20 Things to Do in Alanya
Thursday, August 20, 2026 · 12 minutes' reading
People who assume Alanya is just a beach town usually change their minds within three days: castle walls, canyons, caves and market stalls add up to well over a week of things to do. Here is a tried-and-tested selection.
1-3 · The castle, the Red Tower and the shipyard
The walls of Alanya Castle wrap around the whole peninsula; the nicest route is taking the cable car up and walking down. The Red Tower (1226) is the symbol of the harbour, and the Seljuk shipyard next to it is one of the few of its kind still standing on the Mediterranean.
4-6 · Damlataş, Cleopatra Beach and the promenade
Damlataş Cave is famous for a microclimate said to help asthma — five minutes in and you are in another world. Legend says the sand of Cleopatra Beach was shipped from Egypt; legend aside, the water really is different. The evening promenade walk is a classic: ice cream, the castle silhouette and boat lights.
7-10 · Get out on the water
A boat trip is Alanya's essential experience, from family-friendly pirate boats to quieter catamarans. Swimming stops are made at the Phosphorus Cave, Lovers' Cave and Cleopatra bay. Early-morning fishing trips are a treat of their own.
11-14 · Canyons and mountains
The wooden walkway of Sapadere Canyon is easy enough for anyone, and its ice-cold natural pool is the coolest escape in summer. Add the riverside restaurants of the Dim River, the jeep safari tracks into the Taurus mountains and the turquoise reservoir of Green Canyon.
15-17 · Adrenaline
Buggy and quad safaris come with guaranteed dust and mud; for rafting you head to Köprülü Canyon for the day. Paragliding is the only way to see the castle and the bays from above.
18-20 · Market, hammam and sunset
The Tuesday market is the place for local fruit, spices and textiles. A traditional Turkish bath undoes the tiredness of tour days. Watch the sunset from the upper cable car station or the western beaches — the cheapest and best show in town.
Most of this list is covered by our daily tours with hotel pickup; timings, prices and programmes are on the tour pages.