Alanya Travel Guide: Castle, Beaches & Things to Do
Alanya pairs a dramatic castle headland with long sandy beaches. Here is what to see and how to arrive from Antalya or Gazipaşa airport.
Published 2026-06-21
Why visit Alanya
Alanya is a lively coastal city on the eastern Turkish Riviera, famous for its Seljuk castle on a rocky peninsula, golden beaches and a buzzing harbour and nightlife scene.
It suits beach holidays, families and culture seekers, with a long season and a large choice of hotels in Mahmutlar, Kestel, Konaklı and the centre.
Top things to do in Alanya
Visit Alanya Castle and the Red Tower (Kızıl Kule), relax on Cleopatra Beach, explore the Damlataş Cave, and take a harbour boat trip around the peninsula.
The cable car to the castle and day trips to Sapadere Canyon or Dim River are popular ways to spend a day.
Getting to Alanya
Alanya is about 125 km from Antalya Airport (around 2 hours) and only ~45 km from Gazipaşa–Alanya Airport (around 45 minutes). Choose your transfer based on where you land.
A private transfer drops you at your hotel for a fixed price — the easiest option after a long flight, especially for the longer Antalya Airport route.
Getting around & day trips
Central Alanya is walkable, and dolmuş minibuses run along the coast. For day trips to Side, Manavgat or the canyons, a private driver or transfer saves time.
If you’re staying in Mahmutlar or Kargıcak, factor the extra distance into airport pickup times.