Western Turkiye Part 2: Antalya to Ephesus (See Map)

Antalya

Antalya, located in southwestern Turkiye, is a major tourist city on the Mediterranean coast.


(L) Antalya skyline                            (R) Hidirlik Tower - 2nd century stone tower built by Romans

Perge

Perge was founded in 12th century BCE. It became a major Greek and Roman city. Its extended ruins are located near Antalya.

(L) The Stadium                     (R) The agora                    


(L) Water/heating structures below the Roman bath                 (R) Perge amphitheater


(L) Still standing wall     (R) Ruts on the stone Roman road below the century-old Hadrain's Gate


(L) On our way to meet our cruise, we stopped at Demre to St. Nicholas Church
(R) The Byzantine church with the tomb of St. Nicholas, thought to be the inspiration for Santa Claus.

Gulet Cruise from Fethiye to Marmaris

The five-day gulet (updated version of the traditional Turkish boat) cruise on the Mediterranean started at Fethiye just across from Rhodes, Greece and ended at Marmaris. The goulet stopped at several inlets where we went snorkeling, and got on land to hike and visit various historical sites and ruins.


The gulet we were on. Although it has sails, but we motored along most of the time


(L) Anchored gulets viewed from our hike
(R) Abandoned Greek village (Karmylassos ruins) near Kayakoy resulted from the population exchange in 1920's.
More than a millionMuslims and Greek Orthodox Cristians were moved in the exchange.


Gemiler Island with church ruins


(L) Arid rocky coast seen from goulet        (R) Shelter for shephards in one of our hikes


(L) Kayaking and swimming from goulet       (R) Sea-arch seen from goulet


(L) We boarded a small motor boat to enter an estuary in order to visit Dalyan
(R) We waded in the water as part of the path was flooded


Caunos Tombs of the Kings near Dalyan (from afar)

Ephesus

Ephesus was built in the 10th century BCE. It has numerous Greek and Roman ruins, and is a must-see sight near Izmir, Turkiye.


Market in Selcuk, gateway to Ephesus


(L) Library of Celsus         (R) Roman amphitheater is still being used for concerts


(L) Roman ruins in Ephesus     (R) Public Roman toilets   


(L) Sally dipped her toes in the Aegean Sea at the Charisma De Luxe Hotel in Kusadasi before flying back to Istanbul.
(R) Special flag marking the centenary anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic

October 29, 2025 is the centenary anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic. We found various celebrations in the Istanbul Airport. There was a Turkish Dance Demostration at Instanbul Airport. Later on, both male and female travellers joined the dance (video)



Turkiye Home Page

Western Turkiye Part 1: Istanbul to Konya

Eastern Turkiye Part 1: Trabzon to Mount Ararat
Eastern Turkiye Part 2: Lake Van to Gaziantep

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