Best Photo Spots in Alanya and Antalya

The best photo spots in Alanya are Cleopatra Beach at sunset, Alanya Castle with the Red Tower and harbour, the Dim River valley and Sapadere Canyon. Around Antalya, add the old town of Kaleiçi, Konyaaltı seafront and the ancient cities. Before choosing, check where the sun sets, how busy it is at that hour and whether you need permission.

These are well-known public places, not secret spots. Each has its own rules and opening hours, so check them before you go.

Spots compared

Type	In Alanya	In Antalya	Watch out for
Beach	Cleopatra Beach, Damlataş area	Konyaaltı beach	Wind, summer crowds
Castle and harbour	Alanya Castle, Red Tower, harbour	Kaleiçi, old harbour	Narrow lanes, daytime visitors
River and canyon	Dim River, Sapadere Canyon	Düden Waterfalls, Köprülü Canyon	Early shade, travel time
Ancient city	Selinus in Gazipaşa	Side, Perge, Aspendos	Museum rules and permits
Park and cliffs	Seafront walkways	Karaalioğlu Park	Sunset views, busy evenings

Alanya

Cleopatra Beach. On the west side of the peninsula, facing the sunset. Sand, clear water and the sun going down into the sea. Best in the hour before sunset. Busy at midday in summer, calm early in the morning.

Castle, Red Tower and harbour. The town’s best-known view: walls on the rock, the octagonal Red Tower (Kızıl Kule) and boats in the harbour. You can walk from the tower along the harbour. Busy with visitors in season, quieter in the morning.

Damlataş area. Next to Damlataş Cave, a beach that also faces west. Handy if you want sea and castle views in one walk.

Dim River and Sapadere Canyon. For greenery and water. In the canyon the sun drops behind the walls early, so plan for the early afternoon rather than sunset. Allow for the drive from town.

Antalya

Kaleiçi. Stone lanes, wooden houses, Hadrian’s Gate and the old harbour. The narrow lanes stay shaded even at midday, which helps in summer.

Konyaaltı and Karaalioğlu Park. Cliffs and sea. At Konyaaltı, the sun sets towards the Beydağları mountains.

Ancient cities. Side, Perge and Aspendos offer columns, stone and space. Professional photography at archaeological sites and museums may need a permit. Check current rules with the museum directorate or Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Picking the time

1. Find sunset on your date in sunset times in Alanya.
2. Count back one hour. That is when the shoot starts.
3. Add travel time if you want to change location. More than two places in one evening usually means losing the light.

Crowds and permission

In summer the beach, the castle and Kaleiçi are busy. Weekdays and early mornings are calmer. For a hotel, restaurant or private property, ask for permission in advance. For drone shots, both the place’s own rules and the local airspace are checked. Details are in drone filming in Alanya: cost and rules.

Matching the spot to the shoot

• Couples: a beach at sunset or the seafront.
• Families with children: shade and a short walk from the car.
• Long gowns: sand and cobbles are awkward; a promenade or park is easier.
• Winter: an indoor backup in case of rain.

How to plan the rest of the shoot is in photoshoot in Alanya: when, where, how.

FAQ

Where are the best places for photos in Alanya?

Cleopatra Beach at sunset, the castle with the Red Tower and harbour, the Dim River and Sapadere Canyon. The choice depends on the photos you want and the time of the shoot.

Do I need a permit for a photoshoot in Alanya?

Rules vary by place. Ancient sites and museums may require a permit for professional photography. Hotels and private property always need permission.

Where can I photograph the sunset over the sea?

On west-facing beaches such as Cleopatra Beach and the Damlataş area, where the sun sets into the sea.

Can you suggest locations for our shoot?

Yes. Tell us what you would like and we will suggest a place and a time for your day. We work in Alanya and Antalya. All shoot types are on the photoshoot page.