Phaselis Ancient City Antalya
Explore ancient Roman ruins nestled among pine trees, with three stunning bays for swimming. A perfect blend of history and Mediterranean beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Phaselis Ancient City Antalya
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient Roman ruins nestled among pine trees, with three stunning bays for swimming. A perfect blend of history and Mediterranean beauty.
"A must-visit for history buffs and beach lovers, combining ancient wonders with crystal-clear waters."
🚗 Rent a Car for Flexibility
Easier to reach Phaselis and explore nearby beaches like Olympos. Buses are an option but less convenient.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
It gets hot! Stay hydrated while exploring the ancient ruins and walking under the pine trees.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Roman-era Ruins
Throughout the city
Explore ancient shops, baths, and theaters, remnants of a once-thriving Roman port city.
Hadrian's Gate
Main entrance area
A grand Roman triumphal arch, offering a glimpse into the city's past glory.
Three Natural Harbors
Coastal areas
Discover three distinct bays, perfect for a refreshing swim amidst historical surroundings.
Aqueducts
Upper city
Marvel at the engineering of ancient water systems that supplied the city.
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Phaselis
Getting to Phaselis
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a Car for Flexibility
Easier to reach Phaselis and explore nearby beaches like Olympos. Buses are an option but less convenient.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
It gets hot! Stay hydrated while exploring the ancient ruins and walking under the pine trees.
🩱 Swim in the Bays
Phaselis boasts three beautiful bays perfect for a refreshing dip after exploring.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven ancient paths.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a Car for Flexibility
Easier to reach Phaselis and explore nearby beaches like Olympos. Buses are an option but less convenient.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
It gets hot! Stay hydrated while exploring the ancient ruins and walking under the pine trees.
🩱 Swim in the Bays
Phaselis boasts three beautiful bays perfect for a refreshing dip after exploring.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven ancient paths.
🛥️ Consider a Boat Tour
See Phaselis from the sea and stop for a swim in its ancient harbors. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Phaselis Ancient City is praised for its stunning combination of historical ruins and beautiful beaches, offering a unique experience where you can swim in ancient bays. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to explore Roman-era structures amidst pine trees and enjoy the clear waters. Some find the site can get crowded and hot, especially during peak hours.
"We waited around 30 minutes or more at the gate because it was crowded on a weekday. The Mountain View is amazing and spending time by nature there was fun, but I just found that the entrance for the local versus for tourists has a huge difference. After visiting the ancient city and the citadel, you have to sit by The beach there cause it is stunning. The water was amazing so bring your swimsuit with you if you’re planning to go there, lots were having picnics at the beach which was pretty fun. All in all we really enjoyed our time there but to be fair the price should be cheaper for tourists."
Lynn Assaf
"We went on a small trip with guide here. Picturesque views for cool photos, but too many Turkish people relaxing on the beach because it is cheaper for them.
Anyway, it is cool to see how ancient people were living here and listen about their life."
vovash25
"Beautiful historic ruins and refreshing water negatively impacts by an insane amount of rubbish, plastic bottles, cigarette bits and more. When you pay 400 Lira per person, you expect a better kept park. Its exciting to see the work to restore the ruins."
Matt W
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Phaselis Ancient City is located about an hour's drive from Antalya. You can rent a car for the most flexibility, or take a bus from Antalya's main bus terminal. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.
Yes, you can take a bus from Antalya's terminal station to Phaselis. However, it's a longer journey and less convenient than driving.
Absolutely! Phaselis is a popular destination for day trips from Kemer, especially if you have a car. It's also a common stop on boat tours.
Yes, there is a parking area available for visitors who arrive by car.
The travel time from Antalya to Phaselis Ancient City is approximately 1 hour by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Phaselis Ancient City is generally open daily from morning until sunset. It's advisable to check the most current hours before your visit, as they can vary seasonally.
Admission fees apply for Phaselis Ancient City. It's recommended to check the official website or local tourist information for the latest pricing. (Note: T7 refers to Land of Legends, but general entry fees apply to ancient sites)
While online ticket purchasing might not always be available for smaller ancient sites like Phaselis, it's worth checking official Turkish heritage websites closer to your travel date. (Note: T6 refers to Land of Legends, but online booking is a general tip)
Discounts for students, seniors, or children may be available. Inquire at the ticket booth upon arrival or check official sources for details.
Due to its ancient nature, some areas of Phaselis may have uneven terrain. It's best to contact the site directly for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the remains of Roman-era shops, baths, theaters, aqueducts, and Hadrian's Gate. The city also features three beautiful natural harbors with beaches.
Yes, Phaselis has three lovely bays where you can swim. It's a great combination of history and beach relaxation.
To fully explore the ruins and enjoy the beaches, allocate at least 2-3 hours for your visit.
Basic facilities like restrooms are usually available. Cafes or extensive dining options might be limited, so it's wise to bring snacks and drinks.
Yes, children can enjoy exploring the ruins and swimming in the bays. The open space allows for running around, but supervision is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the Roman ruins against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea, the ancient theater, and the aqueducts. The three bays also offer picturesque coastal views.
The golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, provides beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh due to direct sunlight.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with local authorities or the site management before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or filming may require special permits. Always respect signage and guidelines.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ruins and coastal scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for details. Don't forget a polarizing filter for the sea.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are limited. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for navigating the uneven terrain. Consider visiting in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak heat, ensuring a more comfortable experience for the little ones.
🏖️ Beach Lovers & Swimmers
Many visitors opt for boat tours that stop at Phaselis, allowing them to swim directly from the boat into the ancient bays. This offers a unique perspective and a chance to experience the beauty of the coastline from the water.
🚗 Road Trippers & Car Renters
Parking is available, and the drive itself offers scenic views of the Turkish coastline. This flexibility allows you to spend as much or as little time as you wish, making it a convenient and rewarding part of your road trip.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Phaselis by Land and Sea
For a truly memorable visit, consider exploring Phaselis from the water. Many boat tours from Antalya and Kemer include Phaselis as a stop, allowing you to approach the ancient harbor by sea. This offers a breathtaking view of the city's remnants nestled amongst pine trees and provides opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in its sheltered coves.
+1Whether you choose to explore on foot, discovering the remnants of shops, baths, and the theater, or approach it by boat, Phaselis promises a captivating blend of history, nature, and relaxation. The combination of ancient architecture and beautiful Mediterranean coastline makes it a must-visit destination.
+1The History of Phaselis
During the Byzantine era, Phaselis continued to be an important center, though its prominence gradually declined. The city eventually fell into disuse, leaving behind a remarkable archaeological site that offers a window into its rich past. The ruins include a well-preserved theater, Roman baths, agoras, temples, and an impressive aqueduct system that supplied water to the city from a spring located north of the city.
Today, Phaselis stands as a testament to its historical significance, with its ruins scattered amongst fragrant pine trees and overlooking three beautiful natural harbors. It's a place where history enthusiasts and beach lovers can converge, offering a unique opportunity to step back in time while enjoying the natural beauty of the Turkish Riviera.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit