Mediterranean › Turkey › Alanya
Alanya, Antalya, Turkey
A Seljuk castle crowns a dramatic sea-cliff peninsula, while Cleopatra Beach stretches along a turquoise bay below — and you can walk to both from the pier.
A Seljuk castle crowns a dramatic sea-cliff peninsula, while Cleopatra Beach stretches along a turquoise bay below — and you can walk to both from the pier.
Alanya has a dedicated cruise pier — ships dock directly and the city center is an easy walk along the harbor.
💡 Pro move: No shuttle is needed for the center. Taxis are the best option for Sapadere Canyon, Dim Cave, or the ancient city of Side (1 hr away).
Alanya's cruise pier is dedicated to cruise ships and the Kyrenia fast ferry — ships berth directly at the quay.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines (Holland America, Oceania, MSC, etc.) | Alanya Cruise Port pier, central harbor📍 | Docked |
| Small expedition ships | Alanya Cruise Port pier📍 | Docked |
Alanya packs history, nature, and beach into a compact peninsula — most highlights are reachable without a tour, but organised excursions shine for canyon hikes and day trips to ancient cities.
The 13th-century Seljuk castle sits 250 m above sea level with 6.5 km of walls, 83 towers, and sweeping Riviera panoramas. The Red Tower at the harbour is an octagonal naval arsenal turned ethnographic museum.
Find castle tours →Classic Alanya day boat circles the castle peninsula visiting Pirate Cave, Lovers Cave, and luminescent Phosphorus Cave, with swimming stops and lunch onboard.
Find boat tours →Bump through the Taurus foothills by jeep to reach Sapadere Canyon, where wooden walkways follow a cool mountain stream past waterfalls and Cüceler Cave.
Find jeep safari tours →Legend says Mark Antony shipped this fine golden sand from Egypt as a gift to Cleopatra. Today it's Alanya's most famous Blue Flag beach — turquoise, shallow, and packed with water sports.
Find beach day tours →A 1-hour drive west brings you to the Roman city of Side, with its well-preserved amphitheatre, Temple of Apollo on the sea, and archaeological museum in a converted bathhouse.
Find Side day tours →Several traditional hamams operate near the Old Town bazaar. A classic scrub-and-foam massage takes about 45 minutes — a genuine cultural experience after a hot day of sightseeing.
Find hamam experiences →The harbour promenade and Old Town are easily walkable from the pier; the castle is best reached by cable car or taxi.
Stroll east from the pier along the waterfront promenade to the Red Tower, then climb into the Old Town (Kaleici) bazaar streets for handicrafts, carpets, and tea.
Head west from the pier past the beach promenade to Damlataş Cave at the base of the castle peninsula, then continue along the shore to Cleopatra Beach for a swim.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Alanya, Antalya, Turkey (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 57°F / 14°C | 45°F / 7°C | 14 | 8:03 AM | 5:59 PM |
| Feb | 59°F / 15°C | 46°F / 8°C | 9 | 7:40 AM | 6:32 PM |
| Mar | 63°F / 17°C | 49°F / 9°C | 11 | 7:03 AM | 6:59 PM |
| Apr | 69°F / 21°C | 54°F / 12°C | 7 | 6:18 AM | 7:26 PM |
| May | 76°F / 24°C | 62°F / 17°C | 6 | 5:45 AM | 7:51 PM |
| Jun | 82°F / 28°C | 68°F / 20°C | 5 | 5:33 AM | 8:11 PM |
| Jul | 89°F / 32°C | 75°F / 24°C | 2 | 5:45 AM | 8:10 PM |
| Aug | 89°F / 32°C | 76°F / 24°C | 3 | 6:09 AM | 7:42 PM |
| Sep | 85°F / 29°C | 71°F / 22°C | 3 | 6:34 AM | 6:59 PM |
| Oct | 78°F / 26°C | 64°F / 18°C | 5 | 6:59 AM | 6:15 PM |
| Nov | 70°F / 21°C | 56°F / 13°C | 7 | 7:29 AM | 5:42 PM |
| Dec | 62°F / 17°C | 50°F / 10°C | 12 | 7:56 AM | 5:37 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
The cruise pier is in the heart of Alanya — the city center, harbor promenade, and main beach are all 5–15 minutes on foot.
Taxis queue at the port gate. Updated April 2025 fares: ₺35 flag-fall, ₺50/km, ₺180 minimum. Negotiate for longer trips to the castle or distant beaches.
Uber operates in Alanya since November 2024 through licensed yellow taxis. Enables cashless, app-based booking — a convenient alternative to street taxis.
A cable car runs from near the harbor up to Alanya Castle, offering panoramic views. Far easier than the steep walk; popular with cruise passengers.
Shared minibuses (dolmuş) run fixed routes along the coast to beaches and neighborhoods like Mahmutlar. Cheap but routes and stops are unfamiliar to first-timers.
Upcoming cruises that call at Alanya, Antalya, Turkey. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.