Hello everyone and welcome to our Phaselis Ancient City guide. In this article we’ll answer questions such as Where is Phaselis? How to Get There? and the 2025 Entrance Fee.
Phaselis Ancient City lies just 15 minutes from Kemer and 45 minutes from Antalya. With its stunning natural scenery and rich history, it is one of my favourite holiday spots. Nestled between the mountains and the sea, this site offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of modern life.
Here, history blends seamlessly with nature. Far from loud music, you can spend a tranquil day accompanied only by the sounds of the forest and the waves. Instead of the high prices at luxury beaches, you pay only the entrance fee, bring your own food and drinks, and enjoy the sea economically.
Now let’s dive into the unique beauty of Phaselis and its standout historical features…
Looking for more about Olympos? Check our Olympos Travel Guide or, for details on the beach and sea, see What Is the Olympos Sea Like?.
Where Is Phaselis (Faselis) Ancient City & Phaselis Beach and How Do You Get There?
Located very close to Tekirova village, Phaselis Ancient City lies within the boundaries of the Olympos–Beydağları National Park. Combining breathtaking nature with ancient ruins, Phaselis offers visitors a truly unique experience.
Getting There by Car:
- From Kemer: Phaselis (Faselis) is only 16 kilometres from Kemer, so the drive is quick and straightforward.
- From Antalya: Follow the Kumluca Highway (D‑400) to the 57th kilometre, then turn south. In just a few minutes you’ll arrive at the entrance gate, where you can buy your ticket.
Parking:
Phaselis has three harbours. Simply park near the harbour where you plan to swim.
Public Transport:
If you don’t have a car, regular minibuses run from Antalya, Kemer and Tekirova to Phaselis. They drop passengers at the ticket booths at the site entrance.
Walking Info:
After you get off the minibus, there is about a 10‑minute walk through the forest to reach the beaches. Travel light—carrying heavy bags can be tiring. With luck, you might catch a lift from a car with spare seats, but don’t rely on it.
Tip:
Because of the heat and the walk, bring only what you really need—water, a hat and sunscreen are essential.
With a little preparation, you can explore this beautiful ancient city with ease. Enjoy your visit!
History of Phaselis (Faselis) Ancient City
Foundation:
Phaselis was founded in the 7th century BC by Rhodian colonists led by Lakios. Thanks to its strategic coastal location, it quickly became a coveted trading hub.
Under Persian Rule:
Like most Anatolian cities, Phaselis fell under Persian control about a century later—though not for long.
Delian League & Alexander the Great:
The city later joined the Delian League, and in 333 BC it was incorporated into Alexander the Great’s rapidly expanding empire.
Wealth of Three Harbours & Pirate Threats:
Its three natural harbours brought great prosperity—and, inevitably, repeated pirate attacks.
Roman Empire & Lycian League:
In the 2nd century AD Phaselis came under Roman rule, soon joining the Lycian League. Several Roman emperors are known to have visited, underscoring its importance.
Byzantine Era & Arab Raids:
During Byzantine times the city became an episcopal centre, but Arab raids dealt heavy blows to its wealth and population.
Final Decline:
With the rise of the Seljuk Turks in Anatolia, Phaselis gradually slipped into obscurity.
Across the centuries Phaselis thrived, suffered and evolved under many civilisations. Today its ruins remain a magnet for history lovers.
A quick tip: See our Olympos Places to Visit guide for more inspiration before your trip.
Phaselis (Faselis) Bays and Beaches
Alongside its cultural heritage, Phaselis boasts three gorgeous beaches where you can create unforgettable memories with family and friends.
The city’s harbours—North, Central and South—each have their own charms. When you drive in, you first reach the South Harbour, then the Central Harbour, and finally the North Harbour.
Don’t expect sunbeds or umbrellas on these beaches. Instead, the trees lining the shore provide natural shade and comfort.
If you plan to spend the day at the North Harbour, check the waves at the South Beach first: when the South is wavy, the North is usually calm like the Central Harbour.
1. North Harbour
The North Harbour is the second‑most popular beach and ideal for picnics. You can park close to the shore, so carrying gear is easy. It’s quieter and more peaceful than the other beaches.
The crystal‑clear sea floor is pebbly, so water shoes can help.
The tree shade is a little way back from the beach. If you’re picnicking, bring an umbrella or other sun protection so you can relax comfortably amid this blend of nature and history.
2. Central Harbour
My personal favourite is the “Central Harbour,” whose rim of rounded stones makes it feel like a natural swimming pool.
Park near the ancient aqueduct. Spaces here can be sunny, but at least you avoid the parking chaos found elsewhere.
In summer, the water here is warmer than along much of the Antalya coast, with a mix of small pebbles and sandy patches.
Swim through the shallow parts toward the far end and you’ll reach large rocks—climb them with care.
Trees around the harbour give plenty of shade. I usually spread a blanket beneath them for a picnic. You can also bring folding chairs and a table if you wish.
Note that barbecues are forbidden. Bring your own food, collect your rubbish and perhaps enjoy tea or coffee from a flask as you admire the view.
There are no toilets or showers at the Central or North Harbours; those are available only at the South Harbour. Remember, you’re swimming amid 9,000 years of history—no concrete beach clubs here.
There’s a small café near the aqueduct for snacks and cold drinks. Museum Pass holders get a discount.
3. South Harbour
The last stop is the South Harbour. It has a wide sandy shore, gentle waves and a breathtaking panorama.
Reaching it is a little different: you must walk 5–10 minutes through the ruins from the other harbours. If you drive directly here, be strategic with parking—cars often block one another on busy days.
The beach is a mix of fine sand and small pebbles. It’s great for sunbathing, but also the most crowded—especially because boats drop visitors here. For a quieter vibe, choose the Central or North Harbour.
The inland part of the South Harbour is perfect for picnics, though you’ll likely share the space in high season.
Its big advantage: toilets, showers and changing cabins. Walk past the car park among the trees to find them, but expect queues later in the day.
You’ll also find a small kiosk for snacks and cold drinks.
Sights to See in Phaselis (Faselis) Ancient City
After enjoying the beaches, take a stroll from the shoreline into the forested heart of the ruins and trace the footsteps of antiquity.
Walk the Harbour Street, once the city’s main artery, which links the Central and South Harbours in a magical journey through time.
Along the way, admire the grandeur of the Agora dedicated to Emperor Hadrian. On both sides you’ll see remnants of statues that have weathered the centuries.
Don’t miss the Temple of Zeus, the theatre, the baths and, at the end of the road, Hadrian’s Gate framing a spectacular view of the South Harbour.
Keep an eye out for stretches of the city walls and marvel at the Roman aqueducts that once carried water from northern springs.
You can also explore the seaside necropolis, ancient customs buildings and the temples of Hermes, Athena and Hestia. If you head up to the Acropolis, be prepared for a steep, overgrown climb—but the reward is worth the effort.
Phaselis (Faselis) Ancient City — 2025 Entrance Fee
The jewel of Antalya’s coast is open daily from 08:00 to 19:00 between 15 April and 2 October, and from 08:00 to 17:00 between 3 October and 14 April. Staff begin clearing visitors about 30 minutes before closing time.
The entrance fee is 200 TRY. Visitors aged 65 and over and children enter free of charge. Holders of the Museum Pass or Museum Pass + can enter without paying.
You can buy these cards at the ticket booth. They also give free or discounted entry to many other museums and sites around Antalya.
