The lovely town of Kemer is found where the Taurus Mountains meet the
crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean. Green forests accompany the
everlasting trio of white sands, turquoise sea and warm sun. Ancient
cities and the best in cantemporary entertainment, shopping and
accommodation provide the ideal setting for a complete holiday.
Kemer is one of the most popular holiday destinations of both Antalya
and the Mediteranean coast with its yatch harbour; its sub-districts,
Göynük, Çamyuva and Tekirova, surrounded by pine forest; and its cobble
Stone streets lined with palm trees, cafes, bars, restaurnats and
boutiques. This small district leans on the pine forest clad Taurus
Mountains, and visitors find both tranquillity and the opportunity top
it themselves against natue in adventure sports.
Boat tours departing from Kemer Yatch Harbour visit untouched beaches
in local coves amidst promontories surrounded by crystal waters, while
following the trial of the glorious Lycian Civilisation through the
coastal cities of Antiquity. The boat trips to ancient cities make
visiting Kemer an unforgettable experience.
Kemer is the ideal place to see the ruins of the major settlements of
Lycian Civilisation, and visitors enjoy breathing in history while
immersed in the natural beautiful scenery.
The Karain Cave proves that human habitation in Antalya dates to the
Palaeolithic Ages, and consequently has a great importance for Anatolian
as well as world history. The Beldibi Cave, situated on the highway
between Antalya and Kemer, also provides fascinating clues to the human
history of the region, and is a focus of interest for visitors as well
as cave experts. Its striking wall paintings depict animal and human
figures as well as symbols indicating the life styles and belief systems
of the ancient inhabitants. Excavations at the cave, which is a
protected archaeological site, have brought to the surface the shells of
sea creatures, as well as flint tools dating back to the Palaeolithic
and Mesolithic Ages.
Kemer
These historical artefacts and the ruins of ancient cities in Kemer and
its environs help us touch the common past of humanity and better
understand ourselves. Those ancient cities were established on the
littoral of the sea and their natural harbours made them significant
trading posts.
Ancient city of Phaselis, the first stopover for yatchs;
The first stop on the routes of yachts departing Kemer to visit the
local coves and settlements of Antiquity is the Ancient City of
Phaselis. That visitors swim in the same waters which cooled bathers
thousands of years ago makes them feel a sense of antiquity and provides
a unique experience.
Phaselis is located on a promontory covered by gren forest. The site of
the ruins is easily accessible from kemer and it is situated on the
lower slopes of the Mount Tahtalı that were once surrounded by the rose
gardens.
The city of Phalesis was famous for its rose oil extraction and
agricultural produce, and its three natural harbours gave it a
privileged trading position on the coastral trading routes of the
eastern Mediterranean. The city was founded by the Doran colonists
coming from Rhodes Island in the 7th century BC. The trading importance
of Phalises endured, and in the 6th century BC the city fell into the
hands of Persians. In 333 BC, Alexander the Great took the city from the
Persians. The important position of the city on the naval trading route
was demonstrated by the Egyptian rulet hat lasted more than a century
after the death of Alexander the Great, as it is one of the important
stopover ports on the route to Egypt. Until 160 BC, when it came under
Roman rule, the city remained yet under the domination of rulers of
Rhodes. Under Roman rule Phalesis became a part of the Lycian League.
However, it fell to the hands of corsairs, who were attracted to its
harbours and favourable situation and repeatedly attacked there and the
city was retaken by the Romans after a while. During the Byzantine
Period, the city became the seat of a bishopric and yet again became the
target of corsair attacks. Its power waned in the 3rd century AD, and
during the Seljuk rule of Anatolia, the hrbours at Alanya and Antalya
became more prominent and Phaselis lost its importance.
The three harbours of Phaselis are known as the North harbour, military
harbour and South harbour. Today, attractive ruins line both sides of
the main road connecting the military harbour to the South harbour. The
sidewalks on both sides of the flagstone road are elevated and can be
reached by three steps. The drainage and sewage system laid under the
road represents the developed city planning skills of the Lycian
Civilisation. On the west side of the road, leading up to the square,
there are shops, a marble floored bathhouse and a gymnasium which had a
mosaic decorated flor. On this side of the road is also an agora,
surrounded with statues, shops and porticoes in the past and was named
after the Emperor Hadrian as it was commissioned during his reign (117 –
138 AD). A rectangular plan basilica and a cistern are situated next to
the agora. Adjacent to the large square is the Domitian agora with two
Gates one of which bears an inscription in honour of the Emperor
Domition (81 – 96 AD). At the end of the road, Hadrian’s Gate, erected
to the glory of the emperor, had a magnificent view over the South
harbour.
The ruins on the east side of the road include a theatre built into a
hill, with a commanding view of the site. The archaeological features of
the theatre suggest that it was built earlier, but was extensively
repaired and altered during the Roman and Byzantine periods. Below the
theatre was the bathhouse, and to the south of the bathhouse were the
mosaic decorated city lavatories. Up the slope from the theatre was the
city acropolis. In the acropolisi apart from the palace and official
buildings, was the Temple of Athena, which housed the spear of Achilles,
the Temple of Heracles, the Temple of Hestia and the Temple of Hermes.
Ancient theatre
Phaselis was surrounded by aqueducts, as well as defensive walls to
protect it from corsair attacks, both of which can be visited and are
interesting additions to a tour of the ruins along the main road.
The underwater ruins of Phaselis are definetely worth a visit, and are
visible to swimmers in the bay. Among the ruins are the wave breaks and
several Sarcophagi. The extension of city walls in the sea forms the
wave breaker fort he military harbour. The ruins of the necropolis next
to the North harbour contain various types of tombs and sarcophagi.
The enchanting coast of Olympos
Charming Olympos, with its natural beauty and superb accommodation
options, is a favourite stopping point for yatchs departing Kemer. Olympos
is the ideal place to explore and rest in the peace and quiet of
enchanting nature, forgoing time and space on a fantastic coastline,
amid the splendid ruins of Antiquity, among forests and tree houses, and
the fire that has been burning for thousands of years. With its
accomodation facilities togother with its nature, Olympos is one of the
most preffered destnations for a holiday.
The Olympos coast attracts many visitors every year – including
migrating loggerhead sea turtles (caretta caretta)! The beaches are one
of the few breeding grounds of the sea turtles, and have been taken
under environmental protection.
The beaches and ruins of Olympos, adorned with nerium oleanders and bay
laurels, are about 35 kilometres outside Kemer. The road from Kemer
leading west follows the coastline until it reaches Ulupınar Village,
then passes through the forest to reach Olympos. The Ancient City of
Olympos is situated to the South of Phaselis, near the Çıralı Village,
and it was one of the prominent members of the Lycian League in the 2nd
century BC. Just like its neighbouring city Phaselis, Olympos too
suffered the corsair raids on account of its attractive position, and
was famous during the Roman Period for the cult of Hephaestus, the god
of fire and metalwork. Later, Olympos once more became a target of
corsairs and lost its riches and importance. However it had not departed
the scene of history until the 15th century A.D.
The ruins of the ancient city that survive from the Roman and Byzantine
eras are adorned with bay laurel trees and situated along the stream
(Akdere) once passing through the middle of the city. During the
Antiquity the sides of the stream were walled and became a canal
allowing ships to come into the city as far as the bridge connecting
both sides of the city. Today, only the pillars of the bridge are
visible. The main road of Olympos runs paralel to the stream. A hill,
which is visible from the beach, bears the ruins of the defensive walls
belonging to Olympos acropolis that was later converted into a fortress
during the Middle Ages. Under the acropolis there are two burial
chambers used in the 2nd and 5th centuries A.D. There is one sarcophagus
in one of the chambers and two sarcophagi in the other. The floor of
chambers containing two sarcophagi was decorated with lion and soldier
depicting masaics. One of the sarcophagi bears a relief of a ship and an
inscription mentioning the voyages of the Captain Eudomos who is
believed to be the person interred in the tomb. Along the stream are the
ruins of a monumental tomb containing two sarcophagi. Near the tomb are
the ruins of a bishop’s house which had two storeys and mosaic adorned
floors from the 5th century A.D. Also a temple of lonic order is visible
among the ruins. The temple once erected on columns lie scattered among
the trees. Only the gate is standing at present. The inscription over
the gate states that the temple was built during the region of Emperor
Marcus Aurelius.
The other side of the stream can be reached by stepping stones, and is
the site of the bathhouse, theatre, walls and basilica ruins. The
theatre probably from the Roman period while the walls and the basilica
are Byzantine. On that side are also the three side colonnaded large
building believed to be the agora and gymnasium, another Byzantine
building and the city’s necropolis.
Yanartas, the eternal light for seafarers and the legendary fire setting alight the olympic torch
Yanartas, is about an hour’s walk from the Olympos ruins and famous for
its role in mythology. The tale tells the story of the hero Bellerophon,
who captured the legendary wingd-horse Pegasus, and vanquished the
monster Chimera, which had a lion’s head, a goat’s body, and a serpent’s
tail.
Bellerophon had been slandered as he refused the love of the wife of
Proethus, King of Argos. The Queen lied to her husband and told him that
Bellerophon since he was a guest at this table, and was afraid of Zeus,
as enemy to those who broket he rules of hospitality between host and
guest. So he devised a scheme which would result in the death of
Bellerophon, asking him to carry a letter to the King of Lycia. The
letter explicitly said that Bellerophon should be punished with death.
The King of Lycia, similarly fearing the wrath of Zeus, could not kill
bellerophon directly, but charged him with killing the monster Chimera, a
task he believed would be fatal in the attempt. However, Bellerophon
overcome all difficulties with the aid of his winged horse, Pegasus, and
he managed to bury Chimera to the seventh layer under the earth.
Proethus gave Bellerophon further difficult tasks, but was finally
unable to overcome his luck and courage. Bellerophon won Proethus
benevolence and was given his doughter’s hand.
As the legend goes, the fires of Yanartaş, which have not been
extinguished for thousands of years, were the flames pouring out of the
Chimera’s mounth. It is also claimed that the Olympic torch was
originally lit by from those flames. The holy site, which was renowned
as the seat of the cult of Hephaestus, the god of fire and metalwork in
the distant past, bears the ruins of a church from the Byzantine Period,
and reflects the zeitgeist with its charming flames.
Idyros an important harbour for ancient mariners
At the heart of Kemer, near the marina and Ayışığı Beach stand the ruins
of the Ancient City of Idyros. Idyros, as a good harbour was one of the
important waypoints for coastal sea journeys during the Antiquity.
Among the ruins it is possible to see an early Roman watchtower, a
basilica dating to the 3rd century AD, a bridge as well as a church,
believed to be from Byzantine Period, with its impressive, geometric
flor decorations made of large and colourful mosaic pieces.
The only example of Turkish – Islamic architecture
History enthusiasts will be interested in the Seljuk Hunting Lodge,
which dates to the first half of the 13th century, and is the only
example of Turkish – Islamic architecture in Kemer. The lodge,
surrounded by pine trees, is very close to the entrance of Kemer.
Yörük Park to get in touch with recent past
The existing settlement in Kemer was begun at the beginning of the 20th
century. In that period the nomadic Turcomans (Yörüks), who spend the
winter months on the temperate coast and in summer climb high pastures
to avoid sweltering heath, settled in Kemer. Two town’s name also dates
to this period. In those days, an arch shaped wall was erected to
prevent flood waters running from the higher slopes. The inhabitants
were inspired by the wall and started to call the settlement “Kemer”.
The arched wall is known as “Kemer” in Turkish, hence the name.
The Yörük Park is one of the symbols of Kemer, and it is well worth a
visit. The park is an open air museum revealing through artefacts the
hidden life and culture of nomads, who live in Kemer in winter, and
migrate to the high pastures of the Taurus Mountains during the summer
months. Visitors have the opportunity to become acquainted with a
traditional life style on the verge of disappearing, and to enjoy
traditional Yörük Food. Local dishes include gözleme, thin flat bread
baked on a hotplate laid over open fire and stuffed with cheese and wild
herbs accompanied with ayran, a yoghurt drink. Also, the visitors can
sit back at wooden tables and benches to enjoy the panoramic scenery
overlooking the coast of Kemer and Ayışıgı.
How to enjoy the attractive beauty sports in Kemer and its environs
Archaeological riches, untouched hidden coves, pebble beaches with clear
waters, cool high pastures and the oxygen rich atmosphere of pine
forests enable Kemer to offer activities for all types of discerning
visitors. Sun bathing, swimming. Diving, skiing, mountain climbing or
trekking to the ruins of Antiquity are all available within a short
distance of town.
Olympos-Bey Mountains National Park
Kemer is part of an environmental protection zone because of its rich
diversity of flora and fauna. The zone, known as the Olympos-Bey
Mountains National Park extends from the Konyaaltı Beach in the centre
of Antalya, and covers the natural and historical sites on the mountains
runnings paralel to the seacoast up to the Kırlangıç Peninsula. The
National Park is full of archaeological riches, beautiful natural
beaches, camp sites where the forests meet the sea and tranquil picnic
areas. The worth visiting parts of the Park are especially Çıralı,
Phaselis, Olympos, Topçam, Çatlıcak, Beldibi, Göynük, Kındıl Çeşme and
Alacasu.
Unavoidable triad: Sea, sun, and sand
The blue flag coastlines of Tekirova, Göynük, Çamyuva and Kiriş, the
Municipal Beach in the centre of Kemer and Ayışığı (moonlight) Beach
near the marina are the best options to enjoy the bright sun and clean,
crystal clear sea. Along with swimming and sun bathing, these beaches
also provide facilities for alternative water sports such as
windsurfing, water skiing, jet-ski and parasailing.
Tahtalı cable car
Tahtalı cable car allows visitors to enjoy cool mountain breezers and
spectatular panoramas just in minutes after swimming in the sea or to
ski in autumn, winter, and spring. Departing from sea level, the cable
car reaches the summit of Tahtalı Mountain in just ten minutes, and
carries its passengers to the ski runs, and the summit restaurants
through a mgnificent panaromic view over the mountains and coast along
the longest cable in Europa. The sight of the shimmering Mediteranean,
the intircate lace work of coves and bays, and the magnificent peaks of
the Taurus Mountains, is beyond description.
Adventures in nature
The Mediterranean’s wealth of natural wonders offers diving enthusiasts
the opportunity to explore the enchanting underwater world. There are
some rewarding and exceptional diving sports along the Kemer coast. The
wreck of the French naval ship, Paris 2, which was sunk just outside the
Kemer Marina during the first World War, is one of the most exciting
diving sports. Reaching the wreck requires experience and fitness and
offers a unique opprtunity to connect with a piece of history. In Kemer
are also several diving schools catering to the needs of divers at all
levels of experience.
The Jeep Safari on the high roads along the Taurus Mountain range at
places such as Sogut Cumasi, Altinyaka and Dereköy is another way to
enjoy the striking beauty of forest an sea from above. The adventure
drive through the sweet scent of pine trees and wild flowers includes
opportunities for picnicking along streams and visiting the ruins at
Olympos.
Horseback riding is another option for those who wish to enjoy oxygen
rich atmosphere of the high pastures above Kemer but are not keen on
driving a jeep. There are many horse farms in Kemer that provide the
facilities for horseback riding.
One of the longest trails of the world is the Lycian Road that passes
through Kemer, and a must activity in Kemer is to trek at least a part
of the road. In Goynuk Canyon the trekking is quite demanding and
walkers may be obliged to dive into the cool water. There are many
opportunities for photography enthusiasts to snatch fnatcastic photos on
the road. The canyon is thickly lined with magnificent trees and, on
many occasions, trekkers are obliged to descend to the river and swim
across. The panaromic vista only enjoyed by those who reach the head of
the gorge makes it worth all the effort.
The rhythm of music and dance
Kemer provides a lively and enjoyable night life, with abundant clubs,
bars and discos. Near the marina there are two streets well known as the
bar and disco streets. They are lined with bars where various types of
live music are performed and discos where colourful parties are enriched
by the performances of renowned Djs. Any visitor, passing unawares
through these streets, is liable to become caught in the rhythm of music
and dance, and stay until the first lights of daybreak.
Adventures at International events
Every year international festivities and sports competitions are
organised in Kemer where locals and visitors alike participate and
enjoy. The lively and colourful Carnival of Kemer held every year is
full of concerts, sports activities such as beach volleyball tournament
and street shows. The World Rally Championship takes various routes
through the slopes of the Taurus Mountains, and brings crowds of
paticipants and motor enthusiasts to Kemer. Speed and adrenalin lovers
also enjoy the Kemer Offshore Powerboat Race, which is part of the
Championship of Turkey.
Where to stay?
Kemer offers varied accommodation options; pensions, apart hotels, 5
star hotels, holiday resorts… In short, accommodation options to cater
to every taste and budget. The coasts of Kemer, Tekirova, Göynük,
Çamyuva and Kiris are lined with hotels and holiday resorts. The
facilities have a large capacity and are able to meet every demand.
Kemer has also become one of the prime locations for conferences, on the
merits of its exceptional natura and comfortable hotels and facilities.
How to get there
Kemer is about 45 kilometers from the city center of Antalya, and is
accessible by road, sea and air. Antalya Airport is about 55 kilometers
from Kemer, and there is a regular minibus service from Antalya to Kemer
running at 10 minutes intervals. The road west from Antalya towards
follows the coastline and offers a pleasant journey through scenic
mountains and seassapes.
As the Kemer Yacht Harbour provides landing and mooring facilities, Kemer is also easily and comfortably accessible by sea.
Dont leave Kemer unless you have
Visited the ruins of the ancient cities of Phaselis and Olympos, which whisper history, myth and legend;
Enjoyed the cable car ride above the magnificent scenery of the Mediterranean, its coves and inlets;
Lost yourself in the mythological story of Yanartas and enjoyed the romantic evenings there;
Trekked at least part of the Goynuk Canyon and one of the high pastures of Kemer;
Enjoyed a fresly caught trout alongside Ulupinar Stream where the ice cold water flows by;
Hunted for souvenirs through the shops selling indigenous carpets,
kilims, jewellery, home decorations and clothing items while strolling
around the cooble-stone streets of Kemer.
