The Finest Ancient Temples in the Aegean

Türkiye has a long tradition of carpet (rug) making; in fact, the world’s oldest carpet – the Pazyryk – which dates to the 5th Century, was made using the Turkish knot technique. Carpets were originally made by nomadic tribes in Central Asia to lay over dusty floors, and later became sought after as decorative items by the nobility.
Turkish carpets are still hugely in demand today because of their quality but the market is also saturated with fakes. A ‘real’ Turkish carpet is hand-woven on a loom, using wool or silk coloured with natural dyes, and a double knot (Gordes knot) technique. It also doesn’t have any backing to hold it together and you should be able to see the knotting at the back, which should match the pattern on the front.
The villages around Milas are known for carpet weaving and this family-run business is a great place to see carpets being woven and to learn more about the different styles, colours, and symbolism in the patterns. They also serve a fabulous Turkish breakfast in the garden if you’re feeling peckish.

Stop here for a great view of Gokceler and to explore one of the many caves that are dotted around this landscape. Walk down the steep but shady path from the restaurant to reach the cave entrance, where you can pay a small fee for the local guide to show you around. Don’t expect any English to be spoken but this doesn’t matter as the beauty of the caverns speak for themselves. The caverns are well-lit and there are plenty of stalactites, stalagmites, and limestone pools to admire; there’s even a bat cave (which, I think, are pipistrels).
Note the caves are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

After the steep walk back up the hill, you’ll need a refreshing drink and, conveniently, this place serves cold beers and soft drinks, coupled with the most incredible view across the canyon. It’s also a good lunch stop. Ignore the ‘tourist-pleasing’ spaghetti bolognaise and chicken & chips and eat as the locals do; order some hot, buttery gozleme (cheesy stuffed flatbread), a plate of sucuk (fried beef garlic sausage – Türkiye’s version of chorizo – but with no pig!), and a fresh salad, for a tasty and filling lunch.

What I love about Türkiye is that the landscape is ‘littered’ with literally hundreds of ancient archaeological sites. The whole country is like a giant living museum. What’s even better is that most of these sites are relatively unexplored by visitors as the tour buses stick to the ‘big ticket’ places.
Euromos is one of those places that the buses usually drive past but it has one of the best-preserved ancient temples in the country (and it’s just off the main highway!). The Temple of Zeus was built by the Romans during the reign of the Emperor Hadrian (117-138 AD) – the same guy who built the enormous wall across England. There were originally 32 columns, of which 16 remain. In the same way as people today ‘sponsor’ the construction of public buildings, like theatres, wealthy Romans also paid for the construction of this temple. If you look at some of the columns, the sponsors have their names inscribed on them including Menekrates, a doctor, and his daughter, Tryphena. You can also see the stonemasons’ signature – a double axe – on some of the columns.
There’s much more to Euromos than just a temple; there’s also a theatre, an acropolis and an agora (an open marketplace) but the temple is the only building to have been fully excavated. That’s part of what makes this site fun to visit though – finding the other ruins. Follow different paths out from the temple and you’ll find the other structures covered in undergrowth and hidden amongst the trees and vegetation. Look out for the remains of the city’s defensive walls too.
Although there’s a site entrance, where you buy a ticket, the site isn’t fenced off so you may find yourself sharing the experience with some sheep and goats.

Sapli (or Handle) Island is a place where you can see people walk on water. This is what it looks like from a distance anyway. In reality, there is a submerged causeway out to this tiny island which means that you can reach it by wading knee-deep through the sea. It’s a fun experience, especially on a hot afternoon, or you can just grab a drink at the beach café, and watch other people, if you’re feeling lazy.

Mavi Kitchen & Bar is a kind of restaurant with rooms. The accommodation is laid out motel-style around the pool (if you fancy an evening swim) and the rooms are comfortable and well-equipped. Check in now before your evening walk.

I first visited this café many years ago when I spent a couple of nights ‘camping’ in their car park (with the owner’s consent, obviously!) and it hasn’t really changed much, although much of the rest of the town has developed beyond recognition. It still serves the best home-made lemonade and has the most incredible view of ancient Didim’s Temple of Apollo. Curl up on one of the comfy sofas, order a drink, and check out this beautiful temple lit up at night (you’ll be visiting it tomorrow).

The views aren’t as good as those at the Oracle Café, but the food here is great; try the fresh grilled or onion-baked fish. There’s a nice ambience at this taverna-style restaurant too. The décor is rustic, there’s usually live acoustic guitar playing, and the beer and raki is chilled. What more could anyone want.

Return to the hotel.