Set in the enchanting Mediterranean landscape, Kemer glows in the golden light of the sun and inspires awe not only with its natural beauty but also with its ancient cities, silent witnesses to the past.
This geography, stretching from the foothills of the mountains to the embrace of the sea, bears the traces of civilisations dating back thousands of years. Here are the ancient cities around Kemer that are a must-see and the historical riches behind them…
Phaselis Ancient City: The Three-Harbour Trading City
Located approximately 15 kilometres from Kemer, Phaselis is one of the important port cities of the Lycian civilisation. Believed to have been founded by the Rhodians in the 7th century BC, this city became one of the most important trade centres of the Mediterranean thanks to its location. The city is notable for having three separate ports: the North Harbour, the War Harbour and the South Harbour. Thanks to these harbours, intensive trade relations were established with Egypt, Phoenicia, Greece and Rome.
One of the most impressive structures in Phaselis is the main street from the Roman period. This 24-metre-wide street stretches from the theatre to the agora, from the baths to the aqueducts.
Traces of Roman and Byzantine architecture can be seen throughout the city. It is equally impressive to see how nature has adapted to the city: the blue of the Mediterranean Sea can be seen through the ancient stones, shaded by pine forests.
Olympos Ancient City: In the Shadow of Myths and Pirates
Located south of Kemer, right next to the Çıralı coast, Olympos takes its name from the high mountains surrounding it. This city, which belonged to the Lycian League in ancient times, was invaded by pirates over time and became a centre for pirates for a period. It is known that the famous pirate Zeniketes ruled here.
During the Roman Empire, the city revived after the pirate threat was eliminated, with temples, baths, an agora, and tombs being constructed. Today, walking among the ruins scattered on both sides of the valley in Olympos is like experiencing different periods of time at the same time. In addition, Yanartaş (Chimera), located very close to the city, offers visitors a supernatural experience with its never-ending fire, which is mentioned in mythological stories.
Idyros Ancient City: Hidden in Silence
Located very close to the centre of Kemer, just behind Ayışığı Bay, Idyros is a little-known but historically valuable city.
An important religious centre during the Byzantine period, the city has a basilica ruin that has survived to this day. Excavations have uncovered mosaics, ceramic fragments and various architectural remains.
Idyros is notable for its close connection with nature. Today, some parts of it are hidden in the shade of pine trees. In this respect, it is a peaceful ancient site waiting to be discovered by history enthusiasts.
Arykanda Ancient City: A Terraced City of Wisdom
Although a little further from Kemer, Arykanda, located on the Finike road, stands out from other cities due to its location on a mountain slope. Built in terraces, the city features structures such as a theatre, baths, a stadium and an agora. One of the most fascinating features of Arykanda is that its city planning was far ahead of its time.
This ancient city, with its architecture in harmony with nature, offers both the elegance of the human mind of the past and the continuity of nature at the same time. As you walk in silence, you feel as if someone from centuries ago is accompanying you.
Times Hidden in Stones
These ancient cities in Kemer and its surroundings are not just stone structures. They are silent narrators of a historical continuity that spans from Lycia to Rome, from Byzantium to the Ottoman Empire. Each one is a reflection of the past on the present, a window into different periods of human history.
When you come to our hotel in Kemer for your holiday, you will not only enjoy the sun and sea but also the legends told by the stones. Because sometimes a single step can take you back a thousand years.
Visit our website to book your stay at Kilikya Palace for your holiday.
