Things to Do in Alanya in 2025 — Beaches, Attractions, Events

Alanya continues to hold its position as one of Turkey’s most popular destinations, both for relaxed holidays and for active pastimes. Below is a full guide to the best entertainment options in 2025.

Best Beaches in Alanya 

The resort is known for its coastline with exceptionally clean sea. The main city beaches are Blue Flag certified for water purity and excellent infrastructure: most are municipal, entry is free, sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent.

Cleopatra Beach

Cleopatra is the famous central beach where, according to legend, Queen Cleopatra herself used to bathe. It is located at the foot of the historic castle and is distinguished by a gentle slope into the sea. Families with children will find it comfortable — the shore is shallow, there are showers, cafés, and lifeguards on duty.

Keykubat Beach

Keykubat is the longest in the city, stretching eastward from the castle along the promenade. Like Cleopatra, Keykubat has been awarded the Blue Flag for its crystal-clear water and silky sand. Entry is free for everyone, the depth increases gradually, there are water activities, equipment rental points, food and beverage kiosks.

Other Beaches in Alanya

There are also many wonderful beaches in the surroundings of the city. For example, Ulaş, 5 km to the west, is a cove with a picnic area on the cliffs, offering views of the city. To the east from the center, in the Oba district, is Portakal (“Orange”) Beach, with wide opportunities for water sports (diving, windsurfing, fishing). If you are looking for fine sand for small children, head to Incekum in the Avsallar suburb — there is a gently sloping shore and warm shallow water.

What to See in Alanya as a Tourist

The city is rich in historical landmarks, most of which are concentrated around the majestic castle on the rocky peninsula.

Alanya Castle

Alanya Castle (Alanya Kalesi) is the city’s calling card, a majestic medieval castle from the 13th century, surrounded by walls approximately 6 km in length. You can go up on foot, by cable car, private car or city bus (route No. 4). The castle will please history lovers and fans of panoramic photos against the backdrop of the Mediterranean.

Red Tower and Shipyard

The Red Tower (Kızıl Kule) is a round red brick tower 33 meters high, built in 1226 right at the harbor. It served as a defensive outpost, and today it houses an ethnographic museum. From the upper level you can enjoy a view of the port and city walls.

The shipyard (Tersane) is a medieval dock next to the Red Tower. During the Seljuk era, military ships were built here, and five granite arches of the hangar by the shore have been preserved to this day. Entry to the shipyard is free, there is a small museum inside, and in the evening the arches are beautifully lit.

In addition to the above, there are other points of interest: Damlataş Cave with whimsical stalactites (right next to Cleopatra Beach) — its humid microclimate is beneficial for breathing; the archaeological museum — small but interesting, with artifacts from the ancient period; and the cable car (Teleferik), which lifts tourists to the castle in a few minutes.

Where to Go with Children in Alanya

Traveling with children? Alanya is very suitable for family holidays — there are many attractions for guests of all ages. The most popular family locations:

• Water parks: Alanya Aquapark — a classic water park with many slides of varying heights, wave pools and a lazy river. There are shallow pools and safe slides for children, and high slides for thrill-seekers. In addition to the city park, the Water Planet park (in the direction of Side) and the huge themed park The Land of Legends in Belek are also popular — transfers are organized there for those who want to spend the day among water attractions and dolphin shows.
• Luna park: A small open-air amusement park is located near the center (Cleopatra district). It offers entertainment for all tastes: from children's carousels and trains to mini roller coasters and bumper cars. You can pay per ride. Luna park is especially good on warm evenings when the lights of the Ferris wheel reflect the city’s glowing shoreline.
• Sealanya Dolphinarium: Located 20 minutes away in Türkler neighborhood, Sealanya is a marine park you can visit with the whole family. Daytime shows feature trained dolphins and sea lions — fun and educational for children of all ages. After the show, you can (for an additional fee) swim with dolphins or take a photo. Besides the dolphinarium, there is a small water park and aquariums, so no one gets bored.

In addition, the city has parks with playgrounds — you can simply walk in the shade of palm trees while children play on slides and swings. Popular spots are Atatürk City Park and the green areas along the promenade, with benches, fountains, and small playgrounds. On a hot day, a trip to the Dim Çay river (Tosmur area) helps a lot: among the cool mountain waters are restaurants on floating platforms, pools and water slides — kids can swim in the cool water while adults enjoy grilled trout.

Yacht Cruises and Boat Tours in Alanya

A holiday in Alanya would not be complete without a yacht cruise. Every day, tourist boats styled as pirate ships leave the harbor to sail along the coast, offering mini adventures on board. The route runs along the peninsula: on the way — caves, picturesque bays and swimming stops. A standard daytime tour lasts around 6–7 hours and usually includes lunch on board, soft drinks, foam parties and entertainment for children.

There are also evening cruises, for example, a short trip at dusk when the lights of the night city are visible from the sea. The price of such a trip is affordable, and the sea is especially beautiful in the evening — with the illuminated castle and a light breeze.

Local tour companies offer early morning fishing trips in the open sea. At dawn, you go out from the port on a small boat or yacht, and the captain takes you to fishing spots. All gear — rods, spinning reels, bait — is provided, and a license for sea fishing in Turkey is not required. As the sun rises over the mountains, you can catch barracuda, tuna or sea bass, and the crew will immediately grill the fresh catch.

If you want privacy or to celebrate a special occasion (for example, a birthday on the water), private yacht rental is available in Alanya. The harbor offers yachts of various sizes for hire for a few hours or a full day. A personal captain will show you hidden bays, and you can plan your own route, stop at a deserted beach, snorkel. The price depends on the size of the boat and time, but for a group it is quite reasonable.

Jeep Safari and Active Leisure in the Mountains

For those who love active recreation, the resort offers mountain jeep safaris. This is a chance to visit the winding roads of the Taurus Mountains, villages and canyons, and feel the thrill of off-road driving. A typical jeep safari is a full-day tour in open jeeps (usually 8–10 people per vehicle). Routes vary, but generally include mountain ascents, stops at scenic viewpoints (where all of Alanya is visible at once), visits to authentic mountain villages, a picnic or lunch in nature, and swimming in a mountain river or waterfall.

Markets and Shopping in Alanya

Turkish bazaars are an integral part of the local flavor. For many tourists, visiting a market is an adventure: here you can feel the town’s atmosphere, taste seasonal fruits right from the stall and enjoy the process of bargaining. It’s almost impossible to leave empty-handed — especially since prices are often lower than in stores, and the selection is overwhelming.

Where and When Markets Are Held

The city does not have a permanent daily market — instead, traveling bazaars operate in different districts on schedule. Merchants from surrounding villages bring goods to designated spots on certain weekdays.

• Monday: Oba
• Tuesday: Mahmutlar and Alanya Center (near the fish market)
• Wednesday: Konaklı, Avsallar and Kestel
• Thursday: Tosmur
• Friday: Alanya Center
• Saturday: Mahmutlar and Cikcilli
• Sunday: Alanya Center

What to Buy

At food markets, get local fruits and berries: Alanya bananas (small and very sweet), oranges, pomegranates, figs, cherries — whatever is in season, always fresh and well-priced. Also look for homemade olives and olive oil, Turkish cheeses (e.g. tulum goat cheese), honey and spices. Souvenirs and textiles are also good value: Turkish sweets (baklava, lokum), lace tablecloths, handmade ceramics, mosaic lamps, coffee and tea — the range is huge. If you see something you like, be sure to bargain — it’s not just accepted, it’s a tradition.

In addition to bazaars, there are modern shopping malls for those who prefer shopping in comfort. The largest ones — Alanyum in Oba, Yekta Mall and Akdeniz Park in Mahmutlar, and Mall of Alanya in Konaklı — offer Turkish and international clothing brands, electronics, children's goods, and food courts. There are also plenty of shops for leather, jewelry, and Turkish sweets.

Where to Go in the Evenings in Alanya

Nightlife: The city center is home to many clubs, bars and discos, especially near the city harbor (“bar street” by the pier). During peak season, guest DJs perform, and themed parties are held. Entry is usually free — you only pay for drinks. Music for every taste: from modern pop and club music, R&B to lively Latin rhythms and Turkish hits. Lounge bars and pubs offer cocktails under rock hits or football broadcasts.

Promenade walks: In the evening, take a walk along the promenade — on both sides of Atatürk Boulevard there is a pedestrian zone, lush with palms and flowers during the day, transforming into a romantic promenade at night. On one side you hear the sound of the surf and see the lights of anchored yachts; on the other — cozy cafes and restaurants. You can buy ice cream or grilled corn from street vendors and simply stroll, enjoying the warmth of the night.

Adrenaline-seekers may enjoy night safaris on jeeps or quad bikes — a chance to ride around the surroundings at night, admire the night city from mountain heights or even meet the sunrise in the mountains. There’s also an option for a night sea trip: special "boat discos" depart around 21:00 from the harbor — a DJ plays on board, contests are held, the boat cruises the bay and returns closer to midnight.

Alanya Cuisine

A separate pleasure in traveling is discovering local cuisine. Turkish gastronomy is so rich that in Alanya you can try something new every day.

What to Try from Turkish Food

Grilled meats and kebabs: The city is known for juicy grilled meat dishes. Try Adana kebab (spicy minced meat on a skewer) and Iskender kebab (thinly sliced grilled meat served over bread with yogurt sauce). Also recommended: köfte — spiced meatballs.

Meze: Before the main dish, many restaurants serve a meze platter. It usually includes stuffed vine leaves, hummus, yogurt-cucumber dip (cacık), spicy ezme salad, marinated olives, and more. Meze goes well with cold ayran or rakı.

Turkish street food: Be sure to try döner — in flatbread or a bun with meat, fresh vegetables and sauce (similar to shawarma). Popular is lahmacun — a thin flatbread with a layer of spiced minced meat baked in the oven. Another must-try is gözleme: thin dough fried on a sac (convex griddle) with various fillings (cheese, spinach, potato, meat). And of course, börek — filo pastry pies with fillings (most often cheese or minced meat), easily found in bakeries.

Seafood: There are many fish restaurants at the harbor serving local catch — dorado, sea bass, shrimp, calamari. For street food, try stuffed mussels (midye dolma) — large mussels stuffed with spiced rice. Another local favorite is balık ekmek — a fish sandwich: grilled mackerel fillet in crusty bread with onion and salad.

Where to Eat in Alanya

There are hundreds of establishments — from simple street cafés to fine dining restaurants with sea views. To experience local color, visit a lokanta — affordable family restaurants offering home-cooked traditional dishes such as stewed vegetables, goulash, stuffed peppers, soup. Those who enjoy dining with a view can head in the evening to the restaurants near the castle.

Cultural Events in Alanya in 2025

In 2025, a kaleidoscope of festivals and holidays is planned in Alanya — from children’s shows to international sports championships. Below are the main cultural and music events of the year that can add variety to your holiday:

• May: International Festival of Culture, Art and Tourism — the key event of the season, planned for May 23–25, 2025. Over three days, open-air concerts are held, famous performers appear (pop singers, rock bands, folk ensembles), there are craft and world food fairs, exhibitions and theatrical parades. The 2025 festival theme is "Neighborhood" (Komşuluk), symbolizing friendship among the region’s peoples. Events are usually free, with main concerts in the evenings at the city hall square.
• September: International Jazz Days in Alanya — the 20th annual jazz festival will take place from September 25–28, 2025. A must-visit for fans of live instrumental music: for several evenings, jazz bands from various countries perform at a small stage at the foot of the Red Tower. Entry is free, concerts begin after sunset.
• October: Tropical Fruit Festival — a relatively new holiday, but already the fourth, will take place October 10–12, 2025. The region is known for growing exotic fruits (bananas, avocados, mangoes, passion fruit, etc.), and at this festival farmers present their best produce. There are tastings, contests for the best avocado, smoothie-making workshops and even themed fruit installations.
• December: International Christmas Market — traditionally held in mid-December (in 2025, planned for December 13–14, the 15th edition). Alanya is a multicultural city, and the Christmas bazaar has long become a beloved tradition. Decorated trees are set up in the center, hot mulled wine and gingerbread are sold, there are handmade souvenir stalls, performances by children’s choirs, and charity lotteries.

In addition to these, 2025 will feature many sports and entertainment events: in June — a stage of the World Beach Pro Tour volleyball tournament, in July — the European Beach Handball Championship, in August — the traditional oil wrestling tournament in Gökbel village, and in October — the international triathlon and sculptors’ symposium.

Want to learn more about life in this coastal city or are you considering investing in property in Alanya? Luxury Estate Turkey is ready to share expert information about property purchases, help you understand the areas and prospects, and make the right choice. Contact us — we’ll help make your dream of a home by the Mediterranean come true.