What better way to enjoy your holidays in the Eastern Mediterranean, then with a visit to the historical sites of archaeological ruins and ancient cities in Turkey. Each year, those who have not yet discovered these amazing places, come to Turkey to explore much of what has been left behind from past civilizations in Anatolia. There are many sites inland, while there are also much to discover by sea on a Turkish boat charter holiday in the Eastern Mediterranean. Starting from the most popular sites on the far Eastern shoreline are a combination of both Lycia and further towards and into the Aegean is the Caria ruins. Comprising of ancient cities, monuments, temples, statues, tombs and other interesting places. Anyone of these sites can easily be visited during your private blue cruise travels.
If you are embarking from anyone of the harbors of Fethiye, Gocek, Marmaris or Bodrum, whether one week or two, these impressive places can be seen.
The Lycian Rock Tombs are scattered along the coastline with antiquities going all the way back to the Bronze Age. Some of the most popular sites include locations in the furthest western part of Antalya province and furtherest location of Mugla province in the Gulf of Fethiye. There are so many sites that not even the top 10 would cover them all. For the sake of this article, we will list the ones most often visited from the shore.
Xanthos is today's village of Kinik in the Antalya province. The Lycian ruins are located on the southern slops of a hill. You will find a plethora of archaeological ruins here including an amphitheatre, tombs and various other very interesting artifacts.
Patara offers a private harbor therefore accessible by sea. It was one of the most popoular maritime and commercial cities during the Lycian period. It is also the birthplace of St. Nicholas of Myra. There is a wide assortment of ruins all throughout the site including temples, sculptures, pedestals, tombs and alters.
Myra; an ancient Lycian town located in present day village of Kale in the Antalya province. It is located on the Demre River. The Church of St. Nicholas was built in Myra during the 6th Century.
Tlos is located on the eastern side of Xanthos on the rocky hilltop, citadel near the town of Kalkan. It is one of the oldest and largest settlements known from the Lycians while Xanthos has passed through the hands of the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans.
Olympos is located near a river valley by the coast in today's town of Cirali - Kumluca in the Antalya province. Founded in the Hellenistic period, it name comes from the Turkish 'Tahtali' Mountain. The most interesting feature of Olympos is the eternally burning flames called Chimaera, fueld by natural gas and methane. There are many scattered artifacts throughout the site.
Phaselis is right at the shores in the Antalya province. You can actually moor right nearby and have a walk through this ancient city.
Telmessos is today's Fethiye. The city features many rock tombs and sargaphagus' found in between the city streets. It's quite interesting!
Simena is known as the Lycian sunken and located near Demra in the Antalya province - filled with rock tombs scattered all throughout the area. Gulet cruises from Marmaris, Fethiye and Gocek visit here as well as the other mentioned places for travelers to experience these fascintating discoveries.
Caunos King Rock Tombs in the town of Dalyan. Accessible by land and from the sea with a transfer from your private yacht charter to a piyade (river boat), whereby cruising through the tall reeds in the Dalyan Delta, followed by a hike to reach these amazing Lycian tombs.
Knidos is an ancient Carian settlement directly accessible by sea.
There of course many more impressive sites to see from the historical shores of Turkey. Depending on your yacht charter Turkey holiday itinerary, all or a few of these ancient ruins can be included in your route.
