Alanya Tours

A 6th-century Byzantine fortress crowns the 250m rocky promontory that splits Alanya into two bays. The castle walls run 6.5 km around the headland — from the harbour up through the old city to the summit keep. The Red Tower (Kızılkule) at the harbour base is the most iconic structure, a 13th-century Seljuk octagonal defence tower. Together they give Alanya one of the most dramatic castle skylines on the Mediterranean. Go early morning for cooler temperatures and empty ramparts — midday heat on the exposed climb is punishing in July and August.

Alanya's full-day pirate boats are the most popular excursion in the region — a circuit of the headland's sea caves (Lovers Cave, Phosphorus Cave, Pirates Cave) with multiple swimming stops, lunch on board and a party atmosphere. Departures from the main harbour daily. The caves are only reachable by boat — the Phosphorus Cave glows green-blue underwater when the sun angles in. Book in advance for July and August. See all boat trip options from Antalya for comparison.

An hour into the Taurus Mountains above Alanya — open jeep tracks through pine forest and mountain villages, with swimming stops at Dim River canyon and a traditional lunch. The contrast with the coast is total: temperatures drop, the landscape turns green and quiet, the view back over the sea is dramatic. Full-day trips include Dim Cave, Dim River and the mountain village of Sapadere Canyon. One of the best adventure experiences available from Alanya.

Dim Cave — 11 km east of Alanya — is 360 m deep and maintains a constant 14°C year-round, making it genuinely refreshing in summer heat. Stalactites and stalagmites up to 15 m tall are lit along a walkable path. Directly below, Dim River runs through a limestone gorge to a natural swimming area shaded by pine trees — one of the most pleasant spots near Alanya when the coast is busy. The two sites sit minutes apart and are easily combined in a half-day trip.