About Alanya by www.letsgototurkey.com

ALANYA - TURKEY

Things to see:

The large popular resort of Alanya lies at one end of a rocky promontory which juts out into the Mediterranean between two sandy beaches. A 13th century Seljuk fortress, one of the most magnificent sights on the coast, crowns the headland. 150 towers punctuate the walls of the well preserved double-walked 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 Alanya's history dates back beyond Roman times, it rose to prominence under the Seljuk Turks when in 1220 Alaeddin Keykubat made it his winter residence and naval base. The remaining buildings reflect the importance of the city in Seljuk times. Besides the impressive citadel, tourists should explore the unique dockyards and the octagonal Kizil Kule (Red Tower). Alanya is a beautiful holiday centre of modern hotels and motels, numerous fish restaurants and cafes. The cafes that ring the harbour have become popular gathering places for tourists. From the town's lovely park, the road runs along the coast to the harbour lined with countless boutiques which tempt tourists with handicrafts, leather, 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 misshapen rock formations. Nearby is the Archaeological and Ethnographical Museum. 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 Asiklar Magarasi (Lover's Cave). When the intense sun overpowers you, take a day trip to the Dim Cayi Vadisi, 15 Km east of Alanya where you can relax in the shade of this scenic valley and listen to the river rushing by. Avsallar, about 25 Km from Alanya to the west is a holiday resort with fine sandy beaches. If you travel east from Alanya towards Gazipasa you will discover and no doubt linger on the exceptional beaches.

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