Side-Turkey.

Drive about an hour east of Side along the Mediterranean and a rocky peninsula rises straight out of the sea, crowned by honey-coloured walls. That is Alanya — and the two monuments that define it are pure Seljuk: the great fortress of Alanya Castle (Alanya Kalesi) and the octagonal Red Tower (Kızıl Kule) standing guard over the old harbour. This guide explains what you are actually looking at, why these stones matter, and how to see them comfortably on a day out from the Side, Manavgat and Belek coast.

The Red Tower (Kızıl Kule): a fortress in miniature

The Red Tower is the symbol of Alanya and the easiest landmark to grasp. It was completed in 1226 under the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad, who brought the architect Ebu Ali (Reha) from Aleppo to build it. The tower takes its name from the red brick used in its upper structure, and it is a serious piece of military engineering — octagonal in plan, around 33 metres tall, and rising through five storeys, each laid out differently inside. Its job was singular: to protect the harbour and the Seljuk shipyard below from any threat arriving by sea.

Climb it and you understand the whole peninsula in one sweep. The Red Tower was restored in the early 1950s and opened to visitors as a museum in 1979, so the interior you walk through today has been carefully consolidated. From the top, the Mediterranean spreads out below and the castle walls trace the ridge above — the best single viewpoint in Alanya.

The Tersane: the Seljuks' first Mediterranean shipyard

A short walk from the tower, hugging the rock at the water's edge, is the Tersane — the Seljuk shipyard, built in 1227. This was the first shipyard the Seljuks raised on the Mediterranean, a chain of vaulted bays where ships were built and repaired, opening directly onto the sea. Together the tower and the shipyard tell the same story: a sultanate that had just taken the coast and meant to hold it with sea power.

Alanya Castle: a city on the summit

Above all of this sits Alanya Castle, a sprawling medieval fortress that wraps the headland in kilometres of wall and dozens of towers. Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad rebuilt and expanded it in the 1220s as the strongpoint of his new coastal capital, and what survives is layered with Seljuk, and earlier and later, work. Inside the walls you do not just find ramparts — there is the inner castle (İçkale) at the highest point, old cisterns, a small Byzantine-era church and the quiet lanes of the historic quarter, where village life still goes on among the stones. Alanya Castle has long been recognised for its outstanding value and sits on Turkey's UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Roughly an hour or so east of Side each way; trip length confirmed at booking.
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking.
• Includes: Guided sightseeing of the Alanya peninsula; details confirmed at booking.
• Excludes: Site entrance fees, food & drinks, personal spending (check the official site / confirmed at booking).
• Family Friendly: Yes — great for curious kids, though the castle involves steps and slopes.
• Best Season: Spring and autumn for comfortable walking; pleasant year-round on the coast.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate — cobbles, stairs and inclines at the castle and tower.

Related Excursions

• Things to do in Alanya
• Tours & excursions from Side
• Explore Antalya
• Trips from Belek
• Discover Kemer
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is the Red Tower?

It was completed in 1226 under the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad, making it almost 800 years old.

Why is it called the Red Tower?

It is named for the red brick used in its upper structure, which gives the octagonal tower its distinctive colour.

Who designed it?

The sultan brought the architect Ebu Ali (Reha) from Aleppo to build the tower.

Can you go inside the tower and castle?

Yes. The Red Tower has served as a museum since 1979, and Alanya Castle is open to visitors. Entrance fees and opening hours should be confirmed at booking or on the official site.

How far is Alanya from Side?

Alanya lies east of Side along the coast, roughly an hour or so away by road; exact timing depends on your hotel and is confirmed at booking.

Is the castle hard to walk?

There are cobbled lanes, stairs and slopes, so wear comfortable shoes. It is manageable for most visitors who take their time.

What else can I see on the peninsula?

The Tersane (Seljuk shipyard) sits beside the Red Tower, and nearby Alanya offers Damlataş Cave, Cleopatra Beach and the historic harbour.

Is this suitable for children?

Yes — kids usually love climbing the tower and the sea views, just keep an eye out on the steps.

Ready to stand where Seljuk sailors once watched the horizon? Book this trip DIRECT with the Murat Atalay team at side-turkey.com — message us on WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com. As a local operator you skip agency and OTA commissions, and we back it with our best-price guarantee.