Priene and Didyma | Turkey Destination

Priene

Priene lies in Güllübahçe at a distance of 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Söke town nearby Kusadasi, in the Aegean region of Turkey. The city was founded in the 2nd millennium BC in an unknown location nearby and then carried to its present location on the clifs around 350 BC. The visit of the archeological site requires some steep walking up after the car park, following a footpath and some steps through the Hellenistic city walls.

Miletus

Miletus is located in the vicinity of Söke town, nearby Kusadasi, in the Aegean region of Turkey). The city was built on the seashore in the ancient times. The Miletus people who had founded about 90 colonies in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, after 650 BC, had resisted the Persian invasions in Anatolia, but they were defeated finally and the city was destroyed by the Persians in 5th century BC.

When you arrive at the ruins, the magnificent theater of the city appears in sight at first. The theater had been constructed during the Hellenistic period and it acquired its present characteristics by means of the annexes made during the Roman period. The walls of the front facade of the theater are 140 meters long and 30 meters high, and are an interesting example of stone workmanship. The theater was large enough to hold 24.000 people, but a fortress was built upon it during the Byzantine period seizing its capacity down to 15.000 people.

Didyma

Didyma (nearby Didim, in the Aegean region of Turkey) was a cult center for the city of Miletus. It is located in the present day village of Yeniköy, about 15 kilometers (10 miles) from the site of Miletus. In ancient times, these two cities were connected to each other by a sacred road that had statues located on either side of it.

The Didymaion, the temple of Apollo and its oracle at Didyma, had a considerable reputation in the ancient times. German archaeologists excavating at the site have shown that the earliest sanctuary here was built in the 8th century BC and that it was enlarged into an enormous temple around 560 BC. After their bloody suppression of the Ionian rebellion, the Persians sacked and laid waste to Miletus (which they regarded as the instigator) and the Didymaion in 494 BC. It was during this assault that the temple’s cult statue of Apollo was carried off to Ecbatana (modern Hamadan town in Iran). After Alexander the Great defeated the Persians in 334 BC, the Ionian cities regained their independence and work was begun on reconstructing the temple of Apollo.

 

The Dalyan Region

Located in the province of Mugla and possessing one of the most special gifts of nature and history, Köycegiz stands beside the same named lake at the tip of which touches the Mediterranean. Now a nature and wild life preserve, this site is home to many species of birds and is a real paradise with its rare and beautiful setting, and with a history going back to 3500 BC. It is possible to cruise over the natural labyrinth-like channel walled with reeds, that link the sea and the Lake of Köycegiz, which is described as “smooth as glass” till noon and suitable for wind-surfing in the afternoon.

The lake contains almost every kind of seafood including carp and crab. Dalyan can be reached at the end of a road decorated with scented frankincense trees. The Dalyan Delta is a unique site, lying peacefully with its 4 kilometers-long golden beach. Sea turtles of Loggerhead Caretta Caretta and blue crabs live here making the area more attractive. The beaches where these sea turtles nestle can be reached by a boat ride from Dalyan town, passing through beds of bulrushes and pampas grass in the river.

On the other side of the channel is the marvelous view of the ancient city of Caunos, which was situated on the border between Caria and Lycia and was an important sea-port. The site can be reached by boat or on foot. The first sight here is the fascinating tombs carved into the rock and overlooking the waterway. Also of interest in this district is the acropolis lying a little inland, together with a Roman temple, antique theater, agora, Ibrab and Susandaa castles.

The Dalyan region is not the last site in Köycegiz to offer natural beauty. The Gulf of Göcek, with its many bays facing numerous islets is another spot. Holding a lovely marina, it constitutes a perfect center for sailing, and there are also ruins of the ancient city of Arymaxa, furnishing a different scenery. You can also take a mud bath on the bank of the river, its’ rich minerals such as calcium and magnesium which are beneficial for the skin.

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Kos Island

Kos Island is the first step of our fascinating adventure. Be ready to be surprised and prepare your camera! You will get great pleasure from walking in its wide streets, green parks and blossoming gardens.

The huge ancient (XV Century) Castle Of Knights will meet the sea travelers on the entrance of harbor. Near the port is an extensive archaeological area with ruins of buildings of the Hellenistic and Roman Eras – Gymnasia, the Odeon, the Temple of Aphrodite, the Temple of Hercules, Roman baths and Roman villas with mosaic fragments. Aqueduct joins castle with a small area on which stands the ancient Sycamore, according to legend, planted by Hippocrates. In the central square Elevterias (Liberty) is the Archaeological museum, which gathered interesting exposition artifacts that illustrate the rich history of the island.

One of the most interesting attractions of the Kos are the ruins of an ancient temple Asklepios (God Of Medicine), where studied Hippocrates and his life was closely connected with Kos island. Ruins of a temple Asklepios are 4 kilometers from the capital of the island. It will take around 20-25 minutes to reach the Asklepios by car and about 30 Minutes by bike. Perhaps the best option to get a tour and see the city at the same time is auto locomotive, which runs on a schedule from the parking area near the port of Kos.

Having reached Asklepios bypassing the Shady Alley, a majestic view of the ancient complex opens in front of you. A walk in Asklepios will take about half of a day.

If from Asklepios go inland, you will find the town Asfendiu. The Mountain Dikteo will show spectacular panorama of the island’s beaches and the neighboring islands.

In the heart of the island, near the airport is Antimahia village, 3 km north of the tourist center, which is located Mastihari and to the south the resort of Kardamena. At the west of the island, Kefalos locates 43 km from the town of the Kos. Kefalos is famous about beautiful beaches of Kamari and paradise beach, the ruins of the ancient city, the Monastery of St. John.

Another attraction of the island is thermal baths “Agios Fokas.” You can reach the place by car, bus, bicycle or walking. Kos Island is a paradise for cyclists and “to ride with the wind.”

In the evening, have a dinner in one of the beachside restaurants. Caught in a Greek tavern you can try the traditional Greek salad, which Is made from tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, onions, olives ,olive oil, and of course fresh cheese made from sheep’s milk feta. Especially popular are fish and seafood dishes. Also there are many different patisserie shops. Surely try a Greek wine, because they are best known in Greece. In any restaurant or tavern you can try a traditional Greek Drink Uzo (Ouzo), forty-degree anise vodka, cancers grape vodka, Metaxa (Famous Greek Brandy).

As for evening attractions, life on Kos abounds. There are lots of clubs, taverns and cafes.

The atmosphere of the Kos are very warm and comfortable. Everyone knows each other and people are always happy to invite guests. Dinner and overnight on the Kos.

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CLIMATE OF BODRUM

Bodrum has a Mediterranean climate. A winter average high of 15 °C (59 °F) and in the summer 34 °C (93 °F), with very sunny spells. Summers are hot and humid and winters are mild and mostly sunny. Springs; The scent of citrus blossoms fills the air, the hills and valleys are green with vegetation and the cool, sunny days are ideal for hiking and sightseeing. The bustle of the boatyards launching yachts is a fascinating attraction and even Children’s Day (April 23rd) festivities are creative, worthy of this cosmopolitan town. Autumns; Autumn begins with the Bodrum Cup Traditional Wooden Yacht Regatta held annually in the third a hundred stately wooden yachts under full canvas is a sight to behold and it’s a good time to sail. The sea is still enticingly warm for swimming and it’s a pleasure to visit historical and natural sites in the cool weather – or to buy up bargains at end-of-season sales!

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