Short answer: Central Alanya is easy to explore on foot: the castle, the Red Tower, Damlataş Cave and Cleopatra Beach are all close together. You need a car for what lies outside town: Dim River and Dim Cave are 20 minutes away, Sapadere Canyon about an hour, and Side and Aspendos make easy day trips.
Alanya is about 775 km from Istanbul by car, roughly 10 hours without traffic. The route is the same as in our guide to driving from Istanbul to Side; after the Side turn-off, Alanya is about an hour further on.
| From central Alanya | Approx. distance | Approx. time (no traffic) |
|---|---|---|
| Dim Cave | 14 km | 20 min |
| Dim River | 16 km | 25 min |
| Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport | 43 km | 45 min |
| Sapadere Canyon | 45 km | 1 h |
| Side | 66 km | 55 min |
| Aspendos | 94 km | 1 h 10 min |
| Antalya Airport | 127 km | 1 h 40 min |
| Antalya city centre | 135 km | 1 h 45 min |
Times are without traffic. In summer, the Alanya–Antalya coast road can take noticeably longer.
The easiest escape from the summer heat is Dim River, where restaurants line the cool water coming down from the mountains. Combined with Dim Cave nearby, it makes a relaxed half-day trip. The drive is short but busy at weekends; arriving before noon makes parking easier.
A road heading inland from the east of Alanya climbs into the Taurus Mountains to Sapadere Canyon, where a walking path follows the waterfalls through the gorge. The last section is a narrow, winding mountain road, so plan to go and return in daylight.
About an hour's drive towards Antalya brings you to the seaside ancient city of Side, and a little further on to the remarkably well-preserved Roman theatre of Aspendos. Both fit comfortably into one day. For more routes around Antalya, see things to do in Antalya.
Otofilorent's pick-up points are in Istanbul: you collect the car at one of our 18 points and return it in Istanbul. On rentals of 3 days or more we deliver the car to your address in Istanbul free of charge. Mention your long-distance plan when booking; the terms of your rental are shown on the booking screen and in your contract. 24/7 roadside assistance is included, and 0850 305 00 45 is open around the clock.
Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport, about 43 km and 45 minutes from the centre by car. Antalya Airport is about 127 km away.
About 16 km from central Alanya by car, roughly 25 minutes without traffic.
Not for the centre; the castle, Red Tower and beaches are within walking distance. For places like Dim River, Sapadere and Side, a car makes things much easier.
No. Otofilorent's pick-up and return points are in Istanbul; one-way rentals between cities are not available. On your way back you can return the car at any of our 18 points in Istanbul; on rentals of 3 days or more we also collect it from your address free of charge.
