Island of Cleopatra

Island of Cleopatra

Sedir Island - Kedrai

   Twenty four kilometres after the Marmaris turnoff on the Muğla-Marmaris road the road turns right and six kilometres later takes you to another spot on the Gulf of Gökova. This is the Çamlı İskelesi (Wharf). From here, as soon as they are full, boats take people to Sedir Island.

 This island is the site of the ancient city of Cedreae (Kedrai), famous for its Cleopatra Beach. Surviving to this day from the ancient city we have the Temple of Apollon, the theatre and the remains of a necropolis. 

The word Kedrai means cedars. Even though it was not known that the sturdy cedar tree, which can be used in ship building, was on the island this is what Kedrai means in ancient Greek. Surrounded by city walls Kedrai was an important residential area opposite the island of Rhodes. The remaining tower and walls are situated at the centre of the city. The Temple of Apollon was created in the Doric style. There is a north facing theatre in good condition on the northern part of the island. Without counting important cities like Knidos we can see ancient theatres dating back to the early ages in only three residential areas in the Marmaris-Bozburun district facing Rhodes. 

During the Peloponnesian wars between Sparta and Athens, Kedrai was attacked and captured by the Spartan general Lysander for being on the side of Athens. All of the island’s inhabitants were enslaved. While historian Ksenophon tells of this incident in great detail he points out that the island inhabitants were semi-barbarians. Cleopatra’s having been inspired by the golden yellow sand of the island’s coast is just an exaggerated tale created to entice tourists. The most widespread tale is that Cleopatra brought the golden yellow sand from Egypt by ships to the island where she used to meet her lover, the Roman general Marc Antony. The sand found on the north of the island is specially formed calcified limestone droplets and can be found only in the Mediterranean at Sedir and on the island of Crete. Unfortunately, this sand is not well protected and is stolen. This sand, created by a very special geological phenomenon, is disappearing. Nevertheless the golden yellow sand of Cleopatra’s Beach and the sea with its many different tones of blue continue to attract visitors. The boats regularly return to the Çamlı wharf at around three to four in the afternoon.

Antique Theatre

A man singing opera songs at the

Antique theatre

Antique Church

Sand is under protection.

Have you ever been to Marmaris?

    We are just getting started as a team so, we hope, we will provide as much information possible until summer. Trust me this is local, first person experience recommendations about the city. Marmarist is the street version of a tourist information centers, or imagine you stopped someone off the street and asked some questions about the city. We are very locals so please feel free to ask anything you want. We hope you enjoy it and contribute to it by sharing and posting comments. Please follow and support... 


Haydin danke schon

This is not my finger, however,it points the little historic center of Maramaris. People in old times used to live in the houses on that hill.

Marmaris is surrounded by high mountains full of forest and rocks the the top. 

Oleander is a flower that even grows on the mountains of Marmaris, this piece of heaven is dressed up with green mountains with flowers and a blue sea.

Marmaris Has first class hotels and resorts, A long list that includes majors as Rixos, Marti, Hilton, and Maritim Hotel Grand Azur resorts and of course lots of Aegean style boutique hotels.

You can reserve a boat, a yacht, sail or any other kind of water craft for your pleasure.  You can arrange a weekly tour with your family and friends, and discover the pure coves around Marmaris.You will admire the nature and enjoy swimming in the worlds cleanest waters. 

You can't skip romance in this city. Moon looks beautiful on the sky of this city. Swim at night under the moonlight, you will be surrounded by sea sparkles. It will make you feel holy.

 Yes, we built many buildings to host most of our guests comfortably. This is a picture from a national day, and that is why Marmaris is not only comfortable but also safe for everyone. I think there are nearly 10 Navy ship visiting the city.

You must have realized that Marmaris has a beach all along the bay and surrounded by palm trees.

Palms

Palms

Palms

Palms 

And Palms

Amphi Theatre

http://www.turkeyrafting.com/marmaris-rafting.html