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| The large popular resort centre of Alanya lies at one end of a rocky promontory which juts out into the Mediterranean between two long sandy beaches. A 13th century Seljuk fortess-one of the most magnificent sights on the coast-crowns the headland. |
| About 150 towers punctuate the walls of the well- preserved, double walled citadel. Within the outer walls are ruins of mosques, a caravanserai and a covered bazaar; in the inner walls are a ruined cistern and a Byzantine church. Although Alanyas history dates back to Roman times, it rose to prominence under the Seljuks, when in 1220, Alaeddin Keykubat made it his winter residence and naval base. The surviving buildings reflect the importance of the city in Selijuk time. Beside the impressive citadel tourists can explore the unique dockyards and the octagonal Kizil Kule (Red Tower) |
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| Alanya is a beautiful holiday centre of modern hotels and motels, numerous
fish restaurants and cafes and bars. The cafes that ring the harbour have
become popular gathering places for tourists. From the towns lovely park,
the road runs along the coast to the harbour, lined with the countless
boutique that tempt tourists with
handcrafts,leathers,clothes,jewellery,handbags and the amusing painted
gourds, a symbol of the area. In August, when Alanya hosts a colourful
International Folklore Festival the atmosphere is charged with vitality
and gaiety. If you enjoy exploring you should visit the Damlatas Cave to see the eerie misshapen rock formations. Nearby is the Archaeology and Ethnography Museum (Open weekdays except Monday). A boat can take you to the three sea grottoes; Fosforlu Magara with it phosphorescent rocks, the Kizlar Magarasi, where pirates imprisoned their female captives, and the Asklar Magarasi. If the intense sun overpowers you, take a day trip to the Dim Cayi Valley, 15 km east of Alanya, where you can relax in the shade of this scenic valley and listen to the stream rushing by. Avsallar (Incekum), about 25 km west of Alanya, is a holiday resort centre with fine sandy beaches. If you travel east from Alanya towards Gazipasa you will disciver and no doubt linger on yet more exceptional beaches. 30 km east of Alanya. Aytap, the historical harbour city Lotape, is a great excursion site, with Roman ruins, secluded beaches and bays. |
