Your insider guide to culture, adventure, and Mediterranean living.
🏄‍ Active Adventures & Sports in Alanya
Alanya boasts an impressive array of world-class sports facilities that rival those found in major international sporting destinations. These comprehensive sports facilities serve both elite athletes and recreational enthusiasts, providing professional-grade infrastructure that supports training, competition, and leisure activities throughout the year. The city’s strategic investment in modern sports infrastructure has created a comprehensive network of specialized venues that cater to virtually every sporting discipline, from aquatic centers and tennis complexes to cycling tracks and beach sports venues. Alanya sports facilities are designed to international standards, ensuring that visitors experience the highest quality athletic environments while enjoying the natural beauty and perfect climate that make this destination unique. The city also hosts international tournaments, drawing athletes and fans from all over the world to its golden sands.
Beside of professional sport facilities, Alanya is a paradise for sports lovers, combining the thrill of adventure with the beauty of the Mediterranean. Guests can enjoy paragliding over Cleopatra Beach, diving in turquoise waters, or cycling through scenic coastal routes. For a lighter pace, try yoga by the sea, morning jogging paths, or a fun round of beach football — staying active has never felt this refreshing.
🏛️ Culture & Heritage
Step back in time and explore Alanya’s fascinating history — from ancient ruins to Ottoman-era architecture. Visit the Alanya Castle, Red Tower, Old Shipyard, Archaeological Museum each telling stories of centuries past
The Alanya castle is one of the best preserved in Turkey and dates back to the 13th century. You can climb to different vantage points in the fortress “Ic Kale” or learn more about the history of the fortress in a museum. Red Tower was built in the 13th century as a defence tower and is now the town’s landmark. The tower stretches a proud 33 metres into the air and offers a breathtaking view of the harbour district. It got its name because of the red colour of the bricks.
Behind the castle near the Damlatas Cave is the Alanya Archaeological Museum. It is definitely worth a visit if you are interested in ancient history. The exhibitions here display an impressive collection of ancient artefacts, including ceramics, bronze tableware and beautiful jewellery. You’ll also be able to admire parts of the decor of various buildings.
Just a short drive away, discover Syedra Ancient City, a breathtaking archaeological site surrounded by nature and sea views. Nestled on a picturesque hilltop near Alanya, the ancient city of Syedra is an underrated gem that takes visitors back to the Roman and Byzantine periods. Dating back over 2,000 years, Syedra once flourished as an important city in the region, known for its impressive architecture, fortifications, and scenic location.
One of the most striking features of Syedra is its massive city walls, which once protected the thriving community from invasions. Within these walls, visitors can explore well-preserved structures, including a grand colonnaded street, a vast Roman bath complex, cisterns, and the remains of a large agora (marketplace). The intricate mosaics and frescoes found in some of the ruins offer a glimpse into the artistic and cultural richness of the time.
Local museums, art events, and historical tours reveal the cultural depth that makes Alanya so unique.
🌅 Hidden Corners & Day Trips
Beyond the beaches, Alanya offers countless natural wonders to explore.
Don’t miss Damlataş Cave, Sapadere Canyon, Alanya Harbour, Dimçayı River, Kleopatra Beach each offering a unique escape into nature.
The DamlataĹź Cave is a natural wonder and is located in the city centre, just a few steps from Cleopatra Beach. It was discovered during harbour works in 1948 and has since been known for its impressive rock formations and constant temperatures of 22 degrees Celsius. The cave is up to 15 metres wide and high and also has therapeutic effects for people with respiratory diseases and thousands of asthmatics visit it every year for a 21-day treatment course.
A visit to the harbour is one of the most popular things to do in Alanya. Defended to the south by the Kızılkule Red Tower, it offers a picturesque promenade along the water with breathtaking views. Alanya Harbour is home to numerous cafés where you can relax and watch the hustle and bustle and the “pirate boats” as they set sail. There is also parking nearby, so it is convenient to arrive by car if you don’t want to come by dolmus.
Kleopatra Beach is one of the must-see attractions in Alanya. It is even one of the most beautiful beaches on the Turkish Riviera. The two-kilometre-long beach is located west of the peninsula with the Castle Hill south of AtatĂĽrk Boulevard and is known for its clear turquoise water, fine sand and breathtaking natural scenery.
Out of the city, a road runs along the Dimçayı River to the Dim Cave. The river winds through a forested gorge and is in itself one of Alanya’s most famous things to do. In summer, there are countless restaurants on and in the river, some with slides into the cold river and trout from their own catch. A reservoir with picnic facilities awaits you at the end of the Dim Çayı.
These day trips are perfect for photography lovers, adventure seekers, or anyone looking for a peaceful moment away from the city.
