Side-Turkey.

Alanya is one of those rare resort towns where the headline sight and the headline beach sit side by side. The medieval castle climbs its rocky peninsula, the Red Tower watches the old harbour, and a long ribbon of golden sand runs right up to the foot of it all. If you are basing yourself in Side, Manavgat or one of the nearby resorts and wondering where to actually swim, this guide walks you through the best beaches in Alanya, starting with the legendary Cleopatra Beach and moving on to the quieter spots most day-trippers miss.

Cleopatra Beach: the famous one, and worth it

Cleopatra Beach (Kleopatra Plajı) is the beach everyone has heard of, and the crowds are there for good reason. It stretches along the western side of the Alanya peninsula in fine, soft golden sand, with clear Mediterranean water and the castle rising dramatically behind you. The name comes from a local legend that Cleopatra herself once bathed here with Mark Antony, which adds a romantic story to an already gorgeous setting.

It is a Blue Flag beach, meaning it meets recognised international standards for water quality, safety and facilities. You will find sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and lifeguards along the strip. The sand shelves gently, so it suits families with younger children as well as strong swimmers.

Tips for visiting Cleopatra Beach

Arrive earlier in the day for an easier choice of spot and calmer water. The western end tends to be a little less packed than the central section nearest the town. Bring water shoes if you have sensitive feet, and remember that sunbed and umbrella rental is usually a small extra paid on the day, confirmed at booking / check the official site for any seasonal details.

Beyond Cleopatra: other beaches worth your towel

Damlataş Beach

Right beside the famous Damlataş Cave, this stretch of sand is compact, central and easy to combine with a quick look at the stalactite cave and the Alanya Archaeology Museum. It is a good choice if you want sand, sights and a coffee stop all within a short walk.

Keykubat Beach (eastern side)

On the eastern flank of the peninsula, the longer Keykubat shoreline is generally calmer and more laid-back than busy Cleopatra. It is a favourite with people who want space to spread out and a slower pace, with the castle profile across the bay.

Cool-water alternative: the Dim River valley

If the midday heat is fierce, locals trade the sea for the Dim River (Dim Çayı). The cold mountain water runs past riverside restaurants where tables sit right over the stream. It is not a beach, but it is one of the most refreshing places to spend an afternoon near Alanya, and it pairs beautifully with a visit to nearby Dim Cave.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Flexible beach-and-sightseeing day in Alanya, confirmed at booking.
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking.
• Includes: Transfer and guidance for an Alanya excursion (beach time, castle area, Red Tower and old harbour); exact inclusions confirmed at booking.
• Excludes: Personal spending, sunbed/umbrella rental, cave and museum entrance fees, meals unless stated.
• Family Friendly: Yes, gently shelving sand suits children; supervision required near water.
• Best Season: Late spring through early autumn for warm sea and reliable sunshine.
• Difficulty: Easy; beach and town are flat, with steeper ground only if you climb to the castle.

Related Excursions

• Alanya tours & excursions
• Things to do in Side
• Antalya excursions
• Belek tours
• Kemer excursions
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cleopatra Beach free to enter?

The beach itself is public and free to access. Sunbeds, umbrellas and parking are usually a small paid extra; details are confirmed at booking / check the official site.

Is Cleopatra Beach good for families?

Yes. The sand is soft and the water shelves gently near the shore, which suits children, while the open water still pleases confident swimmers. Always supervise children near the sea.

What is the best beach in Alanya for fewer crowds?

Keykubat Beach on the eastern side and the western end of Cleopatra are usually quieter than the busy central stretch, especially earlier in the day.

Can I combine the beach with sightseeing?

Absolutely. Cleopatra and Damlataş beaches sit close to Damlataş Cave, the Archaeology Museum, the castle, the Red Tower and the old Seljuk harbour, so a half day easily mixes sand and history.

Are Alanya beaches Blue Flag certified?

Many are, including Cleopatra Beach. The Blue Flag indicates water quality, safety and facility standards; the current list is held by the official Blue Flag programme.

Is there a non-sea swimming option nearby?

Yes, the cold, clear Dim River with its riverside restaurants is a popular alternative on very hot days, and works well alongside a Dim Cave visit.

When is the best time of year to swim in Alanya?

Late spring to early autumn gives the warmest sea and the most reliable sunshine. Exact seasonal conditions vary, so check before you travel.

Do you arrange pick-up from my hotel?

Yes, we offer hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat and nearby resorts; the time is confirmed at booking.

Ready to enjoy Alanya's best beaches without the agency mark-up? Book DIRECT with the Murat Atalay team at side-turkey.com via WhatsApp or info@side-turkey.com. Because you are dealing with a local operator and not an OTA, there is no extra agency or online-travel commission, and we back it with our best-price guarantee.