Olympos

Olympos ancient city was built in the 3rd century BC and was included in the Lycian Union by the 2nd century BC. Olympos became a famous place for honoring Hephaestos, the God of Fire according to the Greek Mythology. Olympos was conquered by a pirate named Zeniketes in the 3rd century. Zeniketes plundered some other cities around Olympos and declared Olympos as its capital city. Olympos was then taken out of the Lycian Union. After the Roman Army beating Zeniketes Olympos becomes a city of the Roman Empire. But the people of Olympos was punished harshly for supporting Zeniketes. Olympos was completely abandoned in the 15th century. You will find Lycian tombs, some grave rooms, baths and ruins of an ancient theater in the city. Don't forget to visit the grave of Captain Eudemos. You can also read a poem and a see a relief of a ship on the gravestone. The most robust construction of Olympos is the entrance of the great temple built in the 2nd century AD.

Olympos is located on a sandy beach to the east of Fethiye and west of Antalya. There are two entrances to the antic city, one from the sea side and one from the land, Adrasan village. Being protected ınder the governmental laws, construction around the region of Olympos is very limited. The 3 km long untouched beach of Olympos was chosen the best beach of the world by a survey made in England last year. The same beach is one of the few beaches the Caretta Caretta sea turtles lay their eggs on July.

Another closeby beach is the Adrasan beach. The restaurants along the Adrasan river are quite interesting and worth to visit.