Alanya

Beach days, castle views & village market mornings

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Alanya is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Friday Bazaar (Cuma Pazari), Alanya Castle and Cleopatra Beach. Food lovers should not miss Ottoman House. Below you will find 10 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Alanya at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: spring and autumn
Highlights: Friday Bazaar (Cuma Pazari) and Alanya Castle
Where to stay: Castle Hill and Harbour
Local picks: 10 hand-chosen recommendations
Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Alanya

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Local tipsBest Things to Do in Alanya: A Local’s GuideThe best things to do in Alanya, chosen by locals: top sights, where to eat, where to stay and the…

Where to stay in Alanya

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Harbour

Alanya Boat Trip

A day boat trip around the sea caves and swimming coves.

★ 4.5

Castle Hill

Alanya Castle

A vast Seljuk hilltop fortress with sweeping coastal views.

★ 4.6

Harbour

Alanya Harbour

The lively old port of gulets, cafes and evening promenades.

★ 4.4

Bedesten / City Center

Alanya Koza Women’s Cooperative

Why it matters: the Alanya Koza women’s cooperative revived the near-lost craft of the Alanya silk-cocoon flower (Ipek Kozasi Cicegi) – a skill only two women in town still knew – and grew it into a registered local trademark and paid work for local women. Members hand-shape silkworm cocoons into delicate flowers and also weave silk scarves, home textiles and banana-fibre gifts. Buy the signature silk-cocoon flowers as a souvenir that actually supports the maker. Tip: look for the cooperative’s stalls in the bedesten market beside Alanya Castle.

Castle

Bedesten Beach Hotel

A boutique hotel in a restored caravanserai inside the castle walls.

★ 4.4

Centre

Cleopatra Beach

The citys famous golden-sand beach below the castle headland.

★ 4.5

Centre

Damlatas Cave

A stalactite cave whose humid air is said to soothe the lungs.

★ 4.3

Sekerhane

Friday Bazaar (Cuma Pazari)

A sprawling weekly street market where villagers from around Alanya bring fresh, low-priced fruit and vegetables, alongside clothes, shoes and household bits. Spread across several crossing streets, it is a great place to experience a real Turkish marketplace.

★ 4.5

Centre

Friday Market

The big weekly Cuma Pazari market of produce, textiles and spices.

★ 4.3

Centre

Ottoman House

Classic Turkish cooking in a restored Ottoman mansion garden.

★ 4.5

Harbour

Red Tower

The octagonal 13th-century Kizil Kule guarding the old harbour.

★ 4.5

Seki

Strays of Alanya

Why it matters: Strays of Alanya (SOAR) is a volunteer-run, donation-funded rescue that shelters over 150 dogs, cats, horses and donkeys – mistreated or abandoned animals cared for until they can be rehomed or safely released. It survives entirely on private donations and hands-on volunteers, and is a registered non-profit organisation. Animal lovers can arrange a visit to the sanctuary in the green hills of Seki to walk dogs, help with feeding or simply spend time with the residents. Tip: it is a working shelter, so message ahead through their website or Instagram (@straysofalanya) before you come.

Before you go

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Book your trip to Alanya

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Find hotels in Alanya Book tours and experiences

Alanya travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Alanya?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Alanya at a relaxed pace.

Where is the best area to stay in Alanya?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit.

What are the best things to do in Alanya?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay. Or read our best things to do in Alanya guide.

What is the best time to visit Alanya?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Alanya is worth visiting year-round.