Culture

Kekova Island

Located along the coast of Demre, Kekova Island is home to one of Turkey’s most extraordinary historical sites: the sunken city. This ancient Lycian settlement, submerged by earthquakes centuries ago, can still be seen beneath the crystal-clear waters today. Stone foundations, staircases, and wall remains appear like ghosts just below the surface, captivating those who pass above. The island and its surrounding coves are best explored by boat, where the grace of nature blends seamlessly with the mystery of history. Kekova is not only a journey into the past, but also a rare experience that invites reflection on the enduring power of nature and time.

St. Nicholas Church

At the heart of ancient Myra 'present-day Demre' stands the Church of St. Nicholas, a site of profound spiritual and historical significance. Built in the 6th century over the tomb of Saint Nicholas, known the world over as Santa Claus, this Byzantine structure carries the marks of time through its faded frescoes, intricate mosaics, and stone sarcophagus. As sunlight filters through ancient windows and spills across the cold marble floor, visitors are transported into a world where belief, myth, and history intertwine. Still standing after centuries, this sacred site remains a place of pilgrimage and quiet wonder for all who pass through its doors.

Limyra Ancient City

At the foot of the Taurus Mountains, surrounded by citrus groves, lies the ancient city of Limyra; once one of the key centers of the Lycian League. Today, this tranquil site feels nearly untouched, as though it has been gently returned to the rhythm of nature over the centuries. Here, visitors can explore monumental tombs carved into rock faces, a Roman theater, and the remains of colonnaded streets that once echoed with life. The silence of Limyra is not emptiness, but a quiet invitation; to slow down, and to walk respectfully through the echoes of the past.

Gelidonya Lighthouse

Rising on a rocky cape that stretches into the Mediterranean, Gelidonya Lighthouse has served as a guiding light for sailors for over a century. To reach the lighthouse, one must take a scenic hike through pine forests and stony paths, where the air is filled with the scent of thyme and pine, and the distant sound of waves accompanies each step. After a short yet striking walk, you arrive at a place where breathtaking views of the coastline unfold before you; a quiet spot to pause, reflect, and feel fully immersed in nature.

Olympos Ancient City

Hidden just beyond a pebbled beach and surrounded by forest, the ancient city of Olympos is a captivating place where history and nature exist in perfect harmony. Once an important harbor of the Lycian League, Olympos still feels alive with stories of pirates, mythological legends, and Roman architecture. Today, its moss-covered ruins stretch quietly across a shaded valley. Here, you don't just witness history; you also experience the stillness of Çıralı, the sound of birdsong, and the salty breeze of the Mediterranean. Olympos is a journey where the past seeps into the present, and every step reveals traces of a civilization once lived in deep connection with nature.

Chimera

Located on a rocky hillside near Çıralı, Yanartaş is a captivating natural phenomenon where eternal flames have burned for thousands of years, giving rise to myths and legends. In ancient times, these flames were considered sacred, created by naturally emerging gas that ignites spontaneously as it meets the open air. Reached by a night hike, Yanartaş offers visitors both a physical and spiritual journey. Under a sky filled with stars, the flames flicker like a quiet invitation amidst the darkness and stillness. According to legend, they are the breath of the mythical Chimera, still rising from beneath the earth. Today, this site remains one of those rare places where the power of nature, the mystery of history, and the reach of human imagination converge.

Tahtalı Cable Car

Starting at sea level and rising to an altitude of 2,365 meters, the Tahtalı Cable Car offers a spectacular journey from the blue horizon of the Mediterranean to the summit of the Taurus Mountains. As you slowly ascend, pine forests, deep valleys, and endless mountain ranges unfold before your eyes like living paintings. At the top, it’s not only the view that greets you, but also a profound silence and the strange stillness that comes with being so close to the sky. In winter, the snow-covered landscape adds another layer of magic, making this destination uniquely beautiful in every season.

Phaselis Ancient City

Situated on a peninsula embraced by pine forests and the calm waters of the Mediterranean, the ancient city of Phaselis is a captivating coastal settlement where history and nature blend seamlessly. Once a thriving hub of both trade and maritime life, the city featured three separate harbors. After wandering through Roman roads, agoras, and amphitheaters, it takes only a few steps to dive into the crystal-clear sea nearby. Phaselis offers an experience that nourishes both body and soul.

Göynük Canyon

Nestled at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, surrounded by pine trees and rocky valleys, Göynük Canyon is a perfect escape for those seeking solitude in nature and renewal in cool waters. Even in the height of summer, this area remains refreshingly cool, attracting nature lovers with activities like trekking, swimming, and canyoning. The silence of the canyon is broken only by the sound of flowing water and birdsong, offering something for both thrill-seekers and those in search of peace. Göynük Canyon is one of those rare places where the strength and elegance of nature are felt in perfect harmony.

Lycian Way

Stretching for over 500 kilometers along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, the Lycian Way is more than just a hiking trail; it is a journey where nature, history, and the human spirit meet. Connecting ancient Lycian cities, the path winds through coastal cliffs, pine forests, and remote villages, offering ever-changing landscapes and timeless silence. Along the way, crumbling ruins, rock-cut tombs, and olive groves whisper stories of civilizations long gone. Nights spent under starlit skies and mornings that begin with the stillness of the mountains create moments of rare clarity. The Lycian Way is not just a route to be walked, but an experience that invites presence, reflection, and a deep connection to the land.