Cleopatra Beach in Turkey’s southern resort town of Alanya awaits visitors this year after a late start to the tourism season due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The blue-flagged beach, prized for its clear, blue Mediterranean waters and golden sand, is one of the most visited beaches in Antalya province. It welcomed about 3 million tourists last year.
The spot is said to be where Egyptian ruler Cleopatra and Roman Gen. Mark Antony took a dip into the Mediterranean, hence the beach’s modern name.
Its golden sand is unique in that it doesn’t stick to the skin of sunbathers, according to Cleopatra Hoteliers Association President Servet Şakiroğlu.
Şakiroğlu told Anadolu Agency (AA) that the famous beach wraps history, nature, urban life and the sea into one spot.
“Two out of every three people who come to Alanya swim here,” he said, noting that Cleopatra was also chosen as the best beach in Europe by a Dutch magazine.
Cleopatra Beach, which is free and open to the public, also includes a designated area for disabled visitors, Şakiroğlu said.
