Kleopatra Beach (Cleopatra )

Alanya has evolved through the centuries, from a defensive bastion on Turkey’s southern Mediterranean flank to a thriving holiday resort. This legacy can be clearly seen at the town’s best sandy stretch, Kleopatra beach, which sits at the foot of an imposing headland topped with a medieval castle.

The beach is best viewed from the viewpoint of the castle as it stretches off into the distance backed by the steeply rising foothills. To get down to the beach is easier than you might imagine as there is a cable car service (the “Teleferik”).

The beach is named after the Cleopatra and various legends surround this. It is said that the Egyptian queen bathed here with her lover, Mark Anthony. It is also said that she brought the sand with her from the Nile Valley.

Whatever the merits of the story this is a beach worthy of royalty and the sand is supremely fine and soft. The water is also warm and exceptionally clear making it unsurprising this beach has earned several  Blue Flag awards over the years.

There is not shortage of things to do on and around the beach either; backed by a wide promenade there are any number of cafes, bars and restaurants. In addition there are all manner of sports on offer from basketball and tennis courts, gyms and even a full-sized swimming pool. There are no shortage of cultural sites within a stone’s throw of the beach either including the town’s Archaeological Museum and the impressive Damlataş Cave.

Whilst some may find the resort atmosphere a little on the brash side, there is no arguing tat Cleopatra’s beach is an impressive and quite stunning beach.