Three distinct pebbly bays surrounding the ancient ruins of Phaselis, set in pine forest directly on the sea. Swimming among ancient harbor walls with ruins visible underwater is a unique experience. Requires ancient city entry fee.
Phaselis Beach is not a single beach but three distinct bays enclosed within the ancient Lycian city of Phaselis, 55 kilometres south of Antalya in Kemer District. The site requires an entry ticket to the archaeological zone, and the combination of ancient harbour walls, aqueduct ruins, and a colonnaded street makes this one of the most atmospheric swimming destinations in Turkey. The ruins are integrated directly with the shoreline: visitors move between archaeological excavation and swimming in the same circuit.
The three bays have different characters. The north bay is calmer and more protected, with pebble and some coarse sand, used by the ancient city as a winter harbour. The south bay is larger and more exposed, with clear water and a predominantly pebble bottom. The central harbour, the smallest of the three, sits at the tip of the peninsula and has shallow water over the submerged ancient harbour walls—an outstanding snorkelling location where the stone foundations of Phaselis' commercial harbour are visible just below the surface.
The beach surface across all three bays is predominantly smooth pebbles, with natural pine shade available from the forests surrounding the ruins. The archaeological site ticket (around 100–120 TL) includes access to all three beaches. No sunbed rental is available at Phaselis; visitors bring their own equipment or use towels on the pebbles under the pines. Facilities are limited to a ticket booth and basic refreshments at the site entrance.
The surrounding Olympos-Beydağları Coastal National Park protects both the ancient city and the coastline, and the pine forest descending to the water's edge creates one of the most beautiful natural settings of any beach in the Antalya region. Boat tours from Kemer call at Phaselis as part of day-trip circuits, typically arriving mid-morning and departing by early afternoon. By road from Antalya, the site takes around 45 minutes; there is a car park at the entrance, and dolmuş services from Kemer run in summer.
Amenities
- entry via ancient site ticket
- shade from pine trees
- basic facilities
Good to know
- Best for
- snorkellers, history-lovers, photographers, families, swimmers
Highlights
- Three distinct bays within the ancient Lycian city of Phaselis, with ruins walkable between swims
- Submerged ancient harbour walls offering exceptional shallow snorkelling in the central bay
- Pine forest shade directly at the waterline—one of the most scenic beach settings in the region
- Single archaeological site ticket covers all three bays and the full ruins circuit
- Protected within the Olympos-Beydağları Coastal National Park
Tips for visiting
- Arrive when the site opens to swim in the north bay before boat tour groups arrive mid-morning
- Bring snorkelling equipment—the submerged harbour walls of the central bay are a highlight
- Pine shade is ample throughout the day; a blanket or mat is sufficient as sunbeds are not available
- Walk the full colonnaded street connecting all three bays before settling at the beach
- Day trips from Kemer marina include Phaselis as a stop—a convenient option for visitors without a car
When to visit
May, June, and September for uncrowded conditions, excellent water clarity, and comfortable temperatures. July and August are busy with boat tour groups arriving midday; early morning visits at opening time offer the best experience.
Accessibility
Phaselis Beach is difficult to access for wheelchair users. Entry requires walking along the colonnaded street ruins, which is uneven stone, before reaching any of the three bays. The pine-shaded paths are not paved and there are no adapted access routes to the waterline.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entry fee for Phaselis Beach?
Yes. Phaselis is an archaeological site and requires a ticket, typically around 100–120 TL. This covers access to the ruins and all three bays.
How many beaches are there at Phaselis?
Three: the north bay, the south bay, and the small central harbour bay. Each has a different character, with the central harbour offering the best snorkelling over submerged ancient walls.
Can visitors snorkel at Phaselis?
Snorkelling is one of the main attractions at Phaselis, particularly in the central harbour bay where the submerged ancient harbour walls are visible in clear shallow water. Masks and fins are sometimes available for hire from vendors near the site entrance.
How do I get to Phaselis?
Phaselis is 55km south of Antalya on the D400 highway in Kemer District. By car, follow signs from the Kemer road. Dolmuş services run from Kemer in summer. Boat day-trips from Kemer marina also stop at Phaselis.