Top things to do in Alanya

For the ultimate, exhilarating day out that the whole family will appreciate, head to Alanya Aquapark. Located just five minutes from the infamous Kleopatra beach, Aquapark is home to 22 waterslides that cater to all levels of adrenaline and various other activities, including the wave pool and rafting. After a few hours well spent on the waterslides, grab yourself a bite to eat and something to drink at the onsite bar and restaurant.

No trip to Alanya is complete without visiting the 15,000-year-old Damlatas cave. Situated below Alanya Castle and in front of the Damlatas beach, which was unsurprisingly named after the cave, this natural formation has a spectacular limestone interior with illuminated stalactites and stalagmites and a consistent temperature of 22/23 degrees. The carbon dioxide levels inside the cave are much higher compared to normal and the air has radioactive elements which are believed to be good at alleviating ailments, such as non-allergic asthma. Damlatas Cave is a popular visit on tours around Alanya, which usually depart from the Alanya Resort area.

Situated in the heart of Alanya and popular with both tourists and locals, Alanya harbour is the perfect place to visit for an afternoon out. Savour the delicious flavours of fresh and locally sourced seafood as you dine alfresco at one of the many restaurants and cafes along the waterfront. Alternatively, admire the views of the Mediterranean and be in awe of the impressive yachts as you sip on cocktails and vibe to the live music played by DJs. If shopping is your forte, then you won’t be disappointed, souvenir, clothes and handcrafted jewellery shops are aplenty down at the harbour. Opportunities for jet skiing, parasailing and kayaking are also available as well as an array of daily boat trips where you can explore local landmarks, including Pirate Cave.

At the top of a rocky peninsula just to the south of Alanya is the spectacular Alanya Castle. Perched 250m above sea level the castle was built in 1221 and consists of some staggering 83 towers and 140 bastions and is protected on three sides by the Mediterranean Sea, making it a formidable fortification. Inside the castle there is an open-air museum containing Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman relics and artefacts; there is also a well-preserved Byzantine church that is worth investigating. One of the best ways to get to the castle is to take the cable car from Ataturk Park, but be aware that you will still have to complete the final 1 km on foot.

Built in the 13th century the impressive, octagonal Red Tower is well worth a visit. Designed to defend the nearby Alanya Castle, shipyard and harbour the 33m high structure is built over five floors and has 56 windows from which defenders could fire arrows and 22 brick spans from which hot tar and water could be poured onto hapless attackers. The tower is not only a great place to enjoy some ancient history but also boasts fantastic views of the Alanya and the surrounding countryside.