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Alanya
The jewel of the Mediterranean Sea, the Turkish province of Alanya, is a famed seaside resort which has been known since ancient times for its strategic location on the tiny peninsula.
Its climate is Mediterranean, exhibiting a mixture of moderate warm summer months most of the year, making it the premier location for “where the sun smiles.” The Taurus Mountain nearby creates a fog that casts itself down onto the seawaters, creating wonderful brightly colored rainbows which last for many days. Aside from this, the tall mountaintops are stellar not only for its natural beauty and height, but also for its snow-capped mountain tops that even from the seaside city can be seen.
The city then is a wonderful destination for local and international visitors seeking a holiday by the sea, as well as a sampling of history and culture.
It is no wonder that Alanya has been known as a local stronghold for many Mediterranean based empires, even becoming a former pirate stronghold. Its harbour are is protected by the unique Kizilkule or Red Tower that looks out onto the sea from the 12th Century. The last of Alanya Castle's 83 towers, the octagonal structure specifically protected the Tersane (arsenal), it remains one of the finest examples of medieval military architecture.
Most all of the ancient artifacts are housed within the fortress walls made of stone, as there are towers as well as an old Byzantine church and Suleymaniye mosque which look out onto the sea. The old city walls surround much of the eastern peninsula, where historic villas that feature classic Ottoman architecture can be found.
The Atatürk's House and Museum is an example of the interior of a traditional Ottoman villa, built between 1880 and 1885 in the "karniyarik" (stuffed eggplant) style.
Sun lovers enjoying the magnificent stretch of beach will also enjoy exploring the caves close to the sea, such as the Pirates’ Cave, which used to shelter pirates from storms, the underwater Lover's cave as well as the Phosphorus cave. Visitors can also enjoy wind surfing, parasailing, banana boating, scuba-diving, jeep safari tours, quad bike tours and Turkey's largest go-kart track.
After a long day exploring caves and historic homes. enjoy a Turkish kebab along with a sweet called baclava with a coffee
