19 Amazing Things to do in Alanya, Türkiye

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With so many great things to do in Alanya, you bet I was excited to visit for the first time. This Turkish city is more than just the holiday beach destination I had envisioned, and boasts of activities such as castles, caves and a cable car – in addition to beautiful beaches, of course.

Alanya is a coastal city in Türkiye (formerly Turkey), and a popular destination amongst European tourists. Top Alanya attractions include the Alanya castle and its Red Tower, beaches such as Cleopatra Beach, and day trips to places such as the Sapadere Canyon and heading out on a boat trip with a pirate ship for the day.

First things first. Is it Turkey or Türkiye? 

You may have been confused by my spelling above, but Turkey has in fact changed their name to Türkiye, in order to be less similar to the English spelling of the Thanksgiving bird. 

In the summer of 2022, the name change was officially recognised by the United Nations. But, some still use the old spelling, so if you’ve come across this post looking for the best things to do in Alanya, Turkey, you have come to the right place.

The 19 Best Things to do in Alanya

Now that you have the basics down, it’s time to dive in to my Alanya travel guide! Below you will find the best things to do in the city, so you can plan your perfect trip to Alanya.

Don’t forget to set aside plenty of time for relaxation and chilling on the beach or by the pool, though. Alanya is, after all, first and foremost a destination where you can relax and unwind.

I left Türkiye with some helpful knowledge under my belt, mainly how to order a glass of wine and say thank you in Turkish.

But, as we did some sightseeing, I also learned a lot about the history of Alanya, and even the Seljuc Empire! Like I said, Alanya is more than just a hop and flop destination (a British term I have recently learned), and there are lots of great things to do in the area.

Let’s get to it!

#1 Damlatas Cave

Visiting the Damlatas Cave is one of the top attractions in Alanya, and with its location so close to the popular Kleopatra Beach, you’ll find that it is easy to pop in for a visit.

The cost of entering the cave is 30 TRY (Tyrkish lira) or 1.5 Euro, and you probably won’t spend more than 10 minutes or so inside the cave. Unless you are asthmatic. If so, consider relaxing for a while on one of the several benches at the bottom of the cave.

You see, the air humidity inside the cave is at 98%, and the stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave keep a comfortable temperature of around 22 degrees celcius year-round. This makes it an ideal spot for those with asthma, and many doctors send their patients to go chill in the cave.

Side note: All I could think of inside the cave was that scene in Harry Potter where Harry asks Hagrid about the difference between stalagmites and stalactites, and Hagrid answers that “stalacmites is with an m”.

It is believed that the rock formations inside the cave were formed between 15’000 and 10’000 before Christ (!), but they were not discovered until 1948, during the construction of the harbor.

#2 Dim Cave

Whilst on the topic of caves, there is another one that’s worth knowing of. The Dim Cave is located just 11 kilometers outside of Alanya.

This stunning cave has an underground river, making it slightly more impressive than the Damlatas cave. It is also much bigger (up to 360 meters at most).

However, if you have limited time in Alanya, or have better things to do with your time (such as lounging on the beach and soaking up the sun), visiting the Damlatas Cave is enough to get some insight into these underground caverns.

If you don’t have your own car in Alanya (most people don’t), there are a couple of affordable tours you can join that includes a visit to the Dim Cave.

This one costs $25, and is a full-day jeep safari that includes the cave, lunch and visits to a rural village in the Taurus mountains. Another one is $27 and seems a little bit more adventurous, with visits to a waterfall included.

#3 The Red Tower

The Red Tower of Alanya is perhaps one of the most-known sights in the city.

It is quite iconic, and one of the structures that still stands in the historical part of the city. It dates back to the 13th century (1226 to be exact), and was built by the Seljuk Sultan, Alaeddin Keykubad. The Seljuk (Seljuq) Empire covered the area from 1077 to around 1307 (there’s a history lesson for you).

The tower is also known as Kızıl Kule in Turkish, so you may have to use this when asking for directions. It is part of the castle walls going up the hill (it is actually connected to them).

As you may have guessed from its location on the water, the tower was built as a defence, to protect the city and the shipyard.

Opening hours and entrance info: The Red Tower is open daily year-round. I recommend visiting early in the morning if you are in Alanya during the summer, both to avoid crowds and the worst of the heat. It is possible to get a ticket to the Red Tower that combines the tower and the shipyard.

#4 Alanya Archeology Museum

Having just mentioned the Red Tower, I have to point out that the Alanya Archeology Museum (some just call it the Alanya Museum) have made use of the first floor of the tower, for their ethnographic exhibition. There, you can view clothing and artifacts from the Ottoman period.

The Museum not only covers archeological findings and artifacts, but also some beautiful gardens where you can see sarcophaci in different styles.

Opening hours: The museum is open daily in the summer months, and daily except Mondays from October to April. It is located right by the Damlatas Cave and castle hill, so you can easily get most of your Alanya sightseeing done in a day.

#5 Get a tattoo

This is probably not what you’d expect on a list of things to do in Alanya, but trust me!

There are loads of tattoo parlors around the city center of Alanya, and you’ll find them on almost every street as you walk around. Therefore, tattoo artists are plentiful, and prices are low.

That’s not to say the quality is low as well, as there are lots of tattoo artists in Alanya that are incredibly talented!

Both me and my friend ended up getting tattoos whilst in Alanya, and we couldn’t be happier with the result. We got them done at Da Vinci Ink, and I highly recommend them.

#6 Alanya Castle

The same sultan who built the Red Tower also built Alanya Castle, standing high on the hill in the old city center of Alanya.

There were already some ancient fortifications in place where the castle was built, dating back to the Roman and Byzantine eras. In 1221, the castle was built, including 140 bastions and 83 towers!

Personally, I would say that the castle is more of a fortification than a castle. Inside the large walls that stretch around the hill is an open-air museum, an old market (the Bazaar), a Byzantine church and a mosque.

The castle can be visited daily year round, and can be reached by car, bus (bus 4 takes you to the top of the hill) and the Alanya cable car!

Several Alanya city tours includes admission and a guided tour of the castle, including this one ($20).

#7 The Alanya Cable Car (Teleferik)

The best way to get to the top of the hill where you’ll find Alanya Castle is to go by cable car.

Trust me, it’s better than driving, as the roads are steep and windy. I was actually reminded of home.

The cable car itself isn’t very long (or high off the ground), but since it is less than a kilometer long (900 meters to be exact), it is the most efficient (and easy) way to get to the top of the hill.

It is also one of the most popular attractions in Alanya. It takes you up to 300 meters from the bottom to the top station, and the bottom station is located right by the Damlatas Cave.

A return ticket will cost you 28 Turkish Lira, and you need to show ID to purchase a ticket, for security reasons. A photo copy of your passport is fine if you don’t have any other form of ID with you.

#8 The Suleymaniye Mosque

Inside the castle you will find the Suleymaniye Mosque. It was rebuilt during the Ottoman Empire, but dates back to 1221 when the castle was built.

You can go inside (after covering up – scarfes and skirts are provided at the entrance), to see the main room of the mosque. It is a little underwhelming, and personally I found that the outside of the building (and knowing how old it is) was more interesting.

Still, this is one of the main sights of Alanya, and worth noting if you are visiting the castle.

#9 Chill on the beach

As we have established, Alanya is a holiday destination for sure – and most people go there to relax, soak up the sun and go swimming in the ocean.

Therefore, spending some time chilling on the beaches of Alanya is a must.

The two main beaches of the city are Kleopatra Beach and Halk beach, on either side of the hill that houses the castle. There are areas of both beaches that have been given different names, such as Damlatas Beach on the far end of Kleopatra beach (but the cave), and Oba beach to the East of Halk beach.

All are great, with lots of beach clubs where you can rent sun beds for the day, and order food and drinks. We loved Pasha Beach Club, and the above-mentioned Lui.

#10 Hammam / Turkish Bath

When in Türkiye, right?

A Hammam, or a Turkish bath, was a part of daily life back in the day, and is now a tradition across the Arab world. As one of the oldest bath traditions in the world, it is a must when visiting Alanya (or anywhere in Türkiye, for that matter).

These are bath houses where hot steam is used to cleanse the skin and body, and Hammam rituals (or spa packages, as they are sold as) often include a scrub and foam massage inside the Hammam room (a warm, steam-filled, beautiful room with a big stone in the middle to relax on).

We did our Hammam experience at our hotel, and it included both the above mentioned scrub and foam massage. Personally, I just felt like I was being washed by the masseuse, and felt very clean afterwards.

So not necessarily relaxed.

However, we added a one-hour massage at the end of the ritual, and that left me feeling very rejuvenated.

If you want to experience an authentic Hammam in Türkiye, here are a few great options in Alanya (each are quite affordable, and most include hotel pick up and drop off):

• 2-hour experience including Oil Massage ($25)
• 2-hour visit to a luxury Hammam ($42)
• 3-hour experience including peeling, foam massage and 20-minute oil massage ($20)
• 2-hour Traditional Turkish bath experience ($29)

#11 Visit Cappadocia and see the famous hot air balloons

A bucket list destination in Türkiye is Cappadocia and its hot air balloons. I am sure you have seen photos of this place all around the internet, and might love to know that you can visit it from Alanya!

The drive to Cappadocia from Alanya is around 7 hours, so this is best done as an overnight experience. Luckily, there are tours set up to take you there and back, including interesting stops and experiences along the way.

This 2-day tour to Cappadocia ($111) includes an overnight stay, dinner and several photo stops, and might be the best option for those who want to have an efficient two days.

It is a busy tour, and thus perfect for those who want to experience as much as possible. It includes stops in several beautiful valleys (such as the Devrent and Lovers valleys), the Uchisar Castle and even Cavusin village.

Note that going on a hot air balloon ride is an added charge, completely optional for those who want to do it. I say go for it, as it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

If you have more time to spend in Alanya, you can also consider a 3-day trip to Cappadocia (making it a little less busy). Below are a few more options for those who want to see Cappadocia from Alanya.

#12 The Alanya Shipyard Ruins

The Shipyard/dockyard of Alanya can be found not far from the Red Tower, and has been standing since the 13th century. It was actually the first Seljuk shipyard in the Mediterranean!

You may assume that the Shipyard is just interesting from the outside, but inside you can actually look at rather detailed displays depicting Seljuk maritime navigation, in addition to learning about how the shipyard was built all those years ago.

The shipyard is open daily, following the opening hours of the Red Tower – so it is easy to visit both at the same time.

#13 Water Sports & Extreme Sports

Of course, you can’t visit a coastal city like Alanya without trying your hand at some watersports.

I mean, you can, if you prefer relaxing on the beach – but with so many fun watersports to try, you may as well check them out!

From jet skiing and parasailing to scuba diving, there are loads of options to try. Usually, you’ll find vendors on the beaches of Alanya offering different activities, but you can also book your preferred activity online.

If you prefer to add some adrenaline to your holiday, you’ll be excited to hear that Alanya is home to some great extreme sports as well!

Whether you’d like to go on a rafting adventure, try your hand at ziplining, or even canyoning – you can do so in Alanya.

I told you there was more to this city than just lounging on the beach, right?

Below are some of the best watersports and extreme sports available in Alanya (I always recommend booking in advance).

#14 The Alanya Lighthouse

This tall, white structure with the Turkish flag at its head stands tall by the harbour of Alanya. It was built in the 18th century, and is what I would call a “traditional” lighthouse.

Whilst you cannot enter it, and there isn’t really anything to do there, it is still worth seeing when you visit Alanya. And, to just take a beautiful sunset photo of.

#15 Sail on a Pirate Ship

If you know me or have read my blog in the past, you’ll know that I love the ocean and being on the water. Therefore, I am always looking for tours to take me out to sea (I even review them from time to time).

Therefore, I was excited to learn that in Alanya you can not only go out on a day tour by boat, but you can spend the day on a pirate ship!

There are several tours available, from day cruises to sunset cruises, onboard a large wooden vessel resembling something out of Pirates of the Caribbean (yes, I know it isn’t a real pirate ship).

Most of the tours offer hotel transfers as a part of the package, and you’ll even find options with or without all-inclusive packages. They start at as little as $20, so you have all the options. Browse some of the highest recommended boat tours in Alanya below.

#16 Friday Market (Cuma Pazari)

In addition to tourism, the growing of fruit is an important venture in Alanya and the Antalya region. Local fruit is sold at the several markets found across town, with the Cuma Pazari (Friday market) being the main event.

Thus, visiting the city’s market is a great way to spend your time in Alanya, and an absolute must for those looking for a cultural experience.

The market is located in the center of Alanya, and in 2021 (after 40 years of running) it was closed for an upgrade and refurbishment. It reopened in 2023, with a large new space that includes a cinema and digital library.

From fruits and vegetables to clothing and shoes, local farmers and artisans are selling their products and produce at the market – and I highly recommend a visit!

The video below gives some insight into what you can find at the Cuma Pazari.

#17 The Syedra Ruins

Just 23 kilometers from Alanya you can deep dive into the history of the region at the ancient city of Syedra. Syedra are Roman remains of a settlement dating as far back as the 7th century BC.

It is believed that the settlement was inhabited up until the 13th century AD, so we are talking 2000 years of history in these ruins!

Entrance is free, and if you haven’t rented a car or joined a tour (such as this one) you can take the bus from the Alanya bus station towards Gazipasa and get off at Seki village. You can visit the ruins every day of the week, except Mondays.

#18 A City Tour

In my opinion, there is no better way to get introduced to a new city than to join a city tour. Whether that’s a walking tour, a bus tour or (in Alanya’s case) a mini bus tour, it’s a great way to learn your way around and see some of the main sights.

Most of the city tours of Alanya include the top attractions in the city, namely the cable car, castle and the view from the “I Love Alanya” sign.

I haven’t included the sign in this list of things to do in Alanya because you get great views from the castle hill, and I don’t see the need to go up to the sign just for the view. However, it is fun seeing the sign from the ground!

However, almost every single one of these tours include a trip up to the sign, so if you really want that panoramic view, make sure to join one of the below.

On the day we did our tour the weather was horrendous (as in, lightning kept striking near us and I was actually worried for my safety at one point), so we had to skip quite a lot of it. However, the premise seemed lovely, and I think you’ll have a great time – assuming you get better weather than me!

#19 Cleopatra Statue (on Cleopatra Beach)

On the west side of the castle you will find Cleopatra Beach. I have already mentioned the great beaches of Alanya, and won’t go into further details, but there is another reason why you should visit this one – in addition to the sun and waves.

The beach is named after (you guessed it) Cleopatra of Egypt, the famous queen known for her beauty (and dalliance with Roman emperors and generals). It is said that she once swam on this beach, and thus it has been given its name.

When you are in Alanya (and near the beach), don’t miss the statue of Cleopatra (found here).

Want more things to do in Alanya?

There you have some of the best activities in Alanya, Türkiye, and my absolute favourites. I had a great time relaxing and exploring in Alanya, and know you will too.

If you are looking for more things to do, you can have a look on Viator here. More and more activity vendors are listing their offers there.

Finally, make sure to book your hotel by having a look at the map below – there are lots of great hotels in Alanya, many of them with spa facilities and all-inclusive dining packages.

Booking.com