Things to do in Alanya
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İç Kale
Before reaching the entrance to the fort, the road passes through the old inner citadel; this was the Turkish quarter during Ottoman and Seljuk times, and a number of old wooden houses are still standing. At the top is the Ehmedek Kapısı, the gateway to the fort. Enter the İç Kale, where you'll find poorly preserved ruins including cisterns and an 11th-century Byzantine church.
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Dripstone Cave
South of the tourist office and close to Cleopatra's Beach is the entrance to this cave with stalactites and a humidity of 95%. It is said to produce a certain kind of air that, if inhaled and exhaled for long enough periods, has the ability to relieve asthma sufferers.
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Ottoman House
Set inside a 100-year-old stone villa that once did time as a hotel, and surrounded by lush garden, the Ottoman House is the most atmospheric eatery in Alanya. The beğendili taş kebabı (TL24), a traditional Ottoman dish of sautéed lamb served on aubergine (eggplant) purée, is testament to the creativity of the kitchen staff. Likewise the grilled fish dishes (TL20 to TL22 per person), but come on Thursday or Sunday night for an all-you-can-eat fish barbecue (TL30). Live music is performed most evenings in summer.
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Astım Mağarası
Sufferers of asthma have good reason to vacation in the Eastern Mediterranean. Two caves in the area are said to produce a certain kind of air that, if inhaled and exhaled for long enough stretches of time, has the ability to relieve the afflicted of their ailment. North of Narlıkuyu, at the Caves of Heaven and Hell, is the site known as Astım Mağarası. This cave is much less touristy, although the jury remains out as to whether you get a better cure in heaven or in hell.
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Red Tower Brewery Restaurant
It's fusion confusion at this multistorey pleasure palace at the end of the hotel strip. The ground-floor brew pub serves its own decent lager, there's an international restaurant on the 1st floor, Turkish dishes on the 3rd floor, and sushi and live guitar music at the Sky Lounge on the 6th floor. You might never leave the building.
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Kızılkule
This five-storey octagonal defence tower, measuring nearly 30m in diameter and more than 30m high with a central cistern within for water storage, looms over the harbour at the lower end of İskele Caddesi. Constructed in 1226 by Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubad I (who also built the fortress), it was the first structure erected after the Armenian-controlled town surrendered to the sultan. There's a small ethnographic museum here and some 85 steps lead to a roof terrace with views of the harbour. To the south is the only Seljuk-built tersane (shipyard) remaining in Turkey.
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Seljuk fortress
Alanya's most popular ancient site by far is its Seljuk fortress, which overlooks the city as well as the Pamphylian plain and the Cilician mountains. The winding road to the fortress is 3km long, so it's wise to take transport on the journey up. Catch a city bus from Hürriyet Meydanı or opposite the tourist office (10 minutes past the hour). Taxis wait at the bottom of the hill.
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Mahperi Restaurant
Quite a feat in fly-by-night Alanya, this classy waterfront fish and steak restaurant has been in operation since 1947 and offers a good selection of international dishes. The welcome is always warm.
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Gaziantep Sofrası Restaurant
For something a little more adventurous than the standard grills and seafood, this is one of central Alanya's best options. Traditional food from Gaziantep is on offer; try the patlican kebap (fried eggplants) or the beyti sarma (spicy meatballs and flat bread).
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Cleopatra's Beach
Sandy and quite secluded in low season, and with fine views of the fortress, Cleopatra's Beach is the city's best. Alanya's main beaches are also decent, although east of the centre they're fronted by a busy main road.
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Troy the Pub
A restaurant during the day and a bar at night, this 24-hour pub changes its attitude drastically as the clock slowly turns. Breakfasts here are quiet and relaxing; show up in the afternoon or evening to hear reggae, jazz and hip-hop.
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Atatürk's House Museum
When Atatürk visited Alanya on 18 February 1935, he slept in a house on Azaklar Sokak, off Fatih Sultan Mehmet Caddesi. The owner of the house left it to the Ministry of Culture, which has turned it into a small museum.
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Robin Hood Bar
Supposedly the biggest club in Alanya, the first two floors of this all-singin', all-dancin', all-flashin' monstrosity are decked out in (you guessed it) a Sherwood Forest theme.
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tours
Many local operators organise tours to the ruins along the coast west of Alanya and to Anamur. Different tours include tours to Aspendos, Side and Manavgat or a village-visiting jeep safari into the Taurus Mountains.
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museum
Alanya's small museum is worth a visit. Artefacts from various regions of Anatolia include tools, jugs and jewellery. Also on display is a life-sized recreation of a traditional 19th-century Alanya home.
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tour boats
Every day at around 10:30 tour boats leave from near Gazipaşa Caddesi for a six-hour voyage around the promontory, visiting several caves and Cleopatra's Beach.
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Doors Rock Bar
Celebrate the memory of the Lizard King at this rather rough-around-the-edges club, which seems to play more oldies than actual classic rock.
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Damlataş Aqua Centre
Alanya boasts a rather impressive waterslide park. Damlataş Aqua Centre is packed with tube slides, pools and other amusements.
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tersane
Across the harbour from the tower are the remains of the only Seljuk-built tersane remaining in Turkey.
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Latin Club
Above the Robin Hood Bar, the Latin Club is usually the one making all the noise.
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Köyüm Gaziantep Başpınar
For something more adventurous than the usual grills, this is one of central Alanya's best traditional (if somewhat pricey) Turkish options. Dishes from the eastern city of Gaziantep are on offer; try the patlıcan kebabı (aubergine kebaps; TL20) or the beyti sarması (spicy meatballs wrapped in flat bread; TL23).
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Köfte D Köfte
At the very bottom of castle hill, this is a good place for a bite before or after visiting the fortress, and open virtually round the clock. You can't miss it: a flashy yellow-and-red sign greets diners to this 'boutique' fast-food joint. Clean lines, attentive service and generous meat, rice and salad combinations are all part of the deal. Try one of the omelettes (TL6 to TL8).
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James Dean Bar
The embodiment of 'the most bawdy, bright and banging' club in the land, this homage to the long-dead American film star is all about bubbles, boobs and, err, pulling. If you can't get a date here, go home.
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İskele Sofrası
For a truly authentic Turkish seafood meal, eschew the harbour restaurants and head for this intimate little place next to the Kaptan Hotel. Run by père et fils Öz, who count six-dozen meze in their repertoire, including girit ezmesi, an unforgettable mash of feta, walnuts, olive oil and other stuff, the 'Pier Table' serves only fresh fish and shellfish. The terrace with views to the harbour is a delight.
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Harem Cafe Bar
This great live Turkish music venue just up from the harbour is filled with local lads and lasses sipping beers (TL10) around small tables. The vibe is far more relaxed than any place down the hill. Music starts at 10pm.
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