The Turkish coast isn’t just about turquoise bays and sandy beaches. It’s also one of the richest historical coastlines in the world, with layers of Lycian, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations — often just steps from the sea. For yacht charters, this creates a unique opportunity: sailing from one ancient site to the next, anchoring near ruins, and exploring directly from the water.
These 10 ancient sites aren’t selected just because they’re famous. We look at which ones are truly worth visiting on a charter route: proximity to the coast, ease of access, and historical interest.
1. The Ancient City of Knidos (Datça Peninsula)
Ancient port city with twin harbours, amphitheatre, and Temple of Aphrodite.
Knidos sits at the tip of the Datça Peninsula, right where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean. It was a major Dorian city and trading port, with impressive city planning and a natural double harbour.
You can still walk among the ruins of its amphitheater, agora, and the remains of a circular temple dedicated to Aphrodite, which once held the famous statue by Praxiteles.
From a yacht, the approach to Knidos is spectacular. There’s a well-protected anchorage right in front of the site. We usually recommend spending a few hours ashore here, especially in the late afternoon when the light hits the stone.
2. The Sunken City of Simena & Kekova (Demre)
Sunken Lycian city visible below the waterline.
The Kekova region combines natural beauty and archaeology in a way that’s hard to beat. Off the small village of Simena (Kaleköy), you’ll find the partially submerged ruins of the ancient Lycian city of Aperlae, lost to earthquakes centuries ago. From your yacht or tender, you can clearly see walls, foundations, and staircases underwater.
We recommend anchoring in Kekova Bay and using the tender to explore the ruins and nearby Simena castle. The village is pedestrian-only and can only be reached by sea, making it a rather exclusive experience.
3. Xanthos & Letoon – Lycian Capital and Sanctuary (Near Kalkan)
UNESCO World Heritage Site with Lycian and Roman ruins.
Xanthos was the capital of ancient Lycia and has a long and dramatic history, including multiple mass suicides in the face of conquest. Together with the nearby sanctuary of Letoon, it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll find rock tombs, a Roman theatre, and inscriptions in the Lycian language.
This site is a bit inland, but easily accessible as a short excursion from Kalkan or Patara anchorage. For charter guests interested in archaeology or ancient languages, this one is essential.
4. The Roman Harbour City of Phaselis (Near Kemer)
Roman ruins directly on the beach.
Phaselis offers one of the most yacht-friendly ancient sites in Turkey. It has three small bays that were once harbours, and you can anchor in one and swim ashore. The site itself includes a well-preserved theatre, baths, aqueducts, and a central avenue lined with columns.
We usually suggest Phaselis as a perfect lunch stop: swim, explore, eat on board, then sail on. It captures what makes sailing the Turkish coast so rich.
5. The Lost Port City of Patara (Near Gelemiş)
Ancient Lycian capital and birthplace of St. Nicholas.
Patara is best known today for its long beach, but inland from the dunes is an extensive ancient city. This was once a major Lycian port and home to one of the earliest known democratic assemblies. The ruins include a theatre, a council chamber, and a monumental gate.
While anchoring directly at Patara isn’t possible, yachts can stop nearby and arrange a short inland visit. It pairs well with a beach day.
6. The Lycian Tombs and Roman Theatre of Myra (Demre)
Rock-cut tombs and the Church of St. Nicholas.
Myra offers striking Lycian tombs carved into the cliffs, along with a large Roman theatre. It’s also where the historical St. Nicholas served as bishop. The later church built in his name became an important pilgrimage site.
Like Xanthos, this is slightly inland, but reachable by road from a coastal anchorage around Kekova. It appeals to guests with an interest in early Christianity or funerary architecture.
7. The Byzantine Ruins of Gemiler Island (Near Fethiye)
Byzantine churches and panoramic sea views.
Gemiler Island is a small stop with big historical interest. It’s believed to have been a pilgrimage site linked to St. Nicholas. The island has the remains of four churches, storage buildings, and tombs, with paths connecting them all along the hillside.
We recommend anchoring in the sheltered bay behind the island, then tendering ashore. The views from the top are some of the best on the coast.
8. Ancient Halicarnassus – Mausoleum and Theatre (Bodrum)
Site of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders.
Modern Bodrum sits atop ancient Halicarnassus, once the capital of Caria. The city was famous for the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, a monumental tomb and one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. While only the foundations remain today, there’s also a well-preserved theatre and the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
For charters starting or ending in Bodrum, it’s an easy and worthwhile historical stop.
9. The Roman Metropolis of Ephesus (Via Kusadasi or Selçuk)
One of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world.
Ephesus is inland, but still accessible as a day trip from nearby coastal towns like Kusadasi. It’s not typically on a Turquoise Coast sailing route, but if your itinerary includes a northern extension, it’s worth the detour.
Highlights include the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Temple of Artemis. For serious history lovers, this is a must.
10. Cleopatra’s Baths – Submerged Roman Ruins in Hamam Bay (Göcek Gulf)
Submerged ruins of a Roman-era bath complex in a pine-covered bay.
This quiet bay in the Gulf of Fethiye is one of the most popular anchorages for yacht charters, and it comes with a story. According to local legend, the Roman-style bath ruins at the water’s edge were built for Cleopatra herself, using thermal spring water. While the actual link to Cleopatra is unproven, the site’s beauty is very real.
We recommend anchoring here for lunch or overnight. The water is clear and calm, great for swimming and snorkeling around the half-submerged stones. It’s not a formal archaeological site, but it’s a great example of how history and nature blend along this coast.
Let’s Plan Your Dream Turkish Yacht Charter
Each stretch of the Turkish Riviera offers something different — from ancient ruins to island-hopping to quiet anchorages. Our team helps you map out the right route based on yacht type, experience level, and what you actually want from your charter.
