Side-Turkey.

Few places on the Turkish Riviera let you read 2,500 years of history and then dive straight into the sea that carried it. Phaselis, tucked into the pine forest near Tekirova in the Kemer district, is exactly that kind of place. This was a Lycian-Roman harbour city with three bays, and today those same bays are clear, swimmable beaches lapping right up against the ruins. You walk a paved avenue where merchants once haggled, then cool off in water the colour of glass. Here is how to make the most of it.

Walking the Three Harbours

What makes Phaselis unusual is its layout. The city sat on a small wooded peninsula wedged between three natural bays, and each one served as a harbour: a northern harbour, a war (battle) harbour, and the protected southern harbour that is the most popular today. As you stroll the site you pass from one bay to the next, so you are never far from the water. The pines come almost down to the shoreline, which means shade, the smell of resin, and that rare combination of forest and beach in the same breath.

The marble avenue and Hadrian's Gate

The spine of the ruins is a broad paved avenue that runs through the heart of the old town. Lining it you will spot the foundations of shops, the remains of Roman baths, the agora where business was done, and a theatre set into the slope. At the southern end stands the monumental gate built in honour of the emperor Hadrian. Walk the full length slowly — the avenue is the easiest way to picture the city as a living port rather than a scatter of stones.

Swimming Among the Ruins

The real magic of Phaselis is that you can swim where ancient ships once moored. The protected southern harbour is the gentlest, with calm shallow water that suits families and weaker swimmers; the other bays tend to be a little quieter. Bring water shoes — the entry is pebbly and stony in places rather than soft sand, and a few submerged blocks of old harbour wall lie just offshore. Pack sun protection and water, because shade comes and goes between the trees. Swimming directly off the ancient quay, with columns behind you and mountains above, is the photograph you will remember from Kemer.

Pairing Phaselis with the Kemer coast

Phaselis sits in the same green corridor as Kemer's other headline sights. Many travellers combine it with the Olympos cable car up Mount Tahtali (around 2,365 m, noticeably cooler at the top — bring a layer), the flames of Yanartas (the Chimaera) near Cirali, or the cold, walled water of Goynuk Canyon. Whether your day includes one of these or focuses on Phaselis alone, the exact route is built around your hotel and confirmed at booking.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Confirmed at booking (route depends on your pick-up point and chosen combination).
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking.
• Includes: Hotel transfers and guidance; full inclusions confirmed at booking.
• Excludes: Site entrance fee, food and drinks, and personal extras unless stated — check at booking.
• Family Friendly: Yes — the protected harbour has calm, shallow water ideal for children.
• Best Season: Late spring through autumn for warm, swimmable sea; spring and early autumn are most comfortable for walking the ruins.
• Difficulty: Easy — mostly flat walking on paved and uneven ground; water shoes recommended.

Related Excursions

• Kemer tours & excursions
• Antalya tours & excursions
• Side tours & excursions
• Belek tours & excursions
• Alanya tours & excursions
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you actually swim at Phaselis?

Yes. The three bays that once served as harbours are now swimmable beaches. The protected southern harbour is the calmest and most popular for a dip right beside the ruins.

Is the water sandy or pebbly?

The shoreline is mostly pebbly and stony with some submerged ancient stonework, so water shoes make entry far more comfortable.

What ruins will I see?

The main paved avenue, foundations of shops, Roman baths, the agora, a theatre, and the monumental gate dedicated to the emperor Hadrian, all set among pine trees.

Is Phaselis good for families with children?

Very much so. The shallow, sheltered water of the southern harbour suits children and the flat avenue is easy to walk; just bring shade and water shoes.

How long should I spend there?

Most visitors enjoy combining a walk through the ruins with a swim. The exact time on site depends on your tour route and is confirmed at booking.

Is there an entrance fee?

Phaselis is a managed archaeological site, so an entrance fee usually applies. Please check the official site or confirm the current arrangement at booking.

Can Phaselis be combined with Mount Tahtali or Yanartas?

Yes. Phaselis pairs naturally with the Olympos cable car up Mount Tahtali, Yanartas near Cirali, or Goynuk Canyon. Your custom route is arranged when you book.

What should I bring?

Water shoes, swimwear and a towel, sun protection, drinking water, and a light layer if you are also heading up to cooler high ground like Tahtali.

Ready to walk an ancient harbour and swim where the ships once sailed? Book DIRECT with the Murat Atalay team via WhatsApp or info@side-turkey.com. As a local operator we cut out agency and OTA commissions, so you get personal service and our best-price guarantee — message us today and we will tailor your Phaselis day around your hotel.