Hey there, travelers! If you are a nature lover and want to see every beauty around, you should definitely check out Phaselis Bay & Phaselis Ancient City in Antalya, Turkey. As everyone knows, Antalya is filled with countless beauties, and if you don’t want to miss any of them, be sure to take a look at our 7 Days Antalya Itinerary blog before you arrive.
Here is a quick glimpse of what you can experience at one of Antalya’s finest beaches, Phaselis Bay, Turkey: crystal-clear waters, lush green forests, a diverse array of animals and plants, and a rich historical backdrop. Interested? Let’s take a closer look at this beautiful place now.
THE BEAUTY OF NATURE IN PHASELIS BAY
THE HISTORY OF PHASELIS BAY & PHASELIS ANCIENT CITY
Nestled within Bey Mountains Coastal National Park, Phaselis Ancient City, founded by Rhodes colonists in the 7th century BC, thrived as a pivotal Mediterranean port. Its strategic three harbors, adorned with ship motifs on city coins, underscored its bustling trade identity. Over time, it witnessed the rule of Persians, Carian Satrap Mausolus, and stood witness to Alexander the Great’s visit in 333 BC. Joining the Lycian League in 167 BC, Phaselis flourished anew under Roman reign, with monumental aqueducts showcasing its engineering prowess.
PHASELIS ANCIENT CITY: THE REMNANTS
The remaining remnants that have survived from ancient times to the present day mostly belong to the Roman and Byzantine periods. Near the entrance of the
Phaselis Archaeological Site, remnants of the city’s ancient walls from the 3rd century BC and foundations that could have been a temple or a monumental tomb are found on the right side. The slope behind the North Harbor serves as a burial area. The most significant surviving structure is the magnificent aqueducts built to transport water from a source atop the northern hill during the Roman Period. These aqueducts, constructed in the Roman Era, successfully brought water from distant locations, and through pipes and canals, water distribution was achieved throughout various parts of the city.
Facing the theater and two others positioned to the right of the main road leading to the South Harbor, there are three agora areas. Within the agora opposite the theater, remains of a small basilica from the Byzantine Period can be found today. Additionally, two notable remnants within the city are the two bath house structures in the city square, one being small and the other large.
THE BEAUTY OF NATURE IN PHASELIS BAY, TURKEY
Phaselis Bay is like a postcard – super pretty and full of life. The bay’s waters are so clear, and they’re surrounded by green forests. You might even see some rare animals and plants! If you love nature, you can explore Olympos Beydağları Sahil Milli Parkı nearby for more breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coast. And don’t forget the beaches – they’re perfect for chillaxing and soaking up some sunshine. Here are 3 beaches of Phaselis that you can explore.
PHASELIS BAY NORTH HARBOR BEACH
Phaselis North Harbor Beach, the second largest near the entrance, offers a tranquil coastal experience. The serene waters, characterized by their crystal clarity and pebbled shore, provide a calming atmosphere. While the shaded areas and trees are slightly farther from the beach, the peaceful ambiance makes it an ideal spot for relaxation.
PHASELIS BAY CENTRAL HARBOR BEACH
The Central Harbor Beach, though smaller, boasts a serene charm. Encircled by circular stones and trees, the harbor creates a natural pool-like setting. The water is slightly warmer than in
Kemer, Turkey, offering a comfortable swimming experience. The shallow shoreline, a blend of sand and pebbles, is free of sea moss. With ample shade from the surrounding trees, this beach is perfect for both picnics and sunbathing. Since Phaselis is an archaeological site, you won’t find any restaurants. There is a small snack bar inside, and you need to bring your own food.
PHASELIS BAY SOUTH HARBOR BEACH
The largest and busiest, Phaselis South Harbor Beach offers convenient facilities like WC and showers. Accessible via a 5-10 minute walk through the Phaselis ancient city remains or by car, this beach is popular among visitors. Stretching along a lengthy coastline, it features expansive sunbathing areas amidst vast pine forests. The panoramic view of yachts and daily boat trips adds to its allure. The beach itself is a mix of sand and pebbles, offering a picturesque and outstanding setting.
PHASELIS BAY & PHASELIS ANCIENT CITY OPENING HOURS & ENTRANCE FEE
Phaselis Bay and Phaselis Ancient City welcome visitors with open arms. The gates open at 08:00, allowing early risers to commence their journey through time. The city’s mysteries and historical treasures await discovery until the closing time at 20:00. However, please note that the box office closes slightly earlier at 19:30, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly. An entrance fee of 220 Turkish Lira per person (as of 2023) is required. It’s advisable to verify the current prices on the
official website before your visit, as they may undergo changes.
HOW TO GET TO PHASELIS BAY, TURKEY
Reaching Phaselis Bay is easy and pleasant. If you’re coming from nearby towns or cities, just follow these directions to get to this captivating spot
GETTING TO PHASELIS BAY BY CAR
Phaselis Bay is easily accessible by car. From Kemer, head west for about 16 kilometers. Follow signs or use a navigation app to guide you to the entrance of the ancient city. There is parking available near the site.
GETTING TO PHASELIS BAY WITH PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Buses and minibusses (dolmuş) provide transportation options from Kemer to Phaselis. These services run on specific routes and schedules, making it convenient to reach your destination. You can inquire about the nearest dolmuş stop or bus station for accurate information.
GETTING TO PHASELIS BAY WITH PRIVATE YACHT RENTAL
Every day from Kemer, Turkey, private yacht tours depart to Phaselis Bay both during the day and in the evening. Revel in the lavish experiences of the Private Yacht Tour Kemer and the Sunset Tour. This adventure combines fancy yacht travel with nature’s beauty, mixing the excitement of discovering ancient ruins with the calmness of sailing on clear water.And as you make your way to Phaselis, immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of Kemer’s other breathtaking bays:
- Paradise Bay
- Pirate Cave
- Kiris Bay
- Kemer Moonlight Bay
HANDY TIPS FOR YOUR PHASELIS BAY & PHASELIS ANTIQUE CITY ADVENTURE
Going to Phaselis Bay? Awesome! Here’s what you need to know to make your trip amazing.
PICKING THE PERFECT TIME TO VISIT
You can go to Phaselis Bay any time of the year, and it’s always beautiful. But if you want to enjoy the warm sun and calm sea, summer is the best time. That’s from May to September.
WHAT TO BRING
You’ll want to wear comfortable clothes and shoes that are good for exploring. Don’t forget your swimsuit for fun in the water. And since it’s sunny, make sure to bring sun protection. Oh, and you’ll definitely want a camera to take pictures of all the great stuff you’ll see!
KEEP PHASELIS BAY BEAUTIFUL
Phaselis Bay is a historical place, so we need to take care of it. That means being respectful and following any rules posted. Stay on the paths and don’t touch or climb on the ruins. That way, future visitors can enjoy Phaselis Bay too.
Antalya is worth visiting not only for its captivating attractions but also for the enchantment of Kemer Phaselis Bay. With a history that weaves through time, mesmerizing natural landscapes, and a plethora of engaging activities, Phaselis Bay stands as an irresistible treasure within Antalya’s embrace.