The ancient city of Phaselis in Tekirova, Antalya Province, was once an important trading port in the Lycian League. Today, it’s a beautiful national park where you can explore the sites of the 2,600-year-old city remains or relax on the shores of its three ancient harbours. Phaselis means “somewhere protected by the Gods” in Ancient Greek, and it’s easy to see why they deemed the name fitting. The charm and history at Phaselis make it worth a visit, so if you fancy looking around, here’s what you need to know.

About Phaselis

Phaselis is one of Türkiye’s most attractive ancient coastal sites at its height during the Roman and Byzantine periods. It is found along the Mediterranean coast, between Olympos and Kemer. Although Phaselis is a popular day-trip destination and daily boats drop anchor in the southern harbour at lunchtime, its beauty and incredible ruins make for an interesting excursion.

The History of Phaselis

Phaselis boasts a long and fascinating past. Its convenient location on an isthmus dividing two natural harbours led the Rhodians to first settle there in the 7^th century BC. It quickly became a trading port between Asia, Greece, and North Africa, and was fought over many times. The Persians took rule in the 5^th century BC, then the Delian Confederacy, and Alexander the Great, who was welcomed to govern over Phaselis in 333 BC and gifted a golden crown.

In 167 BC, Phaselis became a member of the Lycian League. For many years it faced attack and was ruled by pirates until Roman Commanders took control in 43 BC. This resulted in a new era of peace and prosperity for Phaselis that lasted throughout the Roman and Byzantine periods. The years that followed saw the importance of Phaselis dwindle as the larger ports of Antalya and Alanya grew in significance. By the 13^th century, Phaselis was abandoned and left to ruin.

During the height of the Roman Empire, Phaselis was a thriving port famed for its roses, and the elite prized the perfume created from the essence. Today, although much of Phaselis lies in ruins, the elaborate Roman bath, theatre, agora, and Acropolis are reminders of its once-prosperous past.

Highlights of Phaselis

A walk around Phaselis is a fascinating glimpse into a time gone by. The highlights of Phaselis include:

• Hadrian’s Arch is found near the south entrance of the walkway that connects the middle and south harbours. It was built to welcome the Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD 131. The supportive legs of the arches and an inscription are all that remain today.
• Protective Walls and their remains surrounded the site and were used to protect the city from pirates.
• The Aqueduct is one of the oldest structures on the site and has a length of 450 m.
• Two Roman Baths dating back to the 3^rd century can be found at Phaselis.
• The Latrina found to the north of the smaller Roman bath has a mosaic floor built in the 3^rd
• The Acropolis on the hill was dedicated to Athena, the Goddess of War and Wisdom. It is believed that a temple and other structures dedicated to Athena are also at the site, but archaeologists are yet to unearth them.
• The Hellenistic Theatre, although small, is typical of the era. It was built in the 2^nd century and had a capacity of 1,500 spectators. Historians believe the stage was added during the Roman period.
• A Basilica dating back to the Byzantine period is found opposite the theatre.

Phaselis Harbour, Bays and Beaches

In the early first century, Strabo, the famous geographer, praised Phaselis for its beauty and three harbours. The three bays were once busy trading ports fought over by pirates, but today they are tranquil and used as beaches:

1. North Bay: The north harbour homes a pebble beach and is more exposed, so it tends to be less crowded.
2. Middle Bay: The shallow calm waters and small pebbly beach in the central bay are ideal for families.
3. South Bay: The best beach in Phaselis is sandy and in the south bay. This does get busy in July and August.

Visit Phaselis and Cruising Notes

Tekirova Limani is located between the shores of two beaches, with the Phaselis ruins found on the eastern side. There are isolated reefs, and depths vary, with some anchorages unsuitable for larger yachts. You can avoid the tourists and daily boat lunch crowds by visiting the area early. For guidance, to book a guided tour around Phaselis, or to add a visit to your itinerary, please CONTACT US.