Below the castle on the harbour side, the Tophane quarter preserves the older, quieter face of Alanya, a slope of narrow lanes and restored Ottoman-era timber houses climbing between the sea and the fortress walls, dotted with small guesthouses, tea gardens and viewpoints out over the bay. Following the shore walk from the Red Tower brings you to the town's most unusual monument, the Tersane, a Seljuk shipyard built in 1228 and the only one of its kind to survive. Its five vaulted stone bays open directly onto the sea, and it was here, protected by the tower above, that the sultan's galleys were built and repaired, a rare glimpse of medieval naval power. The neighbouring Tophane bastion rounds off the walk. It is an easy, atmospheric hour or two away from the beach crowds. Reach the shipyard on foot along the sea wall or by boat from the harbour, and go late in the day for the light and cooler air.
Plan your trip with Seen