Cleopatra Beach (Kleopatra Plajı) runs for around two kilometres west of the castle rock: coarse golden sand, clear water that deepens quickly and a Blue Flag most years. Legend says Mark Antony gave this coast to Cleopatra; history is less sure, but the name has stuck.
At its eastern end, under the cliff, is Damlataş Cave, found by chance in 1948 when rock was being quarried for the harbour. It is a single small chamber packed with stalactites, warm and extremely humid, and long reputed to ease asthma. Next door is the lower station of the Alanya cable car.
Top things to do: Cleopatra Beach & Damlataş Cave
Swim and sunbathe
The beach is public and free; sunbeds and parasols are rented by the day. Waves can be strong and the shelf steep, so watch children at the water’s edge.
Step into Damlataş Cave
A ten-minute visit: the chamber is only a few dozen metres deep. The temperature stays around 22–23 °C with very high humidity all year.
Take the cable car
Cabins climb from the beach to the castle hill with a superb view back along the sand. See Alanya Castle for what to do at the top.
Fly over it
Tandem paragliders launch from the hills behind town and land on the beach — you will see them all afternoon.
Stroll the promenade
A long seafront walk and cycle path backs the beach, lined with cafés and parks; it is at its best around sunset.
How to get to Cleopatra Beach & Damlataş Cave
- The beach starts a 10–15 minute walk west of Alanya’s centre.
- City buses along the coast road stop at several points behind the sand.
- From Mahmutlar or Kargıcak take any Alanya-bound bus and change or walk from the centre.
Insider tips
- Water shoes help: the shoreline is a mix of sand and fine pebbles.
- Damlataş has a small entrance fee and can be stuffy — skip it if you dislike humidity.
- Showers and changing cabins are spaced along the beach.
- After a cold morning at Sapadere, a late-afternoon swim here is the perfect counterpoint.
Best tours & tickets: Cleopatra Beach & Damlataş Cave
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Cleopatra Beach & Damlataş Cave:
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
Boat trip from €9 Alanya: Pirate Boat Party with Foam, Disco, Lunch & Drinks
Alanya’s other signature day out — a wooden “pirate” gulet around the castle peninsula with swim stops, lunch and a foam party. Loud, cheerful and very popular.
- Cruise below the castle cliffs and sea caves
- Swim stops
- Lunch and soft drinks on board
Adventure from €65 Alanya: Tandem Paragliding with Hotel Pickup
A tandem flight from the hills behind Alanya down to Cleopatra Beach, with a licensed pilot and hotel pickup. Flights depend on the weather.
- Take-off from the hills above town
- Glide over Cleopatra Beach
- Landing on the sand
