| PLACES TO VISIT.
Here are a few places to visit, we haven’t been to them
all but we are going on other people’s experiences in
some cases. It is also important to note that some of these
attractions may not be open year round.
Alanya Castle: The only Seljuk castle that
has been preserved until the present day, was built in 1225
on top of roman ruins. The castle is a treasure chest of history
and was supposedly given to Cleopatra by Anthony as a wedding
present.
Caves: Take a boat trip from the harbour
and visit nearby caves: Phosphorous Cave, Girl’s cave
and Lover’s cave (said to have been used by pirates).
You can also visit Damlatas cave near the fortress which is
said to be beneficial to asthmatics.
Take a trip into the mountains to Dim Cayi Valley and visit
Dim Cavern with its stalagmites and stalactites, or relax
in the shade and tranquillity of the scenic beauty. Enjoy
lunch on a floating restaurant or take the opportunity to
go rafting.
The Red Tower: The Red Tower was built in
1226, it is octagonal and 5 storeys high. Legend has it that
Anthony and Cleopatra spent their honeymoon here. The bottom
floor of the tower is now an ethnographic museum. For those
of you who don’t know what ‘ethnographic’
means… join the club! We had to look it up. The dictionary
defines ethnography as the ‘science or study and description
of different human societies’. We call it local stuff.
Ataturk House Museum: In 1935 the founder
of the Turkish Republic, ‘Ataturk’, visited Alanya.
The house he stayed in was donated to the Ministry of Culture
and was restored and opened to visitors in 1987. The museum
houses historical documents, photographs and ethnographical
items peculiar to the region.
Aspendos and Perge: Both of these historical
sites are worth a visit. Aspendos has a magnificent amphitheatre,
one of the best preserved in the Roman world. From early June
to Early July this 20,000-seat theatre is home to an international
ballet and opera festival. Perge has its own amphitheatre
and one of the best preserved stadiums in Turkey.
Pamukkale
You can take an overnight tour to Pamukkale for as little
at £20.00 per person. Pamukkale is an extraordinary
natural wonder. It was formed when a spring with a high content
of dissolved calcium bicarbonate cascaded over the edge of
the cliff, which cooled and hardened leaving calcium deposits.
This formed into natural pools, shelves and ridges. Stalactites
are formed as the water overflows the pools. The mineral-rich
waters rise from the ground at a temperature of 35°C and
tumble down the mountain from a height of 100 metres.
Pamukkale is also the site of the ancient city of Hierapolis
of which there are many interesting ruins, and is a very popular
destination for a short visit.
Activities
Many activities are available in the area such as Horse
Riding, Golf, Rock Climbing and Cycling. In the winter months
skiing is available 2 ½ hours away at the Saklikent
Ski Resort on Mount Bakirli, Nr Antalya.
You can book tours in Mahmutlar town centre for some of the
sites that are further away. There are also local tourist
information centres, which will provide you with more information.
We have listed some websites, which may be of interest:
www.saklikent.com.tr
www.nationalturkey.com
www.tatgolf.com.tr
For more about any of the above places of interest please
visit www.kulturturizm.gov.tr
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