Alanya

The Turkish Riviera is the area of the southern coast of Turkey and extends from Antalya in the west to Cape Anamur in the east. In addition to Antalya, Alanya is an important city in the tourism sector in this coastal area. Alanya is one of the most important tourist centers in the country and is characterized by an exceptionally mild climate and occasionally you can swim still in December.

Alanya is around 135 km in the east of Antalya. The town’s name originates from the 13th Century. The old name was Ala-iye, city of Ala. It was named after Sultan Aleaddin Kai Kobad I, who used the city as a winter residence. Alanya got its present name in 1933 by Kemal Ataturk.

If you come to Alanya you should not miss to visit the following attractions.

The Red Tower

The Red Tower is the symbol of Alanya and is located in the outer sector of the famous castle hill. It comes from the Seljuk period. The tower is 33 meters high and was built in 1224 to 1228 to protect the harbor. The tower has five floors. A cistern connects the center of the tower with the upper supports. His name was the “Red Tower” on the basis of its building fabrics: the upper part consists of red bricks.

Seljuk Shipyard

The shipyard was built in 1226th. It is located at the foot of the Red Tower and consists five vaulted gallery pieces. In the time of the Seljuk the naval ships were built here in the Weft, well protected and safe. The shipyard was built by Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat after the conquest of the city. The shipyard can be reached over the old city wall or by boat.

“Tophane”

This beautiful and historic district is located between the castle wall and the Red Tower. The houses in this neighborhood are all several hundred years old and heritage-protected to preserve this historical district. The streets are very narrow and it is recommended to visit this part of Alanya by foot.

Damlatas cave

At the foot of the Castle Hill you can find the Damlatas cave (stalactite cave) with a constant temperature of 22 ° C and a humidity of 96%. In 1948, the Damlatas cave was discovered during the work on the docks. After first investigations, the curative effect on the respiratory system of this cave was confirmed. Especially asthmatics should visit this cave.

Cleopatra beach

The famous Cleopatra beach lies in the west of the city and is one of the most popular beaches in the area of Alanya. It is said that this was the most beautiful beach in Alanya. According to a legend, this area had been given as a gift to Queen Cleopatra by the Roman general Antony. She bathed every day at the foot of the cliffs. Therefore, the beach still bears her name.

Dimcay River

The Dim River is located about 15 km from the center of Alanya. Here you can find many good fish restaurants with tables directly on the cool water. In summer this is the best place for a cooling-off. Since 1998, the “dim cave” is officially accessible. The Dim cave is 360 meters long and 10-15 m wide and high. Admire stalagmites and stalactites. At the end of the cave there is a small lake.