It’s easy to laze onboard your yacht and soak in the breathtaking views, but behind the bright blue bays and pine-clad cliffs, hide many incredible ancient sites in Türkiye.

Step back in time and let 360° Yachting introduce you to some of coastal Türkiye’s ancient charms. No matter where you are cruising on the Aegean or Mediterranean coast, there’s bound to be a site of interest within easy reach. Ask Senem to add one of these excursions to your cruising itinerary – after all, where else could you stand where St. John wrote his gospel and St. Paul first preached to the Ephesians? Where else could you stand on the spot where Anthony first met Cleopatra?

SEVEN ANCIENT SITES IN TURKEY NEAR THE COAST

EPHESUS, NEAR IZMIR

Many would say that you can’t come to Türkiye without visiting Ephesus at least once – it’s one of the worlds most incredible ancient cities and remarkably well preserved. Its location in Izmir Province, 3 km southwest of modern-day Selçuk, means it’s within easy reach for those cruising the Aegean and a must-visit for anyone onboard that’s interested in history. It’s easy to spend an entire day exploring this ancient Greek site. Head to the Great Theatre and stand where St. Paul first preached to the Ephesians and St. John may have written his gospel. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary where she lived until the age of 101, and marvel at the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Temple of Artemis considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

MAUSOLEUM OF HALICARNASSUS & THE STONE THEATRE, BODRUM

The mausoleum of Halicarnassus is another of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, its remains still evident in Bodrum on Türkiye’s Aegean coast.

Historians believe the construction of this ornate white marble monument was ordered by King Mausolus of Caria and completed in 350 BC. It was originally 50 meters high with columns forming a temple with a steep pyramid roof. It would have once contained exquisite sculptures of Mausolus and Artemisia riding on a chariot. Unfortunately, having survived intact for 19 centuries, it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1304. Today, all that remains are the ruins and artists impressions of what the site was like in its heyday. However, Mausolus’s 4,000-seat stone amphitheatre high above Bodrum is well preserved and in regular use today, it also offers fabulous sea views. Both sites are worth visiting, perhaps combined with a trip to the museum and tour of other significant sites in the area.

KINIDOS, DATCA PENINSULAR

The approach to Kinidos never fails to impress. The site is located at Cape Krio, at the top of the Datça peninsular, and it is memorable not only because of the ancient site, but also because of its twin harbours.

Kinidos was one of the main ancient cities in Caria (southwest Türkiye) and was allied with the five other sites that make up the Doric Hexapolis. It probably became a primary location for Greek and many other settlers due to its convenient trading position between the Greek islands of Kos, Nisyros, Giali and Tilos.

The ancient city of Kinidos is large, and its defensive walls stretch for more than 4 km. Although some of Kinidos has been excavated, archaeologists still have a lot to discover and visitors today stumble across many exciting finds. A private tour is the best way to experience the site. Guides can explain the history of its main attractions including the mountaintop citadel, the temple and altar of Apollo, the acropolis, and the statue of Aphrodite. CONTACT US if you would like to arrange a private tour.

AMYNTAS ROCK TOMB, FETHIYE

As you approach the harbour in Fethiye, look up at the cliffsides to the right of the flag and castle ruins, and notice the ancient Lycian rock tombs. The largest and most impressive is that of Amyntas. Little is known about Amyntas, other than from an inscription on the interior saying, “Amyntou tou Ermagiou” which means,”Amyntas, son of Hermagio” in English.

What makes this tomb so unique is its size; the façade and interior are as large as many temples. You can appreciate the tomb from afar, or pay a nominal fee and walk the 200 steps up to take a closer look – the views across Fethiye bay and the islands from the entrance are spectacular!

KAUNOS, DALYAN

According to ancient belief, the higher up the cliffside the tomb, the more important they were considered to be. This makes the six tombs of Kaunos carved high above the river in Dalyan extremely important!

Kaunos, or Caunus in Latin, is an ancient Carian city and was an important seaport dating back to the 9^th century BC. Today, most tourists simply take a riverboat trip past these magnificent rock tombs, take a few photos and they chug past, then carry on with their day trip at the local mud baths or beach. But, the ancient city of Kaunos found behind the cliffside tombs is certainly worth exploring and rarely busy. Here you can view a Byzantine basilica, ancient Greek theatre, Roman bath, acropolis and the old harbour. Ask us to arrange a private tour.

ASPENDOS, ANTALYA

The Greco-roman remains of Aspendos, and its remarkably well preserved ancient Greek theatre is one of the must-see ancient sites in Türkiye for history buffs cruising along the coast of Antalya.

The site, located 40 km east of Antalya, on the shores of the Eurymedon River, was an ancient Pamphylian city. Today, the Roman theatre is one of the best examples of it’s kind in the world and events still take place within its walls, including an international opera and ballet festival each year. Most tourists simply visit the theatre, but on a private tour it’s also possible to visit the ruins of the cities basilica, stadium, the local aqueduct, and an agora.

TEMPLE OF APOLLO AND ROMAN THEATRE, SIDE

Side is on the UNESCO list as a protected area and is one of the most historically rich regions on the Turkish coast – it’s so full of history that you simply stumble across Roman buildings and ancient ruins on a leisurely stroll through the town!

According to ancient history, Side was named after the goddess of nature and fertility, but the word also means pomegranate, a fruit grown widely in the area. Legend suggests that it was under at the Temple of Apollo that Anthony first met Queen Cleopatra, and the remains of the temple, with its pediment supported by five fluted columns, is certainly one of the most notable ancient sites in Türkiye, as is the impressive Roman theatre. A tour of Side won’t disappoint and can easily be arranged, CONTACT SENEM for more details.