Gökova: Idyma and protected nature

Gökova invites you to explore two very different aspects of a trip: the distinctive flora and fauna of a protected area and the layered history of the ancient city of Idyma. Its archaeological remains extend from Gökova to the foothills of the Kıran Mountains. The historical exploration therefore does not begin at a single structure, but in a landscape where traces of the city can be found in various locations.

Nature in the Gökova Special Environmental Protection Area

Gökova is one of the settlements in the Gökova Special Environmental Protection Area. Its ecological significance is linked to its rich flora and fauna. The vegetation also combines features of the Aegean and Mediterranean regions. If nature is an important part of your holiday plans, you can make this protected landscape a focus of your trip; if you are particularly interested in history, Idyma offers another distinct way to explore Gökova.

Idyma: Acropolis, necropolis and the city’s history

On the hill immediately north of Gökova are the remains of Idyma’s acropolis, dating to the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. Its fortification walls and cisterns formed part of the city’s defensive centre. This gives the acropolis a different significance from that of a single tomb: here, you can trace the role of a fortified centre in the history of the ancient city. The Hellenistic city also had paved roads, numerous fortifications, water pipes, a castle and royal tombs.

The necropolis is on the eastern side of the hill north of Gökova. It includes tombs carved into the rock along the hillside, with shapes reminiscent of houses. Some are more richly decorated and modelled on temples, while others are more simply designed. This architectural difference reflects socioeconomic differences. Those interested in ancient society will encounter not only different types of tombs here, but also evidence of distinctions within that society.

Inscriptions and coins also tell the story of Idyma. The city minted silver coins bearing its own name, suggesting economic independence. An inscription found in Gökova helped identify the local ruins as ancient Idyma rather than Bargasa. Another inscription indicates that Idyma led a federation that included surrounding settlements. Together, these clues offer insight into the city’s economic and political significance, showing that its history extends beyond the visible walls and tombs.

There is also a rock tomb typical of the Carian region in Yazılıtaş-Mevkii in Gökova. It adds another example of this burial tradition to the evidence found at the necropolis. If you’re travelling with children, you can use these different forms as a starting point to talk about the people of ancient Idyma and the different social conditions of the time.

The İdyma Trail: another way to explore the region

The İdyma Trail is a network of ten routes spanning a total of 150 kilometres. It connects historical, natural and cultural sights around Gökova. The ten routes and total distance provide a practical framework for planning your trip, while the trail is not limited to a single theme: it connects different kinds of sights. Further afield in the region, the İdyma Trail intersects the Carian Trail at several points.

Discover more places

More places: Akyarlar, Köycegiz, Çukurincir, Yeşilüzümlü, Marmaris, Yeşilyurt, Çamlıköy, Kargıcak.

For the broader travel overview: Mugla.