Akyaka and Cleopatra Island (Sedir): A Day Trip from Marmaris by Car

Sedir Island and Cleopatra Beach

Sedir Island is a small island in the Gulf of Gökova, north of Marmaris. According to the Muğla Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, it was called Şehiroğlu in the Turkish period and is known as Sedir (cedar) today, although there are no cedar trees on it now. Together with Orata and Küçük Ada it forms a group of three islands. The ministry lists the island as an archaeological site.

The best-known spot is Cleopatra Beach, famous for sand unlike that of the surrounding beaches. The story goes that Cleopatra had it brought from Egypt; that is a legend and is not part of the official description. The sand is said to be protected, with rules on towels and shoes on the beach; we could not confirm them on official pages, so ask at the island entrance and never take sand away.

What to See on the Island: Ancient Kedreai

Sedir Island is more than a beach: it holds the ruins of the ancient city of Kedreai. According to the Muğla Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, these are the highlights:

• Theatre: Hellenistic, for about 2,500 people, outside the southern walls. The seating is well preserved; the stage building is largely gone.
• Sanctuary of Apollo: on a terrace; inscriptions record the cults of Apollo Pithios and Apollo Kedrieus.
• Great Basilica and Kıstak Church: the basilica measures about 35.5 × 19 m and dates from the 5th–7th centuries AD; the church is from the 11th–12th centuries.
• Agora and walls: the agora is located on the basis of inscriptions resembling those found in agoras; the oldest walls are probably on the north and south sides of the island.
• Opposite shore: the necropolis, the harbour and some civic buildings are on the mainland east of the island.

Kedreai lay within Rhodes' sphere of influence, was attacked by the Spartan Lysander in 405 BC and came under Ottoman rule in the first quarter of the 15th century; most of the remains on the island are Byzantine. When walking among the ruins, don't climb on the stones and use the shaded paths.

Things to Do in Akyaka

Akyaka is a small seaside town in the Ula district of Muğla, at the very head of the Gulf of Gökova, and a member of the international Cittaslow (slow city) network. According to Go Türkiye it has belonged to the network since 2011; car traffic in the town is restricted.

• Kadın Azmağı: a short but deep stream with cold water that flows through the town into the sea. Restaurants and cafés line its banks, and short boat trips run on it.
• Akyaka Beach and kitesurfing: there is a sandy beach with beachfront restaurants where the stream meets the sea. The thermal wind that rises in the afternoon and the shallow water make Akyaka a kitesurfing and windsurfing centre; if you don't like wind, go in the morning.
• Akyaka houses: wooden balconies and wide eaves, inspired by the old houses of Ula; the style is credited to the Ula-born artist Nail Çakırhan. You will see them as you walk around town.
• Idyma: near Akyaka, on the slope around Kozlukuyu, are the walls and rock tombs of an ancient Carian city. Ask about visiting conditions before you go.
• Food: the fish restaurants along the stream and the cafés on the beach make a good end to the day.

For the town itself, getting there and car delivery, see our Akyaka page.

Driving from Marmaris to Akyaka: Road, Parking and the Sakar View

Akyaka is about 32 km from Marmaris; maps show a 33–36 minute drive. The road follows the main highway towards Muğla; up to the Gökova junction it winds through pine forest as a mountain road. After the junction Akyaka is just a few minutes away.

• Parking: car traffic is restricted in town and central parking can be hard to find in summer. Arrive early; if you are staying overnight, ask your hotel about parking in advance.
• Sakar Pass: about 9 km above Akyaka on the Muğla road, the pass at roughly 670 m looks out over the Gulf of Gökova and the Akyaka plain. Paragliders take off here too. Only stop in safe lay-bys.
• From elsewhere: Akyaka is about 39 km from İçmeler (45 minutes), about 51 km from Turunç (62–69 minutes) and about 72 km from Dalaman Airport (69–88 minutes).

If you arrive from Dalaman or Bodrum airport, your road already passes close to Akyaka; see our nearest airport to Marmaris guide to find out which airport suits you.