A yacht vacation is the ultimate type of holiday to kick back and relax, and enjoy plenty of leisurely time in the sun and the sea with friends and family. What’s more, with a chartered yacht, you will be able to explore tons of new territory, discovering pristine nature and untouched bays of the different coves and islands of the southern coasts. Set out on a journey across lands that throughout time have hosted countless different civilizations and cultures, and explore breathtaking archeological and historic ruins. Below, we will discuss some of the most stunning sites you should make sure to add to your itinerary.
Xanthos Ancient City
Founded in the 8th century BC, Xanthos is one of the must-see destinations on a sailing holiday through the Kas region. Considered to be the largest and oldest settlement in Lycia, Xanthos was also once served as the administrative center and lived its golden age from 1200 BC until 540 BC. Only a fraction of the city now remains as a result of the countless wars and invasions the spot endured throughout history. Among the remains at Xanthos, you will see plenty of sarcophagi, churches, and even an ancient theater. If you are planning a yacht vacation in Kas, we highly recommend you visit the ancient city of Xanthos.
Ancient Telmessos
Founded along the border of ancient Caria and Lycia, the history of Ancient Telmessos goes back to the 5th century BC. The diverse cultural identity of this city is clearly visible in its architecture and archeologists consider the city to be devoted to the Ancient Greek deity Apollo. The famous Telmessos Antique Theater is now located in the Fethiye town center. Discovered as a result of the excavations in 1993, Telmessos continues to be an open-air museum. If you head on a sailing holiday in Fethiye, we suggest that you visit this magnificent ancient city and watch the sunset here.
Kadyanda Ancient City
Located within Uzumlu Village on the top of a hill, the ancient city of Kadyanda is only about 20 km away from Fethiye. The earliest remains of the city date back as far as the 5th century BC. Even though much of the structures and city walls here are almost completely destroyed, some parts of the city are still preserved in their original glory, to this day. From here, you will be able to catch a glimpse of the Fethiye plain and of Xanthos Valley. We recommend you also visit the ancient theatre for a real journey into the past, followed by a walk in the forest to discover the unique rock tombs. If you are thinking of a Fethiye and Gocek sailing holiday, make sure not to miss the ancient city of Kadyanda.
Kaunos Ancient City
The history of this ancient city dates back 2,800 years! Kaunos is home to a diverse mix of remains from the Classical, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Over time, the city has moved further inland, away from the coast, due to the formation of the Dalyan Delta. Kaunos was once an ideal harbor city for boats trading between the eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea. The most impressive structure on this site is without a doubt the ancient theatre. In addition, you will find a Roman bath, a church and a temple that are all worth discovering. We suggest you add this stop to your route and catch the sunset at the city’s ancient theatre.
Ancient City of Letoon
This magnificent ancient city has a history that dates back to the 7th century BC. Letoon is home to the temples of Leto, Apollo and Artemis, and is definitely worth a visit. Located along the Lycian Way, this remarkable site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988. The most well-known structure at Letoon is the Temple of Leto, followed by the smaller temples of Apollo and Artemis, all equally mesmerizing. In the eastern part of the city, you will also find a church, as well as an ancient theatre to visit. Make sure this stop is on your sailing route.
Ancient City of Patara
The ancient city of Patara is located between Kalkan and Fethiye. Back in the day, this settlement served as the capital city of Lycia. Patara is thought to be an area devoted to the deity of Apollo and is considered a sacred place. What’s more, it is said that Saint Nicholas, also commonly known as “Santa Claus” was born right here in this spot. The region was later captured by the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. Upon entering this ancient city, you will notice monumental Lycian tombs, and also see the triumph arch, flooded church, and Vespasian bath. The walls of the city belonging to the Byzantine era are visible from the paths you walk on through the site, and the Patara theatre is located on the slope to the far end of the city. There is so much to discover here and the archeological excavations and studies of this ancient city even continue today. Patara is specifically loved for its dazzlingly clear sea and pristine nature so we highly recommend you make a stop here.
Since all of the locations listed here are fairly challenging to reach by land, it is far more convenient to visit them by boat, for which a yacht vacation is ideal. You can add all the ancient cities mentioned above to your sailing route. To plan your sailing holiday and add these must-see ancient cities to your route, visit viravira.co or call our experienced holiday experts at +90 850 433 90 70.
