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The large and popular resort center of Alanya lies at one end of a
rocky promontory which juts out into the Mediterranean between two
long sandy beaches. A fortress repaired by the Seljuk’s in 1231, one
of the most magnificent sights on the coast, crowns the headland.
Nearly 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, and within the inner walls are a
ruined cistern and a Byzantine church. Although Alanya's history
dates back to Roman times, it rose to prominence under the Seljuk’s,
when in 1220, Alaeddin Keykubat made it his winter residence and
naval base. The surviving 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 itself is a beautiful holiday center of modern hotels and
motels, as well as numerous fish restaurants, cafes and bars. The
cafes that ring the harbor have become popular gathering places for
tourists. There are also three blue flag beaches. From the town's
lovely park, the road runs along the coast to the harbor, lined with
countless boutiques that tempt tourists with handicrafts, leather,
clothes, jewelry, handbags and the amusing painted gourds that are a
symbol of the area. In August, when Alanya hosts a colorful
International Folklore - Festival the atmosphere is charged with
vitality and gaiety.
If you enjoy exploring you should visit the Damlataş Cave to see the
eerie misshapen rock formations. Nearby is the Archeology and
Ethnography Museum (Open weekdays except Monday). A boat can take
you to three sea grottoes: Fosforlu Mağara with its phosphorescent
rocks; the Kızlar Mağarası, where pirates imprisoned their female
captives; and the Aşıklar Mağarası. When the intense sun overpowers
you, take a day trip to the Dim Cay Valley, 15 km east of Alanya,
where you can relax in the shade of this scenic valley and listen to
the stream rushing by. Thirty km east of Alanya is Aytap, the
historical harbor city of Iotape and a great excursion site with
Roman ruins, secluded beaches and bays.
If you travel east from Alanya towards Gazipaşa you will discover
and, no doubt, linger on the exceptional beaches.
The attractive Gazipaşa County was awarded its name by Mustafa Kemal
Atatürk. Near Gazipaşa is Yalandünya Cave with many natural water
pools. Also discover the Korsanlar Aşk Mağarası (Pirates' Love Cave).
The royal graves at Doganma on Mt. Adanda and Mt. Güney are also
worth seeing. Near the ancient city of Selinus there is a
comfortable vacation locale. Be sure not to miss the picturesque
Turkish houses at Hasdere. Avsallar (incekum), about 25 km from
Alanya to the west, is a holiday resort center with fine sandy
beaches.
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