My route
Sign in
WorldTurkeyAlanyaCleopatra BeachMy routeRoute

Cleopatra Beach, Alanya

Empty sandy Cleopatra Beach with gentle surf and turquoise water, the pine-covered castle peninsula of Alanya behind
Photo: Dosseman, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

The essentials in 10 seconds

Entry
Free — Turkish law keeps the shoreline open to everyone
officialConfirmed by an official source: the venue, a ministry or the operator.
Hours
Open 24 hours; sunbeds, showers and lifeguards during the day in swimming season
Time on site
A typical visit without queueing. In high season add 15–30 minutes.
3 h
With kids
Fine with kids
Sunbed and umbrella
Paid; each café or rental section sets its own price
verifyingFrom reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go.
Length
≈ 2–2.5 km
verifyingFrom reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go.
Blue Flag
Reported by Turkish media; this season’s list being checked
verifyingFrom reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go.
Showers and changing cabins
Along the beach, in season
verifyingFrom reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go.
Sea
Mediterranean
Neighbourhood
Saray, west side of the peninsula, past Damlataş Cave
Swimming season
May–October
Coordinates
36.54830, 31.98000YesGo MapGoogleApple

Key facts

Freeentry — the Turkish shoreline is open to the public by law
SourceTurkish Coastal Law No. 3621 (Kıyı Kanunu)
≈ 2–2.5 kmof sand along the west side of the peninsula
2 sourcesCNN Türk and Milliyet (≈ 2 km)Polish Wikipedia (≈ 2.5 km)
From Damlataşthe sand starts right past the cave and runs north-west
2 sourcesCNN TürkPolish Wikipedia
Every 50 ma beach kiosk selling snacks and drinks
SourceCNN Türk
A legendsays Mark Antony gave this coast to Cleopatra — hence the name
2 sourcesTurkish Wikipedia: Kleopatra PlajıEnglish Wikipedia: Alanya
Kleopatra Plajıthe Turkish name — type this into your maps app
2 sourcesWikidata Q49321623Turkish Wikipedia
Mediterraneanthe sea off the beach
2 sourcesWikidataEnglish Wikipedia: Alanya
1948Damlataş Cave was found at the beach’s southern end
2 sourcesEnglish Wikipedia: Damlataş CaveEnglish Wikipedia: Alanya
22–23 °Cinside Damlataş Cave all year — a break from the midday heat
2 sourcesEnglish Wikipedia: Damlataş CaveEnglish Wikipedia: Alanya
CoracesiumAlanya’s ancient name in Cleopatra’s time
2 sourcesEnglish Wikipedia: CoracesiumRussian Wikipedia: Alanya
Not MarmarisCleopatra Island (Sedir), with the imported-sand legend, is a different place
2 sourcesRussian Wikipedia: AlanyaPolish Wikipedia on the beach repeats the legend

Is Cleopatra Beach free?

Yes. Under Turkey’s Coastal Law the shoreline belongs to everyone, so there is no entry fee and no gate. Bring a towel and lie on the sand anywhere you like, day or night.

What you pay for is sunbeds and umbrellas. The beach is split into sections run by cafés and rental stands, each with its own price, which changes through the season — we don’t print numbers that go stale, and the figures in guides differ several-fold. Before you sit down, ask the price and whether the sunbed comes with a café order — each section has its own rules.

Beach kiosks sit roughly every 50 metres, selling snacks, drinks and ice cream. In season you can rent boats, jet skis and pedal boats, or go parasailing behind a speedboat.

Showers and changing cabins line the beach and work in season. For toilets, use the cafés.

How to get to Cleopatra Beach from the castle

Tap a route to highlight it on the map.

Loading the map…

on footdestinationStreet view

Where are you starting from?

We’ll draw it on the map on foot and by taxi; metro and buses open in your maps app. Your location isn’t stored.

On foot

More tips

  1. From the upper station at the castle, ride the Teleferik cable car down — the lower station sits by Damlataş Beach, at the southern tip of Cleopatra Beach.
  2. Prefer not to take the cable car? Walk or take the city bus down Kale Caddesi to the harbour and the Red Tower, then walk 10–15 minutes west along Damlataş Caddesi.
  3. Pass the entrance to Damlataş Cave — Cleopatra Beach’s sand starts right behind it.
  4. Keep walking north-west for more space: the first few hundred metres by the cave are the busiest.
  5. From Konaklı, Mahmutlar and other resort districts, buses and dolmuş minibuses run along Atatürk Bulvarı towards the centre; hop off by the beach and walk down any side street.

Is Cleopatra Beach worth it?

If you’re in Alanya, yes — it’s the town’s best beach and it’s right in the centre. You get a long sweep of sand, clear water, a promenade for the evening and the castle rock as a backdrop, all within walking distance of the cave, the cable car and the harbour.

It isn’t a secluded cove. In July and August it’s busy, the sea gets deep fast, and there’s no natural shade. If you want quiet, come early in the morning or walk to the far north-western end. Staying in Side or Antalya? It isn’t worth a special trip just for the beach — combine it with Alanya Castle and Damlataş Cave to make the day count.

What you’ll find on the beach

  • A wide strip of pale sand — with some stones and rock slabs at the water’s edge in places, so water shoes help.
  • A seafront promenade with a cycle lane running the full length.
  • Cafés and sunbed rentals, plus water sports in season.
  • Damlataş Cave at the southern end — cool even in July.
  • The cable car up to Alanya Castle, with the whole beach laid out below.
  • Sunsets straight over the sea — the beach faces west.

Why is it called Cleopatra Beach?

The name comes from a legend, not a record. Local tradition says Mark Antony gave this stretch of coast — ancient Coracesium — to Cleopatra, and that she swam here. Encyclopedias hedge: the name may refer to a visit by her or to the coast being part of her holdings.

You may also hear that Antony shipped sand from North Africa for her. That story belongs to Cleopatra Island (Sedir) in the Gulf of Gökova near Marmaris, hundreds of kilometres to the west, though it’s often retold about Alanya.

Alanya itself grew into a resort after the 1950s, when Damlataş Cave opened to visitors.

Best time to go

The swimming season runs May to October, with July and August the busiest months. June and September are the sweet spot: the sea is warm, the sand isn’t scorching and there’s more space.

In November only the hardy swim — the water is still mild, but rain and wind are common and many cafés close. The promenade is good for a walk all year.

In summer, go before 11:00 or after 16:00. There’s no shade except umbrellas at midday, and the sunset alone is worth coming back for.

Beach checklist

Ready: 0 of 6

Tick what’s ready — your ticks stay in this browser.

Cleopatra Beach vs Damlataş and Keykubat

Cleopatrayou are hereWest side of the peninsulaLong, ≈ 2–2.5 kmFreeOver the sea, facing youCave, cable car
DamlataşBy the cave, under the castleShort, in a coveFreeBehind the headlandCave, harbour
KeykubatEast side of the centreLongFreeBehind youHotels and cafés

If you pick one beach in Alanya, make it Cleopatra: longer, roomier and with the castle view. Damlataş works for a quick dip when you’re already in the centre.

Alanya by the water: compare and choose

Every waterside place in Alanya rated by YesGo. Tap a column heading to sort.

Alanya Shipyard3930 minPrice being verified40 min walk
Damlataş Cave3830 min≈ 225 TL, children less17 min walk
Cleopatra Beachyou are here363 hFree—
Dim Cave261 h300 TL, children 7–12 150 TL11.6 km
Dim River262 h 30 minFree13.1 km
Sapadere Canyon212 h≈ 225 TL, being verified29.9 km

Beach, cave and castle in a day

A morning on the sand, the cool cave at midday, the cable car up to the castle and a walk down to the harbour. Add them to your route in one tap — YesGo fits in the timing and transfers.

  1. Cleopatra Beachyou are here3 h · Free entry, sunbeds extra
  2. 17 min walk from the previous stopDamlataş Cave30 min · ≈ 225 TL, children less
  3. 19 min walk from the previous stopAlanya Castle2 h 30 min · Walls free, İç Kale ≈ €12
  4. 10 min walk from the previous stopRed Tower45 min · Paid, price being verified
  5. 4 min walk from the previous stopAlanya Shipyard30 min · Price being verified

5 places · about 8 h 5 min with walks · 50 min on foot in total

Go · my route

Nearby — add to your day

Damlataş Cave

Alanya, Turkey

30 min · ≈ 225 TL, children less · 17 min walk

Alanya Castle

Alanya, Turkey

2 h 30 min · Walls free, İç Kale ≈ €12 · 35 min walk

Red Tower

Alanya, Turkey

45 min · Paid, price being verified · 36 min walk

How to do it right

  • Before taking a sunbed, ask the price and whether it comes with a café order — sections differ.
  • Want space? Walk north-west from the cave; the crowds thin out fast.
  • Escape the midday heat in Damlataş Cave — it stays cool all year.
  • The best view of the beach is from above, on the cable car to Alanya Castle.
  • Come back to the promenade in the evening: the sun sets straight into the sea.

Questions

Is Cleopatra Beach in Alanya free?

Yes. Entry is free — Turkish law keeps the shoreline public. You only pay for sunbeds and umbrellas; each section sets its own terms, so ask before you sit down.

How long is Cleopatra Beach?

About 2–2.5 km — Turkish media give roughly 2 km, Polish Wikipedia about 2.5 km. It starts right past Damlataş Cave and runs north-west along the promenade.

How much are sunbeds on Cleopatra Beach?

Each café or rental section sets its own price, and it changes through the season. Ask before you sit down.

How do I get to Cleopatra Beach?

From the centre, walk 10–15 minutes west along Damlataş Caddesi past Damlataş Cave. From the castle, take the Teleferik cable car down. From Konaklı or Mahmutlar, take a bus or dolmuş along Atatürk Bulvarı.

Is Cleopatra Beach sandy?

Yes, it’s a sandy beach, with some stones and rock slabs at the water’s edge in places. The seabed drops off fairly quickly.

Is Cleopatra Beach good for kids?

Yes, with care: the sand is great for playing, but the water gets deep quickly, so keep little ones at the edge and bring shade.

Is Cleopatra Beach a Blue Flag beach?

Turkish media describe it as one, but the award is renewed every season and we couldn’t confirm it on this season’s list — look for the flag on the beach.

When is the best time to visit Cleopatra Beach?

June and September: warm sea, fewer people. July and August are hottest and busiest; in summer go before 11:00 or after 16:00.

Why is it called Cleopatra Beach?

By legend, Mark Antony gave this coast to Cleopatra and she swam here. There’s no record of it — it’s a story, not history.

Is Cleopatra Beach the same as Cleopatra Island in Marmaris?

No. Cleopatra Island (Sedir) is in the Gulf of Gökova near Marmaris, hundreds of kilometres west of Alanya.

Have you been? Was it worth your time?

1 — no, 5 — absolutely

Your vote counts towards the YesGo score.

Sources and fact-check

  • Wikidata Q49321623: Kleopatra Plajı — coordinates and name
  • Turkish Wikipedia: Kleopatra Plajı
  • Polish Wikipedia: Plaża Kleopatry
  • English Wikipedia: Alanya, Damlataş Cave, Coracesium
  • Russian Wikipedia: Alanya
  • Turkish Coastal Law No. 3621 (Kıyı Kanunu)
  • CNN Türk: “Kleopatra Plajı Nerede? Ücretli mi? Nasıl Gidilir?”, 2021
  • Milliyet: reports on Cleopatra Beach
  • Yeni Birlik newspaper: Blue Flag in Alanya, 02.06.2026
YesGo editorial team · facts checked 30.10.2026 ·
How we checkedFree entry follows from Turkey’s Coastal Law and is confirmed by CNN Türk. Sources disagree on length — CNN Türk and Milliyet give about 2 km, Polish Wikipedia about 2.5 km — so we show ≈ 2–2.5 km. Turkish Wikipedia, Milliyet and CNN Türk call it a Blue Flag beach, but those are older reports; a 2 June 2026 report says six public beaches in Alanya won the flag this season without naming them, and the programme’s own list didn’t load — so it is marked “checking”. Sunbed prices in guides and reviews differ several-fold and vary by section, so we give none. We found no official cable car timetable or fares, so the page doesn’t quote them. The Antony gift is shown as legend; the imported-sand story is attributed to Sedir Island, following Russian Wikipedia.

Top YesGo picks: Alanya

Alanya Shipyard

Alanya, Turkey

30 min · Price being verified

Dim Cave

Alanya, Turkey

1 h · 300 TL, children 7–12 150 TL

Dim River

Alanya, Turkey

2 h 30 min · Free, you pay only for food

Syedra

Alanya, Turkey

1 h 30 min · €7 for foreigners, under-8s free

Sapadere Canyon

Alanya, Turkey

2 h · ≈ 225 TL, being verified

All places: Alanya →