Phaselis, 40 km south of Antalya, is the most beautiful of the ancient sites near the city — a Lycian city with three harbours set among pine trees on a small headland, where the ruins of temples, a theatre, and colonnaded streets run down to the water's edge. Several of the bays at Phaselis are swimmable, making this unique: you can combine archaeology and a beach in the same afternoon.
The site is inside the Olimpos-Beydağları National Park. The water is exceptionally clear. Bring snorkelling equipment — the harbour walls and ancient blocks are visible underwater. Access by car (40 minutes from Antalya) or by boat trip from the old harbour.