Alanya Sunset Cruises — And What Time the Sun Really Sets

In Alanya the sun sets at about 20:15 in late June, 20:08 in late July, 19:45 in mid-August, 19:02 in mid-September and 18:18 in mid-October. Turkey stays on UTC+3 all year, so there is no clock change to catch you out. The sunset cruise is €35 per adult for four hours, daily, and it covers the castle headland and the cave coastline in the last of the light.

Sunset times in Alanya, month by month

These are the actual times the sun goes below the horizon at Alanya's latitude. Turkey does not change its clocks, so these hold year to year within a minute or two.

  • Mid-May — sunset around 19:53
  • Late June — sunset around 20:15 (the latest of the year)
  • Late July — sunset around 20:08
  • Mid-August — sunset around 19:45
  • Mid-September — sunset around 19:02
  • Mid-October — sunset around 18:18

Why the castle is a sunset subject

Alanya's old town sits on a limestone headland that runs roughly north–south, with the Seljuk walls climbing it and the Red Tower at the foot. From the promenade you are looking east at it in flat afternoon light. From a boat heading west you are looking back at the whole rock with the sun behind you, and then behind it.

That geometry is the entire reason an evening boat is worth doing here rather than just watching from a beach bar.

What the cruise includes — and what it does not

Four hours, €35 per adult, €25 for children aged 4–11, infants free. Round-trip hotel transfer along the Alanya strip is included.

Our record for this boat lists the cruise and the transfer, and nothing else. There is no dinner, no drinks package and no on-board music. We would rather say that here than have you board expecting a meal.

Which month to pick

June and July give you the latest, longest evenings but also the busiest coast. September is the quieter month with sunsets still after seven and sea temperatures at their warmest of the year.

October evenings come early — dark by half past six — which suits people who do not want a late night but means a cooler hour or two on the water.

Questions

Frequently asked

What time does the sun set in Alanya?
The sun sets in Alanya at around 20:15 in late June, 20:08 in late July, 19:45 in mid-August, 19:02 in mid-September and 18:18 in mid-October. Turkey stays on UTC+3 all year, so there is no daylight-saving change. These are sunset times, not boat departure times.
How much is a sunset cruise in Alanya?
€35 per adult and €25 per child aged 4–11, with infants under 3 free. It runs four hours and includes round-trip hotel transfer along the Alanya strip.
Is dinner included on the Alanya sunset cruise?
No. Our record for this boat lists the cruise and the hotel transfer only — no meal, no drinks package and no on-board music. Lunch is included on the pirate galleon, the Starcraft and the Manavgat day instead.
Does the sunset cruise run every day?
Yes, it departs daily from Alanya harbour. It sails in light rain and only severe weather cancels a departure; you can cancel free up to 24 hours before.