Gazipaşa: Ancient Sites, Coast and Nature
Accommodation in Gazipaşa
Gazipaşa brings together ancient city sites, coastal scenery and unusual natural features. Within the municipality, discoveries range from the remains of a port city at a river mouth to a ruined city spread across several hills. Natural pools, a cave that is still forming and a large park offer a different focus—a range of experiences that can put history, the coast and time outdoors at the heart of your trip.
Die Küste zwischen Gazipaşa und Alanya verbindet Mittelmeerlandschaft und bergiges Hinterland.
Photo: Stegop via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Selinus: Port City and Acropolis
The ancient city of Selinus is in Koru Mahallesi, in Gazipaşa district, at the mouth of the Hacı Musa Çayı. In ancient times, the river was called Selinus Potamus; Selinus itself was a port city on the Mediterranean. Its remains include city walls, agoras, large and small baths, a necropolis with tombs, an odeon, an acropolis, a medieval castle, a church, a cistern, an aqueduct and a Seljuk pavilion. The Şekerhane (Şikarhane) is also part of the site: it was used as a hunting lodge during the Seljuk period.
The range of buildings lets you explore Selinus from several perspectives: the agora and baths stand alongside tombs, fortifications and religious buildings. A notable historical episode connects the site with the Roman Emperor Trajan (98–117 AD). On his return from the Parthian campaign, he fell ill near Selinus, was brought ashore and died in the city.
A staircase of about 800 steps leads to the acropolis, where you can enjoy a view of the Mediterranean. The approximate number of steps is a useful point of reference when deciding how much time to allow for the climb in your day’s plans.
Antiochia ad Cragum: Ruins on Three Hills
Antiochia ad Cragum in Güneyköy Mahallesi offers a different archaeological perspective. Despite its coastal location, the city center lies about 300 to 350 meters above sea level. The remains extend across three hills and include a colonnaded street, an agora, a bath, a triumphal arch and church ruins. The necropolis contains tomb structures typical of Cilicia; medieval castle ruins stand on steep cliffs that jut out into the sea.
Selinus is shaped by its river mouth and history as a port city; Antiochia ad Cragum has a different focus, with its elevation and spread across several hills. Delik Deniz-Kral Koyu bay lies among the coastal remains of Antiochia ad Cragum. It can be reached through the ancient city grounds, and swimming in the sea is offered there.
Coastal Pools and a Cave Landscape
There are three natural pools on the beach in Koru Mahallesi. Two are considered particularly suitable for people who are learning to swim. The sea at Koru Beach is considered self-filtering. More than 50 nesting sites of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) have also been recorded at Selinus and Koru beaches.
Another natural feature is Yalandünya Mağarası in Beyrebucak. Its formation is ongoing; inside, tunnels connect with chambers, alongside large stalactites, stalagmites and cavities. The municipality’s natural attractions therefore vary considerably: at Koru Beach, the focus is on pools and the sea, while in the cave it is on ongoing geological formation.
Leisure at Kızılin Sahil Park
Kızılin Sahil Park covers about 36,000 square meters and was opened for public use. The park has walking and cycling paths, sports and recreation areas, a basketball court, kiosks and extensive green spaces. It is also home to Gazipaşa’s largest children’s playground. For families, this is a useful point of reference if play and outdoor activity are to be part of the trip alongside ancient sites and nature.
Gazipaşa Belediyesi Kültür Merkezi has 240 seats. Since opening on August 15, 1991, it has hosted numerous gatherings, theater performances and shows. This cultural venue complements the archaeological and landscape attractions in the municipality.
Which Experiences Will Guide Your Accommodation Search?
Gazipaşa Marina is another of the area’s many facets: it has opened and has capacity for 208 yacht berths. Maintenance, accommodation and winter storage services were announced for yacht owners.
When choosing a holiday apartment, you can focus on the experiences you want to shape your stay: ancient city sites, coastal pools or leisure facilities in the park. Selinus and Antiochia ad Cragum offer different archaeological highlights; Koru adds natural pools by the sea to the options. Shape your accommodation search around the specific destinations you want to include in your travel plans.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Göynük, Beldibi/Antalya, Yazır, Kızılağaç Köyü, Davazla, Gelemiş Köyü, İncekum Belediyesi, Oba Belediyesi.
For the main travel overview: Antalya.
