Historical places

Phaselis Ancient City

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Working hours: 08:00 – 19:00
How to go:

1. by car ;
2. by bus (take LC07 from Yüzüncü Yıl Street and drive to the Aquarium, do interchange for Phaselis minibus at bus station)

How long does it take: around 2 hours

Phaselis ancient city was built by Rhodian colonists in 700 BC and was alive from the Archaic period up to the High Medieval period. It was an important place for eastern Lycia and an important commerce centre for Egypt Greece and Asia.

Now, Phaselis is a place of historical interest. There 3 harbors, a wide ancient street, the Hadrian Waterway Gate, ruins of shops, a Roman bath, agoras and theatres, some of them are date back to 2 BC.

Koprülü Kanyon National Park

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Working hours: 08:00-18:00
How to go:

1. by car- drive to Serik, drive 5 km more from Serik turn on Beşkonak intersection and go around 37 km more to reach the destination;
2. by bus-go to Otogar by tram from İsmetpaşa station on Işıklar, then take the bus which goes to Manavgat, do interchange for Beşkonak – Köprülü Kanyon bus on Beşkonak intersection ;

How long does it take: around 2 hours

Koprulu (Köprülü) Canyon National Park is Turkey’s most popular watersports area. The national park is perfect for hiking, or to explore the ancient ruins, or just to enjoy the dramatic Mediterranean scenery.

Koprulu Canyon National Park is in the middle of many natural beauties in a fertile valley. Koprulu Canyon continues for 14 km along the Kopru River, reaching a maximum height of 400 m.

Koprulu Canyon National Park takes place high in the mountains, 96 km northeast in the province of Antalya. Northeast of Antalya on the Side road take the turn-off for Tasagil and Beskonak (Beşkonak), for the beautiful circular, scenic route that leads to the National Park. The road crisscrosses over the clear, flowing water of the mountain river and passes through virgin forests and over rippling waterfalls. You will want to stop often and give your camera a workout in this picturesque valley. In the rest area, there are fish restaurants offering delicious selections. Mountaineers will be unable to resist climbing, exploring and camping in this rugged, scenic spot. Return to Antalya via the other half of the scenic route.

Oluk Bridge on the Kopru River and Bugrum Bridge on the Kocadere Stream are noteworthy samples of Roman engineering. Oluk Bridge was built 27 m above the canyon by using stone blocks and overlapping techniques. The bridge dates back to the 2nd century AD. Koprulu Canyon National Park has a rich flora including red pine, black pine, cedar, fir, oak varieties and wild olives. Koprulu Canyon National Park also hosts the largest cypress forest in Asia minör.
Selge Antique City and Bozburun Mountain are located within the limits of the National Park. Oluk Bridge or Beskonak town is where the raftsmen get in the river for rafting in the Kopru River. Village kind guesthouses are available in the area.

Koprulu Canyon is one of the longest canyons in Turkey. Kopru River is famous for its salmon trout. Cypress, cedar, red pine and black pine trees form the ecosystem of the area, and the Mediterranean cypress forest, at 400 hectares wide, is the most significant flora characteristic in Koprulu Canyon National Park. The Roman Oluk Bridge over the canyon and the Bugrum Bridge over the Kocadere stream were engineering feats of their time.

Perge (Museum card is valid.)

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Working hours: April – October 08:00 – 19:00
November – March 08:00 – 17:00
How to go:
by car – drive to Aksu, follow signs turn on the Antalya – Isparta intersection and follow the way
How long does it take: around 1 hour

Perge’s vast and rubble-filled stadium, half-destroyed temples and huge collonaded agora are imbued with an atmosphere of past glory.
This was once the capital of ancient Pamphylia, which blossomed first under Greek and then Roman rule. The ruins here are not as well preserved as other tourist attractions on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, but this also means it attracts fewer crowds, leaving visitors able to explore the long collonaded streets and half-collapsed temples in peace. The Roman baths, Hellenistic Gate and Acropolis are all particularly interesting.

Termessos (Museum card is valid.)

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Working hours: Summertime- 08:00-19:00
Winter time- 08:00-17:00
How to go:
by bus – drive to Otogar by tram, interchange for Kor
by car – Drive Antalya – Denizli yolu D350/E87, 36km

How long does it take: around 1 hour
Neither the Greeks nor the Romans managed to tame the war-like Pisidians who fiercely protected their independence from the mountain eyrie of Termessos.
The well-preserved remains of this ancient city are scattered along a rugged hillside with jaw-dropping views across the surrounding countryside. Wear sturdy shoes and drink plenty of water if you want to fully explore this site. The colonnaded street and upper agora are particularly impressive but don’t miss the theatre where the vistas across the peaks of the Taurus Mountains are surreal and beautiful.