Alanya is a beautiful Turkish Riviera town that has a bit of everything: historical attractions, adventure sports, vibrant nightlife, and serene natural beauty. Here’s a guide of things to do in Alanya to make the most of your trip.
1. Explore Alanya Castle (Alanya Kalesi)
Out of all the things to do in Alanya a visit to the iconic Alanya Castle is one of the main things to tick off your list. This castle dates back to the 13th century and offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and across the city. Walking up to the castle can be a bit steep, so be prepared for a small workout or catch the cable car for a scenic ride to the top.
2. Visit the Red Tower (Kızıl Kule)
The Red Tower (Kızıl Kule) is a 33-metre octagonal tower that now houses a museum. It was built as a defensive structure completed in 1226 to protect the harbour, the nearby shipyard (Tersane), and the city from potential sea-based attacks. It is one of the most recognisable symbols of Alanya, and used to be on bank notes.
3. Relax on Kleopatra Beach
Kleopatra Beach is one of Alanya’s most famous spots, named after the Egyptian queen who, legend has it, swam here herself. It’s even said that she had white sand imported from Egypt to make the beach more comfortable, though there’s no historical evidence of this. The shallow, crystal-clear waters and golden sand make it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
4. Explore the Old Town (Kaleiçi)
Alanya’s Old Town, known as Kaleiçi, is a must-visit destination. This charming area features historic Ottoman-style houses adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant displays of colorful flowers. Pictured is the pretty entrance to a restaurant on a small side street.
5. Sample delicious Turkish cuisine
No trip to Alanya is complete without indulging in Turkish cuisine. From kebabs and mezes to fresh seafood, you’ll find a range of delicious options. Be sure to try traditional dishes like Pide (Turkish flatbread), and Baklava for dessert. One of the places we won’t forget stopping at is Cafe Opera, which was covered in teddy bears! Alanya in particular is famous for the fruits it produces, including bananas, kiwis, papayas, mangoes and avocados that thrive in the subtropical conditions. Try get your hands on some at the local market.
6. Check out the harbour
Alanya Harbour is a lively area with plenty to see. You’ll find old Ottoman houses, cafes, and restaurants. Close to the harbour is Alanya’s Old Shipyard (Tersane), built in 1228 and Turkey’s only remaining medieval shipyard. It is also home to many wooden gulets (Turkish boats) that offer a traditional sailing experience.
7. Shop for souvenirs
The area around Alanya’s harbour is dotted with souvenir shops selling everything from magnets and keychains to more elaborate handcrafted items. These stores are especially popular among tourists, so prices can be slightly higher, but they do offer a great selection of Turkish souvenirs. My favourites are the hand-painted ceramics, and items with the Turkish evil eye (nazar boncuğu).
Alanya Bazaar is an open-air market where you’ll find an array of goods including spices, fresh produce, Turkish delight, leather goods, and hand-woven rugs. Bargaining is common here, so don’t be afraid to negotiate a bit to get the best price on unique Turkish items!
8. Go on a pirate boat
Due to its strategic location along the Mediterranean coast, Alanya was a popular base for pirates. It is known for its themed Pirate Boat Tours that take you along the coast, offering scenic views of the castle, hidden caves, and secluded beaches. Most boats come complete with music, dancing, and even pirate shows. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit, as there are usually stops for swimming and snorkeling.
9. Enjoy Dimçayı River
One of the natural beauties of Alanya, there’s plenty of activities you can enjoy by the Dimçayı River including swimming and rafting. Restaurants and cafes line the river, and with the natural shade from trees and greenery, it’s a welcome break from the heat of Alanya. An unbeatable spot to enjoy some food and drink and take some time to relax.
10. Take a trip to Side
Less than an hour away by rental car or taxi, Side is a historic coastal town known for its well-preserved ancient ruins, including the Temple of Apollo and a massive Roman amphitheatre. It’s definitely worth taking a day to visit if you’re able to!
As you can see from this post, there’s plenty of things to do in Alanya. But it’s also a great spot just to sit back, relax and not do much either if that’s what you want from your holiday!
Visiting Alanya FAQs (2026)
For perfect weather without intense 40c heat, visit in May, June, or September. If you are on a budget, April and October offer significantly lower hotel rates while the sea is still warm enough for swimming.
Always pay in Turkish Lira for the best value. While many shops in the bazaar and tour operators accept Euros or Pounds, they often use a poor exchange rate. Use a travel card (like Revolut or Wise) to withdraw Lira from local bank ATMs (avoid “Euronet” ATMs as they have high fees).
In restaurants, a tip of 10–15% is standard if service isn’t included. For taxis, rounding up the fare to the nearest 10 or 20 Lira is appreciated. For hotel porters, 20–50 Lira per bag is a kind gesture.
The area of Alanya is very walkable (although a bit hilly in parts). To venture further out, the local bus (Dolmuş) is the most cost-effective. You will need an Alanya Kentkart, which you can buy at most kiosks. Taxis are available but agree on a price before getting in or ensure the meter is running.
Sophie is a freelance writer and editor, and the founder of Britain and Beyond.
