Alanya was one of the stops of our long road trip on the south coast of Turkey – the so-called Turquoise Coast – when I was a teenager.
I still remember the dazzling Mediterranean Sea and all the salt left on our bodies when we came back to our hotel from the seaside. That’s how salty the sea was and still is! Having the best tan I have ever had… well, it simply summarizes that summer!
A spectacular mixture of tranquility, adventure, nightlife, and history, there are things to do in Alanya for every type of traveler.
Located between the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean, Alanya is set on a peninsula made of rocks, and the city dates back to almost the 13th century. With sweeping beaches and stunning sights, this lovely seaside town has several gems to discover.
Visit Alanya Castle and the Red Tower
On the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, legend says that the fortifications of Alanya Castle have been there since the 3rd century BC.
Giving 360-degree panoramic views of the city, this castle is a must-see in Alanya when you are in the city center.
After you have completed your visit to Alanya Castle, continue walking to the harbor. The Red Tower is a hexagonal structure that was once built to protect Alanya Castle as well as the Old Shipyard nearby against the cities’ enemies, and it’s well worth visiting this icon of Alanya when you travel to Turkey.
Check out the Alanya Archaeological Museum
The small but well-curated museum that was renovated in 2012 is worth a visit if you are into local history.
One of the exhibits includes a bronze statue of Hercules dating back to the 2nd century AD. There are also jewelry, coins, letters, jugs, and tools.
The museum is open every day between 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM.
Try stand up paddleboarding
Even if you have never done stand-up paddleboarding before, you should give it a try in the clear waters on Alanya — all the better with Red Tower views behind you!
It’s an amazingly relaxing activity once you find your balance on the board. It’s best to enjoy the sea when it is calm before all the boats take off, so therefore I recommend starting paddling in the morning. It’s also good to get out there before it gets too hot! Stand-up paddling is also a great and fun way to get a tan.
Take a jeep tour by day or night night
With illuminated 4 x 4 Land Rover Safari Jeeps, you can enjoy the mountain wilderness and feed your adventurous soul on the 1200 meter peaks of the Taurus Mountains.
If you like group excursions, going on a jeep safari, especially at night can be a great idea!
Of course, there are tours during the day, as well, so if you want to go during the day, take sunscreen and plenty of water with you as the vehicles are open top. It becomes a challenge to take pictures on the bumpy off roads, but it is where the fun is!
Relax on the göbektaşı
Alanya has great hammams, a must-have traditional Turkish culture bathing experience.
Here’s some hammam 101. First, get into the sauna and then into the steam room to get your body ready to handle the hammam’s hot temperature. By doing so, the pores on your skin will open, and you will be able to clean your skin more easily.
When you get accustomed to the heating, lay down on the göbektaşı, the marble-heated central platform in the hammam to relax.
If you have made an arrangement with one of the ladies who work there, she will come and scrub your body with fluffy soap and then give you a back massage. (Men, don’t feel left out – there are hammams for men as well, as they are separated by gender.)
Once you are done, relax in the lounge and enjoy your herbal tea, feeling brand new.
Paraglide over Cleopatra Beach
If you are into adrenaline-pumping sports, paragliding is another great thing to do in Alanya. I can’t think of a better way to enjoy the photogenic scenery of the city and the sea!
After reaching the mountains, you can take off on a flight of 20 minutes. Be careful while choosing the company; some of them lack licenses!
Be sure to pack a proper, sturdy selfie stick if you want a good photo. Having the right photo equipment is also very important in order to take good pictures during your flight!
Take a pirate boat trip
If you are traveling with your kids, and if your kids love Pirates of the Caribbean… this activity is perfect for you!
You will depart from the harbor by a ship almost identical to Jack Sparrow’s pirate ship and sail away. I am sure your kids also love the entertainment activities on the ship, which include dancing and some games led by an actor who impersonates Johnny Depp’s Pirates character!
The boats generally stay close to Alanya, as there are no islands or bays to discover nearby. There are some caves, though, which I will mention below!
Make a wish at the Phosphorus and Lovers’ Cave
If you sail away from Alanya harbor, you will probably pay a visit to Phosphorus Cave. The area near the cave is a favorite swimming pit stop for the boats carrying tourists out on excursions.
It is a tradition to make a wish in the caves in Turkey by throwing a coin into the water; this cave is not an exception!
Another popular cave near Alanya is the Lovers’ Cave. Supposedly, the legend says that Lovers’ Cave was the lair of old pirates. The entrance of the cave is 8 meters high and if you are brave enough, you can dive right into the water from up there!
Take a bath like Cleopatra
There are several beaches in Alanya with the European flag, meaning these beaches are in the standards of the international control administration, a very high rank to earn.
One of the most popular of these white sand paradises is obviously Cleopatra Beach, taking its name from the famous Egyptian Princess Cleopatra, who allegedly took a bath with the Roman Emperor Mark Anthony (Marcus Antonius) here!
Spanning two kilometers west of the city, the entrance to the beach is free. There are sunbeds and umbrellas to hire in case you cannot bring your own.
Cleopatra Beach is extremely popular, so do expect crowds, especially in the high season!
Visit the wooden houses in Ehmedek
Ehmedek was once a neighborhood where the Turkish lived during the rule of the Seljuk and Ottoman empires. After a short walk from Alanya Castle, old wooden houses start to appear in the streets where you can also visit Ehmedek Castle and Süleymaniye Mosque.
There is also a bedesten, a marketplace, you can shop for traditional souvenirs as well as a 13th-century mausoleum called Akşebe Türbesi where you can pray or make a wish.
Visit the Alanya Shipyard (Tersane)
The tersane (shipyard) is another thing you should not miss, simply because it is the only shipyard to remain in Turkey that was built by the Seljuk civilization.
Last time I checked, the tersane was under renovation, therefore it might still continue, as these things are taken seriously and take time in Turkey.
Bargain in Cuma Pazarı
The local market takes place every Friday (hence the name Cuma Pazarı, which means Friday Market in Turkish!) where you can stroll among various fruits and vegetables that look and smell so fresh!
The area is especially famous for its citrus trees, so definitely buy a jar of orange jam. You can also have pomegranate juice during your stroll.
These markets have also textiles sections you should check out. There are 100% organic white T-shirts and dresses made from şile bezi (gauze), a perfect clothing choice for the extremely hot summer months of Alanya.
Another tip, please do not forget to bargain. Locals love it and expect it from shoppers, whether foreign or local!
Day Trips from Alanya
Have lunch at Dimçayı River
Located 22 kilometers from Alanya, Dimçayı River is a great escape from the sun with its cooling waters.
The river runs in a valley surrounded by cliffs where you can shelter under the shadows and breathe in the fresh air.
Lunching here is also a good idea, and there are restaurants located above the river which have traditional Turkish pergolas to relax.
Swim in the cold waters of Sapadere Canyon
Cutting through the mountains, Sapadere is a true gem with its cascading waterfalls and green forests. There are walls made of limestone on each side of the canyon, as well as wooden roads through the canyon.
You will see some stairways that lead to some swimming spots. However, like I said in the title, the water is freezing cold regardless of the season! If you are courageous enough, though, take a dip!
I still remember the winding road that leads to Sapadere. I had gotten sick because of turning all the time (so bring your motion sickness pills!). It’s a 40-minute drive from Alanya, and you can reach the destination by jeep or motorbike. There are also tours available if you don’t want to drive.
Breathe in Damlataş Cave
One of the first caves to be opened for tourism in the country, Damlataş Cave was accidentally found in 1948 while construction workers were taking stones for Alanya harbor. Inside the cave, you can see stalagmites and stalactites dating back 15,000 years.
For years, thousands of visitors come to Damlataş Cave to find a cure for their asthma, thanks to the unique atmosphere of the cave. The percentage of carbon dioxide is quite high, 12 times more than the air we breathe outside, and the humidity is 95%: ideal conditions for breathing easily!
Whatever the season, the temperature of the air in the cave is 22–23 °C (72–73 °F). You can visit Damlataş Cave every day between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
Alanya Restaurants to Try
Eat girit ezmesi at İskele Sofrası
A short walk away from Alanya harbor, there is a restaurant run by three generations of the same family who are into slow food.
Book your table in advance to have a taste of meze menu, one of which is girit ezmesi – a mash made from feta-like cheese, olive oil, and walnuts.
Kuzu güveç, their delicious lamb hot pot, is also to die for. Do not forget to order your rakı, the local favorite alcohol. The restaurant is open until 1 A.M.
Address: Çarşı, Tophane Cd., 07400 Alanya/Antalya
Have fresh fish at Kaleiçi Meyhanesi
The restaurant presents an impressive selection of shellfish and fish dishes as well as 30 types of meze plates just above the harbor.
The restaurant is on the waterfront and has a traditional Turkish meyhane (taverna) concept with a cozy decoration. It opens after 4 PM.
Address: Çarşı, İskele Cd. No:80, 07400 Alanya/Antalya
Have a rosé at Bistro Floyd
Once belonging to an Ottoman Empire-era family, the house has been renovated and turned into one of the hippest hangout spots in the city center.
The menu presents dishes from both Turkish and European cuisines. Order a glass of rosé to cool off after a day under the Alanya sun.
Address: Çarşı, Damlataş Cd. No:19, 07400 Alanya/Antalya
Alanya Nightlife & Bars
Dance to live music at the Sky Lounge Bar
This is a multi-story venue both locals and foreigners prefer, where you can listen to soft chill-out music in the early hours of the night.
Sky Lounge Bar turns into a mix of house and club after midnight. On some nights, you can dance to live music on the 6th floor after 10 PM.
Do not forget to check out the program before you hit the venue! Just a kind reminder, most clubs in Turkey do not accept single men without company.
Address: Çarşı, İskele Cd. no: 80, 07400 Alanya/Antalya
Club Summer Garden
If you want to dance until the first light of the sun, this is THE place.
The best open-air disco in the country, Club Summer Garden is extremely popular. There are spectacular music and stage performances to enjoy!
Address: Konaklı, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Blv. No:24, 07560 Alanya/Antalya
Havana Club
Young Turks come to party until morning in Havana Club, a venue capable of accommodating up to 1,000 partiers!
The DJ programs differ but mainly play a mixture of R&B, Turkish pop hits, techno, and club. Again, most clubs do not accept solo men, so keep this in mind if you’re a man traveling Turkey alone.
Address: Çarşı, Müftüler Sk, 07400 Alanya/Antalya
Crazy Horse
If you feel like eating sushi, this is the place! The menu also has Latin cuisine options.
After dinner is served, the place turns into a real party venue full of young people. You can hit the bar until 3 AM!
Address: Şekerhane, Hükümet Cd., 07400 Alanya/Antalya
Queen’s Garden
If you would like to dance with your family, you can head to Queen’s Garden. Just follow the music from the city center, and you will reach there.
Address: Müftüler Caddesi Demirciler Sk. No 99 07400, 07400 Alanya, Antalya