Side-Turkey.

Few places on the Turkish Riviera tell their story as plainly as Alanya. Climb the rocky peninsula that pushes out into the Mediterranean and you are standing on layers of history: Seljuk walls, an octagonal red-brick tower, a medieval shipyard cut into the rock at the water's edge. This is a guide for travellers who like to know why the stones are where they are. If you love the past as much as the view, Alanya Castle and the Red Tower reward slow, curious walking.

Alanya Castle: a Seljuk fortress on the rock

The castle (Alanya Kalesi) crowns a steep peninsula above the old harbour. Its strength is medieval Seljuk: when Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat I took the town in the 13th century, Alanya became a key Seljuk port, and the fortifications you walk today grew from that era. Long defensive walls wrap the headland, punctuated by towers and gates, while inside the upper enclosure you find cisterns, ruins and quiet viewpoints over both the eastern and western bays.

Getting up to the castle

The summit can be reached on foot through the old streets, by road, or by the Alanya cable car (teleferik) that rises from near Cleopatra Beach. Which option suits you depends on your pace and the heat of the day; exact running details are best confirmed on site or at booking.

The Red Tower (Kizil Kule): Alanya's Seljuk symbol

Down by the harbour stands the building most postcards show: the Kizil Kule, or Red Tower. It was completed in 1226 on the orders of Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat I, and its architect, Ebu Ali Reha, was brought from Aleppo. The tower takes its name from the reddish brick of its upper sections. Octagonal in plan and rising around 33 metres, it was a defensive masterpiece designed to guard the harbour and the shipyard beside it. It is widely regarded as the best-preserved Seljuk structure in the city.

The Tersane: a rare Seljuk shipyard

Just along the shore from the Red Tower lies the Tersane, the Seljuk shipyard built around 1227. It is the only surviving shipyard from the Seljuk period in Anatolia, and you can still see its five arched docks opening directly onto the sea, each once a separate shipbuilding bay. Together the tower and the shipyard show why Keykubat called himself master of the two seas: this was Seljuk naval power made of stone and water.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Self-paced sightseeing of the castle, Red Tower and old town; time confirmed at booking.
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking.
• Includes: Guided history walk options, transfer where arranged, local insight from the Murat Atalay team.
• Excludes: Personal expenses, museum/site entrance fees and cable car tickets (check official site), meals unless stated.
• Family Friendly: Yes; older children especially enjoy the castle and tower.
• Best Season: Spring and autumn for cooler walking; pleasant much of the year.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate; the peninsula is steep with steps and cobbles.

Related Excursions

• Alanya excursions & things to do
• Tours from Side
• Antalya day trips
• Belek excursions
• Kemer tours
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Who built the Red Tower?

It was completed in 1226 under the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat I, with the architect Ebu Ali Reha brought from Aleppo.

Why is it called the Red Tower?

The name comes from the reddish brick used in its upper sections, which gives the octagonal tower its distinctive colour.

What is the Tersane?

It is the Seljuk shipyard near the Red Tower, built around 1227, with five arched docks open to the sea. It is the only surviving Seljuk-era shipyard in Anatolia.

How do I reach Alanya Castle?

On foot, by road, or by the cable car (teleferik) near Cleopatra Beach. The route that suits you depends on your fitness and the weather.

Are there entrance fees?

Some sites, the cable car and museums may charge fees. We do not quote these; please check the official site or confirm at booking.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes, families enjoy it, though the peninsula is steep with steps, so watch younger children and wear good shoes.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are most comfortable for walking the walls; summer is hot, so go early or late in the day.

Why book directly with you?

Booking DIRECT with the Murat Atalay team removes agency and OTA commission, and we back it with a best-price guarantee.

Ready to walk through eight centuries of Seljuk history? Book DIRECT with the Murat Atalay team via WhatsApp or info@side-turkey.com. No middlemen, no agency mark-up, just a local operator and our best-price guarantee.