Alanya: Full-Day Cable Car & Boat Tour to Cleopatra Beach

If you’re heading to the Antalya Province and want to see Alanya in a single day, this tour offers a comprehensive snapshot of the city’s highlights. For around $22 per person, you get to ride the cable car up to Alanya Castle, enjoy a scenic boat trip along the coast, relax on the legendary Cleopatra Beach, and explore the fascinating Damlata Cave. Plus, there’s a taste of authentic Turkish cuisine included, making this a well-rounded experience.

What we love about this tour is how it combines different modes of transport—by land, sea, and cable—and offers multiple viewpoints of the city and its surroundings. The cable car ride provides panoramic views that are worth the trip alone, and the boat ride offers a refreshing perspective from the water. Another highlight is the opportunity to swim at Cleopatra Beach, renowned for its soft sands and clear waters, which makes the experience especially memorable.

A potential consideration is the need to purchase separate entrance tickets for some sites, like Damlata Cave and the cable car, which adds a small extra cost. Also, weather can impact the boat trip, so flexibility is key. This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate a mix of scenery, history, and local flavor without spending an entire week on sightseeing. It’s perfect for those with limited time but who want a taste of Alanya’s best.

Key Points

• Diverse Experiences: Combines cable car, boat, beach time, and cultural visits in one day.
• Stunning Views: Panoramic vistas from Alanya Castle and the coastline make for excellent photo opportunities.
• Value for Money: At $22, the tour offers a lot of highlights plus guided commentary.
• Authentic Flavors: Lunch at a local restaurant provides a genuine Turkish meal.
• Flexible & Easy: Hotel pickup and drop-off simplify logistics, and optional activities allow some personal choices.
• Weather Consideration: The boat trip might be canceled due to weather, so stay flexible.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point and Transport

The tour begins with convenient hotel pickup from Side or Alanya, which is a big plus—no fuss about finding meeting points. The group size is generally manageable, and the guides appear to be knowledgeable and friendly, as many reviews mention good commentary and attentiveness.

Alanya Castle and Cable Car

Your first major stop is Alanya Castle, perched high above the city. The cable car ride up to the fortress is a highlight, transporting you smoothly over rugged terrain with breathtaking views of the city, the harbor, and the sea. The cable car ticket costs about 12 Euros, which is an added expense, but it’s well worth the experience.

Once at the top, you’ll explore the historic ruins, including the Süleymaniye Mosque, and gaze out over the coast. It’s a chance to soak in the scenery and understand a bit of the history behind this strategic fortress. Many visitors, like those in reviews, appreciate the “full view of Alanya,” and some mention the scenic terrace where the guides offered insights into the area’s maritime past.

Bedesten Bazaar and Cultural Sights

After descending, your guide may lead you through the Bedesten Bazaar, a lively market where you can browse local crafts and sweets. This spot adds a cultural layer to your visit, giving a taste of local life and a chance to pick up souvenirs.

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Boat Trip and Red Tower

Next, you’ll enjoy a boat cruise along the coastline, which many find relaxing and scenic. The boat provides views of the iconic Red Tower (Kzlkule), a landmark you’ll see from the water. The boat trip can be a highlight, especially if the weather cooperates, offering the fresh sea air and a different perspective of Alanya’s cliffs and beaches.

One of the reviews emphasizes how the boat trip was “chill,” and the views of the coast from the water are a real treat. Keep in mind, the boat trip costs about 5 Euros and might be canceled if the weather turns bad, so it’s good to stay flexible.

Cleopatra Beach and Swimming Break

The reason most travelers pick this tour is for the chance to swim at Cleopatra Beach, famed for its soft, white sands and crystal-clear waters. You’ll have around 45 minutes to relax here, which is enough time to soak up the sun, paddle, or take photos of the stunning scenery.

Damlata Cave

A visit to Damlata Cave is next, where you can marvel at stalactites and stalagmites, and experience the cave’s cool, mysterious atmosphere. The entrance fee is about 4 Euros, and many reviews mention the cave as “fascinating” and a nice contrast to the outdoor sites.

Lunch and Free Time

After a busy morning, you’ll stop at a local restaurant for a Turkish lunch, often praised for its authenticity and good quality. This meal is a great way to recharge, and many reviews highlight how it added value to the trip—giving a true taste of regional cuisine.

In the afternoon, there’s some free time to explore Alanya’s city center, shop in local stores, or just relax at a café. This flexibility is appreciated by travelers who want to soak in some local vibe or pick up souvenirs.

Final Notes

The tour wraps up with hotel drop-off, making logistics hassle-free. The entire day is well-paced, offering a mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural insights. The group size tends to be manageable, and guides are generally praised for their friendliness and knowledge.

Why This Tour Works for You

This tour is an excellent choice if you want a balanced day of sightseeing, especially if you prefer a mix of history, nature, and leisure. It appeals to travelers who enjoy stunning panoramic views, coastal scenery, and a touch of local culture. It’s also ideal for those on a tight schedule, as it packs a lot into one day without feeling rushed.

If you’re interested in photo opportunities, learning about Alanya’s history, and relaxing at a famous beach, this tour ticks those boxes. Plus, the moderate cost and inclusion of lunch make it a good value for a full day of fun.

If you’re visiting Alanya or nearby Side and want an easy, well-organized way to see the city’s highlights—from ancient ruins and stunning vistas to seaside relaxation—this tour fits the bill. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate authentic experiences and don’t mind some optional costs for entrances and activities.

Travelers who value good guides, scenic views, and a taste of Turkish cuisine will find this experience rewarding. Keep in mind that weather can influence the boat trip, so it’s best to be flexible. This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Alanya’s beauty and history, making it a smart choice for a memorable day.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Side or Alanya are included, simplifying your day.

How much does the cable car cost?
The cable car ticket is about 12 Euros, which is separate from the tour price but provides stunning views of the castle and city.

What about the boat trip?
The boat ride costs around 5 Euros and offers scenic views from the water. It might be canceled due to weather, so have a backup plan.

Can I swim at Cleopatra Beach?
Absolutely. You’ll have around 45 minutes to relax, swim, or just soak up the sun on this famous stretch of sand.

Is there an entrance fee for Damlata Cave?
Yes, the entry fee is approximately 4 Euros, and many find the cave’s stalactites and stalagmites fascinating.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a camera, and cash for optional extras. Food and drinks are not allowed on the vehicle.

Are guides available in other languages?
Yes, guides speak English, Russian, Polish, Turkish, and more. However, during small groups, German guides might not be available.

What is the duration of the tour?
The full-day tour lasts around 8 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, lunch, and free time.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, especially if your family enjoys sightseeing, swimming, and scenic views. Just keep in mind the walking involved and the weather conditions.

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of Alanya, blending history, nature, and relaxation at a good price point. Whether you’re a history buff, beach lover, or just want a stress-free way to see the city’s highlights, it’s worth considering for your Turkish adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: