At the foot of Mt.Tahtali
(Olympos),15 km south of Kemer, the three harbors of Phaselis were once a
major commercial center. The ruins of aqueducts, agoras, baths, a theater,
Hadrian's Gate and an acropolis reveal the city's historical importance.
From the south harbor, look up at Mt. Tahtali for a spectacular view. The
sheltered sandy beaches make a superb playground, and the waters are calm
and safe for swimmers.
The ancient city of Olympos is situated on the southern side of Mt.
Tahtali. Oleander and laurel bushes shade the Olympos Valley, which you
can approach by land and sea. The play of light on the quiet pools of
water enhance the mosaics in the bath. A temple gate and theater also
remain from antiquity. The outer walls and towers around the bay date from
the Middle Ages. North of Olympos up from Cirali Beach, is Yanartas (at a
height of 300 meters) where according to mythology the Lycian hero
Bellerophon, mounted on his winged horse Pegasus, slew the fire-breathing
monster, Chimaera. Gas which seeps from the earth burns brightly at night
at this site, which the Byzantines also considered a religious area.
