For some great day trips outside of Cirali here are some suggestions.

For more Antalya area pictures click here...

Arykanda

Arykanda is located 26 km. from Turuncova on the Finike-Elmali highway. After leaving the main highway it is necessary to walk or drive about 1 km. Arycanda (Arykanda) is a lesser known Lycian city, built upon five large terraces ascending a mountain slope, and was known for having the most pleasure and entertainment-loving (and debt-ridden) citizens. This ancient city towers a magnificent and stunning valley with some of the most spectacular sites in Lycia.

Arycanda is known to be one of the oldest Lycian sites - its name ends with -anda, indicitive of its Anatolian origin dating back as far as the second millennium BC. Some of the oldest coins of Lycia (5th c. BC were also found here during a recent evcavation. You can still witness continual excavation of this site.

Phaselis

Phaselis is located 1 km after turning left 57 km along the Antalya-Kemer highway. It was settled by the Rhodians in the 7th century B.C. and for many years was believed to be the most important port city of the eastern Lycian seaboard. Phaselis has 3 harbours; the north, the military protected and the south harbour, of which the most important is the later. A 220-24 m wide avenue runs throughout the city. The western end is the site of Hadrians Gate. On both sides of the avenue are sidewalks and shops. Close to these can be seen the public places like baths, theatre and agora. It is reached by road and also from the sea.

Kekova / Simena

Simena is a popular Lycian site and is situated in an attractive spot on the Turkish coast. The name "Kekova" is Turkish for "plain of thyme" and describes the region encompassing the island of Kekova, the villages of Kaleköy and Üçağiz and the three ancient towns of Simena, and Tersane ( meaning "shipyard", as its bay was the site of an ancient shipyard, with mostly Byzantine ruins). Both Simena and Teimussa have a large necropolis. Teimussa is now the village of Üçağiz, where boats set off for tours of the area.

Demre / Myra

Situated between Finike and Kas, Myra used to be a one of the most important of six Lycian cities. Originally a coastal city the gradual build up of silt from the Demre stream has left it stranded several miles away from the sea.. Myra was abandoned after the Arab invasions in the 9th century A.D. The rock tombs and amphitheatre are worth a visit as is St. Nicholas’ church ( Demre ) nearby where the legend of Father Christmas ( Santa Claus ) is said to have originated.

Daily Boat trips

There are many bays and inlets around Cirali that are super to visit. Two in particular.

Trip 1. A daily boat trip from the bay of Cirali / Olympos will cruise along the edges of the Olympos fortress to Porto Ceneviz, Coban Limani and Sazak. The boat trip will take you along the deeply fissured coastal region visitng the many inlets and coves. Wonderful and natural harbours with fine secluded sandy beaches. Lunch is usually included on the boat. Trips leave at 10 am and get back around 5:30 pm.

Trip 2. Another trip from Cirali takes you to Üc Adalar ( Three Islands ) and Phaselis. The Üc Adalar is a paradise not only for snorkeling but is well know for divers. Many varieties of interesting fish and natural habitats. The ancient place of Phaselis has three harbours and you can either enjoy the sandy beach or go touring through the ruins of the old ancient city. On return to Cirali the trip will stop in several beautiful bays and inlets. The Sulu Ada ( Water island ) is an uninhabited island far behind Adrasan, with a beautiful beach of white marble pebbles. Lunch is usually included on the boat. Trips leave at 10 am and get back around 5:30 pm.