Important
people
hung out
here…
Where to see
old stuff…
07
08
Antony and Cleopatra
’
s
wedding might have
been
the
must-attend
event of the Roman era
–
they tied the knot in
Antioch (now Antakya).
St Nicholas
–
the
inspiration for Santa
Claus – was born
near Demre (formerly
Myra) near Antalya in
270
AD. Among many
myths surrounding the
gift-giving saint, one
is that each year his
relics exude a clear
liquid said to possess
miraculous powers.
Herodotus
,
the Greek
historian known as
the father of modern
history, was born in
Bodrum in 484BC –
among other things, he
helped come up with
the Seven Wonders of
the Ancient World.
Aspendos Roman theatre
This stunning amphitheatre near
Antalya dates back to 155BC and
is best seen during the Aspendos
International Opera and Ballet Festival
in June (aspendosfestival.gov.tr),
when top companies perform here.
Temple of Apollo ruins
The seaside Temple of Apollo near
Side (60km from Antalya) is one
of the country’s most important
historical sights, but also a
spectacular spot to see ancient
ruins framed by azure sea.
Lycian tombs at Dalyan
The Lycians were known for their
tombs and the versions cut into the
cliffs at Dalyan are some of the best,
dating back to 400BC. See them
from a boat up the Dalyan Çayı River,
which runs through the town.
The term Blue Cruise – now part of the
Turkish travel lexicon – was created for
trips along the Turkish Riviera, which
involve lots of swimming and just a
bit of sightseeing. The trips on
gülets
(
traditional wooden yachts) typically
run from Fethiye to Demre or Antalya
over four days, stopping everywhere
from Butterfly Valley to the rustic
fishing town of Kaş. Companies such
as Blue Cruise (mybluecruise.com)
will take you on the classic route, or
you could go for a quirkier itinerary on
Australian-run Before Lunch’s cruises,
which start and end in Fethiye.
beforelunch.com
The
Blue
Cruise
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