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Alanya Alanya is a popular seaside resort in southern Turkey, about 150 km east of Antalya. To the east and west of Alanya you find some of the best beaches in Turkey, the Taurus Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop to the north. Most of old Alanya lies on the great rocky promontory that juts out into the sea. In the old town you find many old houses, towers and mosques, as well as a nice small harbour. At the waterfront there are plenty of friendly bars, tea-houses, cafes and restaurants with an excellent range of international and traditional cuisine. High above Alanya you find an impressive 14-th century citadel. Within its walls are quaint houses, mosques and a Byzantine church decorated with frescoes. There are twisting narrow alleyways tempting shoppers with their colourful boutiques and stalls of cheese-cloth dresses, carpets, copper and jewellery. Below the citadel you find sea caves and grottoes. Some can only be reached by boat but you can walk up to the most famous, Damlatas or "Cape of Dripping Stones". The beautiful cave has a host of impressive stalactites and stalagmites with a moist warm atmosphere said to benefit asthma sufferers. As well as its cultural and historical sights, Alanya has an unbeatable beach life too. Beautiful sandy Cleopatra beach lies to the west of the resort while the fine sands of Alanya beach stretch to the east. A good range of water-sports are available too. The nightlife is easy-going and relaxed with a wide choice of night-spots located at the edge of town. Take your pick from lively bars to late-night discos for real night-owls.
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