Once a pirate stronghold, Alanya is now a modern resort, famed for its beautiful sandy beaches. Its harbour is dominated by the Kızılkule or Red Tower, which protected the dockyards in Seljuk times, the remains of which can still be seen in the waters. High on a promontory is the old fortress or kale.with its well-preserved walls, towers and Byzantine church. It takes about an hour to walk up (or you can catch a bus) but it is well worth it for the views alone. Alanya itself has no less than three blue flag beaches and has a full range of accommodation with plenty of good shops and restaurants, together with lively nightlife. An unusual sight is the Damlataş Cave with its strange rock formations, which is said to relieve those who suffer from asthma. A boat trip will take you to the Fosforlu Mağara with its phosphorescent rocks, Kızlar Mağarası, where pirates imprisoned their female captives and the lovers’ caves or Aşıklar Mağarası. Just 15 kms to the east is the idyllic scenery of the Dim Çayı river.
