Alanya holidays: a clifftop castle, Cleopatra Beach and the mountains
A castle on a rock above the sea, Cleopatra Beach right below it and the Taurus Mountains behind. Alanya is a Turkish Riviera resort with a long season and a real old town.
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Alanya
Photo: Arthur Shuraev / Unsplash
Alanya, the castle by the sea
Take the cable car up from Cleopatra Beach in the early evening. Below you lie the 13th-century castle walls, the harbour full of pirate-style tour boats and a shoreline running east towards the mountains. Alanya is a beach resort, but it is also an old town whose history you can walk.
It sits on the Turkish Riviera, about two hours east of Antalya airport, and has a large community of northern Europeans who spend the winter here. For the rest of the country, see our Turkey travel guide.
What to see
The castle and the Red Tower
Walls, old houses and views in every direction on the peninsula. The octagonal Red Tower by the harbour is the town's emblem.
Cleopatra Beach
The long sandy beach west of the peninsula, broader and calmer than the beach east of the centre.
Damlataş Cave
A stalactite cave beside the beach, known for its humid air.
Boat trips
Cruises around the peninsula to sea caves and coves reachable only from the water.
Day trips
Dim Çayı: a mountain river east of town, with restaurants on platforms over the water. Cool even in summer.
Sapadere Canyon: walkways into a narrow gorge in the Taurus Mountains.
Side and Aspendos: Greek and Roman ruins west of Alanya, easy to combine with the drive from Antalya.
When to go
The season is long. April, May, October and November are pleasantly warm for both beach and mountains, July and August are very hot, and winter is mild and quiet. Prefer to stay closer to the airport? See our Antalya guide.
Good to know
Fly into Antalya, or Gazipaşa-Alanya, which is closer but has fewer routes.
Check Turkey's current entry requirements before you travel.
Haggle in the bazaar, not in restaurants with fixed prices.
Granada Luxury Beach
Photo: Hotels.com
Where to stay
Our Alanya hotel guide picks hotels on the beach and in town.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Granada Luxury Beach
Frequently asked questions about Alanya
When is the best time to visit Alanya?
May, June, September and October bring warm weather without the worst of the summer heat.
How far is Alanya from Antalya airport?
Around two hours by car or transfer bus, depending on traffic and where you are staying.
Which is the best beach in Alanya?
Cleopatra Beach is the most popular. East of the centre the beaches are longer, with more large hotels.
Is Alanya good in winter?
Yes, for mild weather, walking and peace and quiet. The sea is too cool for most swimmers.