Alanya Castle — Opening Hours, Tickets & Complete Guide 2026
Seljuk fortress on a rocky peninsula with panoramic Mediterranean views.
Entry to the İçkale (inner citadel) of Alanya Castle costs €12, and it is open 08:00–17:00 — the ticket office closes at 16:30. The walled quarters and paths around the castle are free. The Alanya cable car from Damlataş (620 TL return for foreign visitors) saves the 45–60-minute walk up.
| İçkale entrance fee | €12 (foreign visitors); Müzekart valid for Turkish citizens |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | 08:00–17:00 (ticket office closes 16:30) |
| Walled quarters | Free |
| Getting up | Cable car from Damlataş, or a 45–60-minute walk |
Perched on a rocky peninsula 250 metres above the Mediterranean, Alanya Castle is the number-one attraction and thing to do in Alanya. It took its present shape in the 13th century under Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad. With over 6 km of walls, more than 140 towers and inhabited neighbourhoods inside, it is a living open-air museum.
From the İçkale (inner fortress) at the summit, Cleopatra Beach, the harbour and the Taurus Mountains fill a single panorama. Inside the walls, the Ehmedek quarter preserves Ottoman houses, the Süleymaniye Mosque and traditional silk-weaving workshops.
Alanya Castle entrance fee and opening hours (2026)
| Entrance fee | İçkale €12; the walled quarters are free |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | 08:00–17:00 (ticket office closes 16:30) |
| Suggested time | 2–3 hours |
| Best time to visit | Late afternoon — catch sunset at the top |
Fees for foreign visitors are from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism fee list; opening hours from muze.gov.tr. Check again shortly before your visit.
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How do I get to Alanya Castle?
The cable car (Alanya Teleferik) from beside Cleopatra Beach is the most scenic way up. Alternatively, city buses marked 'Kale' climb to the summit; walking up is steep but rewarding (45–60 min).
Distances and driving times to Alanya Castle
| From Antalya Airport (AYT) | 129 km · about 1 h 46 min by car |
|---|---|
| From Side | 67 km · about 56 min by car |
| From Manavgat | 63 km · about 51 min by car |
| From Alanya | 4 km · about 8 min by car |
Road distances and driving times calculated on the OpenStreetMap road network (OSRM), without traffic or stops. Compare all attractions →
Tips for visiting Alanya Castle
- Ride the cable car up and walk down towards the harbour past several viewpoints.
- Check the current İçkale ticket price on muze.gov.tr.
- Bring water — shops are scarce inside the walls.
Where is Alanya Castle?
Tours & tickets
Alanya Castle — frequently asked questions
Is Alanya Castle free to visit?
The walled neighbourhoods and walking paths are free; only the İçkale inner fortress at the summit charges admission (€12).
Should I take the cable car to the castle?
The cable car is the easiest option, departing beside Cleopatra Beach and reaching the Ehmedek station in about 5 scenic minutes.
How long does Alanya Castle take?
Plan 2–3 hours for the cable car, İçkale and the old quarters — ideally timed to end at sunset.
What time does Alanya Castle close?
The İçkale closes at 17:00 and the ticket office at 16:30, according to the Ministry of Culture (muze.gov.tr, November 2026).
How far is Alanya Castle from Side?
Alanya Castle is 67 km from Side by road — about 56 min by car without stops.
How far is Alanya Castle from Antalya Airport?
Alanya Castle is 129 km from Antalya Airport (AYT) by road — about 1 h 46 min by car without stops.
Comparison: Side or Alanya — which base to choose →
