Side-Turkey.

Some ruins sit behind fences on a dusty hill. Phaselis is the opposite. Here the ancient stones run straight into the Mediterranean, and a Roman-era street ends not at a gate but at a beach where you can swim. Set on a small peninsula in the Kemer district of Antalya province, between the Beydaglari mountains and the pine forests of the Olympos Beydaglari Coastal National Park, Phaselis is one of those rare places where history and a swimsuit make perfect sense on the same day.

A Lycian port city with three harbours

Phaselis was founded, by tradition, by settlers from Rhodes in the 7th century BC. Its position on a narrow neck of land gave it something most cities could only dream of: three separate harbours. The official Kemer municipality describes them as the North Harbour, the War (Protected) Harbour, and the South Harbour, with the southern one being the most important. As a port between Greece, Asia Minor, Egypt and Phoenicia, Phaselis grew rich on trade rather than on belonging to the Lycian League.

Walking between the harbour basins today, you can still trace the outline of the quays and imagine cargo ships easing in from three directions. The water is clear and shallow near the shore, which is exactly why so many visitors bring a towel.

The main street, Hadrian's Gate and the ruins by the sea

The heart of the site is a grand paved avenue, roughly 20 to 24 metres wide, running through the centre of the city. At its southern end stands Hadrian's Gate, built to honour the emperor's visit. Along the street and around it lie the ruins of shops, Roman baths, the agora and the theatre.

The theatre and agora

The small theatre, tucked against the hillside, once looked out toward the harbour. From its upper rows you get the view that sums up Phaselis: tiers of weathered stone, umbrella pines, and the blue line of the sea beyond. The agora areas nearby mark where commerce and daily life once buzzed.

Swimming where ships once docked

Because the protected harbour became a calm bay, the South Harbour beach is now a gentle place to swim, with ruins literally at your back. There is nothing quite like floating in the same water that carried ancient trade ships.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Half-day style excursion; exact timing confirmed at booking.
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking.
• Includes: Transfer and guidance to the Phaselis area; details confirmed at booking.
• Excludes: Site entrance fee, meals and personal extras unless stated; check the official site for current fees.
• Family Friendly: Yes — shallow swimming spots and easy paths suit families.
• Best Season: Spring to autumn for warm sea and clear walking weather.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate; uneven ancient stones, comfortable shoes recommended.

Related Excursions

• Things to do in Kemer
• Tours & excursions from Side
• Antalya region highlights
• Belek excursions
• Alanya day trips
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Phaselis?

It lies on a small peninsula in the Kemer district of Antalya province, near Tekirova, within the Olympos Beydaglari Coastal National Park area.

Why does Phaselis have three harbours?

The city sits on a narrow strip of land, so it could open onto the sea on more than one side — the North, War (Protected) and South Harbours, the southern being the most important.

Can you swim at Phaselis?

Yes. The sheltered South Harbour bay has a calm beach right beside the ruins, so bring a swimsuit and towel.

What are the main ruins to see?

The wide main street, Hadrian's Gate at its southern end, the theatre, the agora, Roman baths and the harbour quays.

How far is Phaselis from Side?

Kemer is well west of Side, so it is a longer drive; exact pick-up time is confirmed at booking.

Is there an entrance fee?

Phaselis is a protected archaeological site, so a site fee usually applies. We never quote invented prices — check the official site or confirm at booking.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes. Paths are mostly easy and the shallow beach is family-friendly, though watch footing on the old stones.

What should I bring?

Comfortable shoes, swimwear, a hat, sunscreen and water — there is little natural shade on the stones at midday.

Ready to walk an ancient harbour and swim where ships once moored? Book DIRECT with the Murat Atalay team — message us on WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com. As a local operator with no agency or OTA commission in between, we offer a best-price guarantee. We will sort your pick-up and answer every question before you go.