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The coastline around Antalya in Turkey is proving increasingly popular, with more and more tourists selecting the area for a summer break. The Turkish authorities are keen to promote the location but are equally concerned about sheltering it from over development. There are no high rise buildings and restrictions on building styles exist to keep development sympathetic to the area. There are also some areas of natural significance that are even more highly protected. But to experience the real Antalya, just as it was thousands of years ago, you don't need to travel very far out of town.

Just south of Antalya, about 30 miles by road, you can find the ancient town of Phaselis. It is described in most literature as an ancient Lycien City but looking at the area from above you would be forgiven for wondering where the settlement is. The town was once an important harbour and trading port, but now there seems to be nothing but a few small bays and some wooded headlands. But on the ground the lost town reveals itself in all its glory. If you are lucky enough to arrive here during a quite period the place is quite spiritual and can really set you wondering what live would have been like here. Sitting in the shadow of the great Mount Olympus, the ruins of a wide Roman street, baths and a beautifully intact theatre really do allow you to imagine life as it was two thousand years ago.

The various bays around Phaselis are a popular stopping point for many of the coastal cruises and arriving here from the sea adds another dimension if you already understand the significance of the location before you arrive.(Picture Chris Walsh )