Alanya Castle (Alanya Kalesi) covers a rocky peninsula that rises some 250 m straight from the sea. There were Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine fortifications here, but the walls you see are largely the work of the Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I, who took the town in 1221, renamed it and made it his winter residence and naval base.
Roughly 6.5 km of walls with well over a hundred towers climb from the harbour to the inner citadel at the summit. At the water’s edge stand the two best-preserved Seljuk monuments: the octagonal Red Tower (Kızıl Kule) of 1226 and the five-vaulted shipyard (Tersane) completed soon afterwards.
Top things to do: Alanya Castle & Red Tower
Climb to the inner citadel
The İç Kale at the top holds cisterns, the ruins of a Byzantine church and viewing platforms on the cliff edge. Sunset here is the classic Alanya moment.
Visit the Red Tower
The 33 m tower of red brick guarded the harbour and shipyard. Inside is a small museum, and the roof terrace gives a fine view of the harbour.
Walk to the Seljuk shipyard
A path along the sea wall leads from the Red Tower to the Tersane, whose five vaulted bays open directly on to the water.
Ride the cable car
The Alanya Teleferik runs from beside Damlataş Cave on Cleopatra Beach up to Ehmedek on the castle hill in a few minutes, saving a hot climb.
Wander the old quarter
Between the walls, lanes of Ottoman houses, small mosques and tea gardens repay an unhurried hour on the way down.
How to get to Alanya Castle & Red Tower
- On foot it is a steep 45–60 minute climb from the harbour — go early or late in the day.
- A local bus runs up the castle road from the town centre, and taxis are plentiful.
- The cable car from Cleopatra Beach is the most scenic way up; walk down through the old quarter.
- City tours with transport and a guide are on our tours page.
Insider tips
- The inner citadel, the Red Tower and the shipyard are ticketed separately; combined tickets and museum passes are sometimes available.
- Carry water — there is little shade on the walls.
- Surfaces are uneven and polished by centuries of feet; wear proper shoes.
- Late afternoon gives the best light on the harbour side.
Best tours & tickets: Alanya Castle & Red Tower
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Alanya Castle & Red Tower:
Half-day tour from €20 Alanya: City Tour with Cable Car and Damlataş Cave 3-in-1
A compact half-day that ticks off Alanya’s own sights. It pairs neatly with a canyon day: do Sapadere one day and this the next afternoon.
- Cable car up towards Alanya Castle
- Castle terraces and panoramas
- Damlataş Cave beside Cleopatra Beach
Day trip from €30 Alanya: City Tour with Cleopatra Beach, Cable Car & Boat
A highly rated full-day look at Alanya from the land and the sea: the castle hill, the sea caves below the cliffs and the beach.
- Castle viewpoints by cable car
- Short boat trip around the peninsula
- Time at Cleopatra Beach
