Phaselis Antalya: Ancient Harbour City Guide & How to Get There

Phaselis was a busy harbour city of ancient Lycia, founded by Greek settlers and later prosperous under Rome. What makes it special today is the setting rather than the size: the ruins lie on a small peninsula covered in pine trees, the sea is never more than a few minutes' walk away, and the mountains of the Kemer coast rise right behind it.

It is not a site where you need a guide or a whole day. You walk along the old main street, look at the theatre and the baths, then end up on a beach with clear water. For many visitors that mix of history and swimming is the main attraction, and it is why Phaselis works so well for families and couples staying on the Kemer coast.

Phaselis sits just off the main coastal road, immediately beside Tekirova. Rough distances:

• Tekirova: practically next door, a few minutes by car.
• Kemer, Çamyuva, Kiriş: a short drive south along the coast.
• Antalya city / Konyaaltı: ≈ 60 km, ≈ 1 h on the scenic coast road.
• Lara, Belek, Side: a longer day out, because you first pass Antalya city; leave early.
• Antalya Airport: Tekirova is ≈ 70 km / ≈ 85 min away; see Antalya Airport to Tekirova.

From the road a short access lane leads through the woods to the site. With a private car the driver drops you close to the entrance, so you do not have to look for parking or walk along the highway.

The site is compact and easy to explore on foot. Highlights worth looking out for:

• The paved main street: a broad stone avenue running across the peninsula from one harbour to another, lined with remains of shops and public buildings.
• The theatre: a small theatre set into the slope, shaded by pines, with a view over the ruins.
• Baths and agora areas: walls and foundations of public buildings along the street.
• The aqueduct: stone arches of the old water supply near the entrance, one of the most photographed spots.
• Harbour remains: traces of ancient harbour walls at the water's edge.

Do not expect a rebuilt city: most of what you see is low walls, columns and paving. The pleasure lies in wandering between them with the sea on both sides.

Phaselis had three natural harbours, and today these are three small bays with pebble and sand beaches. Swimming here is one of the best things about the visit, so pack a towel and swimwear.

• The larger southern bay has more space to spread out.
• The smaller bays near the main street are prettier but can get crowded at midday.
• The water is clear and usually calm, but there are stones underfoot, so water shoes help, especially for children.

In high season boat trips from Kemer often anchor nearby around lunchtime. If you want the bays to yourself, arrive in the morning before they do or come back late in the afternoon.

Because Phaselis is small, it fits well into a bigger day on the Kemer coast. Popular combinations:

• Phaselis + Tahtalı cable car: the lower station of the cable car is close to Tekirova. Ride up in the morning for clear views, then cool off in the Phaselis bays in the afternoon. Details in our Tahtalı cable car and Olympos guide.
• Phaselis + Olympos or Çıralı: continue south to the ruins of Olympos and the long beach of Çıralı, see the Olympos and Çıralı guide.
• Phaselis + Kemer marina: finish the day with a walk and dinner in Kemer; more ideas in the Kemer region travel guide.

Tell us your plan when booking and we will tell you what is realistic in one day.

• Shoes: the ancient paving is uneven and polished smooth in places. Wear trainers or sturdy sandals, not flip-flops.
• Shade: the pines help near the theatre and the beaches, but large parts of the site are in full sun. Bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.
• Timing: in July and August go early in the morning or after about four in the afternoon. Spring and autumn are pleasant all day.
• Children and strollers: a stroller is hard work on the stones; a baby carrier is easier.
• Practical details: check current opening hours and tickets locally before you go, as they can change by season.

A private car makes Phaselis simple: you are picked up at your hotel, dropped close to the entrance and collected again when you are ready. When you book, agree a pick-up time and a return time; if you want to add the cable car, Olympos or a stop in Kemer, tell us when booking and we will tell you what is possible.

The price is fixed per vehicle, not per person, and agreed before the trip. Choose a Minivan for up to 6 people, a VIP Mercedes-Benz Vito for up to 7 or a Sprinter for larger groups, see the fleet. Free child seats are available on request, and you pay in the vehicle with no prepayment.