If you just want to be on the sea, choose a boat tour; if you want to see land and water on the same day, Green Canyon is a better fit. Most boat tours in Alanya leave from the harbour and include swimming stops in coves.
- Catamaran tour: Lasts about 4.5 hours. Caves and coves, lunch and soft drinks are included: Alanya: Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Soft Drinks.
- Green Canyon tour: Lasts about 7.5 hours. Includes a cabrio safari, lunch and a mud bath on the boat: Alanya: Green Canyon Boat Tour with Cabrio Safari and Lunch.
In November the water and wind can be cooler. A spare T-shirt and towel will come in handy.
Which places outside the city are worth it?
The Sapadere Canyon, stretching into the Taurus Mountains, is among the best. The road passes through banana and avocado orchards. The tour stops at a stone bridge and a traditional gözleme break, followed by a visit to the cave and canyon. It takes the whole day, about 6 hours: Alanya: Sapadere Canyon Tour with Lunch and Cave Visit. If you want a wooded day away from the crowds, choose this tour.
Heading west toward Manavgat and Side, you can see the Manavgat Waterfall and the Roman ruins of Side on the same day. From Alanya this route takes half a day or a full day.
What to do for adrenaline?
A jeep or quad safari in the mountains and tandem paragliding on the coast are good choices. On safaris the route passes along mountain roads and riverbanks. Some tours include a water fight stop, so be prepared to get wet. Paragliding flies over Cleopatra Beach and depends on the wind; flights may be postponed depending on the weather.
For those who enjoy the evening crowds, there is also a night jeep safari. In November evenings get dark early, so bring a light jacket.
How do I relax after being tired?
At the hammam. A kese and foam massage takes about one and a half to two hours and works well the day after a beach or safari day. Alanya also has hammam options for women only. If your plans are disrupted by a rainy day, the hammam also works as a backup plan.
How should I arrange the schedule in late October?
The short-day rule is simple: put outdoor activities before noon and the hammam and dinner in the evening. This sequence works well:
- Day 1: castle, Damlataş, Cleopatra Beach
- Day 2: boat tour or Green Canyon
- Day 3: Sapadere
- Day 4: safari or paragliding
- Day 5: Side and Manavgat, then hammam
If the weather turns, you can move the sea days forward and bring the castle and hammam earlier.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need for all 10 things in Alanya?
For a comfortable pace, 4–5 days is enough. The castle, Damlataş and Cleopatra Beach fit into one day; the boat trip, canyon and day trips each need a separate day.
Do boat tours run in early November?
Sailing schedules may change towards the end of the season and weather conditions are decisive. Check the current information on the tour page.
Do the tours include hotel pickup?
Many tours offer hotel pickup. Check the tour page in the catalogue for your own area.
What should I wear for the Green Canyon tour?
Quick-drying clothes, a swimsuit and a spare T-shirt are a good idea since you may get wet. Bring a light top for autumn too.
