Unlock Mediterranean region (Turkey) ‘s Best-Kept Secrets: List of 25 archaeological sites
Join us on a journey to unlock Mediterranean region (Turkey) ‘s secrets with 25 archaeological sites. Explore 25 amazing archaeological sites or the best 25 archaeological sites in Mediterranean region (Turkey) . Let’s discover 25 best archaeological sites or hidden archaeological sites in Mediterranean region (Turkey) . Plan your next adventure with our comprehensive list of destinations in Mediterranean region (Turkey) .
Information about Mediterranean region (Turkey)
This beautiful region is located on the borders of the Mediterranean Sea in southern Turkey, and it contains everything that attracts tourists from all over the world, as it includes the high Taurus Mountains next to the sparkling clear waters, and in it you can find ancient ruins, thriving cities and charming villages among the many picturesque landscapes Dominating the landscape, this region also offers exotic foods, endless bazaars and stunning golden beaches, all immersed in a unique culture that can only be experienced in rich historical Turkey.
A list of the best Archaeological sites in Mediterranean region
Don’t waste your time sifting through endless reviews and recommendations – let our team do the work for you. Our list of the best archaeological sites in Mediterranean region (Turkey) is carefully crafted to include only the most highly-rated and well-regarded options based on visitor feedback.
1- Nagidos Ancient City
Nagidos Ancient City – Located in the Bozyazi district of Mersin, the ancient city of Nagidos reflects the cultural beauty of Mersin with its fascinating history, as well as the advantage of a small island that can be reached by sea. The history of the city dates back to more than 2000 years BC, when it was a colony of Samos in the seventh century, and it acquired the identity of a coastal city through openness to trade. Today, the island includes a number of distinctive artifacts that are displayed exclusively in the Mersin Historical Museum due to its importance.
Place address: Merkez, 107. Sk., 33830 Bozyazı/Mersin, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Archaeological sites in Mediterranean region
2- Roman Aqueducts
Roman Aqueducts – This archaeological site includes a group of ruins dating back to an ancient Roman aqueduct extending for about 1 km in the valley located in the northern part of the city of Manavgat. This masterpiece of amazing Roman architecture was donated by Tiberius Claudius Italicus to the city for water supply. The origin of the water pipe is about 20 km in the mountains, where springs were collected that led their waters to the valley.
Place address: No:, Mimar Sinan, Manavgat Cd. No:11, 07600 Manavgat/Antalya, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Archaeological sites in Mediterranean region
3- Simena Ancient City
Simena Ancient City – The ancient city of Simena, also known as Kaliköy or Castle Village, can only be reached by boat, making it an ideal destination for those looking for a quiet and unique getaway. It is home to a huge collection of Lycian archaeological treasures, as well as a Byzantine castle with a rock-cut theater. And wonderful views of the sea, and boat trips to this village reveal more historical monuments and underwater marine discoveries.
Place address: Kale Köyü Kaş Yolu, Demre (Kale), Antalya, Karabucak, 07570 Demre/Antalya, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Archaeological sites in Mediterranean region
4- Aspendos Theater
Aspendos Theater – The main reason for visiting Antalya by lovers of history and antiquities is to take a full-day excursion to the historic Aspendos Theatre. Home to a Roman theatre, this archaeological site is believed to be the best preserved in the world and one of the top tourist attractions in Turkey. The glory days of this dazzling ancient city were during the 2nd and 3rd centuries when most of the ruins that can be seen today were built. It has been completely restored and can hold about 15,000 people.
Place address: Sarıabalı, Aspendos Yolu, 07500 Serik/Antalya, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Archaeological sites in Mediterranean region
5- Phaselis Antique City
Phaselis Antique City – The ancient city of Phaselis is where Alexander the Great stayed for the winter in 334 BC. The area is characterized by the presence of well-preserved Roman historical remains, as you will find the remains of a theater, aqueducts, temples, a colonnaded street, and a huge gate erected in the year 114 AD. Not only that, but this charming location will give you a very beautiful view of the city of Kemer, the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding forests.
Place address: Çamyuva, Phaselis, Çamyuva, 07980 Kemer/Antalya, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Gardens and natural places in Mediterranean region
6- Ancient Theater
Ancient Theater – The ancient theater is located at the narrowest point of the Side Peninsula where the ruins of the old city are scattered, and it is the greatest preserved historical building in this wonderful city. A few years ago it was closed to the public due to extensive renovation, but now it is open again to visitors. 2nd century AD on the site of an earlier theatre, which is the best example of Roman theaters built on foundations supported by barrel vaults. However, the influence of Greek architecture is also evident on the theatre, which is adorned with columns, statues, inscriptions and ornaments. If you are in Side, be sure not to miss a visit This theatre, because it is one of the best Roman theaters in Turkey.
Place address: Side, Liman Cd., 07330 Manavgat/Antalya, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Archaeological sites in Mediterranean region
7- Perga
Perga – Perge’s ancient city-courtyard features cobblestones, half-ruined temples and massive columns adorned with an air of past glory. This was once the capital of ancient Pamphylia, which flourished under first Greek and then Roman rule. During your visit to this distinctive historical landmark, you will explore the long colonnaded streets, semi-collapsed temples, Roman baths, and the Hellenistic Gate. It is considered one of the important historical places that attract large numbers of lovers of history and antiquities.
Place address: Barbaros, Perga, Perge Yolu, 07112 Aksu/Antalya, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Archaeological sites in Mediterranean region
8- Uzuncaburç
Uzuncaburç – The ancient city of Osungaberg is located within the boundaries of the Silifke District of Mersin Province, about 70 km northeast of Mersin. It has been confirmed that Osengaberg served as the religious center and capital in ancient times, and this is evident through its well-preserved ruins. In addition, The modern rural character makes the settlement impressive. This ancient city is characterized by an archaeological site that includes the remains of churches, mosques, and mausoleums of important political figures who left an imprint on the course of the country’s religious-political movement.
Place address: Uzuncaburç, 33940 Silifke/Mersin, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist castles in Mediterranean region
9- Olympos Ancient City
Olympos Ancient City – The ancient city of Olympus is located on the seashore near Çıralı, 70 km from Antalya, on the southern side of Mount Tahtali. In the past, it was a member of the Lycian Union. It was also a famous sea trading city. Springs that contain cold water suitable for drinking, and this water has caused the area to be covered with many types of herbs and dense plants.
Place address: Kuzdere, 07980 Kemer/Antalya, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Archaeological sites in Mediterranean region
10- Hidirlik Tower
Hidirlik Tower – The Hidirlik Tower is one of the historical buildings that have become symbols closely associated with Antalya. This 14-meter-high cylindrical tower was built in the second century AD by the Romans over the old port near Karaalioglu Park. Most history and archeology experts agree that it was a tower A lookout or a beacon above the busy port. This historical tower is distinguished by its prominent circular stone building, which looks like a wonderful architectural masterpiece and is in harmony with the picturesque landscapes and surrounding green trees. It also attracts many lovers of history and antiquities, in addition to visitors who want to take beautiful unparalleled memorial photos. Visitors can wander around this landmark and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere, watch the sunset, or get a comprehensive panoramic view of the old port area.
Place address: Kılınçarslan, Hıdırlık Tower, Hıdırlık Sk. No:50, 07100 Muratpaşa/Antalya, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist towers and beacons in Mediterranean region
11- Tarsus Historic Houses
Tarsus Historic Houses – In Tarsus, which has a rich history, the historic houses that keep history alive continue to maintain their importance today. The historical houses of Tarsus, which were equipped using stone, adobe and wood, were built on two floors, the lower floor is the warehouse and the upper floor is the living area. Over the years, additions such as bathrooms and kitchens have been made to these structures in line with needs. Perhaps one of the most distinctive features of the Tarsus houses is the high walls and the traditional open courtyard. These buildings have been renovated to be home to movies and TV series with their visual richness in the streets of Tarsus, which smells of history.
Place address: Kızılmurat, 2710. Sk. No:18, 33400 Tarsus/Mersin, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Archaeological sites in Mediterranean region
12- Cleopatra Gate
Cleopatra Gate – Cleopatra’s Gate is one of the most important historical, archaeological and tourist attractions that tourists must visit when spending a tourist vacation in the city of Tarsus, as it is one of the ancient entrances to the city. It is said that the Pharaonic Queen Cleopatra entered Tarsus through it, and the gate became known by her name since then. Tourists have a lot of fun exploring the area around the gate and taking distinctive souvenir photos there.
Place address: Tarsus Adana 47. Km., Tarsus Merkez, Tarsus, Mersin (İçel, Şehitmustafa, 33440 Tarsus/Mersin, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Distinguished and famous landmarks in Mediterranean region
13- Solin – ancient city of Pompeipolis
Solin – ancient city of Pompeipolis – Solin is an ancient historical city, of political and economic importance, that dominated the commercial movement in the Mersin region, due to its geographical location close to southern Anatolia, on the edge of the timber-rich Taurus Mountains and the fertile Cilician alluvial plain. The city was distinguished by its architectural development compared to the rest of the cities at that time, as it included a commercial port, the largest of its kind in the region. Today, the city is one of the distinctive archaeological areas that history lovers go to.
Place address: Viranşehir, 33340 Mezitli/Mersin, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Archaeological sites in Mediterranean region
14- Sidyma Antik Kenti
Sidyma Antik Kenti – It is believed that the ruins of the ancient city of Sidema in the Dudurga region of Sidekimer Province date back to the Roman era, but the inscriptions and coins that were found in it refer to a date dating back to before the first century BC, and this city is also known to have shown great development during the Roman period. This situation continued during the Byzantine era. As for now, what attracts the most attention in this city is a polygonal gate, a watch tower, and the ruins of a theater, in addition to the ruins of baths, churches, and rock tombs. Besides the historical destination of this site, it is also characterized by the scenic natural side.
Place address: Sidyma Antik Kenti, Dodurga Köyü Fethiye Kaş Yolu 17 Km., Kalkan, Kaş, Antalya, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Archaeological sites in Mediterranean region
15- Silifke Castle
Silifke Castle – Silvi Castle, which is understood to belong to the Hellenistic or Early Roman period according to its basic rules, today appears as a medieval castle as a result of the repairs and changes it underwent. It is an ancient Roman castle featuring arched galleries, water tanks, warehouses and the remains of other buildings within the oval-shaped castle, which was built on a 185-meter-high hill overlooking Silvike, surrounded by a dry moat. It was mentioned in the antiquities that Silifki Castle included 23 forts in the nineteenth century, and that it contained a mosque and 60 houses.
Place address: Pazarkaşı, 33950 Silifke/Mersin, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist castles in Mediterranean region
16- Alaoda Church
Alaoda Church – Al-Awda is a distinctive rock church in Mersin. It was established as a result of the formation of a large rocky cave in one of the city’s mountains, and for this reason it was distinguished by a distinctive architectural composition, which includes paintings and mosaics inside, and the decorations here include birds, pigeons, various cross structures, braid motifs, geometric shapes and plants. The slate roofs are plastered with thatch and plaster. The church at that time was considered one of the most sacred places because of some of the religious beliefs that prevailed in that period.
Place address: Geçimli, 33600 Mut/Mersin, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist churches and monasteries in Mediterranean region
17- Titiopolis Antique City
Titiopolis Antique City – The ancient city of Titiopolis is one of the oldest historical spots that characterize the city of Mersin, and indeed Turkey in general. It is an ancient Roman city, showing traces of temples, churches, inns, war castles and strongholds that were the first military haven. Perhaps one of the most important things that add to these archaeological remains is the distinctive inscriptions and decorations that you will find difficult to see anywhere else.
Place address: Cami Şerif Mahallesi, Ovabaşı Köyü Yolu 5. Km, 33060 Anamur/Mersin, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Archaeological sites in Mediterranean region
18- Imirzali
Imirzali – Emirzili are the ruins of a historical city that was established in a village near the outskirts of Mersin, but, as a result of wars and conflicts, it was completely destroyed, and only some traces remain of it today. Here there are the remains of a military fortress that was established with the aim of fortifying the city from enemy invasion, and here you will also find remains Shrines, churches and temples, and huge antique stones inscribed with important dates.
Place address: Karaahmetli, 33730 Erdemli/Mersin, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Archaeological sites in Mediterranean region
19- Antiphellos Ancient City
Antiphellos Ancient City – There are many historical sites that must be visited in the city of Kas, and the city of Antiphilos is one of them, as the city of Kas was built on its ruins. Although not many ruins remain at Antiphilos, its most famous landmark, the Hellenistic Theatre, still stands. The theater is distinguished by its great view of the sea coast, so you can sit on one of its stairs, and enjoy the stunning sea view from the terraces of the unique theatre, which is built of limestone. You can also stroll through the narrow lanes, and see the ruins of a small temple, as well as a number of rock tombs.
Place address: Andifli, Antiphellos Ancient City, 07580 Kaş/Antalya, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Archaeological sites in Mediterranean region
20- Ramazanoglu Madrasa
Ramazanoglu Madrasa – This place is a little heaven where you will find calligraphy and marbling art in a small beautiful setting. You can have coffee and tea and spend a nice quiet time in the open air and green spaces and among the distinctive historical Ottoman buildings in this place. The tranquility and atmosphere of peace will draw you away from the hustle and bustle of the city and the hot weather. This historical building still hosts weekly cultural events which are organized by Adana Municipality for free. It is a charming natural historical place that cannot be missed.
Place address: Ulucami, Ramazanoğlu Madrasa, 25007. Sk. 2-1, 01010 Seyhan/Adana, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Archaeological sites in Mediterranean region
21- Lion Tomb
Lion Tomb – The Lion Tomb is a 4th-century BC tomb located in a small shaded square, about 200 meters northeast of the port of Kas. This tomb consists of a high stone sarcophagus, consisting of three parts, the height of the lower burial chamber is 1.5 meters, with a base that is 80 cm high. As for the top of the tomb, two lion heads appear on both sides of the top of the sarcophagus, and this is the reason for naming the tomb by this name. This tomb is also distinguished by the upper inscriptions, which show prominent personalities. The neighborhood where the tomb is located is an encouraging place to explore, with shops, restaurants, and narrow cobblestone alleys. The Lion’s Tomb is open at all times, without any entrance fee, and is well lit at night.
Place address: Andifli, Lion Tomb, 07580 Kaş/Antalya, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Archaeological sites in Mediterranean region
22- Patara Antik Kenti
Patara Antik Kenti – The city of Patara is one of the most important and oldest cities in Lycia, which Fahri Isik and his team began excavating since 1988. Patara became the leading city of Lycia when it was ruled by Ptolemy in the third century, and then was accepted as the capital of Lycia, as this position became official in 168 BC Birth, when Patara got its autonomy against Rome, and became independent against Rhodes. Patara was characterized by the huge buildings, such as the assembly building, and the theater, which were built in the capital during the Hellenistic period. Patara, which did not lose its importance after the end of Roman sovereignty, also retained its importance as a naval base established by Rome with its eastern provinces, in addition to being a center in which Roman governments applied their judicial affairs.
Place address: Gelemiş, Patara Antik Kenti (Patara Ancient City), Kalkan Kaş Antalya TR, 07960 Kaş, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Archaeological sites in Mediterranean region
23- Rock tombs
Rock tombs – Stone tombs, hewn around the 2nd century AD, during the period of the Roman Empire. The Lycians believed that their dead were transported to the afterlife by magical winged beings, and thus placed the tombs of their honored dead in geographically high places. These tombs are decorated with tall Roman columns and intricate inscriptions, including inscriptions of human figures, which are likely to represent the corpses inside the tombs. There are also inscriptions condemning anyone who thinks of stealing these tombs. Given the importance of this archaeological site, UNESCO has included these rock tombs as one of the World Heritage Sites.
Place address: Andifli Mahallesi, rock tombs, 07580 Kaş/Antalya, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Archaeological sites in Mediterranean region
24- Cambazli Church
Cambazli Church – The Gambazli Church includes the remains of one of the most beautiful and largest churches of the Middle Ages, as it includes archaeological remains from the late Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine eras, which are worth seeing. This church is the only church in the region that survived wars and destruction, and it was distinguished by an architectural design that includes three naves and columns distributed throughout, and the northern side of the columns separating the naves of the church is still visible inside the building.
Place address: Cambazlı Kilisesi, Canbazlı, 33940 Silifke/Mersin, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist churches and monasteries in Mediterranean region
25- The ancient city of Selge
The ancient city of Selge – The ancient city of Celj is located in the center of the village of Altinkaya (formerly Zirk) in the city of Manavgat in Antalya. It is an ancient city founded at an altitude of 1250 meters. It consists of 150-200 interlocking houses. It is one of the famous starting points for hikers or climbers. Within this The city is a theater with the same structure as the theater of the ancient city of Aspendos, and it is forbidden to make any changes to the houses in any way, as the city is classified as a protected natural site, and for this reason, most of the houses have remained unchanged for many years, and it is believed that Celje was surrounded by walls, and remains can be seen Parts of its walls are scattered throughout.
Place address: Altınkaya, 07550 Manavgat/Antalya, Turkey
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Archaeological sites in Mediterranean region
Conclusion
Exploring Mediterranean region (Turkey) is a journey that will take you through diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and captivating histories. Our guide has given you a taste of the must-see destinations and hidden treasures that await, but there’s always more to discover. Take the time to connect with the locals, try the local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the traditions and customs that make Mediterranean region (Turkey) so special. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or enlightenment, Mediterranean region (Turkey) has something to offer everyone. As you journey through this remarkable region, we invite you to let go of your worries and embrace the present moment. Take time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds you, and allow yourself to be swept away by the magic of Mediterranean region (Turkey) . We hope our guide has been a valuable resource in planning your trip, and we look forward to hearing about your travels. Until then, happy exploring!