Located in the central part of the southern coast of Turkey, Alanya is a modern day resort city with a history as rich as any visitor could hope for. To explore the background of the city would take you much more than a quick read of a brochure on the transfer from the airport at Antalya to Alanya! But whether you are drawn to the area for its beautiful coastline or its rich depth of history, you will not be disappointed - and you'll be pleasantly surprised at the amount of things to see and do.

Because of its strategic location, below the Taurus Mountains on the Mediterranean Sea, the region has been a stronghold for empires over the centuries. Finds in the nearby Kadrini Cave place inhabitants in the area as long ago as 20,000 BC, and over the centuries it has been owned by the Greeks, the Romans and the Turks. As late as 1917, this city was part of the area partitioned to Italy after World War One, but it was returned to Turkish rule in 1921. There is so much history to be explored here but while in the city at the very least be sure to see the Citadel, the Red Tower and the Old Shipyard.

The Citadel

Also known as the Kale, the Citadel was built by the Sultan of Selcuks, Alaaddin Keykubat, after he rebuilt the city in 1221. As you travel in from Antalya to Alanya you will see the grand walls of the Citadel, which are nearly six and a half kilometres long. The citadel was built on Roman and Byzantine era fortifications and has 143 bastions and 83 towers to protect itself. You certainly can't miss it, as it hovers some 250 metres high on a peninsula. When you explore inside you can see for yourself how successful it would have been as a defence location. There is a variety of old villas inside the walls but today the Citadel is used as a museum.

The Red Tower

The K±z±l Kule, or Red Tower, is considered the symbol of the city and you will see its image on flags. The last of the 83 towers of the Citadel, you will pass the Red Tower as you arrive on your transfer from Antalya to Alanya. The Red Tower was completed in 1226 by Sultan Ala ad-Din Kay Qubadh and was built to protect the shipyard. It gets its name from the red bricks used in its construction and, at over 12 metres wide and 33 metres high, it remains a fine example of military architecture of the period. It is now home to the Ethnographic Museum of Alanya.

The Shipyard

Built around the time of the building of the Red Tower, the shipyard, or Tersane, was the dream of the sultan, who wanted it to become the "emperor of two seas". It is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the city and as you pass on your transfer from Antalya to Alanya you will catch your first glimpse of it. If you return for a closer exploration you will discover the standing remains of the dry-dock. It was divided into five vaulted bays and is a massive 56 metres long and 44 metres deep. If you visit in the evening you will be in for a treat as it is lit up in a very impressive way.