Turkish Cruise Destinations

Ağa Limanı: A Tranquil Haven in the Gulf of Göcek

Exploring the Bays at Ağa Limanı

Ağa Limanı is located in the beautiful Gulf of Göcek, just a mile north of Kurtoğlu Burnu. The anchorage consists of two charming bays — Büyük ("Big") and Küçük ("Small"). Facing east, the bay offers stunning views of the rising sun each morning, with the impressive Mount Bagadağ providing a picturesque backdrop throughout the day. This serene spot is perfect for boaters on longer journeys to Rhodes or along Turkey’s Carian coast.

The Crystal-Clear Waters of Ağa Limanı

Ağa Limanı is known for its crystal-clear waters, some of the cleanest in Turkey, thanks to a freshwater spring feeding into the bay. The cooler water temperature offers a refreshing escape on warm days and is perfect for turtle spotting.

A Bee-Friendly Bay

While bees are attracted to the surrounding pine trees, particularly at sunrise and sunset, they aren't a constant nuisance. Burning coffee grounds can help keep them away. If you have severe allergies, please inform Captain Oktay beforehand, and he’ll select an alternative anchorage for the night.

Ağa Limanı: A Hiker’s Paradise

For trekking enthusiasts, Ağa Limanı offers a short but rewarding trail. The ascent, about 100 meters above sea level, is steep but manageable with sturdy shoes or hiking boots. The panoramic view of the bay and surrounding landscape makes the climb worthwhile.

Discovering Ancient Lydai

At the summit, you’ll find the ruins of Lydai, a once-thriving border city of the Carian and Lycian regions. The ancient site includes:

Tombs and mausoleums from the 2^nd century
A small theatre and an agora
Water cisterns still used by local farms

Despite its historical significance, much about Lydai remains a mystery due to its remote location and limited archaeological study.

For the More Adventurous: Longer Hikes from Ağa Limanı

For those seeking solitude and a deeper connection to nature, the trail to Hamam Bay offers a rewarding experience. It’s a longer hike, but the peaceful journey through the landscape makes the destination even more fulfilling.

A Visual Journey Through Ağa Limanı

Browse our photo gallery to see the turquoise waters, ancient ruins of Lydai, and scenic hiking trails that make Ağa Limanı one of our favorite spots.

Click on any image to expand.

The view from the hiking trail at Ağa Limanı towards Fethiye.

Remains of an ancient stone wall surrounded by stones and vegetation against a brilliant blue sky.

Ruins of an ancient stone mausoleum with domed roof next to a tree.

Ancient ruins of the historic city of Lydai surrounded by rubble.

Foundation of a stone structure on the plateau above Ağa Limanı, which was once the border city of Lydai.

Gulet anchored in turquoise water at the foot of a hiking path leading to Turkeys famed Lycian Way.

Boats anchored in the larger of the two bays Ağa Limanı.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle swimming above the sandy bottom at Ağa Limanı.

A young Loggerhead Sea Turtle surfacing for air.

Sunrise over the distant mountains as seen while anchored at Ağa Limanı..

Ancient stone cistern that is still used to collect rain water for farm animals

Looking up the scree-covered hiking trail that leads to ancient Lydai at Ağa Limanı.

Ruins of Byzantine-era mausoleums on the plateau overlooking Ağa Limanı.

Overlooking boats anchored in turquoise water at Ağa Limanı.

Overlooking boats anchored in turquoise water in the small bay near Ağa Limanı.

Ruins of an ancient stone block mausoleum on the site of ancient Lydai.

Gulet anchored in a bay as seen from a nearby hilltop.

Plan Your Visit to Ağa Limanı

Ağa Limanı is more than just an ideal stop for boaters; it’s a peaceful getaway for nature lovers, hikers, and history buffs. Whether you’re soaking in the view of Mount Bagadağ, exploring ancient ruins, or relaxing with a drink in hand, Ağa Limanı offers something for everyone.

If you’d like to experience it firsthand, join us on a gulet cruise through the Gulf of Göcek. Contact us now to plan your next adventure!