Alanya from Antalya: Castle, Red Tower, Caves and Beaches
Alanya is built around a rocky peninsula crowned by a Seljuk castle. Below it, the octagonal Red Tower guards the harbour, caves open onto the sea, and Cleopatra beach stretches west of the town. From Antalya it is a long but full day; from Side it is an easy one.
Distances
- From Antalya (Kaleiçi): about 137 km, around 2 hours 25 minutes.
- From Antalya Airport: about 127 km, around 2 hours 10 minutes.
- From Side or Manavgat: about an hour.
What to see
- The castle: walls and towers spread across the peninsula, with views over both bays. A cable car runs up from Damlataş beach.
- The Red Tower (Kızıl Kule): the 13th-century tower at the harbour, with a small museum inside.
- Damlataş cave: a dripstone cave at the foot of the castle, next to Cleopatra beach.
- Dim cave: a larger cave in the hills east of town, near the Dim river valley.
- Boat trips: from the harbour around the peninsula, past sea caves.
Fares
For airport transfers, Alanya has a fixed fare of €75 per vehicle from Antalya Airport. Day trips from your hotel are priced by distance and shown on the booking form before you pay. Choose “Return” with a time later the same day to book both legs together, with a discount on the return.
A day from Antalya
Leave early; spend the morning at the castle before the heat, have lunch at the harbour, take a boat around the peninsula, and leave Alanya in the late afternoon. Allow at least seven hours in Alanya.
Gazipaşa Airport
If you are staying in Alanya, Gazipaşa–Alanya Airport is closer than Antalya. See Alanya airport transfer for both options.
Practical tips
The castle is hilly and exposed; go early in summer and bring water. The Dim river valley, with restaurants on platforms over the water, is a cool place for lunch.
See also transfers from Alanya.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Alanya from Antalya?
About 137 km, roughly two and a half hours.
How much is the airport transfer to Alanya?
€75 per vehicle from Antalya Airport.
Is there a cable car to the castle?
Yes, from Damlataş beach.
Which caves can I visit?
Damlataş in town and Dim cave east of town.
Is it a day trip from Antalya?
Yes, a long one; it is easier from Side.
