Today, Alanya is a long, sprawling, modern, resort bordered all along the front by two magnificent beaches streching as far as the eye can see and dominated in the centre bya a huge rock promontory jutting into the Med which offers the visitor the most breathtaking views over Alanya and the panoramic backdrop of the Taurus mountains. Alanya offers the holidaymaker everything they could want in the way of watersports, restaurants, nightlife, and shopping and is often referred to as Turkey’s answer to Miami. The Old Quarter, however, still retaining its mystery and charm with its Ottoman style buildings and narrow, winding streets should cater to those holidaymakers who want a mix of beach life and culture.

Alanya has quite past history, being part of the powerfull empire of the Seljuk Turks that thrived from 1071 – 1243. Although the Empire’s capital was Konya, Alanya was its prime port with a large naval base. With its unique defensive position and well – sheltered harbour, the city also played an important role during the much earlier Helenistic era of Alexander the Great and served as refuge for pirates under the Roman Empire.

The fortress has to be one of the most exciting historical sites of Antalya. It sits atop the spectecular promontory. Within the walls you can still see today, remains of the inner castle, the Mosque, the Bedesten (thought to be the inner castle which contains 25 rooms), the reservoir, the palace and also a church. You could spend all day just wandering around these historical ruins.