Alanya

Alanya occupies one of the most dramatic settings on the Turkish coast: a medieval fortress on a 250m rocky promontory jutting into the Mediterranean, with beaches stretching 12km on either side. The Seljuk Turks built the castle and harbour towers here in the 13th century and the combination of red stone fortifications, turquoise water, and the Taurus Mountains behind creates a setting that photographed well then and photographs well now.

Alanya is popular with German, Russian, and Scandinavian tourists and has a well-developed resort infrastructure. It is also, beyond the beach strip, a city with real character — markets, mosques, hammams, and local restaurants that exist entirely independent of the tourist economy.

Alanya Castle

The Alanya Kalesi was built by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I in 1226. The outer walls extend for 6.5km around the promontory and contain a completely intact inner citadel at the summit. The views from the top — the Cleopatra Beach curving west, the Red Tower and harbour below, the Mediterranean extending to the horizon — are among the finest coastal views in Turkey.

Practical: The castle is a 15-minute drive or a 40-minute uphill walk from the town centre. Minibuses run from the harbour. Entrance approximately 200 TRY. Allow 2 hours for the citadel and walls.

The Red Tower (Kızıl Kule)

Built in 1226 to defend the harbour, the Red Tower is Alanya’s most recognizable landmark — an octagonal red-brick tower 33 metres high, the largest military structure the Seljuks ever built. Now a small museum with exhibits on Seljuk history. The tower stands at the entrance to the harbour, easily combined with a walk to the Tersane (Seljuk shipyard, carved into the cliff face at sea level).

Practical: Entrance approximately 100 TRY. Open daily except Monday.

The Beaches

Cleopatra Beach: The main city beach west of the castle promontory, 3km of sand named (dubiously) for the Egyptian queen who is said to have swum here. Free public sections alongside paid beach clubs. The water is excellent — the long beach profile means it stays shallow and calm in most conditions.

Keykubat Beach: East of the promontory, less crowded, fine sand. Generally calmer and better for families.

Damlatas Beach: At the base of the castle rock, small and sheltered. Adjacent to the Damlatas Cave (stalactites, high humidity — historically recommended for asthma suffers).

Boat Trips and Sea Caves

The standard Alanya boat trip (approximately 350 TRY, runs from the harbour all day) circles the castle rock and stops at four sea caves: the Lovers Cave, Phosphorus Cave (bioluminescent at night), Pirates Cave, and the largest, the Damlatas sea entrance. Snorkelling stops in clear water are included. A half-day trip and a good one.

Dim Çayı and Dim Cave

12km east of Alanya, the Dim River runs through a gorge to the sea. The river valley is planted with fruit trees and has picnic areas at the water. Further up the valley, Dim Cave (Dim Mağarası) is a 360-metre stalactite cave. A half-day trip.

Best Time to Visit Alanya

May to June: Sea 22-24C, temperatures 25-30C, not yet crowded. Best value.
September to October: Sea 25-26C in September (warmest of the year), crowds thin from mid-September, prices fall.
July to August: Peak season — hot (35-38C), very crowded, prices maximum. Still excellent for a pure beach holiday booked well in advance.
November to April: Mild (15-22C), most beach facilities closed. Good for the castle and historical sites.