Mediterranean Coast

Alanya

Alanya is defined by the Seljuk castle on its headland and the two beaches either side of it, Cleopatra and Keykubat. It sits 130 km east of Antalya and is one of the best-value stretches of the whole coast.

The castle, the Red Tower and the medieval shipyard form the historic core, and the view from the top of the headland over both bays at once is Alanya’s signature. The Damlataş cave and the boat-accessed Pirates’ Cave are both close to the centre.

Alanya has the liveliest nightlife on this coast and the largest long-stay market. The season is long too — the sea is still usable in October.

Highlights

  • Alanya Castle and the Red Tower
  • Cleopatra Beach
  • Damlataş Cave
  • The Dim river valley
  • Boat trips and the Pirates’ Cave

When to go

Late April to early November — the longest swimming season on the coast.

Getting there

Antalya Airport (AYT) is 130 km, about two hours. Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport (GZP) is 40 km.

Other destinations in this region

The Roman harbour and breakwater at Antalya’s Kaleiçi, with the old town behind

Mediterranean Coast

Antalya

Antalya is Türkiye’s holiday capital: more than 300 kilometres of coastline, a city centre built at the foot of the Taurus mountains, and one of the busiest leisure flight networks in the world.

A golf course ringed by pine forest in Belek

Mediterranean Coast

Belek

Belek is Türkiye’s golf and upper-tier resort belt.

The standing columns of the seafront Temple of Apollo at the tip of the Side peninsula

Mediterranean Coast

Side

Side is one of the few resorts built directly on top of an ancient city.