Alanya
Where the Taurus mountains meet the sea
21 tours
What to know about Alanya
Alanya is built around the rocky peninsula that splits the town in two. On top sits a 13th-century Seljuk fortress with 6.5 kilometres of walls; at its foot stand the Red Tower and the only surviving Seljuk shipyard in the world. Cleopatra Beach lies west of the rock, while the long hotel strip stretches east.
Calling it a beach town undersells it. Twenty to forty kilometres inland you reach Sapadere Canyon, the Dim River valley and Dim Cave. When the coast hits 35°C in August, these valleys are a good ten degrees cooler, which is why canyon and riverside day trips are the best sellers of high summer.
Alanya is also the tour hub of eastern Antalya. Most day trips to Pamukkale, Cappadocia, Side and Manavgat Waterfall pick up from Alanya hotels, and boat tours leave the harbour to cruise the caves directly beneath the castle rock.
When to go
The sea is swimmable from early May to mid-November. April-June and September-October are the most comfortable months for sightseeing: 25-30°C, fewer crowds and lower prices. In July and August daytime highs pass 35°C, so plan the castle and any ruins for around 09:00.
Getting there
The nearest airport is Gazipaşa-Alanya (GZP), 40 km east, a 40-50 minute transfer. Antalya Airport (AYT) is 125 km west, 2-2.5 hours by motorway. Buses run from Antalya city centre in about 2 hours, with direct services from Konya and Ankara. Local minibuses along the coast run around the clock.
What to see in Alanya
Alanya Castle and the Red Tower
The walls run 6.5 km around the peninsula. The five-storey Red Tower dates from 1226 and houses a small museum; reach the summit by cable car or road.
Cleopatra Beach
A Blue Flag, coarse-sand beach on the western side of the rock, lined with sunbeds, showers and cafés. Mornings are calmer, as the afternoon breeze picks up.
Damlataş Cave
Right behind the beach, a 15,000-year-old stalactite cave you can walk through in 15 minutes. Its humid, constant 22°C air is recommended for asthma sufferers, who have a separate early session.
Dim River and Dim Cave
Fifteen kilometres from the centre: restaurant platforms built over ice-cold water, and a 360-metre lit cave walkway in the same valley.
Sapadere Canyon
Forty kilometres inland, a 750-metre boardwalk through a narrow gorge ending at a waterfall pool. The access road is narrow and winding, so most visitors come on a tour.
Regions near Alanya
- AntalyaManavgatThe district east of Antalya named after the river running through it. Side, Manavgat Waterfall and the deep-green canyon of the Oymapınar reservoir all sit within its borders.4 tours
- AntalyaGazipaşaA calm coastal district 40 km east of Alanya with its own airport: uncrowded coves, banana greenhouses and the ancient city of Selinus above the sea.1 tours
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Alanya?+
Two full days cover the castle, Red Tower, Damlataş and the beaches. Add a canyon, the Dim River and a boat trip and you want four; with far day trips such as Pamukkale or Cappadocia, a week fits comfortably.
Do tours pick up from hotels in Alanya?+
Most day trips include free pick-up from hotels along the coast between Mahmutlar and Konaklı. Pick-up runs 30-60 minutes earlier depending on how far your hotel is from the centre; just give the hotel name when booking.
Is Alanya worth visiting in winter?+
Yes. From December to February daytime temperatures sit around 15-18°C. Swimming is out, but it is ideal weather for the castle, the caves and canyon walks. Some boat tours pause for the season.
How much do Alanya tours cost?+
Alanya options range from €7.80 to €85, averaging around €26 per person. Prices vary with duration, group size and season.
How long do they take?+
Most tours in this list run 6 h. The full itinerary and return time are listed on each tour page.
Is hotel pickup included?+
Hotel pickup is included on 21 of these tours. Your pickup time is confirmed together with the booking.
Can I cancel?+
21 of these tours can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before departure. The exact policy is stated on every tour page.
How do I book?+
Pick a tour, choose your date and party size. Your request goes to the local operator running the tour, and confirmation arrives by email.
At a glance
- Price range
- €7.80 – €85
- Typical duration
- 6 h
- Average rating
- 4.5
- Options available
- 21
- With hotel pickup
- on 21 tours
- With free cancellation
- on 21 tours
Tour types in this region
Alanya guide
What we have written about this region.
Alanya Tours: Compare Top Excursions, Boat Trips, and Safaris
Compare popular Alanya tours including quad safaris, canyon excursions, tandem paragliding, and pirate boat cruises. Find prices, durations, and key inclusions.
Alanya Horse Safari: Everything You Need to Know Before You Ride
Planning an Alanya horse safari? Read our complete guide on what to wear, safety rules, route details, pricing, and how to book your mountain riding adventure.
Alanya Quad Safari: A Guide to Forest and Mountain Trails
Planning an Alanya quad safari? Read our complete guide covering what to expect, safety tips, clothes to wear, and how to book your forest adventure.
Alanya Boat Tour Guide: Party or Relax on the Coastline
Planning an Alanya boat tour? Learn how you can choose between a lively party boat with a foam party or a quiet relax cruise along the scenic Mediterranean coast.