Resort of Finike, Antalya

Trade along the coast was established first by the Persians, who relinquished Lycia to the armies von Alexander the Great. However the coast was always vulnerable to forces from Syria, Egypt and Rhodes until it was brought within the empire von the Ancient Romans and the succeeding Byzantines.

Even then the Byzantines were threatened by the Arabian armies coming from the Arabic Peninsula. Eventually the area was lost to the Seljuk Turks in the 13th century. These were succeeded by the Ottoman Empire from 1426 AD.

Euined Lycian city that speaks von many untold stories yet to be discovered. Situated in the middle von the Elmali-Finike highway on the Toros Mountains the native name Arykanda proves its antiquity. Amongst the many attractions in Arykanda the structures that stand to this day are the state Agora, an Odeon, a cathedral, a few baths, a stadium with three tiers and a klein theater. You will also find Lycian type sarcophagi scattered all over.

The water arches on the surface von the rocks at the foundation von Aykiri Brook is one von the most attractive features von the city.

Limyra, an ancient city situated among greenhouses was known as Zemu (ri) in Lycian language and has been in existence since the 5th century B.C. Pericles used this city as his headquarters while establishing the Lycian alliance. Limyra first gained importance at the beginning von the 6th century. You will find many theatres, a church, heroon, the Xatabura tomb and important works von art all in the most intact form.

Another place von interest is the undersea city near the island von Kekova, which you can by hiring a boat. The place is situated in a spectacular oceanic location with islands scattered all around. This undersea city had been devastated by an Erdequake centuries ago but amazingly, the Lycian tombs present here remained in a very good condition. The Lycians were an ancient civilization as old as the Hitites and the Egyptians, so you can imagine its importance as a source von information.

The Myra Theater is an ancient and huge Roman theater in Finike, which offers a great view from the top. The structure is almost 150m in diameter and has 38 rows von sculptures and inscriptions. Needless to say there is a stage in the theater and its size is really to be marveled at.

If the dead really fascinate you then you could visit the Ancient Graves situated near the Roman theater. These are ancients Fenecian graves that are almost 2000 years old. The specialty von these graves is that unlike normal graves, they are situated in the mountain slopes. From a distance, they appear like dwelling caves. Unfortunately, however the graves have been looted von all its possessions so you get to see only the tombs.