Aperlai Ancient City

The evocative yet deserted ruins of Aperlai, a crucial city in the Lycian Confederation still surrounded by its ancient city walls, can be reached as you travel along in the warm sea breeze and pass by Lycian tombs high up in the nearby coastal hills. Aperlai's history dates back to the fourth or fifth century BC, when it began minting its coins, demonstrating its significance.

Due to its location on a slope and the powerful current that flows between it and the island across it, the city was given the name 'Aperlai,' which means 'flowing strait.' This Ancient Lycian City is close to the Sicak jetty on the Sicak Peninsula. Its ruins appear to have washed up on the Mediterranean Sea's shores. Sarcophagi, ruins of buildings, and church ruins are dispersed.

The sunken ruins are the only part of the ruins where swimming is permitted, so there is time to explore the old city and take a quick swim over them.

Things to do Aperlai Ancient City:

• Learn about the land under your feet: The ancient Lycian city of Aperlai was built as a coastal unit where the Kyaneai and Apollonia regions' towns opened to the sea. Some sunken buildings had only their walls or foundations left, but others were destroyed.

• Identify the massive structure that overlooks the ruins: The early Hellenistic watchtower on the north wall is the first ruin discovered in the city. No additional remains from this era have been found; however, the Roman and Byzantine eras have the most remains that have been identified. In the ancient city of Aperlai, ruins of an Agora, two baths, several general stores, murex workshops, and other structures still exist.

• Make the most of what is available: While all of the other Aperlai ruins date from the Byzantine and later eras. There is a Christian church, chapel, and cistern inside the city walls. Some of these are submerged in the water; they may have been pushed there by the numerous earthquakes that have occurred over the centuries. The exploration is more difficult inland because of the dense bushes.

• Nearby Attractions: The ancient sites of Sura Ancient City, Apollonia Ancient City, and Kas Ancient Theatre are all accessible from Aperlai.

• Learn about the trade that led to the region's flourishing:

During the Roman era, it was a wealthy city that produced and exported purple color and processed 'Purpur.' The elite of Lycia was interested in it due to its maritime and purpur trade. This is demonstrated by the fact that Opramoas, a wealthy Lycian, contributed significantly to the city in the area of 30000 Denaries.

The seashores of ancient Aperlai were probably not as enjoyable to visit as they are today, based on the revolting smells from the seashells that had been broken with iron rods and processed in the oven. This export colorant was a pricey item.