15 Things to Do in Alanya: Castle, Beach, Canyon and More
15 things to do in Alanya: the castle, Damlataş, Cleopatra Beach, boat trip, canyon, hammam and Pamukkale. What to do in October, which day for what, a short guide.
The 15 things to do in Alanya are: Alanya Castle, the Red Tower, the shipyard, Damlataş Cave, Cleopatra Beach, paragliding, boat tour, Green Canyon, Sapadere Canyon, jeep safari, quad safari, evening safari, hammam, Dim River with Dim Cave, and a Pamukkale day trip. You don't have to fit them all into one week. Below I explain who each one suits and how to group them, answering your questions.
What should first-time visitors to Alanya see first?
Start with the castle. 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 city is visible from it.
There are three more stops at the foot of the castle, and all of them can easily be done in the same day: the Red Tower, the Seljuk shipyard and Damlataş Cave. If you want to see all four in one program, the Alanya Castle, Damlataş Cave and City Tour by Cable Car takes care of it. You won't have to climb to the top on foot, leaving time to stroll along the walls and take photos. Wear comfortable shoes, as stone surfaces can be slippery.
What is there to do at Cleopatra Beach?
Swim, watch the sunset, or look down from above if you wish. Cleopatra Beach is a golden sandy beach 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 the air, there is the 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 with the weather. Plan 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 coast has caves and coves that are hard to reach by land. The Alanya: Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Soft Drinks takes you by catamaran through these coves and caves. Lunch and soft drinks are included in the program. The boat tour has a relaxed pace, with swim stops.
If you want a more active day, there are combined boat and safari programs at Green Canyon, in the direction of Manavgat. Bring a swimsuit, a towel and sunscreen, and that's all you need.
Which day is best for a mountain trip?
Put a mountain day between your sea days. Sapadere Canyon, at the foot of the Toros Mountains, is a good choice for this. Leaving Alanya, you pass through banana and avocado orchards. The Alanya: Sapadere Canyon Tour with Lunch and Cave Visit starts with a stone bridge and a traditional gözleme stop, then continues with the canyon, a cave and lunch. If you're looking for a cool atmosphere after the beach, it's exactly the right place.
For those seeking more adrenaline, Alanya's mountains offer jeep safari and quad safari programs. Wear old clothes, as you may get wet and dirty.
What to do in the evenings?
You have two good options for the evening: a harbour walk and a hammam. To see the lit silhouette of the castle from the harbour you don't need a special ticket, a walk is enough. The night safari is also preferred after sunset. The hammam is a good idea for shaking off the day's tiredness. Scrub and foam massage is the classic program. Some programs offer hotel pick-up, so you won't have to deal with transport late at night.
What other places are there around Alanya?
Along the Dim River there are riverside restaurants, and people escaping the summer heat come here. The nearby Dim Cave is known for its stalactites and stalagmites. Opening hours may change, so check 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 are 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 to do in Alanya at the end of October?
Late October is a good time for most of this list. Summer crowds have thinned, so the castle walk and the canyon day go more comfortably. The sea can still be swum in most years, but confirm this by checking the weather for that week. Keep a light cardigan handy for evening boat and night programs. 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 reasonable plan is one day for the castle, Red Tower, shipyard and Damlataş, one day for boat and beach, and one day for Sapadere or another mountain program. You can add a hammam or a harbour walk to the evenings.
Is the cable car included in the castle tour?
The Alanya Castle, Damlataş Cave and City Tour by Cable Car includes cable car use. For details, check 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 opening hours before your visit. Outdoor programs such as boat trips and paragliding may be postponed depending on the weather.
Do you need prior experience for paragliding?
No, on a tandem flight the pilot controls the flight and you can focus on the view. Since the flight decision depends on the wind, still leave a flexible day when booking.
