Antalya was founded by King Attalos of Pergamon, who ordered, "Find me a paradise on earth." It is also known to have taken its name from its founder. Located in the most fertile region of Anatolia, where the ancient regions of Pamphylia, Pisidia, and Lycia converge, it is a city situated in this area.

Antalya, stretching from the sea to the mountains, is home to many civilizations, including ancient cities, the world-famous Lycian Way, and the Karain Cave, one of the oldest human settlements.

The city of Antalya is home to one of Türkiye's most unique museums, the Antalya Museum. Nestled on the cliffs with a spectacular view, the Antalya Museum is definitely worth a visit.

Antalya, with its climate suitable for all four seasons, offers tourists the opportunity to enjoy the sea and skiing year-round. It also boasts numerous historical cities waiting to be discovered amidst its natural beauty.

On this page
  1. Ancient City of Termessos
  2. Ancient City of Olympos
  3. Çıralı Yanartaş or Khimaira
  4. Arikanda Ancient City
  5. Xanthos
  6. Related Guides

Ancient City of Termessos

The ancient city of Termessos is built on a natural platform at the top of Mount Güllük and has a more impressive history and area than other ancient cities.

Included in the National Park due to its natural and historical values, the city resembles a botanical garden because of its vegetation. Let's delve into the city's history...

Alexander the Great besieged Termessos in 333 BC. The people of Termessos did not leave the city and put up a strong defense. This event became a famous story.

As you make your way through the wooded path towards the city from the national park entrance, you will see historical ruins all around you.

Along the slope, the Agora, the Hereon Monument, the Temple of Zeus Solymeus, the Temples of Artemis (Small and Large), and the Gymnasium building await you. The Hellenistic-era theater, with a capacity of 4200 people, is the most important remnant of the city. It will be a rewarding opportunity for taking photos and enjoying a peaceful break.

To avoid getting lost among the tall plants, you should carefully follow the signs. As a result of its geographical location, after this exploratory and somewhat tiring trip, you can relax and have a picnic in the park. There are no city buses going to this area; the only options are private car or taxi.

Ancient City of Olympos

The ancient city of Olympos was founded by Zeus at the foot of the mountains. The Olympos River merged with the salty waters of the Mediterranean and flowed into the sea of Aphrodite, which granted immortality. Starting from Antalya, the road that brings together blue and green stretches all the way to Olympos, the city of free spirits.

The city is hidden behind security walls along the banks of the Olympos River. By following the signs on either side, you can reach thousands of years old ruins among the trees.

The remains of the Small Bath, the Great Bath, an early Byzantine Basilica, and a Roman Theatre are visible. This city, which helped spread Christianity, has twelve Byzantine churches. Especially after the 14th century, the city was a frequent port for Venetians, Genoese, and the Knights of Rhodes.

Olympos Beach is the only beach at the end of the city that can be reached on foot, passing through historical ruins. Olympos is famous for its world-renowned tree houses.

After a historical tour, you can stay in treehouses perched atop pine trees, sleep in hammocks among orange trees, and cool off in the refreshing Olympos River. Divasa Hotel is located in a magnificent place where history and nature merge.

You can reach Olympos by turning left at the junction on the Antalya-Kumluca highway, at kilometer 85. Alternatively, you can transfer to buses departing from Antalya bus station every 15 minutes and reach the Olympos junction.

Çıralı Yanartaş or Khimaira

Çıralı Yanartaş: Yanartaş is one of the important historical sites near Çıralı village, right next to Olympos. Famous for the fire that emerges from between the rocks, this area is attractive to tourists. According to mythology, the natural gas source found in the rocky slopes of Çıralı is linked to the following.

The valiant Bellerophon, mounted on Pegasus, attacked the monster Chimera and killed it with arrows. On Yanartaş Mountain, where the dragon perished, the natural gas that has been burning since ancient times is believed to be the dragon's eternal flame.

Along the road from Çıralı beach to Yanar Dere Valley, you can see fires burning in various places and historical ruins. Beneath the lowest fire lies the ruin of a large church from the early Byzantine period. It is the temple of Hephaistos, a god who worked with metals and created extraordinary things.

Çıralı, a habitat for sea turtles, can be reached by driving 7 kilometers down from the Çıralı Junction on the Antalya-Kumluca Highway (kilometer 70), or by taking buses that depart every 15 minutes from the Antalya bus station.

Arikanda Ancient City

The ancient city of Arikanda is located on the western slope of the Aykırıçay River, 35 kilometers from the Finike-Elmalı highway. It is believed to be an ancient settlement. The ancient city, whose name means "place next to the high rock" in the Lycian language, is said to have existed 2,000 years ago.

Arycanda is a city built on terraces. On the uppermost terrace of the city are the Odeon, a small bathhouse, a cistern, an inscribed house, a fountain, and the region's smallest but best-preserved theater, the agora, and the assembly building.

The city's burial ground, or eastern necropolis, contains numerous well-preserved tombs. A four-level channel carved into the steep rock face at the source of the Aykırıçay River forms the main outline of the system that brought water to the city.

After your tour of the ancient city, you can enjoy boiled or grilled corn at the Aykırıçay market and shop at the village market. Seeing the wild deer coming to drink water from the Aykırıçay stream in the late afternoon will be one of the most beautiful moments of your trip.

Xanthos

Xanthos Ancient City: Located in Kınık village, 43 km from Kaş on the Antalya-Muğla highway, the ancient city of Xanthos was the capital of Lycia in the 8th century BC.

Rock tombs, sarcophagi, and upright tomb monuments characteristic of Lycian culture show that the city witnessed many historical events and wars.

A theater that has been repaired many times and a church built in the early Christian period are among the most important sights to see.

The most intriguing story about the city, which witnessed many battles and acts of heroism, is that the freedom-loving people of Xanthos chose to kill their families with their own hands and then burn to death rather than be taken captive.

After watching the tales of the suffering and heroism of the Xanthos people, you can head to Patara or Kaş. Your trip will be full of adventures, such as diving in Kaş, one of Türkiye's best diving centers, or visiting the Cyprus Canyon.

You can also check out our other guides on this topic.