Phaselis

Phaselis was founded by colonists from Rhodes in the seventh century BCE and grew rich as a trading port - it had three separate harbours on a small promontory, which let it work whatever the wind, and it dealt in timber, rose oil and perfume. What survives is unusually pleasant to visit because of the setting: a paved main street runs across the neck of the promontory between the north and south harbours, lined with shop foundations, an agora, baths and a Hadrianic gateway, with a theatre cut into the slope above, and umbrella pines shading most of it. Sarcophagi and an aqueduct stand among the trees. The harbours are now beaches of clear water and fine shingle, and swimming from the ancient quays is permitted, which makes this the rare archaeological site where the sensible plan is to bring a towel. It gets busy with day trippers from Kemer in season.

What to look for

• The paved main street - the road between two harbours.
• The three harbours - now beaches with clear water.
• The theatre and baths - the city buildings under the pines.
• The aqueduct - arches running through the trees.

When to go

April to June and September to October. Early morning before the Kemer day boats and coaches arrive; the site is shaded, which helps in summer.

What to expect

It gets crowded from mid-morning in season, and the beaches fill. Facilities are limited to the entrance - bring water. The swimming is from shingle with rocky sections; shoes help.

Nearby

Kemer is 12 km north; Olympos and Çıralı are south along the coast.

Key facts