Alanya Travelers Recommend

Three days in Alanya means you can explore the city’s signature sights, relax on the beach, and head out of town for the day to cruise Turkey’s Turquoise Coast or visit nearby ancient Roman ruins. From medieval castles to luxury cruises, here’s how to get the most out of three days in Alanya.

Day 1: City Sights and Ocean Views

Mountaintop Alanya Castle is the obvious starting point for a city tour. Ride the Alanya Teleferik cable car up to the top first thing to enjoy magnificent views along the coast—book your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line. A popular choice is to hike back down, following one of two routes, either to the Red Tower and Alanya harbor or to the Damlatas Caves and Kleopatra Beach. Continue to the local bazaar where you can browse the stalls for souvenirs and sample typical Turkish foods such as borek (stuffed pastries) or sweet baklava. At night, take in the Turkish cultural performance Fire of Anatolia, nicknamed the “Turkish Riverdance.” Featuring live music and dance, the show is popular, and advance bookings are essential—choose a tour that includes hotel pickup and transfers for the ultimate in convenience.

Day 2: Experience the Mediterranean

Set sail today on one of the myriad daily cruises from Alanya, from a pirate ship cruise or a fishing and snorkeling trip to a private yacht charter. A typical cruise visits natural landmarks along the coast such as the Pirates, Lovers, and Phosphorus caves. Along the way, stop to swim and snorkel in the Mediterranean Sea and enjoy lunch onboard. Back in Alanya, head to Kleopatra Beach to enjoy the last of the sunshine. The beach is a popular spot for water sports such as Jet Skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, and paragliding. In the evening, head to the harbor, where bars, restaurants, and nightclubs host live music and entertainment into the early hours.

Day 3: Take a Day Trip

Spend your last day exploring the Turquoise Coast. Thrill seekers can venture off-road in the Taurus Mountains on a Jeep safari, ride quad bikes along mountain trails, or enjoy adrenaline-fueled activities such as white-water rafting and buggy excursions. History buffs have lots of options. Visit the seaside resort of Side, built around the remains of a Roman city, including the dramatic clifftop Temple of Apollo. Nearby, the magnificently preserved Roman amphitheater of Aspendos is one of the region’s must-sees, while the highlight of a trip to the ancient Lycian cities of Myra and Kekova is a glass-bottom boat cruise over the latter’s sunken ruins.

Two days in Alanya gives you enough time to cruise the coastline, relax on the beach, and take in the sights of this Mediterranean city. From medieval fortifications and cultural performances to water sports and a Turkish hammam, here’s how to experience the best of Alanya in 48 hours.

Day 1: Sun, Sea, and Sightseeing

Morning: Start your visit with a ride on the Alanya Teleferik cable car, which affords stunning views over the city’s beaches as it climbs up to mountaintop Alanya Castle. More photo-worthy vistas await at the top, as well as the ruins of an 11th-century Byzantine Church and medieval battlements. If you’re feeling energetic, hike back down the hill, where you’ll find the Damlatas Caves.

Afternoon: Relax this afternoon at Kleopatra Beach, Alanya’s most popular strand, with miles of sand and calm waters ideal for swimming and water sports. Dive in to swim in the warm Mediterranean waters, or take part in activities such as Jet Skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, or even paragliding.

Night: Dip into Turkish culture tonight at nearby Gloria Aspendos Arena with a performance of the Fire of Anatolia show. Nicknamed the “Turkish Riverdance,” the spectacle features live music and up to 120 dancers. Performances are typically held twice weekly, and advance booking is essential.

Day 2: Cruise the Mediterranean

Morning: Head farther afield today: Set sail on a half- or full-day cruise and discover Turkey’s Turquoise Coast from the water. Choose from such options as a private luxury yacht, a scuba diving excursion, or a party cruise with an open bar. Most tours include lunch onboard, stop for swimming or snorkeling, and visit the Pirates, Lovers, and Phosphorus caves.

Afternoon: On return to Alanya, spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the town. Visit the Red Tower, near the harbor, where you’ll have a great view along the seafront. Then, head to the bazaar to shop for souvenirs and tuck into some tasty Turkish cuisine at one of the many restaurants and food stalls.

Night: After a busy day of swimming and sightseeing, relax and unwind with a Turkish hammam—book a package that includes round-trip hotel transfers for a hassle-free experience. After a traditional Anatolian dinner, spend your final night experiencing Alanya’s renowned nightlife. The harbor’s seafront nightclubs are the place to drink and dance into the early hours, or venture into the town center for traditional pubs and live-music venues.

Whether you’re a cruise visitor with just one day in port or stopping over as part of a tour of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, Alanya has plenty to keep you occupied for 24 hours. Ride the cable car up to the castle, swim in the Mediterranean, and watch the sunset from the water—here’s how to see the best of Alanya in one day.

Morning: Visit Alanya Castle

Alanya’s 13th-century castle presides over the city from its mountaintop perch. Ride the Alanya Teleferik cable car to the top for a spectacular view over the beaches and ocean below—prebook your tickets to avoid waiting in line. Enjoy impressive views from the castle, then hike back down the hill, if you’re adventurous—it’s about a 45-minute walk with views over the harbor and the Red Tower. At the foot of the mountain, stop to take a peek in Damlatas Cave, famous for its dramatic stalactites and stalagmites.

Afternoon: Beaches and Bazaars

On the west side of the castle, Kleopatra Beach is Alanya’s most popular, a Blue Flag beach with wide sandy shores. Grab lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants, then head down for a swim in the Mediterranean or take part in water sports: Jet-Skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, and banana-boat rides are all available. Later on, head over to the east side of the castle, where you can browse the stalls at the lively bazaar—a great spot to pick up traditional Turkish souvenirs—before strolling down to the harbor.

Night: Party on the Mediterranean

No visit to Alanya is complete without taking a cruise on the Mediterranean Sea. You can choose from a variety of options, including a romantic sunset cruise with a barbecue dinner served onboard or a party cruise with an open bar. Cruises sail past landmarks such as the Red Tower and Alanya Castle, but some also visit nearby caves such as Pirates Cave and Lovers Cave. Another popular evening option—if your visit coincides with one of the twice weekly performances—is attending a Fire of Anatolia show, a dramatic performance of traditional Turkish music and dance at Gloria Aspendos Arena.