There are several ways to get to Phaselis from the resort villages of Kemer. The most optimal is the use of minibuses (Turkish dolmus), which follow the route "Kemer-Tekirova-Kemer". They always make a stop at the ticket booth in Phaselis if they have the word Phaselis in the name of the route. Otherwise, you will simply be dropped off on the D400 highway near the Phaselis sign and you will have to walk about a kilometer deep into the forest. The cost of travel by dolmus to your destination is 3.5-5 Turkish lira (depending on the route, may vary upward).
You can also get to Phaselis from Beldibi or Kemer on foot if you are a fan of walking along polluted roads. This will take you a lot of time. Some people prefer to get to the ancient city by rented scooter ($25/day) or car ($40-70/day). The most pointless option is to order an excursion from a street travel agency ($30) - you will be limited in time to visit the ancient city and relax on the beach and will pay a fair amount of money (especially if there are several people in your company).
The minibus towards Phaselis in the village of Tekirova starts moving from the last hotel on the first line, collecting passengers along the way. The bus from Kemer towards Tekirova starts from a stop near the Migros supermarket (next to the clock tower). Payment is strictly in cash upon boarding the dolmus.
Phaselis in Turkey. Working hours. Ticket price
The ancient city of Phaselis near Kemer in Turkey is located on the territory of the Olimpos Beydağları Milli Parkı natural reserve park and is a museum city. Therefore, entry to it is limited in time from 8 to 19 hours every day. The cost of one entrance ticket is 20TL (Turkish lira, from 2017). Payment is strictly in cash, only in Turkish currency, any plastic cards are not accepted, and there are no life-saving ATMs nearby. Bicycles, scooters and cars are allowed to enter the territory. Large groups enter by bus. After a 10-15 minute walk through the forest, you reach an area near the aqueduct and the northern harbor - this is the beginning of your exploration of the ancient city of Phaselis in Turkey.
Phaselis in Turkey. Antique city
If you are a fan of walking through the ruins and sights of Roman cities, then the ancient city of Phaselis near Kemer will open up a lot of unexpected and exciting facts for you. First of all, pay attention to the remains of the aqueduct - a powerful, although not very tall structure. Previously, the aqueduct extended to the nearest hill and fed the entire city with mountain water. Apparently, the structure was dismantled for domestic needs by the Ottomans. Then turn your gaze to Port Avenue, the city's main cobblestone street. Previously, it connected the central and southern ports and was decorated with marble structures and sculptures. Notice the remains of the marble foundations, then imagine the splendor and beauty of the former structures.
The arch, presumably built in 129 in honor of the arrival of Hadrian, is well preserved. Also consider the walls and fragments of heated floors in the baths - a mandatory element of any Roman city. Finally, visit the theater in the ancient city - small and very cozy. The necropolis is located on a slope and is fairly overgrown with trees, however, elements of destroyed and looted sarcophagi are visible everywhere. The most curious visitors can discover (following the signs) the foundations of such structures as the temples of Zeus, Hermes, Athena, Hestia and the customs post. Many artifacts lie under the cover of the earth, but due to lack of funds, they are left for future generations to study. Total time for exploring the ruins is 30 (quickly), 1-2 hours for photographing and moving around the ruins.
Phaselis - Kemer - Türkiye. Phaselis beaches
Many tourists come to this place not so much for a hike through the ruins, but for the delightful swimming and sunbathing. There were three harbors on the territory of the ancient city. Currently they are used as beaches: Kuzey Liman (north beach), Güney Liman (south beach), Merkez Liman (central beach). One thing to keep in mind is that you shouldn’t count on the presence of sun umbrellas or sun loungers, beach bars or a large number of trees right next to the shore. For this reason, bring an umbrella and stock up on provisions to protect yourself from the sun. However, remember, barbecues are strictly prohibited in the park!
The northern beach is strewn with pebbles, which makes it less popular than the rest. In addition, the sea is often rough here. One of the advantages is the close location of parking and trees under which you can have a picnic.
The central beach is located in a natural bay. than in the waters of Antalya by 2-3 degrees. The bottom is sandy and pebble, without algae, the depth increases slowly, and the waves are weak. This beach is shaded by trees growing among historical ruins. There are no showers or toilets on the beach. At the same time, there is a small buffet nearby where you can buy snacks and cold drinks. If you own a Müzekart, you will receive a discount.
You have to walk from the parking lot through the forest to the sea for 5 minutes to get to this sandy beach. The depth gains extremely slowly, the water resembles fresh milk, but there are no algae. This is an ideal place for swimming with children and sunbathing. There is a shower, toilet and dressing room nearby. There is a small buffet with snacks and cold drinks. The downside of the beach is that there are many yachts mooring 500 meters from the shore. Bathers create a lot of noise. But the main thing is the clouds of exhaust from diesel engines, which slightly spoil the air. You should try all the beaches of Phaselis in Kemer in Turkey to choose the best one for yourself!
Phaselis in Turkey. Instead of a conclusion
Of course, it is better to visit the ancient city of Phaselis on your own. This is the only way you can, without haste, look at the ruins of a typical Roman settlement on the coast of Asia Minor and take photographs for memory, where there will be no extra tourists from the group in the frame. In addition, the southern beach of ancient Phaselis in the Kemer region is simply delightful - sand, shallow, long entry into the sea and warmer sea temperatures than in other villages of Kemer will create an atmosphere of excellent relaxation. However, it is recommended to take a simple snack and especially water with you. The prices at the buffet are steep (toast 6TL, bottle of water 4TL, ice cream 8TL). A self-tour to this place is a must for those who want to see such interesting places in the Kemer district, such as Mount Yanartash, Mount Takhtali or Goynuk Canyon, without a guided tour. By the way, don’t forget about a visit to the magnificent Kaputas beach - the calling card of the Mediterranean coast.
Why did we go to Phaselis? It's simple - I read that there are beautiful coves there. Beautiful coves are the main attraction for sea lovers. In addition to the coves, not very informative reviews also promised the ruins of an ancient city. In addition, it was not necessary to go far or take a long time to get to Phaselis. And this was very important for us, because by the end of the vacation (we went on the penultimate day) we were a little tired from walking.
for reference
Phaselis is a city of ancient Lycia, in modern Turkey. According to legend, the city was founded in the 7th century BC. e. colonists from the island of Rhodes, led by Lakaios - on a small peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean Sea.
Phaselis is located on the road from Antalya to Tekirova, 16 km from the city of Kemer. Its territory is a natural park and is under state supervision. You can get here both by transport and by sea.
how to get there
Getting to Phaselis will not be difficult. If you live in any of the villages of Kemer except Kiris, you need to take a minibus from Antalya to Tekirova and ask the driver to stop in Phaselis.
If you, like us, are in Kirishi, then first you will need to go to the highway and take a minibus there. As in the post about the road to Takhtali, I note that the stop is closer to Kemer, next to the gas station. Then the minibus goes to the junction under the bridge and follows the highway, and through Chamyuva.
After that, the minibus will take you there for 15-20 and 7 liras for two to the access zone.
The access zone is a small booth with two guys and barriers covering free entry into the territory. To go to Phaselis on foot you will need to pay 10 liras per person, to travel - 40 liras per vehicle. Due to the fact that this natural area is something like a state museum, the entrance fee is exclusively in lira.
From the cabin with the guards you will need to walk along the road going down for about another kilometer.
Phaselis was a port city due to its convenient location: its territory overlooks three harbors.
Most likely, the city was founded in order to transport the timber of the tree-rich Taurus to other Mediterranean harbors.
We liked the smallest central harbor the most
A stone ridge ran right along its border with the sea, along which Yegor did not miss the opportunity to walk. True, I had to get my feet wet a little.
I only had enough courage to climb onto one of the huge stone boulders
What can I say, the sea and coves in Phaselis are truly picturesque.
This was the only place during the entire vacation where I took a lot of photographs of the sea.
Phaselis itself begins with an aqueduct
Then, right from the central harbor, the main square of Phaselis begins.
It passes by large and small bathrooms (hammams) and agoras (market squares)
And goes to the amphitheater
Walking through these ruins, you just want to take a trip in a time machine and see how the city lived before it was destroyed by an earthquake.
The city was built by the ancient Greeks. Most of the surviving ruins date back to the Roman and Byzantine periods. Therefore, on the ruins you can find architectural decorative elements of those times.
Or inscriptions in Greek
After the amphitheater the main street leads to the main gate
Phaselis, orPhaselis– an excellent option for combining exploring the ancient city and relaxing on the beach. It is especially pleasant to come to Phaselis on a hot day. The ruins of Phaselis are located among a coniferous forest, so you won’t have to walk through the heat. You can also cool off in the clear sea waters on the beaches in Phaselis.
Phaselis is located near the D400 highway, 58 km from Antalya, 15 from Kemer, 3 km from Tekirova, 3 km from Camyuva on the Mediterranean coast. The main part of the ruins of Phaselis is located on the peninsula.
Phaselis – how to get there on your own
Getting to Phaselis is not difficult from cities located near the D400 highway: Antalya, Kasha, Kemer, Tekirova, Camyuva, Demre, Olympos, Goynuk, etc.
There are 2 ways to get to Phaselis from Antalya:
1. You can get from Antalya to Phaselis from the bus station (otogar) from the regional bus terminal by dolmus, which goes along the route Antalya - Kemer - Camyuva - Phaselis. In this case, you will be taken directly to the ticket office at the entrance to the Phaselis territory. You can also go from the ticket office in the opposite direction. Buses run quite often, once every 15-20 minutes. The disadvantage of this option, if you are getting from Antalya to Phaselis, is that the bus stops at towns along the way and passes them along the main streets. As a result, the travel time from Antalya to Phaselis will be at least 1.5 hours.
2. Another option to get from Antalya to Phaselis is from the Antalya bus station (otogar) from the regional terminal, take any bus going along the D400 highway to the west (buses and dolmus to Demre, Kas, Finike, Kumluca are suitable). You need to get off at the turn to Phaselis, cross the road and walk along the asphalt road for about 1 km to the ticket office. If you are too lazy to go, you can wait for the bus mentioned above. he will take you to the ticket office. Although the walk from the D400 to the ruins of Phaselis is very pleasant. All around there are coniferous forests, birdsong, fragrances.
How to get to Phaselis (clickable)
If you need to get to Phaselis from the west (Kash, Demre, Olympos, Cirali, etc.), then you should also get off at the turn to Phaselis and walk about 1 km.
History of Phaselis
Phaselis is an ancient city founded around the 7th century. BC. immigrants from Rhodes. Ancient Phaselis was located on a peninsula; it was possible to approach it from land only from one side. Part of the land was covered by a lake, which today looks more like a swamp.
There were 3 ports in the city. Through the ports of Phaselis, trade was mainly carried out in timber - one of the main riches of these places. Phaselis was also famous for the production of essential oils and incense. The city changed rulers many times. It was captured by the Persians, Alexander the Great, Rhodians, Romans, Arabs and even pirates.
In pagan times, the patrons of Phaselis were Athena and Hermes
By the 11th century. Phaselis completely lost its importance due to the growth of neighboring port cities. And by the 13th century. the inhabitants left Phaselis forever.
Phaselis – attractions, plan, beaches, photos
Today there is an open-air museum on the territory of Phaselis. There is no such thing as a must-see here. But a walk through the ruins among the pine forest will be very pleasant and not stressful. On average, without rushing, you can explore ancient Phaselis in 1.5 – 2 hours.
Museum opening hours: from 9.00 to 19.00 (April - October), from 8.30 to 17.00 (November - March) seven days a week
Entrance ticket price to ancient Phaselis – 8 liras
Plan of ancient Phaselis
plan of ancient Phaselis (clickable)
Most of the surviving sites of ancient Phaselis date back to the late Roman or early Byzantine period.
After walking another 5 minutes from the ticket office along an asphalt road among a coniferous forest, on the left you will see the first attraction of Phaselis - the ruins of the Temple of Heron.
After walking a little further, you can see the remains of the necropolis on the left. There is a legend that somewhere here was, and maybe is under a pile of stones, the ashes of Alexander the Great, who disappeared from the sight of mankind back in the 2nd century.
To the right of the necropolis and the Northern Harbor is the main city. An aqueduct and cisterns have been preserved near the central harbor.
Main Street ran parallel to the sea. Along its edges there were various buildings: houses, shops, baths, etc.
Great Baths
Small thermal baths and public restrooms
Phaselis Theater for 3000 spectators
In 129 Phaselis was visited by Emperor Hadrian. In memory of this, Hadrian's Gate was erected, through which one could enter Phaselis from the South Harbor. Anyone who entered immediately found themselves on the main street of the city.
Well, what would it be like in an ancient city without an agora? There were three of them in Phaselis. Two of them are in the South Port area
Beaches in Phaselis
As mentioned above, a visit to Phaselis successfully forms an educational and recreational program. The only point: if you decide to stay in Phaselis, stock up on provisions and water. In any case, already in mid-September, no trade was observed.
The beaches in Phaselis are semi-wild and not equipped. There are no umbrellas or sunbeds here. Therefore, the branches of coniferous trees can act as umbrellas. The first beach is located right next to the entrance to ancient Phaselis near the necropolis. The beach in this part of Phaselis is pebbly. The North Harbor of Phaselis used to be located here.
The second beach is small. Here was the central harbor. It is on the move, there is parking nearby. You can safely skip it. Although there is also a plus here in terms of swimming. This beach is located in a semi-enclosed bay. Thanks to this, there are practically no waves here.
And if you walk the entire ancient Phaselis along the Main Street and exit through Hadrian’s Gate, then there will be a sandy beach with clear sea waters and views of the mountains. This was the South Harbor. There will probably be a lot of vacationers here during the high season and on weekends. But in mid-September on weekdays there is practically no one, and therefore it is quite comfortable.
What attractions can you see in Phaselis?
Of course, if you have free time, you can devote the whole day to the sights and beach of Phaselis. But if you don’t have a lot of time, it doesn’t matter. Since Phaselis is located near the D400 highway, it is convenient to visit it along with other attractions in the region - Goynuk Canyon, Antalya.
Phaselis (Türkiye) - description, history, location. Exact address, phone number, website. Tourist reviews, photos and videos.
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If you are relaxing at a hotel in Kemer, be sure to rent a bike (or a taxi) and go to the ancient city of Phaselis. It is only 10-15 kilometers away, but you will finally understand that Turkey is not only the notorious all inclusive and seal holiday in a sun lounger.
Phaselis was founded in the 7th century BC by colonists from the island of Rhodes, who offered the locals dried fish in exchange for land.
Phaselis is located in a beautiful place with beaches and picturesque cliffs, at the foot of the unique Mount Tahtali (Olympos), the same one that Homer described in the legendary “Iliad”. There are always a lot of yachts in the city harbor. But the main advantage of the city is its antiquity. According to legend, it was founded in the 7th century BC by colonists from the island of Rhodes. The same legend says: in exchange for land, the colonists offered dried fish to the local residents.
As a result, the Lycian city of Phaselis was formed, which was considered a large settlement and had three sea harbors - Eastern, Middle and Southern. In 333 BC, the city presented Alexander the Great with a golden crown. At that time, Phaselis was famous for its lilac oil and roses. After Alexander, the city changed hands several times, and in 167 BC it became a member of the Lycian League and minted coins based on the model of this union. Phaselis was periodically robbed by pirates. And in 42 the city came under the rule of Rome. From that time on, for three centuries, Phaselis only flourished.
But the ruins of city walls and structures belong to a different period of prosperity, when in the 7th century AD Phaselis was invaded by the Arabs.
Most of the surviving ruins date back to the Roman and Byzantine periods. Built on the slope of the acropolis, the Phaselis Theater is small, it is built on the model, today we would say a standard design, of an amphitheater of the Hellenistic period. Its stage was erected by the Romans, historians say. To the right of the entrance to Phaselis are the oldest walls of the city fortress (3rd century BC), as well as the ruins of a temple or crypt. On the slopes behind the northern harbor you can see a necropolis. If you believe the legends, this is where Alexander the Great is buried.
The most impressive sight in Phaselis is the aqueduct, an artificial canal that supplied the city with water from a spring on the northern hill.
There were three agoras in the city: one opposite the theater, the other two on the right side of the main street leading to the southern harbor. The baths in the area of the city square are also impressive. Historians believe that Phaselis’ idol was Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war. Scientists suggest that the temple of Athena is still hidden underground, in the area of the acropolis where the forest now grows.
Practical information
You can get to Phaselis by bus or taxi. The price of a ticket, for example, from Tekirova is 5 TRY; in Turkey it is better to pay in lira - it will be cheaper. You can also get there by sea, as part of a tour, or by hiring a boat.
Entrance to the ancient city itself is paid: 10 TRY. Attention - dollars are not accepted here! Phaselis is open from 9:00.
Prices on the page are for April 2019.
For those who are not ready for long journeys, but at the same time want to plunge into the history of the ancient world without losing precious time spent by the sea, we recommend an excursion to Phaselis - perhaps one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Despite the ancient history of the city, most of the surviving ruins of Phaselis date back to the Roman and Byzantine periods. They are concentrated on the main street connecting the northern and southern harbors.
There is also a theater and agora - market square. A wooden staircase leads to the theater and acropolis.
Built in the 4th century BC. e. on the slope of the acropolis, the Phaselis Theater is relatively small (its 20 rows are designed for 3 thousand people) and is a typical example of an amphitheater of the Hellenistic period.
The ruins that have survived to this day indicate that the theater stage was built by the Romans. In the late Roman period the amphitheater served as an arena, and in the late Byzantine period its stage was used as part of the city wall.
Surprisingly, the Phaselis Theater is still used for its intended purpose - the annual international jazz festival is held here.
To the right of the entrance to the city are the oldest walls of the city fortress (III century BC), as well as ruins, most likely of a temple or monumental crypt.
On the slopes behind the northern harbor lies a necropolis - a city cemetery. The most impressive structure in Phaselis is the aqueduct that rises above the parking lot. The city was supplied with water from a spring on the northern hill.
There were three agoras in the city: one opposite the theater, the other two on the right side of the main street leading to the southern harbor. Inside the agora, opposite the theater, are the ruins of a small basilica from the Byzantine period.
The city baths in the area of the city square are also impressive. Particularly interesting are the small baths for patricians, whose heating system was typical of Roman baths.
In two necropolises of the city there are tombs with lids with images of figures of Eros and lions.
According to historians, the main patron goddess of the city was the goddess of wisdom and war, Athena. On the eastern slope of the acropolis, the ruins of two temples are visible - the temple of Pallas Athena and the temple of the god of trade Hermes. The spear of the legendary Achilles was kept in the temple of Athena in Phaselis.
Other significant structures of the city are still hidden underground, awaiting exploration. Artifacts discovered during excavations are kept in the Antalya Museum.
The inhabitants of Phaselis were known as efficient traders. Women wore a special “sisoe” hairstyle: they say it was similar to the hairstyle of the Egyptian goddess Isis.
Among the famous townspeople we can name the philosopher Theodect. Another famous citizen is the rich man Opramos from Rodiapolis, who spent a significant part of his funds on rebuilding the city after another earthquake.
Among the religious figures of the city, we can name Fronto, who took part in the Council of Chalcedon, and Aristomedos, who in 458, together with other religious figures of Lycia of that period, signed the famous letter to Emperor Leo I.
Keep in mind that after entering the ancient city itself and the beaches are about a kilometer away.
Once in Phaselis, you can choose which beach you will swim on. There are THREE of them here!
There are two pebble beaches immediately at the entrance to the aqueduct. These beaches will be of interest to lovers of snorkeling (swimming with a mask), as the ruins of the port waters have been preserved underwater. And there is a beautiful beach with volcanic black sand to the right of the aqueduct, where it will be convenient with children - it is very shallow there. Accordingly, the water is warmer, especially in spring and autumn.
In order to get to the sandy beach, you need to walk through the main street of Phaselis along the gymnasium and theater, and then turn right. The further from the city, the sandier the coast and the shallower the depth.
Opening hours and ticket prices:
Winter period from November to March - from 08.30 to 17.00
Summer period from April to October - from 09.00 to 19.00
Seven days a week
Ticket price: 30 liras
The ticket office closes 1 hour before closing.
How to get to Phaselis?
Getting to Phaselis from Antalya is very easy. Phaselis is located just 40 km from Antalya.
- By car. Take the D400 highway towards Fethiye. After Kemer, passing the village of Camyuva, keep to the left lane if you are coming from Antalya. On the ring you will see a sign on a brown background FASELIS. After driving about a kilometer deep into the forest towards the sea, you will see a checkpoint. This is the entrance to the ancient city of Phaselis. Paid entrance. 10 liras per person. Parking is free.
- By bus. Phaselis from Antalya or Kemer is easily accessible by intercity buses going to Tekirova from bus stations Antalya. Travel time from Antalya is about an hour. To get on this bus from Beldibi, Goynuk, Kemer, Camyuva, you need to get to the D400 highway and just wave your hand if you see a bus with the inscription TEKIROVA. The buses are very comfortable, with air conditioning. The bus arrives at the very entrance to Phaselis.
If you are traveling to Phaselis from Belek, Side, Alanya (i.e. from cities located east of Antalya) you must first get to Antalya bus station and there change to a bus going to Tekirova.
- On a yacht. You can also get to Phaselis by taking a ride on an excursion yacht from Kemer.
The yachts make a stop in Phaselis Bay, during which you can take a boat to the city. You pay the entrance ticket and walk around Phaselis. Phaselis has two entrances: from the road and from the sea, and 2 ticket offices. For those who come to Phaselis by land, we recommend keeping your ticket with you when walking from one beach to another.
On a note: The toilets are located at the entrance, which on the one hand is not very convenient, but on the other hand, there are comfortable and clean showers with hot water. That is, on the beach itself and in Phaselis itself there are no toilets or showers! The beach in Phaselis is a natural beach, not equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas. Another tip - stock up on drinking water.
