Phaselis Ancient City

Established in the 7th century BC by Rhodian colonists, Phaselis is famous for its three distinct natural harbors: North, Military, and South. A stroll through pine-shaded Roman aqueducts, theaters, and agoras can be paired immediately with swimming right off the historic quaysides.

History

According to tradition, Phaselis was founded by colonists from Rhodes in the 7th century BC and grew rich on maritime trade. The city welcomed Alexander the Great in 333 BC, later joined the Lycian League and reached the height of its prosperity in the Roman period. Most of the buildings visible today date from Roman and Byzantine times.

What to see

• The aqueduct that brought water from a distant spring
• The main street linking the harbours, with its drainage system below
• The theatre
• The agoras and baths
• The three ancient harbours

Visitor Tips

The site gets congested on summer weekends, and car queues can form early at the gate. The South Harbor has a sandy, shallow bottom and attracts large crowds; the North Harbor offers a much quieter retreat. Wearing water shoes is advisable due to submerged ancient masonry.

Allow 2–4 hours to see the ruins and have a swim. For the bays and swimming, see our Phaselis Bays page. Check muze.gov.tr for current hours and fees.