Heading to Turkey? Just a heads up that eSIMs can no longer be downloaded on arrival. To stay connected, please install and activate your eSIM before you arrive. Your Airalo plan will then activate once you land.
When most Irish and British holidaymakers think of Alanya, they may picture themselves poolside with a pint or a cocktail. Completely understandable.
But dig a little deeper and there's so much more to this Turkish coastal gem than blue skies and piña coladas.
A perfect blend of sun-soaked relaxation and genuine cultural adventure, this ancient port city is just begging to be explored.
The Best Things to Do in Alanya: Beaches, Castles and Unexpected Gems
This guide rounds up the best and most unusual things to do in Alanya.
From castle-hopping to cave exploring, here's how to make your Turkish holiday one to remember.
1. Explore Alanya Castle and Red Tower
Climbing an 800-year-old fortress in 35-degree heat might sound excessive. But trust me, Alanya Castle is worth every step.
This iconic hilltop fortress offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean that'll make you glad you aced the climb.
Dating back to the Seljuk era, the castle walls stretch for six kilometres around the rocky peninsula.
The Red Tower (Kızıl Kule) stands guard at the harbour entrance like a medieval bouncer.
Inside, you'll find the Ethnographic Museum showcasing local traditions. The tower's octagonal design was revolutionary for its time.
2. Wander the Harbour and Old Shipyard (Tersane)
The harbour area is where Alanya shows off its maritime credentials. The Old Shipyard (Tersane) dates back to the 13th century, when it was the Seljuk Empire's naval headquarters.
Fast forward to today and it's a photographer's paradise and the perfect spot for sunset strolls.
Watch traditional gulet boats bob in the harbour while sipping Turkish tea at waterfront cafés. It's people-watching paradise.
3. Relax on Alanya's Beaches
Yes, there's more to Alanya than beaches. But beaches are what its famous for, so here are a few that deserve a special mention.
Cleopatra Beach is two kilometres long and serves golden sand twinned with turquoise waters.
Its name comes from an old legend, which claims the Egyptian queen herself swam here. This beach may get busy, but the tides stay gloriously clear.
Keykubat Beach caters perfectly to families with its calm, shallow waters. The long stretch of golden sand is lined with sunbeds, cafés and shaded spots, making it easy to spend the whole day here.
The nearby promenade is ideal for an evening stroll or grabbing an ice cream once the sun sets.
Damlataş Beach offers a quieter alternative, ideal for snorkelling. The water is crystal clear, making it perfect for underwater exploration minus the crowds.
4. Visit Damlataş Cave
Wikimedia Commons / BillBl
Damlataş Cave is one of Alanya's most unique attractions.
It's famous for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites, which formed over 15,000 years ago.
The cave is also known for its humid, salty air, which locals swear possesses healing properties for respiratory conditions like asthma.
It's also close to Cleopatra Beach, making it easy to combine your visit with a dip in the sea.
Maybe don't expect to emerge looking Instagram-ready - the cave's 95% humidity means 100% risk of hair frizz.
Unusual Things to Do in Alanya
5. Cruise the Coastline on a Boat Trip
Adobe Free Stock / muratart
Day cruises along Alanya's coast reveal hidden gems you'd never spot from the land.
Tours typically visit Pirate Cave, Lovers' Cave and the famous Phosphorus Cave, where underwater lights create an otherworldly blue glow.
Most trips include swimming stops, snorkelling gear and lunch onboard. It's holidaying done right; relaxing and scenic with minimal effort required.
6. Try a Traditional Turkish Hammam
Adobe Free Stock / Africa Studio
Nothing prepares you for your first Turkish bath experience.
If you're not familiar, it often involves lying on a heated marble slab while someone scrubs off skin you didn't know you had.
The kese treatment removes layers of dead skin, followed by a foam massage that'll leave you feeling like a pampered Turkish pasha.
Alanya's traditional hammams offer authentic experiences without the touristy markup.
Here are some Hammans in Alanya to research visiting:
7. Visit Alanya Archaeological Museum
The compact collection at Alanya Archaeological Museum includes fascinating artefacts spanning from the Bronze Age through the Ottoman period.
Roman statues stand alongside Seljuk ceramics, telling the story of this strategically important coastal city.
Located in the city centre, it sits at the starting point of the road to Alanya Castle. The ideal detour before visiting the castle.
8. Ride the Alanya Teleferik Cable Car
The cable car journey from Damlataş to Alanya Castle offers epic views without the uphill slog.
Sunset rides are particularly scenic. Going up and away gives you a proper feel for the landscape as you look out over the contrasting coastal blues and mountain greens.
9. Take a Jeep Safari into the Taurus Mountains
Adobe Free Stock / Suzi
For proper adventure seekers, jeep safaris venture from Alanya into the Taurus Mountains through traditional villages, rivers and pine forests.
These off-road adventures often include stops at local homes for traditional Turkish lunches. Think homemade bread, fresh vegetables and hospitality.
It's cultural immersion with a sprinkle of adventure on the side. Plus, the mountain air provides blessed relief from coastal humidity.
The Best Things to Do in Alanya for Every Traveller Type
- For history enthusiasts: Alanya Castle, Red Tower, Old Shipyard and the Archaeological Museum offer centuries of fascinating stories.
- For beach devotees: Cleopatra Beach, Keykubat Beach and Damlataş Beach cater to every seaside preference.
- For food and drink lovers: Harbour seafood restaurants, traditional lokantas, and beachfront cafés serve everything from fresh fish to proper Turkish breakfast spreads.
- For night owls: Harbour bars and beachfront clubs keep the party going, while sunset boat cruises offer sophisticated evening entertainment.
- For families: Cable car rides, cave exploring, gentle beach days and boat trips provide entertainment for all ages without breaking the bank.
Staying Connected in Alanya - Why Use a Turkish eSIM?
Turkey sits outside of the EU Roam Like at Home zone.
This means your existing mobile plan won't offer you the same free internet access there that you enjoy at home as part of your data allowance.
An eSIM for Turkey solves this modern dilemma with zero hassle. And it means no hunting for SIM card shops or being hit with steep roaming bills on your return home.
Head to Airalo to find the best eSIM for Turkey. Once you've picked your eSIM plan, you can download it instantly and activate it as you land.
An eSIM allows you to use your phone as you would at home for things like navigation, translation and sharing your adventures in real-time.
Whether you're exploring mountain villages or searching for that perfect sunset spot, reliable connectivity isn't a luxury - it's essential.
Find the best eSIMs for Turkey here.
FAQs
1. What are the Top Tourist Attractions in Alanya?
Alanya Castle dominates the skyline, while the Red Tower guards the harbour. Cleopatra Beach offers classic Mediterranean beauty, and Damlataş Cave provides an underground experience like no other.
2. Are there any Unusual Things to do in Alanya?
Cable car rides offer easy castle access, Taurus Mountains jeep safaris provide mountain adventures and boat tours reveal hidden coastal caves including the mesmerising Phosphorus Cave.
3. What's the Best Time to Visit Alanya?
May to October trips to Alanya deliver hot weather perfect for outdoor fun and swimming. June and September offer the off-peak sweet spot - fewer crowds, lower prices but still gorgeous weather.
4. Can I use an eSIM in Alanya?
Absolutely. Turkey boasts excellent eSIM coverage throughout Alanya and surrounding areas. Essential for navigation, translation apps and avoiding those shocking roaming charges.
5. What's the Best Way to Get Around Alanya?
Dolmuş minibuses provide cheap local transport with an authentic Turkish flavour. Taxis offer convenience for longer journeys but come at a price. The compact town centre rewards walking - just make sure to bring sun block and water.
