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Muğla
and Environs
 Dalyan
- Köyceğiz:
Province
center of Köyceğiz, which took its name from the lake
near to it, become a Dalyan village for a while, but as
a result of disturbance of connection with Muğla due to
floods it is moved to its today's place. It was homeland
for Carians and Menteşoğulları, and become government
during Murat II period.
Dalyan
is situated on the Dalyan River a river canal
connecting the Köycegiz Lake with the Mediterranean. At
the mouth of the river is a natural sandbar protecting
the canal from the open seas. Known as Iztuzu Beach,
this beach peninsula divides the
rough seas of the Mediterranean from the serene waters
of the canal, and is one of the last natural breeding
grounds for the loggerhead turtle
(Caretta caretta).
Majestic rock-cut temple tombs hover on the cliff face,
and farther upriver on the shore opposite Dalyan are the
ruins of Kaunos, once a thriving Lycian port town
and now located slightly inland. Farther north are the
open-air mud baths, and continuing upriver, the thermal
waters flanking the scenic Köycegiz Lake. On the
northern bank of the lake is the sleepy village of
Köycegiz, an alternative jumping-off point for visits to
the area attractions.
Fethiye:
Fethiye with its cultural wealth, natural beauties and
geography, is among the important tourism centres of
Turkey. It is famous for its works of art belong to
Persians, Lycians, Carians and Romans. This charming
county is in a bay within Fethiye Gulf where both large
and small islands are scattered. The rear of the bay is
surrounded by pine forests.
The
ancient name of Fethiye, which was a coastal city at the
borders of Lycia-Caria, is Telmessos. There is not
definite information about the foundation of this
Ancient city. According to the first written records, it
has come into existence in the 5th century B.C.
Telmessos, separate from Lycia, survived as an
independent city for a long time. The city experienced
the rule of Persia, Alexander the Great, Rome, Pergamum
Kingdom, Byzantium, Menteşeoğulları Principality and
Ottoman State respectively.
In
ancient times Telmessos was famed as the city of the
oracles. The ancient city was founded on a large area of
land, running from the foothills of the mountains that
are the backdrop for modern Fethiye and all the way down
to the gulf. You can see the remains of the city today.
Once you look above, you will see the tomb of King
Amyntas.
Göcek:
The Göcek region in Fethiye Gulf
has numerous beautiful coves and islands and is very
popular among the yachts or boats on the Blue Cruise.
Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon): Ölüdeniz, described as ‘the
Eden bestowed by God to the World’, has a 3 km long
beach. One can appreciate fully the beauty of swimming
in a colour harmony of light and dark blue combined with
light and dark green. Having an appearance of naturally
lagoon with its tepid and standing water during ten
months of the year, Ölüdeniz is one of the most
preferred destinations by both local and foreign
tourists.
Kelebekler Valley (Butterfly Valley) : At a distance
of 5-7 km from Ölüdeniz, this interesting canyon is
surrounded by approximately 350 meter high mountains. It
takes its name from the butterflies called as ‘Jarsey
Tiger’ and seen between June and September.
Transportation to the bay, being an Earth Eden with its
waterfall flows both in summer and winter, large beach,
clear water, brightly shining pebbles and oleanders
decorating the environs, is provided by boats from
Ölüdeniz. Possibilities like a camping area with tent
sites, restaurant, bar, shower cabinets, changing
cubicles, etc. are offered in the valley which is the
meeting place of world wanderers.
Saklıkent (Hidden City): It is 50 km from Fethiye,
next to the Karaçay Brook which forms the province
borders of Muğla-Antalya. It is a unique natural wonder
hiding within a 18 km long magnificent canyon of which
height reaches to 600 meter in some places. With its
steep rock cliffs, plane trees, clearly flowing spring
waters, it is a unique tourism centre which offers
possibilities for nature lovers such as mountaineering,
trekking and swimming.
Marmaris
Marmaris is one of the popular holiday resorts in
Turkey.
The
ancient name of Marmaris was Physkos, and the city was
developed as a port for Caria. There is not much of the
ancient remains surviving. You can see some of the ruins
to the north, on Asartepe Hill. However, these are very
limited in number and would only be of interest to
archaeologists.
The
known history of Marmaris goes back to 900 BC. In the
Hellenistic era it was under the rule of the Seleucids
for a time and later was controlled by the Romans,
Byzantines and, in the 13th century, the
Menteşeoğulları. The Ottoman Sultan Süleyman the
Magnificent conquered the city in 1522. From here he
launched his successful campaign to capture the island
of Rhodes.
When
initially a part of the Ottoman Empire, Marmaris was
called Mimaras, with this later being changed to
Mermeris and finally to its present name.
Sedir Adası:
The Cedar island is the site of the ancient city of
Kedrai and the famed Cleopatra Beach.
Kedrai was a Carian city, later being connected to the
Rhodian state. The word Kedrai means cedar in Greek.
Although it is not known whether there were cedars, used
in ancient times to build the frames of ships, on the
island but that is the old Greek name for it.
Kedrai, directly opposite Rhodes, was one of the most
important settlements in the region. The ancient city
was surrounded by walls, some of which, along with
towers, can be seen on the coastline. There was also a
Temple of Apollon, though only its foundations remain.
There are also ruins of the agora and other buildings,
the city necropolis and, on the east of the island, the
theatre, which is in a fairly good condition.
Turunç:
Turunç is hemmed it by a high hill covered in pines
trees that bring a coolness to the seaside. Although it
is always sunny it is not that hot. And of course
pomegranate, mulberry, plums and citrus trees abound,
though being called Turunç (Citrus) you would expect
more citrus trees, though to make up for this there are
geraniums, oleanders and begonias everywhere. Turunç is
one of the indispensable stops on the Blue Cruise. When
evening comes songs float from the moored boats or
restaurants on the waterfront.
Izmir
The province of İzmir is 230 km from Bodrum, contains
the important ancient sites of Selçuk and Bergama.
During a holiday on Bodrum and the surroundings, in one
or a few days could be driven to visit these ancient
cities and holiday towns.
Efes, Priene, Milet, Didyma, Heraklia and their environs
Seferihisar, Selçuk-Ephesus, Kuşadası, Didim
 The
nearest residential and holiday centres around ancient
Ephesus are Seferihisar, Gümüldür-Özdere, Kuşadası,
Güzelçamlı and Didim. One could organise a holiday here
by being based in one of these centres and touring the
others or spending a day at each of these locations.
Seferihisar: The detour to Seferihisar is halfway
along the İzmir-Çeşme highway. Sığacık, the port of
Seferihisar, though a small settlement is quite
important. Just about all the houses are within the
boundaries of the old castle walls, being on narrow
streets, two storeys high and having the castle walls as
their backdrop. Being a historical site of national
significance Sığacık is a protected area. Along the
shore of Sığacık Cove are small seafood restaurants
facing the islands of Eşek, Kanlı and various smaller
islets. The centre of the coast in Sığacık is not so
suitable for swimming but a little ahead there is Akkum
Beach, which is ideal. Here there is a forestry camping
and recreation area. The ancient city of Teos is just
two kilometres west of Sığacık. The Hellenistic city
walls are among olive groves, while the stage part of
the ancient theatre is still standing.
Gümüldür-Özdere: There are holiday housing
compounds surrounding both sides of the
Seferihisar-Kuşadası highway. The residential centres of
Gümüldür and Özdere are under the threat of these
holiday housing compounds. The environs of Özdere are
very rich in natural plants and vegetation. The beaches
and coves of Özdere are little less developed than other
areas in the region. Along the road to Özdere are the
ancient cities of Notion and Klaros.
 Ephesus:
This is the most spectacular ancient city in western
Anatolia. The entrance to the ruins is on the
Selçuk-Pamucak highway and the upper gate is at the
Meryem Ana (Mother Mary) exit. When entering from the
upper gate the eastern gymnasium, baths, palaestra
(place for wrestling and physical training), the tomb of
Saint Luke, a fountain, the state agora, and the odeon
are the first series of sites before your eyes. Next
comes the Baths of Varius, two temples in a square with
three sides covered with columns, the Sacred Way that
connects to the to Curetes Way, a monumental fountain,
the Memmius monument, the avenue that links the Celsus
library and the monument, the Fountain of Trajan on the
avenue, the Fountain of Hadrian with the Scholastika
baths right behind while opposite are ancient houses
that can be entered by paying an extra fee.
 There
is the house of love on the intersection of Curetes and
the Sacred Avenues; the Library of Celsus, considered to
be the most beautiful structure in the city; the agora
with the Temple of Serapis right behind it and which was
converted into a church during the Byzantine era. On the
left is the 24,000 seat ancient theatre of the city, and
the Arcadian Avenue, which starts at the bottom of the
theatre and continues down to the ancient harbour. There
are pedestrian walkways made of mosaics along both sides
of the avenue, sports facilities to the north of the
avenue and the Meryem Ana Church (Church of the Virgin
Mary).
The Selçuk Archaeology Museum in the centre of the
modern city is one of the richest museums in the region.
Selçuk castle, located on the top of Ayasuluk Hill
within walking distance of the city centre, has the
magnificent church of St John on its slopes, and was
dedicated to one of apostles of Christianity. A little
further ahead is the Isa Bey Mosque with some of the
finest examples of Selçuk era stonework.
 The
remains of Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven
Wonders of the ancient world, are on the road between
Selçuk and Kuşadası while the cave of the Yedi Uyuyanlar
(Seven Sleepers) is on the slopes of Panayır Mountain on
the way to Meryem Ana. From the upper Ephesus gate,
seven kilometres away on Aladağ, is the house of Virgin
Mary (Meryem Ana Evi) and the chapel of the Virgin Mary,
considered as sacred and a site of pilgrimage by
Christians.
Pamucak:
This area is the coastal strip between Selçuk and
Kuşadası. The Büyük Menderes River has slowly brought
sediment down from the hills and created the plain,
silting up the harbour of ancient Ephesus, with the
coast now being at Pamucak. This coast is fairly long,
with one portion full of new and grand hotels and an
aqua park while the other section is just about empty.
Along the coves between Kuşadası and Pamucak there are
various hotels and accommodation facilities.
Kuşadası: This town is the historic centre of the
Aegean region. Up until the 1970s
it was a cute little town surrounding the caravanserai
and the castle. However, in the last 30 years just about
the entire town’s vacant space has been taken up by
tourism developments, therefore it has lost a lot of its
old charm. For the past two to three years, local
authorities have stopped giving permission for new
buildings and work is being undertaken to return an
element of order to city planning, the environment and
roads. Restoration of the old shopping district and
streets to salvage what remains is being carried out.
The beachfront promenade has been reorganised and all
the seafront except for the harbour is now a beach area
for the use of tourists and the general public.
The symbol of Kuşadası - Güvencinada - is a little
island connected to the mainland by a narrow walkway.
The island of Güvencinada has restaurants and cafes. The
beach of Kadınlar Plajı (Women’s Beach) is two
kilometres from the centre of Kuşadası. It is a long
beach with restaurants, entertainment venues and hotels
along its backdrop.
Güzelçamlı-Davutlar:
There is a long beach all the way to Güzelçamlı-Davutlar
with a sizeable portion of this coast under the invasion
of holiday establishments. The coast of
Güzelçamlı-Davutlar National Park is the most beautiful
part of Kuşadası. Within the national park there are
various walking paths, protected beaches that are quite
quiet during weekdays and beautiful coves with a large
and vegetation life. After the national park there come
the ancient city of Karine and the old Greek village of
Doğanbey. From Doğanbey to the coast is a lake connected
to the Aegean Sea by channels, and as its water has
little salt it is bountiful in fish. Nearby there are
cheap seafood restaurants to enjoy the fish from the
lake. The area is a protected by law. In the area around
Karakol Point the remains of the ancient city of Karine
can be found.
Priene: This is one of the most beautiful ancient
cities in the area, located five kilometres along the
Söke-Bodrum highway near the village of Güllübahçe. At
the entrance to the ancient city there is a map that can
be used on your tour of the city. Priene is a
masterpiece of architecture, designed by the most famous
architect of the era, Hippodamos. The theatre is in good
condition, with a Byzantine church at its side, a
gymnasium to the south, the Temple of Demeter on the
slopes of the acropolis, the Temple of Athena with some
of its columns upright and the bouleuterion where the
city officials used to meet.
Miletos: Miletos was a major port city of its
time. When the Menderes River silted
up the bay it lost its significance, just like Priene.
It has a magnificent 15,000 seat theatre, the Faustina
Baths spread over a large area nearby, a palaestra, and
the Temple of Serapis behind the city walls. There is
also the foundation structure of the agora of which the
main parts are in the Berlin Pergamon Museum, the church
of the archbishop near the northern gate of the agora, a
100 metre protocol path, shops along the path, the
harbour avenue and two temples dedicated to the gods of
prosperity Demeter and Kore.
 Didyma:
with the spectacular Didymaion Apollon temple at the
entrance to Didim-Yenihisar. The sacred area of the
ancient city of Miletos, this is the most sacred
structure in the region after Ephesus and the island of
Samos.
Altınkum is the coastal region of Didim. There is
a large
area of beaches, shallow seas and hotels lining the
coast. Ten kilometres to the south of Didim is Akbük and
the fishing village of Kazıklı, with tourist hotels and
restaurants at the cove. Lake Bafa is spread over a
large area between Didim and Milas. Along the shores of
the lake there are various restaurants and one hotel.
The village of Kapıkırı is nine kilometres along the
road that turns left at end of the lake and a little
ahead is the ancient city of Herakleia. The flat land
where the school of the village stands today was the
agora of the ancient city. The Temple of Athena is on
the top of a cliff, the altar of Endymion is located
towards the shores of the lake and the theatre is high
up on the slopes. This city was established in 7th
century BC. During its heyday it was a major port city
but lost its connection to the sea with the Menderes
River silted up the harbour.
Bergama: Among the most
important sites of early settlement in Anatolia are the
ancient cities of Pergamon, Asklepion and Allionai.
Before setting out to see the remains of these early
settlements it is advisable to visit the Bergama Museum.
Pergamon: This city was the capital of the
Hellenistic Kingdom of Pergamon. The remains of the
ancient city are located at the centre of Bergama and on
hill within the acropolis. In the city centre there is
the Red Square with a temple and shrine dedicated to the
Egyptian Goddess Serapis. The remains at the acropolis
are spread over a large area. Upon entering the ancient
site, on the left there are the remains of the palaces
of the God King Attalos and Hereon belonging to Emenos,
further ahead are the shops of the Hellenistic era and
behind are the city walls from the late Hellenistic era.
Opposite the shops is the foundation of the Altar of
Zeus, presently exhibited at the Berlin Museum; to the
south is the city’s upper agora; further ahead is the
sacred Athena square; the remains of the Temple to
Athena on the theatre side; and the remains of the
largest library of the time, which used to contain
200,000 manuscripts. Next there is a 10,000 seat theatre
on the steep slopes of the hill; the standing columns of
Temple of Trajan; to the side of the theatre the Temple
of Dionysos; the remains of the centre of the city
between the acropolis and Bergama; and the upper and mid
city and the Temple of Demeter.
Asklepion: This site is two to three kilometres
from Bergama. There are the remains of a medical centre
dedicated to Asklepion the Goddess of Health. A walkway
with columns, spa and mud bath pools, sleeping quarters
make up the health centre, along with a 5,000 seat
theatre.
Allionai: Allionai is located 23 kilometres north
east of the highway that links Bergama to İvrindi. This
ancient city has two main thoroughfares and a double
arched Roman bridge. It was the site of biggest baths
yet found in Anatolia so far, a monumental fountain,
shops, houses, wine making plants and a necropolis.
Aigai: Situated on the Bergama-İzmir highway 13
kilometres inland from Yeni Şakran on top of a hill 360
metres above sea level Aigai is a relatively unknown yet
attractive ancient settlement area with remains from the
Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine eras.
Foça: Twin storey stoned
houses along the coast, hotels, restaurants, fishing
boats in the cove, small islands up ahead, miniature
narrow stone paved streets going into the town all sum
up what a beautiful quaint little town old Foça is.
Foça’s history goes back as far as 2000 years. In
ancient times its name was Phokaia. Its people were
seafarers and knew their trade well. After the invasion
of the Persians the importance of the city dwindled and
the Phokaians, escaping the invasion, set up cities
around the Mediterranean, including Marseilles.
Çandarlı: This is a small settlement on the cove
of the same name. There is a small island opposite, a
port for fishermen, holiday establishments, a 13th
century Genovese castle and ceramic masterpieces found
during excavations of ancient Pitane.
Dikili: This town does not have much historical
significance, and has been inundated with second home or
summer homeowners. There is a fine coastal beach and
good hotels. One could stay overnight in Docile and tour
around the region for day outings.
Çeşme: The historical city centre is around the
castle. There are historical narrow streets with old
houses and the promenade known as the Kordon. On the
Kordon there are hotels, restaurants, and tea gardens.
At the castle there is a Selçuk caravanserai (travellers
inn) and a museum containing underwater maritime
exhibits. Day tours to the Greek island of Samos leave
from the wharf during the summer months.
Dalyan: Dalyan is ten minutes drive from the
centre of Çeşme. It is the most popular place to be
during those beautiful summer nights. Along the inlet
there are seafood restaurants, meyhane’s (taverns)
pensions and hotels. Along the Aya Yorgi cove there is a
beach, restaurants and pensions.
Ilıca:
This is the most popular resort area for Çeşme and
İzmir. During the summer it is crowded and filled with
fun. The waters of the long coastline are shallow,
making it ideal for families with children. Hotels and
restaurants dot the coastline of Ilıca, which gets its
name from the spas of Şifne nearby. The Şifne spa is 1.5
kilometres from Ilıca and has a natural pool with water
at 42 degrees celsius. It is a thermal bath and a centre
providing a cure for many ailments. The water of the spa
is used in the hotels and pensions nearby.
Ildırı:
This is an old Greek village with the Erytrai ancient
city ruins up on the hill. From here are the most
magnificent views of the islands off Çeşme, especially
at sunset. At the centre of the village of Ildırı are
some great seafood restaurants and meyhanes, where the
best regional dishes are presented, including meze
(entrees) and seafood black-eyed pea, a speciality.
Çiftlikköy:
This village is two kilometres from Çeşme on the tip of
the peninsula. Opposite is the island of Sakız (Samos).
Within the village there are the traditional stone
houses, narrow streets, holiday house compounds nearby
and new and beautiful hotels on the water.
Alaçatı:
Considered to be one of the oldest residential areas of
the Çeşme region, Alaçatı is on the left on the route to
Çeşme. In the centre of the village there are the usual
stone houses, narrow streets, new double storey holiday
houses with gardens. The coast of Alaçatı is the best
spot for windsurfing in Turkey, and has an international
windsurfing school located there. The beach has golden
yellow sand and the water is shallow. The weather of
Alaçatı even in the midst of summer, is not too extreme
at all. Alaçatı is a place where the wind works
perfectly and the hotels and pensions are just fine.
Denizli
Denizli is 270 km away from Bodrum an industrial city,
with predominantly textile plants, workshops, and
industrial facilities. On the weekends, those wanting a
breath of fresh air flock to the picnic grounds around
the city. The closest ancient settlement to Denizli is
Laodikeia; its theatre can be reached by detouring left
after five kilometres along the Denizli-Pamukkale road.
The structure in best condition is the fountain
decorated with ornaments and statues. Others remains
include an Ionic style temple, gymnasium, and stadium.
Even though they may not be in top condition they should
be seen.
 Pamukkale:
This is a wonder of nature. Hot calcium-laden
mineral waters created this natural architectural
masterpiece. As the hot water cooled, the calcium
precipitated and clung to the cliffs, creating
snow-white travertines. This magnificent site is just 19
kilometres from Denizli.
Karahayıt:
This location is five kilometres out of Pamukkale. The
thermal waters of the village of Karahayıt have the same
properties as those at Pamukkale and the high quality
thermal hotels of the region are all here. The thermal
water here differs from Pamukkale’s in that its colour
is like that of roof tiles and leaves red marks where it
flows.
Aphrodisias:
This is the ancient settlement on which Turkish
archaeologist Kenan Erim spent his lifetime on
excavations and restorations. Erim is also buried here.
This is an extraordinary ancient city not to be missed.
When getting here follow the directions for Kuyucak when
coming here via the Denizli road, it is 37 kilometres
off the main road. It is also possible to come here via
the Denizli-Muğla road. At the entrance to the ruins
there is a museum, which should be visited either before
or after seeing the settlement. There is a 10,000 seat
theatre, the Baths of Hadrian near the square, the
gymnasium and a Byzantine church with two squares to the
south. There are also bath structures dedicated to
Hadrian and Aphrodite, an odeon near the agora, and the
still standing and magnificent 14-column Temple of
Aphrodite. To the north what could be described as the
most beautiful remains of the area is the Tetra pylon
monumental entrance gate and the 362x59 metre, 30,000
seat stadium that could be considered as one of the best
to be found in any of the Anatolian ancient cities.
Antalya
Because of
the archaeological and natural riches of the area,
Antalya is also known as the Turkish Riviera. The 630km
shoreline of the province is liberally scattered with
ancient cities, harbours, memorial tombs and beaches,
secluded coves and lush forests, many of which are
easily accessible from the city.
Kaleici : Today the historical
old city of Antalya known as Kaleici (the inner castle)
is surrounded by two walls, most of which have fallen
down. The inner wall encloses the harbour in a
semicircle. As a result of restoration, Kaleici has
turned into a major tourist centre with guest-houses,
bars, shops and restaurants, and the Roman harbour has
been turned into a modern, well-equipped marina.
The City Walls : What remains
today are a few bastions inside the city as well as
Hadrian's Gate and its towers, the large tower facing
the harbour and a few pieces of the harbour walls. One
of the walls surrounds the yacht harbour and the other
the city, almost like horseshoe. One of the remaining
towers in the Castle Gate Square is now used as a clock
tower. There are four gates in the city walls, which
form entrances to the city.
Hadrian's Gate : The only city gate to have survived
until the present day is the most attractive of the
Pamphylia: Uckapilar (Three Gates), also known as
Hadrian's Gate, which is guarded by one tower on either
side. Built to honour the emperor Hadrian's visit to the
city in 130 AD, the whole gate, except for the columns,
is made of pure white marble. The reliefs and carvings
are extraordinary.
Perge :
Situated 18 km east of Antalya, Perge is in the city
limits of Aksu Bucagi. Because of its location on the
Cilicia - Pisidia road, it was a vital part of the
province of Pamphylia, and was founded around the same
time as the other cities in the area (7th century BC).
It was an important city for Christians of Perge who had
worshipped the mother goddess Artemis. St. Paul and
Barnabas visited the city and wealthy benefactors like
Magna Plancia had a number of important memorials built
here.
Termessos : The ruined city of Termessos, lying 34km
west of Antalya in a rugged mountain valley, was founded
by the Solymi people, from the interior of Anatolia.
Among the important remains are the 4200-seat theatre
and the Roman stele that Augustus had built at the
beginning of the first century AD. The Odeon, the
covered meeting hall, has seating for 600 people. The
five inter-connecting underground cisterns were used for
the storage of water and olive oil.
Olympos
: Lying between Kemer and Adrasan is the ancient
harbour village of Cirali, the ruins of Olympos and the
site of the Chimaera. The history of Olympos dates back
to the 2nd century BC when it was an important Lycian
city, although it was empty by the 6th century. The
Olympians worshipped Hephaestos (Vulcan) the god of
fire, probably connected to the eternal flame, or
Chimaera, which still emerges from the mountain. Known
also as Yanartas (burning stone), the flame is caused by
the burning of natural gas emerging from the mountain.
Apart from the ruins, Olympos is well known for its
simple treehouse camps, where most tourists stay, and a
natural environment thanks to forests and vineyards near
to a beautiful beach. |
