Antalya Airport to Cleopatra Beach, Alanya

Cleopatra Beach is Alanya's famous stretch of fine golden sand, curving beneath the castle-topped peninsula on the town's western side. Named for the legend that Mark Antony gifted the bay to Cleopatra, its clear water and Blue Flag standards make it the most popular beach in Alanya, with the dramatic backdrop of the Roman-era fortress rising directly behind the shoreline.

Alanya lies about 2 hours east of Antalya Airport along the coastal highway, so most beach-goers visit from an Alanya-area hotel rather than straight off a flight. With the beach set right in town, a private transfer avoids the long intercity bus and parking hunt; your driver drops you near the promenade and returns at an agreed time.

The beach is public and free, with paid sunbed-and-umbrella sets, showers and a string of cafés along the promenade behind it. Being in the centre of town it is easy to reach and busy in peak season — mornings are calmer. A cable car runs up to the castle from near the beach for views over the bay. Soft sand and gentle shallows suit families; plan a full day.