Best Beaches in Alanya | Turkey Beach Guide

Alanya: Turkey's Castle on the Sea and Longest Sandy Beach

Alanya is a dramatic Mediterranean resort city 130 kilometres east of Antalya, dominated by a 6th-century Byzantine and Seljuk castle perched on a rocky promontory that rises 250 metres above the sea and splits the coastline into two distinct bays. The Taurus Mountains form a backdrop 50 kilometres inland. Alanya is one of Turkey's most visited resorts, popular particularly with German, Russian, and Scandinavian tourists who come for its 40 kilometres of Mediterranean beach, reliable 300+ days of sunshine, excellent value all-inclusive hotels, and a compact old town with bazaars, a Seljuk shipyard, and the spectacular Red Tower. The resort attracts a younger crowd than Bodrum or Çeşme, with a lively bar scene along Damlataş Caddesi.

Top Beaches in Alanya

Cleopatra Beach

The most famous beach in Alanya, on the western side of the castle promontory, Cleopatra Beach is a 2-kilometre stretch of fine golden sand that takes its name from the legend that Cleopatra bathed here during a visit to Mark Antony. The beach is Blue Flag certified, with calm, warm, shallow water ideal for families. The foreshore is lined with beach clubs, restaurants, and water sports operators. Arrive before 10 AM in July–August for a good spot.

Keykubat Beach (East Bay)

On the eastern side of the promontory, Keykubat is a longer beach stretching 3 kilometres towards the outlying resort of Mahmutlar. The beach is slightly less crowded than Cleopatra, backed by the main resort hotel strip, and has excellent sunset views looking west towards the castle. Water sports including jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boats operate from the beach all summer.

Dimçayı River Beach

Fourteen kilometres east of Alanya in the Dimçay canyon, a series of natural swimming holes and restaurants built over the river offer a very different experience from the seafront. Platforms extend over the rushing mountain stream, and traditional Turkish breakfasts (kahvaltı) with organic produce from the canyon are served in garden restaurants. A popular excursion from Alanya's beach hotels on hot afternoons.

Best Time to Visit Alanya

Alanya has the longest beach season in Turkey — swimming is comfortable from April through November. The peak months of July and August are very hot (35–38°C) and extremely busy. May, June, and September–October offer warm weather, clearer skies, and lower prices. Alanya's mild winter (15–18°C) makes it a popular long-stay destination for Northern Europeans; most hotels and restaurants remain open year-round.

Getting There and Where to Stay

Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport (GZP), 45 km east of Alanya, has direct seasonal flights from European cities. Antalya Airport (AYT, 130 km west) has year-round international flights with bus transfers to Alanya in 2.5 hours. Browse hotels in Alanya and discover more beaches in Turkey for your Mediterranean Riviera trip.