Alanya Guide

Seljuk heritage with views over two bays

The symbol of Alanya, the castle crowns the peninsula with Seljuk-era walls, historic buildings and a unique view over both of the city's bays.

The 800-year-old guardian of the harbour

Built in 1226 to protect the harbour and the shipyard, the octagonal Red Tower is one of the most recognisable landmarks of Alanya and now houses an ethnography museum.

Five vaulted bays opening onto the sea

Built in the same period as the Red Tower, the shipyard with its five vaulted bays opening onto the sea is one of the most striking surviving examples of Seljuk seafaring.

Stalactites, stalagmites and healing air

Discovered by chance in 1948 during the construction of the harbour, Damlataş Cave is famous for stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years and for its humid air at a constant temperature.

The legendary fine-sand shore

Stretching west of the castle, Cleopatra Beach is Alanya's most famous beach, known for its fine sand, clear water and castle views.

Discover the peninsula from the sea

Boat tours from the harbour show the caves around the peninsula, the Red Tower and the shipyard from the sea, with swimming stops that make for one of the most enjoyable days out.

Dining over ice-cold water

With cool water flowing down from the Taurus Mountains, the Dim River is Alanya's favourite place to eat on platforms built over the water and escape the summer heat.

A natural wonder ending in an underground lake

On the slopes of Mount Cebel-i Reis, Dim Cave is one of the most impressive caves around Alanya, with a walkway of about 410 metres, giant stalactites and stalagmites, and a small lake at the end.

Waterfalls and ice-cold pools

Set in the Taurus Mountains near the village of Sapadere, the canyon is a favourite with nature lovers for its waterfalls, turquoise pools and the walkway that runs through it.

Home of the bronze Heracles

Opened in 1967, the museum tells the story of the region over thousands of years; its most famous piece, a Roman-era bronze statue of Heracles, makes it a must-see in the city centre.

The Temple of Apollo by the sea

West of Alanya, Side is one of the most popular day trips in the region, with the columns of the Temple of Apollo by the sea, a large ancient theatre and a charming bazaar among the ruins.