Team Out of Town
Bucket List: Top 12 Best things to see and do in Alanya, Turkey
Alanya City in Turkey is the center of a Mediterranean culture where people from different parts of the world can truly enjoy what it’s like to live in the Turkish Riviera. Natural wonders like wide white-sand beaches, cultural landmarks, historical sites, and beautiful people are all waiting for you in this small resort town.
If you are looking for the perfect place to experience the famous Mediterranean climate that everybody loves, then Alanya is indeed where you’d want to go. The small city enjoys 310 days of the year with abundant sunshine and sometimes you would even experience 14 hours of sunlight during the months of June and July. With that amount of sunshine and the abundance of stunning beaches in Alanya, I wouldn’t be surprised if you visit the beach at least once every month, or even every week!
With its rich culture and history, Alanya City also has a wide range of tourist attractions to offer! Countless ruins of ancient forts turned museums, historic shipyards, majestic castles, and structures during the era of the Ottoman Empire are still standing to mesmerize tourists. So, what are you waiting for? Join me as we discover the 12 Best Things to do in Alanya!
Explore the Damlatas Cave
First on the list will probably be one of the highlights of your trip to Alanya. Located on the west coast of the famous Alanya Castle is the historical Damlatas Cave. This 50-meter long cylindrical cave containing tons of stalactites and stalagmites is also known as the Asthma Cure Cave. This is because of the widespread belief that the cave can cure one of the most prominent respiratory diseases of mankind. Thousands of tourists with asthma flock to the Damlatas Cave yearly with hopes of recovering from their disease.
The Damlatas Cave is about fifteen thousand years old and it was discovered in 1948. Today, hundreds of thousands visit the cave to marvel at its undeniable beauty. Be sure to check it out!
Have a Relaxing Trip at the Cleopatra Beach
Stretching for about 2 kilometers is the breathtaking Cleopatra Beach, our next destination. If you want to truly experience the Mediterranean style of having a good time, then there’s nowhere else to go other than the beautiful Cleopatra Beach which is as beautiful as the famed Queen of Egypt herself!
With creamy white sands and turquoise waters to swim on, enjoying the mesmerizing Alanya coastline would easily be one of the best experiences you’ll have in the city.
Ride the Cable Car on the way to the Castle
The castle. Yup! There’s only one iconic destination in Alanya that has the word “castle” on it and it’s no other than the Alanya Castle. The best way to reach this mesmerizing piece of human history is to ride the famous cable car, Alanya Sky Tram. The cable car line has a total length of 900 meters where guests can occupy the 14 available trams that are capable of holding 8 people each.
As you go up the line, you’ll get to see several iconic destinations of Alanya all at once! There’s Cleopatra Beach, Damlatas Beach, and of course, the Alanya Castle.
Go on a Pirate Boat Tour!
Aye aye captain! There’s no better way to feel the Mediterranean vibe than going on a Pirate Boat Tour! In Alanya, there’s a Pirate Boat Trip available for tourists who wants to witness the beautiful Mediterranean coasts as well as some historical landmarks including the Seljuk Harbor, Red Tower, and swim by the three (3) legendary caves of Alanya: Lovers, Pirates, and Phosphorus. You better prepare yourself aboard because this is gonna be one of the best experiences of your life!
Visit the Iconic Red Tower of Alanya
Next up, is another icon of Turkish history and tourism. The Red Tower of Alanya is one of the greatest examples of Medieval Mediterranean Defense Structures. It is a massive fortress that served a huge purpose for the country ever since it was built in the 13th century.
Today, the Red Tower attracts countless tourists because of its grand architecture and the breathtaking scenery it provides.
Check Out the Alanya Archaeological Museum
Turkey has an enormous contribution to the history of all mankind. This is why visiting the Alanya Archaeological Museum would be one of the best and proper things to do while you’re in the city. The iconic museum has been operating since 1967 and it houses an extensive collection of archaeological and ethnographic artifacts from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods.
Get an Exclusive Bird’s Eye View of the City While Paragliding!
Alright! Time to go daredevil mode. One of the best and most daring things to do in Alanya is paragliding. At 800 meters above the ground and lasts about 20 minutes, get ready to see the city of Alanya from a whole new level of perspective! You’d get to see the pristine beaches, historical landmarks, and the beautiful metropolis from up above! How exciting is that?
Go Scuba Diving!
Another popular thing to do in Alanya is Scuba Diving! With the city’s abundant beaches across the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, it’s only natural that underneath those turquoise waters lies a thriving marine and aquatic ecosystem that’s well protected and taken care of. Get to see some of the rare species of marine life up close as you dive underneath and swim with them!
Try the Sapadere Canyon and Village Tour
Another activity that would simply make you fall in love with the unparalleled beauty of nature in Alanya is the Sapadere Canyon and Village Tour. You can easily connect with nature here with the help of its rich flora and fauna. You’ll get to experience 360 meters of fun as you walk through lush greeneries, beautiful rock formations, and the rustling streams of water that are truly refreshing. Yup, the water’s temperature around Sapadere remains at about 12 degrees Celsius all throughout the year!
Enjoy the Jeep Safari Adventure
Did you think we’re done with the adrenaline-pumping activities? Well, not quite yet! The Jeep Safari Adventure is one of the best off-road driving experiences you’ll ever encounter in the whole world. It’s also the best sightseeing tour in the city as you will be climbing atop the Taurus Mountain on a Land Rover! Get ready to tumble across some of the most challenging terrains on a bumpy yet exciting ride!
Go on a Gastronomic Food Fest
There’s nothing sweeter than having a full-blown food festival right before your eyes after a tiring yet exciting day full of adventures! Alanya hosts several festivals throughout the year and invites tourists from all over the world to immerse themselves in the fun and exciting Turkish culture. Lots of food, live music, bazaars, and fun crowds are waiting for you, so buckle up and have the best time of your life!
Score Great Deals on Countless Bazaars in Alanya
Finally, before you go home, one of the most important things to do is buy souvenirs. In Alanya, you’ll easily come across countless bazaars that are offering great deals that you can’t turn down. Feel free to shop for dried fruits, spices, Helva, and the original Turkish Pashmina, which are beautiful scarves in multiple colorways.
Our Top Hotel Picks for Alanya
LABRANDA Alantur Resort – Located beside a beach on the Mediterranean Sea, this relaxed all-inclusive resort off the D400 road is just 11 km from the historic Alanya Castle.
En Vie Beach – Set in Alanya in the Mediterranean Region Turkey Region, 200 m from Alanya Ataturk Square, En Vie Beach Boutique Hotel features a terrace and hot tub. The hotel has a sun terrace and views of the sea, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant. Every room at this hotel is air-conditioned and is equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. A terrace or balcony is available in certain rooms. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer.
Searching for the best hotels, resorts, tour packages, and affordable flights in Alanya and nearby cities? Check out our list of cheap Alanya hotels and resorts via Agoda and Booking.
Alanya Travel and Tour Packages
Want more updates about new package tours and tourist attractions in Alanya, Turkey, that you can add to your itinerary?
Follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.
Also read:
