What to See in Alanya: Sights, Routes and Practical Tips

Alanya is more than beaches and sea. This city has a history spanning over two thousand years, with preserved fortresses, towers, caves and archaeological sites. This guide covers the main attractions with practical details: how to get there, what it costs and how much time to allow.

Alanya Castle (Alanya Kalesi)

The medieval fortress on the rocky peninsula — the city’s most iconic landmark. Walls stretch 6.5 km with 140 watchtowers. Inside: ruins of an 11th-century Byzantine church, mosques, cisterns and panoramic viewpoints.

• Elevation: 250 metres above sea level.
• How to get there: on foot (40 min), bus No. 4, or cable car from Damlataş Beach.
• Cable car runs year-round (until 22:00 in summer, 18:00 in winter).
• Time needed: 1.5–2.5 hours.

Best visited early morning or late afternoon.

Red Tower (Kızıl Kule)

An octagonal red-brick tower, 33 metres tall. Built in 1226 to protect the harbour from pirates.

• Five floors; ethnographic museum on ground floor, viewpoints on top.
• Located by the harbour, walking distance from the centre.
• Entry: around 120 lira (free with Museum Pass).

Damlataş Cave (Damlataş Mağarası)

Discovered by accident in 1948. Stalactites and stalagmites estimated at 15,000–20,000 years old.

• Constant temperature: +22°C, humidity: 90–98%.
• Air believed beneficial for respiratory conditions.
• Entry: ~80 lira. Time: 15–20 minutes.

Alanya Shipyard (Tersane)

A 13th-century shipyard — five stone-arched docks of the Seljuk fleet.

• 10–15 min walk from the Red Tower along the waterfront.
• Free entry.
• Best viewed from the water during a yacht cruise.

Sapadere Canyon (Sapadere Kanyonu)

A scenic gorge in the mountains, 45 km from Alanya.

• Trail: ~750 metres, ending at a waterfall with a natural pool.
• Entry: ~90 lira. Walking time: 40–60 minutes.
• 5–10° cooler than the coast — great on hot days.

Dim River (Dim Çayı)

A mountain river 6 km from the Alanya centre, lined with restaurants with terraces over the water.

• Fresh trout, grilled dishes and Turkish cuisine.
• Nearby: Dim Cave (Dim Mağarası), Turkey’s second-largest show cave.
• Reachable by dolmuş or taxi.

Perfect for an evening after a day on the beach.

Alanya Archaeological Museum

A compact museum with artefacts from the Bronze Age to the Ottoman period.

• Near Cleopatra Beach and the cable car station.
• Time: 30–45 minutes. Open daily except Monday.

Dim Cave (Dim Mağarası)

Turkey’s second-largest show cave, at 232 metres elevation above the river.

• Length: 360 metres. Features an underground lake.
• Entry: ~80 lira.

The Old Harbour and Lighthouse

Tour boats by day, restaurants and bars by evening.

• White lighthouse (16 metres) — popular photo spot.
• Colourful fishing boats, cafés and souvenirs.

“I Love Alanya” Viewpoint

Panoramic view of Cleopatra Beach, castle and mountains. Free access, best at sunset.

Ancient Ruins near Mahmutlar

Guests staying in Mahmutlar can easily visit the ruins of the ancient cities of Laertes, Syedra and Naula — located in the nearby mountains and offering a glimpse of the coast as it was thousands of years ago.

Suggested 2–3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Cleopatra Beach → Damlataş Cave → Cable car → Castle.
Day 2: Red Tower → Harbour → Shipyard → Lunch at the port → Evening promenade.
Day 3: Sapadere Canyon or Dim River → Dim Cave → Dinner by the river.

Add a yacht cruise along the coast — MAREIN arranges private routes.

Where to Stay

MAREIN boutique hotel is located in Mahmutlar — 12 km east of central Alanya. The main sights are easily reachable by bus No. 1 (25–30 min) or taxi. The nearest airport is Gazipaşa (30 min drive).

Staff help with route planning and excursion booking. Reserve your room through the official website.