Where Can You Watch the Best Sunset in Alanya, Turkey?

02.09.2025 - 18:00

The sunset in Alanya is one of the most breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Watching the sun set over the sea from numerous spots, from the walls of the historic Alanya Castle to the famous golden sands of Cleopatra Beach, offers an unforgettable experience. So, where can you watch the sunset in Alanya? And what are the best sunset spots in Alanya? In this guide, you can find the most popular routes, such as Cleopatra Beach sunset, Damlataş, Seyir Terrace, Alanya Lighthouse, Ulaş Beach, and boat tours, and enhance your holiday with photography and travel tips!

Watch the Sunset From Alanya Castle & Cable Car Upper Station

Alanya Castle is located at the top of the peninsula; watching the city and sea panorama from the castle walls at sunset is one of the most popular experiences. You can easily ascend via cable car (the line departing from Damlataş) and wait for the sunset at the summit station. The castle is a classic answer to the question ‘Where to watch the sunset in Alanya?’ due to its historical atmosphere and wide-angle views.

Why choose it: The castle offers 360° views, particularly the opportunity to see the western horizon and the Cleopatra beaches at the same time. The historical stone texture adds depth to photographs; during the golden hour, the texture of the walls contrasts magnificently with the tones of the sky.

Ideal time and plan: Head up the hill by cable car or on foot 60–90 minutes before sunset; a short walk allows you to discover more viewing spots. Bear in mind that the cable car may be busy on the way back in the evening, so consider alternative return options (taxi or walking down).

Photography tips: Use a wide-angle lens (for the cityscape + horizon) and a telephoto lens between 35–70mm to capture castle details/silhouettes; use a tripod to capture the blue hour (the short period after sunset). RAW shooting and exposure bracketing are recommended.

Access & practical: The cable car departs from the Damlataş area; cable car hours may vary depending on the season, so check before you go. As there are stairways and stone-paved surfaces in the castle area, walking shoes and light clothing are recommended.

Watch the Sunset From the Kleopatra Beach

Kleopatra Beach is the most familiar spot in Alanya for watching the sunset, thanks to its long sandy shore and west-facing horizon. Photographers love capturing the sunset over the sea from the beach, with the silhouette of the castle on the right in the same frame. This is the ideal content for a ‘Kleopatra Beach sunset’ search, describing the shots to be taken and the walking routes.

Why choose it: Easy access, wide sandy beach, cafes and walking path along the shore; offers sunset views combined with beach aesthetics.

Best time and plan: Take a gentle stroll on the beach in the late afternoon and choose a fixed spot on the shore as the sun approaches the horizon. It can get crowded on summer evenings; for a quieter experience, head to the eastern end of the beach (towards Damlataş) and include the silhouette of the castle in your frame.

Photography tips: If shooting with your phone, turn on HDR mode; to maintain a balance between the wide sea and close-up shots, position the horizon line according to the golden ratio. Use low-angle shots to capture the texture of the sand for the foreground.

Access & practicalities: Centrally located, it is within walking distance of most hotels. If you are planning an evening meal, the beach cafés and restaurants are ideal; reservations are advisable during busy periods.

Watch the Sunset From Damlataş Beach & Damlataş Cave Surroundings

Located at the eastern end of Cleopatra Beach, at the foot of the castle, the Damlataş area is an attractive route for sunset viewing, combining both beach and cave visits. Those who explore Damlataş Cave during the day and take the cable car up in the afternoon can combine the match and sunset viewing on the same day.

Why choose it: The proximity of the castle to the sea, especially with the walls appearing close to the sea, provides dramatic views. The evening view after visiting the cave is delightful.

Ideal time and plan: Explore the cave during the day, then head down to the beach in the afternoon to watch the sunset over the sea, or take the cable car up and capture shots from different angles.

Photography tips: Take low-angle silhouettes that highlight the castle silhouette and cave entrance; at sunset, you can experiment with long exposures using sea reflections (tripod required).

Access & practicalities: The Damlataş area is easily accessible both on foot and by public transport. Shop and café options are suitable for evening plans.

Watch the Sunset From Alanya Viewing Terrace (Bektaş)

Located in a higher position in the north of the city, the Viewing Terrace offers a wide bird's-eye view combining the sunset and the city lights that follow immediately afterwards. Users generally recommend this spot for its combination of cityscape and night photography when searching for ‘Alanya Viewing Terrace sunset’.

Why choose it: You can see the city + castle + sea triangle at a glance, and capture different atmospheres with the blue hour and city lights after sunset.

Ideal time and plan: Take your place on the terrace before sunset; wait for the city lights to come on after sunset. Bring a light jacket, especially as it can get chilly in the evening.

Photography tips: Capture the city lights with long exposure; combine the city texture and the coastline with a wide angle. A tripod and remote control are useful.

Access & practicalities: There may be seating and picnic areas on the terrace; arriving early is advantageous in terms of securing a spot as it can get crowded.

Watch the Sunset From Alanya Lighthouse & Harbour Walking Path

At the tip of the peninsula, walking towards the harbour's far end, the lighthouse area offers the opportunity to capture the castle, Kızılkule (Red Tower) and the harbour in the same frame. Walking from the harbour towards the lighthouse provides a romantic ‘sunset stroll’ accompanied by palm trees and seaside cafés.

Why choose it: The combination of the sun setting over the sea from the harbour, the lighthouse and the castle offers photographers a variety of panels; it is a walk-focused spot with easy access from the city centre.

Best time and plan: Plan a walk in the harbour for sunset; allow time for photo breaks and relaxing in the seaside cafés.

Photography tips: Create layered compositions with the lighthouse in the foreground and the sea and castle in the background; use long exposures during the blue hour to soften the sea surface.

Access & practicalities: As the harbour is central, it's easy to end the day with dinner at a restaurant afterwards.

Watch the Sunset From Ulaş Beach & Picnic Area

Located a short drive from the centre, Ulaş Beach offers a less crowded, nature-filled cove experience. With its picnic areas and coastal landscaping, it is an excellent alternative for those seeking a peaceful sunset.

Why choose it: Quiet cove, picnic areas and wider natural views; ideal for those wanting to escape the crowds.

Best time and plan: Go early in the afternoon and settle comfortably in the recreation area; on windy days, the coast can be more choppy — be prepared accordingly.

Photography tips: Frame your shots with natural elements (trees, rocks) in the foreground; panoramic shots emphasise the bay's width.

Access & practicalities: It is a short drive from the centre; car access is common.

Bonus: Sunset Boat Tours

Sunset boat tours departing from Alanya harbour are one of the most enjoyable ways to view the castle and coastal silhouettes from the sea. During the boat tour, you can see the lighthouse, shipyard bay and castle surroundings from the sea; the view combined with the lights of the yachts offers a different perspective.

Why choose it: An alternative to the land perspective; gliding slowly towards the horizon at sea provides dynamic frames for photos and videos.

Ideal time and plan: The tour duration is generally aligned with the sunset. It starts with departure from the harbour in the late afternoon and returns to the harbour after sunset. Reservations and availability may vary depending on seasonal demand.

Photography tips: For moving shots at sea, reduce blur by using a stabiliser (gimbal) or a fast shutter speed; emphasise silhouettes when shooting towards the sun.

Practical Camera Settings for Alanya sunset photography spots

Whether you're a professional or an amateur, a few basic approaches will make your Alanya sunset photos much more effective: Shoot in RAW for the golden hour; experiment with HDR combinations using exposure bracketing; use a wide angle for landscapes, a medium telephoto for castle/tower silhouettes, and a low angle for beach foregrounds. A tripod, remote control, and polarising filter are small investments that yield dramatic improvements. When shooting with a smartphone, use HDR and panorama modes, as well as focus/exposure locks; reduce detail loss against a bright sky with exposure compensation.