Side: Full-Day Alanya City Tour & Cleopatra Beach Visit

If you’re looking for a well-rounded day trip from Side or Alanya that combines history, nature, and vibrant city life, the Full-Day Alanya City Tour & Cleopatra Beach Visit might just be what you need. Priced at around $19 per person, this tour offers a taste of some of the most iconic sights along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.

We love the way this tour manages to blend breathtaking viewpoints, cultural insights, and relaxing beach time all in one package. The guided cable car ride to Alanya Castle delivers stunning vistas, while the swim at Cleopatra Beach promises a chance to unwind on soft sands. Plus, the boat cruise along the coast and the visit to the Damlata Cave add layers of adventure and intrigue.

One thing to keep in mind is that some reviews mention potential issues with timing and payment practices—so it’s worth staying alert and prepared. This tour offers excellent value for the price and suits travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, leisure, and cultural highlights all in a single day.

Good To Know

• Affordable Price: At just around $19, this tour packs in many of Alanya’s top sights.
• Diverse Activities: From cable car rides and boat trips to beach lounging and cave exploring, the variety keeps things interesting.
• Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides (in multiple languages) help bring the sights to life.
• Flexible City Time: After the main stops, you get free time to explore, shop, or relax.
• Spectacular Views: Expect panoramic scenes from the castle and stunning coastlines.
• Potential for Scheduling Hiccups: Some reviews hint at timing issues or extra payment requests—stay aware.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Deeper Look: What to Expect on This Tour

This full-day adventure kicks off with hotel pickup in Side or Alanya, meaning you won’t have to worry about transportation logistics. The first major attraction is Alanya Castle, which you reach via a cable car ride. The ascent up the cable car offers breathtaking panoramic views—a highlight for many travelers. From this vantage point, you’ll be able to see the sea, the city, and the fortress walls, a picture-perfect moment.

Once at the top, you’ll explore the Süleymaniye Mosque—a small historical site within the castle grounds—and stroll through the Bedesten Bazaar, a lively spot to soak in the local atmosphere and perhaps pick up souvenirs. The guide will help you navigate the history and significance of these sites, making the experience more meaningful.

The Boat Ride & Coastline Views

Following the castle visit, you’ll hop on a boat tour along Alanya’s coast. This roughly 1-hour cruise is one of the highlights, giving you a fresh perspective on the Red Tower (Kzlkule) and the rugged coastline. The boat ride delivers a refreshing sea breeze, as you admire the shipwrecks, beaches, and cliffs from the water. Several reviews mention how enjoyable this part is, with some noting it as the most relaxing segment of the day.

Cleopatra Beach: The Swimming Break

Next up is a 45-minute stop at Cleopatra Beach—a stretch of soft sand and crystal-clear water famous for its beauty. Travelers often remark on how perfect the conditions are for a swim, with some quoting the “soft sands” and “crystal-clear waters” as ideal for relaxing or cooling off after the sightseeing.

Damlata Cave: Nature’s Underground Wonder

A short drive then takes you to the Damlata Cave, where you’ll marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years. The cave is known for its unique formations and supposed health benefits, especially for respiratory issues. Be aware that there’s an entry fee for the cave, which is not included in the tour price. Several reviews highlight the cave as an interesting and cool break from the heat, with guides providing insights into its formations.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Turkish Lunch & Local Shopping

After the cave visit, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. The meals often feature authentic Turkish cuisine, with some reviews describing the lunch as “buffet-style” and set in a pleasant setting. Many travelers appreciate this as a value-added feature, especially since drinks are typically extra.

Post-lunch, the tour includes a stop at a local store in Alanya’s city center. Here, you’ll have time to explore, shop, or simply soak up the city’s lively atmosphere. Some reviews note that the shopping stop is brief but sufficient for picking up souvenirs or enjoying a quick coffee at a nearby café.

The Practicalities: Transportation and Group Size

The tour is conducted by bus with pickup from hotels in Side or Alanya, making it convenient for travelers staying in either location. The group size can be quite large, with some reviews mentioning full capacity coaches, so be prepared for a lively, social atmosphere.

While the tour promises guided commentary in English, German, Russian, and Turkish, some reviews indicate that guides may not speak German in smaller groups, which is worth considering if language preferences are important for your experience.

Pricing & Additional Costs

The $19 fee is very competitive for what’s included. However, keep in mind that certain attractions, such as the cable car to the castle and Damlata Cave, require additional tickets—around 10 EUR for the cable car—which you need to purchase separately. Drinks during lunch or the boat trip are not included and can add to your expenses if you indulge.

Timing & Flexibility

The total tour duration is around 8 hours, typically starting in the morning. Some reviews mention slight timing challenges—for example, a guide hurried guests at the ATM or the short window for certain attractions like the castle. So, if you value a relaxed pace, ask your guide about the schedule.

Authentic Traveler Insights & Tips

From the reviews, it’s clear that guides like Umit make a difference, offering helpful explanations and language support. However, some travelers faced payment issues, for example, being asked to pay extra for the cable car or caves—sometimes with suggestions of inflated prices or difficulty paying by card. Staying prepared with cash is advisable.

Several guests found the boat trip a highlight, describing it as enjoyable and relaxing. The lunch was also praised for its setting and flavor, making it a worthwhile part of the day. On the flip side, some reviewers felt the shopping stop was very brief and not particularly scenic, serving mainly as a quick retail outlet.

In terms of value, most agree that, considering the price, the tour offers a comprehensive experience—covering major sights and providing leisure time—making it ideal for travelers who want a balanced, all-in-one day.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for budget-conscious travelers eager to see the highlights of Alanya without breaking the bank. If you enjoy a blend of history, nature, and city life, and don’t mind large groups or some scheduled tightness, you’ll find this trip quite rewarding.

It’s especially well-suited for visitors with limited time who want to pack in many key attractions into one day. Families, first-timers, and those interested in easy, guided exploration will appreciate the mix of activities and the opportunity to relax at Cleopatra Beach.

The Sum Up

The Full-Day Alanya City Tour & Cleopatra Beach Visit delivers fantastic value for those wanting a snapshot of Alanya’s best sights—think panoramic castle views, a boat cruise, a relaxing beach swim, and underground caves, all under one roof. The guided elements help deepen your understanding of each site, and the set-price makes planning straightforward.

While some logistical hiccups and additional costs are worth noting, most travelers find the experience enjoyable and well worth the investment. The tour balances sightseeing, leisure, and culture, making it a solid choice for those new to Alanya or Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.

If you’re after an affordable, hassle-free way to see Alanya’s highlights with a friendly guide, this trip will suit you well. Just remember to bring cash, be prepared for some crowding, and enjoy soaking in the beautiful coastal scenery.

FAQ

Is pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from hotels in Side and Alanya. Be sure to wait outside your hotel 5 minutes before your scheduled pickup time.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and free time at the end.

Do I need to pay extra for attractions?
Yes, attractions like the cable car to Alanya Castle and Damlata Cave require separate entrance fees, which are not included in the base price.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear for Cleopatra Beach, a camera for the views, and cash for additional expenses like drinks and entrance fees.

Are drinks included during the tour?
No, drinks are not included, so you may want to carry some money or water with you.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The tour is fixed with scheduled stops, but guides may offer some flexibility, especially during free time.

Is the boat trip weather-dependent?
Yes, the boat trip may be canceled or rescheduled due to weather conditions, and your guide will inform you if that happens.

What if I don’t speak German?
Guides speak English, Russian, Turkish, and German; however, German-speaking guides may only be available for larger groups.

Are there any restrictions?
Food and drinks are not allowed in the vehicle, and personal belongings should be kept safe as the company isn’t responsible for lost items.

Is it suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Yes, but be aware of steep steps at the castle and the need for moderate walking. Bring water and take breaks as needed.

This tour offers a well-rounded, affordable way to experience Alanya’s highlights, perfect for those who want a full day of sightseeing, relaxation, and local flavor without the hassle of planning each stop individually.

You can check if your dates are available here: