In 32 BC, the legendary Egyptian queen Cleopatra VII and her lover, the Roman general Marcus Antonius (Mark Antony), visited these shores. So enchanted was she by the turquoise waters and dramatic coastline that Antony gifted her the entire region of Cilicia as a wedding present.
But there was a problem - Cleopatra found the local beach sand too coarse for her royal feet. Antonius, hopelessly devoted, ordered 60 ships to bring special golden sand from Egypt's Alexandria to create the perfect beach for his queen.
Scientists have confirmed that Kleopatra Beach's sand is indeed unique in Turkey. Each grain is identical in size and shape, doesn't stick to skin, and has only one match in the world - the beaches of Alexandria, Egypt.
Legend says Cleopatra would swim to a natural pool carved into the rocks each morning. The minerals in the water, locals claim, were the secret to her legendary beauty. Some believe she hid treasures in the sea caves beneath the castle, treasures that remain undiscovered to this day.
The historical record confirms Cleopatra did receive Cilicia as a gift - documented in Roman archives. Whether she ever walked upon the sand that bears her name remains a romantic mystery.