135 km away from Antalya, Alanya used to be a simple coastal town where citrus fruits grew in the gardens, but now it’s turned into a well-known holiday village. Known as the ‘Turkish Riviera’, this region has a nearly 70 km-long coastline stretching from the İncekum beaches to the borders of the Gazipaşa district.

The beaches in Alanya, lined with high-quality accommodation, welcome domestic and foreign tourists for 10 months of the year, taking advantage of the beautiful Mediterranean climate.

It was the capital of the Anatolian Seljuk Empire for a short time and it was the first place Turks met the sea. If you’d like to explore Alanya, which was known as Coracesium, Kolonoros (Beautiful Mountain) and Alaiye in ancient times, enjoy the two-hour walk around the peninsula – a little tiring but it’s worth it. Built by Kayqubad I in 1226, the Red Tower is 33m high and has an octagonal design. There is an admission fee, but you’ll have the opportunity to look out over the eastern part of the city. Next, visit the oldest shipyard on the Anatolian Peninsula, and walk to the castle through the Tophane neighborhood.

Inside the castle are the Süleymaniye Mosque, Culture House, Bedesten (covered bazaar), Ehmedek and the tomb and mosque of Akşebe Sultan, dating to 1230. Situated on the highest spot of the peninsula, the inner castle is home to the Byzantium Church, Adam Atacağı Tower and the stalactites. The most impressive views you’ll see over the walls are of Cleopatra Beach, the town of Alanya and the wonderful Mediterranean.

On the other side of the Stalactite Cave , which is said to be good for rheumatism and asthma, the Alanya Museum opens its gates to visitors. And later, after you’ve finished your historical tour in the city, you can pick one of the beaches – İncekum, Ulaş or Cleopatra.

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