The ancient city of Phaselis in Antalya, southern Türkiye, continues to attract large numbers of domestic and international visitors after drawing a record 481,306 visitors in 2025, making it the most visited archaeological site in the province.
Kemer District Gov. Ahmet Solmaz said visitor interest has remained strong this year and that the site could match or surpass last year's total by the end of 2026.
"Similar to last year, our visitors continue to show the same level of interest," Solmaz said. "We expect the figures we receive at the end of the year to be roughly in line with last year's figures and perhaps even exceed them."
Phaselis is among Antalya's major historical and tourism destinations, offering visitors ancient ruins, natural scenery and access to the sea in one location. The site is particularly busy during the summer tourism season.
Solmaz said Phaselis is important not only for Antalya's traditional sun-and-sea tourism but also for cultural tourism.
The combination of ancient history and the sea gives visitors a distinctive experience, Solmaz said.
"People come here not simply because they are surrounded by beautiful nature, but because they can imagine that people lived here a thousand years ago," he said. "Swimming in the same place makes the experience more meaningful and gives them memories they can carry with them."
Solmaz said visitors have responded positively to the opportunity to experience history while being surrounded by nature.
"They say being able to enjoy tourism in such a historic setting, in harmony with nature, makes them happy," he said.
Anıl Akgüneş, who traveled from Kayseri and was visiting Phaselis for the first time, said he decided to visit after receiving a recommendation from someone in the area.
"A woman told us, 'There is a place called Phaselis, a very beautiful ancient city,'" Akgüneş said. "We wanted to come. They also told us the sea was very nice. It looks great. We are going to experience it. People swam here a thousand years ago, and it will be nice to feel like those people."
Pelinsu Beril Aşkın, who had visited Phaselis years ago and returned to meet friends, described the site as "a paradise."
"It feels wonderful to swim here," Aşkın said. "It is beautiful to have such a great part of our history."
Zeynep Vıraca, who had previously visited Antalya but was seeing Phaselis for the first time, said the site offered a memorable vacation experience.
"It is a very beautiful city," Vıraca said. "Swimming among the historical ruins is wonderful. I can't even imagine what it was like years ago. It is very enjoyable. We are having a great time here with my family."
