The Alanya Castle

Perched 250 metres above the Mediterranean on a dramatic rocky peninsula where the Taurus Mountains plunge into the sea, Alanya Castle is one of the most impressive medieval fortifications on the entire Turkish coastline. The site has been continuously inhabited since at least the 4th century BC — known in antiquity as Coracesium, it was famously captured by the Roman general Pompey in 67 BC during his campaign to rid the Mediterranean of piracy. Its defining chapter came in 1221 AD, when Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat seized the city and transformed it into his winter capital and primary Mediterranean port, encircling the entire peninsula with 83 towers, 140 bastions, and nearly 400 cisterns that stretch across 6.5 kilometres of walls. Over the following centuries the castle passed through Karamanid, Mamluk, and finally Ottoman hands, with each era leaving its mark in the form of Byzantine churches, Seljuk palaces, and Ottoman mosques that visitors can still explore today. Two residential neighbourhoods remain within the walls to this day, making Alanya Castle not just a monument, but a living piece of history.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours

• Spring/Summer: 09:00 – 19:30 daily
• Peak summer (June–August): 08:00 – 21:00
• Autumn/Winter: 08:30 – 17:00 daily
• Last entry is 30 minutes before closing

Entrance Fees

• The outer castle walls and general grounds are free to explore
• The İçkale (Inner Castle / Open-Air Museum) charges a separate admission fee — approximately €12 for foreign visitors; MüzeKart/Museum Card holders enter free
• The Red Tower (Kızılkule) and Tersane (Seljuk Shipyard) along the seafront have their own separate entrance fees

Getting There

• Cable car (Teleferik): The most scenic option — departs from near Cleopatra Beach/Atatürk Park. Note that after exiting the cable car, there is still a roughly 1 km uphill walk to the castle entrance. The cable car closes at 18:00 in winter.
• By car or taxi: The castle road is open to vehicles. The road is narrow and winding but manageable; paid parking is available at the top.
• By bus: Public bus no. 4 and local minibuses serve the castle route.
• On foot: A steep but rewarding hike from the town centre takes approximately one hour; from the Red Tower it is closer to two hours.

Key Tips at a Glance

• Time needed: Allow 3–4 hours to explore the full site comfortably; the İçkale alone takes around 30 minutes
• Best time to visit: Early morning to beat the crowds, or late afternoon for spectacular sunset views over the Mediterranean — just mind the cable car closing time if that’s your ride down
• Wear sturdy shoes: The grounds are extensive, uneven, and largely unshaded — comfortable footwear is essential
• Combine your visit: Damlataş Cave and the Red Tower are both nearby and can easily be included in the same day trip
• Families with young children: Be aware that much of the site involves steep walking and climbing — a pushchair or buggy is not practical here
• Refreshments: There are a café and souvenir shops near the entrance and at the top of the hill