This romantically sited Lycian port was founded by colonists from Rhodes as early as the 7th century BC on the border between Lycia and Pamphylia. Its wealth came from the shipment of timber, rose oil and perfume.
The extensive ruins are arranged around three bays, each with a diminutive beach. Much of what's left dates from Roman times. Look out for Hadrian's Gate (the emperor visited in 129 AD), the South Harbour's agora and the North Harbour's wonderful colonnaded street .
Phaselis is 6km north of the exits for Olympos and Çıralı from the D400. From the turn off it's about 1km to the site entrance and another 1km to the ruins and the sea.
