Cleopatra Beach, Alanya

Beach in Alanya

Few beaches in the Mediterranean can rival the beauty and legend of Cleopatra Beach, Alanya's most famous stretch of sand. Framed by the dramatic cliffs of Alanya Castle and the sparkling turquoise waters of the sea, this 2.5-kilometer-long beach is the crown jewel of the Turkish Riviera. The story goes that Cleopatra herself once swam here while visiting the region - a legend that has only added to its mystique and allure. With its crystal-clear waters, fine golden sand, and breathtaking backdrop, this is one of the must-see places in Alanya and a paradise for beach lovers.

Beyond its postcard-perfect scenery, Cleopatra Beach is also a favorite spot for both locals and travelers seeking sun, sea, and a touch of history. Its Blue Flag certification ensures top-quality water and cleanliness, and the long promenade behind the beach is lined with cafés, palm trees, and lively shops. Whether you want to relax under a parasol, dive into the warm waters, or take a sunset stroll, this spot is one of the best places to see in Alanya and a highlight of any walking tour of Alanya along the coastal path.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
How to Get There
Practical Tips
Is Cleopatra Beach Worth Visiting?
Nearby Attractions

History and Significance

The legend of Cleopatra Beach dates back over two thousand years. According to ancient lore, the Egyptian queen Cleopatra received the Alanya region as a gift from Mark Antony. It's said that she would bathe here during her stays and that the fine, golden sand was imported from the Nile River itself. While historians view this as romantic myth rather than fact, it's easy to see why the story endures - the natural beauty of this beach is truly fit for a queen.

In later centuries, the beach became part of Alanya's thriving port culture, frequented by sailors, traders, and townsfolk. Today, Cleopatra Beach continues to symbolize Alanya's connection to its storied past, blending ancient charm with modern-day leisure.

Things to See and Do

Cleopatra Beach is all about relaxation and recreation. The calm, shallow waters make it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. Water sports centers along the beach offer jet-skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides for those looking for excitement. The sand here is famously smooth and golden, making it perfect for sunbathing or building sandcastles if you're traveling with family.

For a scenic view, take a walk along the promenade that runs parallel to the beach - especially beautiful at sunset when the castle above glows in soft orange light. The nearby Alanya Cable Car (Teleferik) begins right behind the beach and takes you up to the castle, offering spectacular views of the coastline and sea. Small beach cafés serve everything from fresh juices to Turkish gözleme, while loungers and umbrellas can be rented at reasonable prices.

How to Get There

Cleopatra Beach is located on the western side of Alanya, just below the castle and easily accessible from anywhere in the city. It's a short walk from the town center, and regular dolmuş minibuses run along Atatürk Boulevard for those coming from other neighborhoods. The beach is well signposted, and parking is available nearby for drivers.

Practical Tips

Best time to visit: May to October for warm weather and calm seas
Entrance fee in Euros: Free (sunbeds and umbrellas extra, around €3-€5)
How long to spend: Half a day to a full day
Accessibility: Smooth promenades and ramps available in several spots
Facilities: Toilets, showers, lifeguards, and equipment rentals along the beach
Photography tip: Capture the view of Alanya Castle rising above the beach at sunset
Guided tours: Beach and cable car often included in Alanya sightseeing tours
Nearby food options: Seaside cafés and restaurants serving Turkish and international cuisine

Is Cleopatra Beach Worth Visiting?

Without question, Cleopatra Beach is one of the top attractions in Alanya and one of the most famous beaches in Turkey. Its mix of myth, beauty, and atmosphere makes it more than just a place to swim - it's an experience. Whether you're here to relax in the sun, admire the views, or dip your toes where Cleopatra is said to have once swum, it's easy to see why this beach has captivated visitors for centuries.

Nearby Attractions

Alanya Castle: The fortress rising above the beach offers spectacular views of the coastline.
Damlataş Cave: Just behind the beach, this cave is famous for its healing microclimate and impressive stalactites.
Alanya Cable Car (Teleferik): A scenic ride from the beach up to the castle with panoramic views.
Alanya Archaeological Museum: A short walk away, displaying artifacts from ancient Alanya and beyond.
Atatürk Park: A peaceful green space with fountains and benches, perfect for cooling off after a beach day.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (1,061)

Kleopatra Beach in Alanya offers warm, swim-friendly water and a striking turquoise colour in places, with plenty of showers, taps and rentable sunbeds plus nearby bars, smoothie and drinks stalls and a sweetcorn vendor; changing rooms/cabins are available for a small fee while public buses stop on the main strip for easy return trips. The shore varies from fine gravel and sand-like areas near Damlataş to sections with small stones and sharp rocky seabeds further along, so water shoes may be unnecessary in some spots but watch your footing; visitors note occasional litter and floating plastic in the sea and that sand and gravel can stick to clothes.

Antonio Racolta

4 months ago

"Beautiful beach with all the facilites you need,lots of showers and taps. Toilets cost 10 lira,not very expensive at all. The beach itself has agreat view,has places to eat and drink,and the sea is warm and easy to swim in provided you can get past the waves..."

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J. Schadenberg

3 months ago

"Beautiful beach with quite clear water. There was unfortunately quite a lot of litter in the sand. When I visited Alanya the waves were unusuallyhigh, so everyday the red flag was raised but we did swim anyway because we loved the waves. No need to bring water shoes because the rocks are quite small but the sand does get everywhere, in your clothes and on your body which is a oying but that comes with going to a beach. Paragliding over the beach was also beautiful, from above you could see the clear water very well...."

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adam pivarč

5 months ago

"🇬🇧 Review (English) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ We visited the beaches in Alanya, and overall we were satisfied. The most beautiful part is definitely Damlataş Beach,right next to the hill with the cable car and the Damlataş Cave — the water there is crystal clear, turquoise, and the ground is fine gravel, very pleasant to walk on. This nice stretch is around 100–200 meters long. However, as you walk further away along the so-called Cleopatra Beach, the seabed changes a lot. Instead of sand or fine gravel, you end up in areas with sharp rocks and an uneven stony bottom. It’s easy to hurt yourself there, and the water also doesn’t look as beautiful anymore. If I had known about this rocky seabed further away, I might have chosen another destination. But overall, we still enjoyed it, and I’m adding some photos to show the difference...."

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The Cleopatra Beach appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Alanya!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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