For history lovers, a visit to Türkiye is a real treat. There are many incredible ancient Greek sites in Türkiye within easy reach of the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.

From the spectacular coastal ruins of Knidos near Datça to the grandeur of the library of Celsus at Ephesus, the 360 Yachting team can arrange bespoke tours and professionally guided trips for superyacht guests and crew to all the ancient highlights worth visiting.

If you fancy travelling back in time, here’s our rundown of some of the best ancient Greek sites in Türkiye to add to your cruising itinerary.

A Few of The Best Ancient Greek Sites in Türkiye

Organising a bespoke tour of one of the ancient Greek sites in Türkiye offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. The Mediterranean and Aegean coastline is scattered with ruins, each unique and surrounded by myth and legend. Consider adding these sites to your Turkish cruising itinerary:

Ephesus (Izmir Province)

Located a short drive inland from the coast, near the modern town of Kuşadası, Ephesus is arguably the most famous ancient Greek site in Turkiye and one of the world’s most well-preserved ancient cities. This incredible site was once a thriving Greek and Roman metropolis home to architectural marvels like the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Guests taking a tour of Ephesus can choose to explore the site during the day when it bustles with activity, or for a more exclusive experience, we can arrange a visit at dusk. Floodlights bathe the ruins in a golden glow as the sun sets, creating a truly magical atmosphere and the ideal backdrop for photos and memorable Instagram shots. Knowledgeable TURSAB guides professionally lead all our tours, ensuring the trip is an unforgettable experience. CONTACT US to arrange a visit.

Didyma (Aydin Province)

For a mix of myth, history, and magic, consider visiting Didyma, just south of Ephesus near Didim, to your cruising plans. Although it is not as well-known as Ephesus, this former ancient Greek site is home to the Temple of Apollo, once one of the most important temples and religious sites in the ancient Greek world, second only to Delphi.

During a visit to Didyma, you can walk the Sacred Way, which pilgrims once used to seek answers from the oracle. You can stand at the Oracle, where the pilgrims seeking guidance once awaited wisdom from God via the priests. You can also see the towering columns of the Temple of Apollo and imagine the many rituals that have taken place there in its heyday.

Whether you’re attracted by the oracle’s mystery or the architecture’s majesty, a guided tour of Didyma is an excellent way to spend a few hours learning ashore, learning about the past.

Priene (Aydin Province)

Tucked high on the slopes of Mount Mykale, 35 km from Ephesus and a short trip inland from the Aegean, is the ancient Hellenistic city of Priene. This ancient Greek site was once a busy centre of politics, and it remains remarkably well-preserved. A visit to Priene sheds an interesting insight into Türkiye’s ancient Greek past, including how well-planned and organised the former Greek cities were, with their grid-style streets, amenities, and complex urban infrastructures.

The main highlight of Priene is undoubtedly the Temple of Athena, designed by the architect Pytheos. The agora (marketplace), gymnasium, and theatre are also displayed.

Priene is a stunning site in a beautiful position, enjoying panoramic views over the fertile plains around Soke. Unlike some other ancient Greek sites in Turkiye, Priene retains its original layout, so you can easily imagine how the ancient inhabitants once lived.

Miletus (Aydin Province)

If you are cruising the Aegean near Didim and Kusadasi, let us arrange a tour inland to visit Miletus. This fascinating ancient site was once a powerful Greek city and a major port, and it boasts a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age.

Miletus is famed for its intellectual contributions and is known as the place where the famous philosophers Thales and Anaximander questioned the mysteries of the universe. It is also home to one of the most impressive theatres, which used to seat over 15,000 spectators. Other highlights of Miletus include the Temple of Athena, baths, and the ruins of its ancient harbour, which is now inland due to centuries of silting.

A visit to Miletus should impress and can be combined with a visit to other ancient sites in the vicinity. CONTACT US for more details.

Pergamon (Izmir Province)

The dramatic ancient Greek city of Pergamon lies high on a hillside 25km inland from the Aegean in Izmir Province. Famed for its acropolis, this UNESCO World Heritage site has several iconic structures, including the ruins of the Temple of Trajan, the Pergamon Alter, and the Asclepeion, an ancient healing centre dedicated to Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine.

From Pergamon’s clifftop theatre, you can enjoy panoramic views over the landscape while the guide explains the city’s secrets and gives insight into the important role Pergamon played in Greek history and the Roman Empire.

Olympos (Antalya Province)

The ancient Greek city of Olympos lies right on the coast, near the village and beach of Cirali in Antalya Province. We have mentioned Olympos many times in our newsletters and articles, as this once-thriving Lycian city became an important maritime and cultural centre for the Romans.

A tour of Olympos is easy to arrange and convenient for superyachts cruising the Turquoise Coast. The ruins are nestled into nature overlooking the Med, with highlights including the Roman Theatre, a necropolis, and the remains of temples, tombs, and basilicas.

A visit to Olympos offers more than most ancient Greek sites in Türkiye. It is also home to the eternal flames of Chimera, which burn continually on the mountainside and are especially impressive at night. Although the flames have little to do with Greek history, they are also worth seeing, as local legend would suggest they come from a fire-breathing monster deep below the ground—read our post about Olympos to find out more!

Knidos (Mugla Province)

Knidos, at the tip of the Datca Peninsula, is another impressive coastal ancient Greek site in Türkiye. With spectacular views over the Aegean, a visit here is convenient and interesting for all history buffs onboard.

Knidos was a significant centre for culture, art, and trade. It was home to many astronomers, artists, and mathematicians and was renowned for its architecture and artistic achievements. Highlights of Knidos include the ancient streets, the agora, and the Temple of Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of Love, whose statue once stood at the site but has since been lost. The Knidos Theatre, overlooking the sea, is also impressive, as are the twin harbours, where one used to be used by the military and the other for trade and commerce. Please read our article on Kinidos for more info on the site, or GET IN TOUCH if you want us to arrange a guided tour.

Patara (Antalya Province)

Most yachts heading along Turkiye’s Mediterranean coast either cruise past or stop off at Patara due to its long 12 km stretch of sandy beach. However, aside from its stunning coastline, Patara’s history is also impressive. It was once one of the most important cities in the Lycian League and a thriving port and city during the ancient Greek and Roman periods.

Next time you are in the area, take a tour of the ancient ruins of Patara to marvel at the Roman theatre, which could seat up to 6,000 spectators. Walk through the Roman arch that marked the entry to the city, view the assembly hall where political decisions were made, and see where the Temple of Apollo once stood, yet lies in ruins today. As you cruise past, note the ruins of the ancient lighthouse that once guided sailors safely to shore (unfortunately, the original harbour is now silted and some distance inland).

Read our post about Patara to learn more about its importance and location. CONTACT US to arrange a guided tour of the site and a stop on the itinerary.

Guided Tours of Ancient Greek Sites in Türkiye

Exploring any ancient site in Türkiye is a memorable experience, and it should be embraced if you get the chance. We have mentioned only a few ancient Greek sites in Türkiye that lie within easy reach of the coast – the list could go on and on!

Our team can arrange many bespoke tours in Turkiye. For more details or to arrange a visit to any of the ancient Greek sites mentioned, please GET IN TOUCH.