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What to See
WITHIN AN HOUR’S DRIVE OF GOCEK
Lycia is dotted with unspoilt and little visited ruins, which are
without so much as a signpost or ticket kiosk, let alone the tatty
shops and cafés that usually attach themselves to south-western
Turkey's major archaeological sites.
Places to visit:
KALKAN & PATARA
Kalkan is a former fishing village that has developed into a resort
of genuine antique charm and nearby Patara is a 15km pristine and
deserted beach. The ruins of the ancient port, its theatre swathed
in sand drifts, and the presence of nesting loggerhead turtles,
have combined to see off every attempt at construction on the shoreline,
except for cafes and changing facilities.
The painted ceramics found in the acropolis prove that the city
existed in the 5th century B.C. Patara opened its doors to Alexander
the Great, thereby earning the status of an important harbour city
of Lycia in Anatolia, in addition to having been the birthplace
of St. Nicholas, bishop of Myra. The triple gateway through which
one enters Patara is thought to have been built in 100 A.D. One
of its most important edifices is its theatre which is now buried
in the sand. And the town offers a variety of delightful restaurants.
It is here you will find the longest sandy beach in Turkey.
XANTHOS
This is the oldest and largest city of the mountain province of
Lycia, settled in the valley of the Xanthos river in the Mediterranean
region of Turkey. Until the Persian invasion it was an independent
state. When the people of Xanthos, who had bravely tried to defend
their city, realised that they could not repulse the invasion, they
first killed their woman and committed mass suicide by throwing
themselves into the flames. About 80 surviving families and people
who immigrated there rebuilt the city, but a fire which broke out
about 100 years later raised it to the ground. In spite of this,
the city was again rebuilt and, as a result of establishing good
relations with the west, was considered as an important center.
TLOS
Spectacular in the spring with snow on the mountains that stand
tall behind the theatre, it's an interesting Lycian site in Asia
Minor because of the presence of the Ottoman fortress of "Bloody
Ali" (Kanli Ali), a local brigand in addition to the Lycian
and Roman remains.
The 19th century archaeologist Charles Fellows who rediscovered
Tlos, and several other nearby sites, had this to say about the
approach to Tlos. The whole ride down this upper valley is beautiful
and varies continually; it's scenery, on approaching the bold Greek
like situation of the ancient city of Tlos, is strikingly picturesque.
Nice to approach on foot if you feel up to it. A dolmus (local transportation)
running along the little road that serves Xanthos and Saklikent
can drop you at the bottom of the access road and the 4km hike gives
you a feeling for the situation of the city. It's the sort of site
you can take in quickly or linger on for an afternoon.
Here you can see the Tomb of Bellephoron. The carvings on the tomb
represent Tlos' main claim to archaeological significance, unfortunately
rather to often frequented by goats. Another feature is Yedikapi,
The seven doors or gates. Following signs for the Hamam or baths
you'll come to a very dramatic set of seven arches overlooking the
whole valley. Don't miss The Theatre. Some charming carvings scattered
about and the backdrop of the mountain range and the valley is hard
to beat for spectacle.
SAKLIKENT GORGE
Saklikent Gorge is a 20km-long canyon 40 minutes' drive east of
Fethiye on Turkey's Turquoise Coast. It is a lovely place to come
and while away an afternoon, and for those with a more active frame
of mind, it's an excellent place to indulge in outdoor pursuits
including canyoning, hiking or rafting.
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