The large popular resort center of Alanya lies at one end of a rocky promontory which juts out into the Mediterranean between two long sandy beaches. A 13th century Seljuk fortress-one of the most magnificent sights on the coast-crowns the headland. About 150 towers punctuate the walls of the well- preserved, double walled citadel. Within the outer walls are ruins of mosques, a caravanserai and a covered bazaar; in the inner walls are a ruined cistern and a Byzantine church. Although Alanya's history dates back to Roman times, it rose to prominence under the Seljuks, when in 1220, Alaeddin Keykubat made it his winter residence and naval base. The surviving buildings reflect the importance of the city in Seljuk times. Besides the impressive citadel tourists should explore the unique dockyards and the octagonal Kizil Kule (Red Tower).

* The landscaping is bright and open and roads are all well maintained. There is easy access to to the beaches which are clean, safe and many have "Blue Flags".

* Alanya combines greenness as well as a warm sunny climate. There is no shortage of water in Alanya and this is why the grass is so green and flowers so colourful.

* Alanya is much further south than most of the Turkish resorts. This means a much longer season, with pools and beaches open from March to November.

* Alanya has a modern transport system with buses taxis as well as the cheap and cheerful Dolmus's. There are dozen of tour companies offering trips and says out. These are very popular and extremely good value.

* Alanya has lots of restaurants and bars with very good value prices. Alanya is not only a busy well developed tourist destination, but it has also got very productive farms and greenhouses. This ensures fresh fruit and vegetables are always available and great value too.

* There is a modern harbour and Marina in Alanya with dozens of boats offering trips and tours, as well as fishing trips and diving. There is a regular Jetfoils that goes to Cypress from Alanya.

* The soft sandy beaches stretch for miles. There are busy bustling beaches as well as quiet coves. Although the beaches in Alanya are very good, the best beaches are located up the coast where our villas are, and every day you can see the day boat trippers heading past the villas to the coves which are about 3 miles from the villas.

* Alanya is dotted by shops and cafes, with most tourists eating outdoors. there is an excellent choice, but we have to say that there is a very limited number of restaurants offer all-day breakfasts. There are however Chinese, thai and a variety of other international restaurants.