Phaselis Ancient City is one of the few ancient cities in Tekirova in Kemer that still has a coastline. It is a great place where you can enjoy both the sea and the ancient city at the same time. When we entered Phaselis, we were very strange when we learned that it was a beach rather than an ancient city. Do not be surprised if you see Phaselis as Faselis Ancient City in Turkish sources.
Phaselis Ancient City history
The ancient city of Phaselis was preferred by the Rhodians in the 7th century BC, both because it was located in a green area and because it was on the coast, and they established a small colony here.
Later, the city started to earn an important income in sea trade. The city of Phaselis, which made its living from the sea, came under the rule of the Persians after the Persians dominated Anatolia and Alexander after Alexander defeated the Persians.
After Alexander’s death, Phaselis was ruled by Egypt until 197 BC and Phaselis, like other Lycian cities, was given to the Kingdom of Rhodes in accordance with an agreement called the Apameia Peace.
The city, which remained under the rule of Rhodes until 160 BC, entered the Lycian Union after the Roman occupation. However, the city lost its importance over time, became poor and forgotten. Phaselis was abandoned to its fate when the ports of Alanya and Antalya gained importance during the Seljuk period.
In the 19th century, Phaselis was discovered by Captain F. Beaufort during the surveying of the southern coast of Asia Minor for the British Royal Navy. In 1811, Phaselis was discovered for the first time and a plan of the city was drawn up. Afterwards, it has taken its present form with research and excavations until today.
At the point where the vehicles are parked, there are aqueducts that carry water to the city. You pass from one of the bays to the other through the colonnaded street that divides the city in two.
At the end of the street, on the South Harbor side, is Hadrian’s Gate. On the north side of the colonnaded avenue are the agora, the Agora of Domitian and the harbor agora, while on the south side are the theater, residences and city walls. The theater has a capacity of 1500 people and is not a big structure.
It is very pleasant to swim in the sea of Phaselis. So much so that we had to postpone our excursion plan for a few hours in order to stay here longer. The sea in the northern bays doesn’t deepen suddenly, but we can’t say the same for the South Harbor beach.
When we get out of the sea, we use the shade of the big pine trees as umbrellas. These trees are enough to keep us cool even at over 40 degrees. But it should be noted that there is no tent accommodation or camping in Phaselis.
There is also a buffet in Phaselis. But these places are not for those of us who support economic travel. We recommend you to bring your food and drinks with you. Food and drinks are sold at several times the price outside.
Phaselis Ancient City entrance fee and visiting hours
Phaselis Ancient City entrance fee. There is no charge for vehicles. But fortunately, we had our Müzekart with us and we were able to enter for free. The entrance fee for Phaselis beach is also included in the entrance fee of the ancient city.
The working hours of the city are 08:00 – 19:00 in the summer season, 08:00 – 17:00 in the winter season and can be visited every day of the week.
Where is Phaselis Ancient City and how to get there?
The distance between Phaselis and Antalya is 58km, the distance of Phaselis to Cirali and Olympos is 26km, and the distance to Kemer is 16km. If you want to use the highway to reach Phaselis Ancient City and Phaselis Bay, you need to turn at the brown Phaselis sign, which is 56km from Antalya center.
After 1km, you will come across the toll booths where you will enter the ancient city of Phaselis. After passing the toll booths, drive to the seashore and park your car in a suitable place. The road is completely asphalt until here.
There is a dirt road on the right side of the parking lot, I recommend you to cross that road with your car and reach the other bay. It is calmer there and you can find a place for your car more easily. Moreover, you will be closer to the showers, changing cabins and toilets.
While you are in Phaselis Ancient City, you can also visit the places to visit in Phaselis. Folkloric Yoruk Park in the north and Çıralı, Olympos and Adrasan in the south, which have beautiful bays, can be nice. And if you like heights, you can take the cable car to Mount Tahtali (Mount Olympos).
