VISITING A PIRATE’S NEST NEAR FETHIYE: KALABANTIA

Turkey’s Lycian coast is a popular travel destination for a wide variety of people. Small-scale, rustic locations like Kabak, quaint villages like Kalkan or Kaş, expansive beaches like Patara or Iztuzu beach, stunning islands like Saint-Nicholas Island or Kekova, and developed resorts like Ölüdeniz and Fethiye are just a few of the sites you may find. Not to mention the numerous historic sites, such as Letoon and Xanthos, which are included as Unesco World Heritage Sites.
However, things weren’t always bright and sunny. Indeed, pirates dominated the Lycian coast in antiquity. Sea robbers and freebooters found the many idyllic coves around the coastline to be ideal hiding spots. Kalabantia was one of the hiding places; it was located about 3,5 kilometres south of Kabak. Naturally, we had to go have a look at it!

KALABANTIA: 2 IDYLLIC BAYS AND FASCINATING RUINS

After the departure of the pirates, Kalabantia was transformed into the port of Sidyma, a prominent Lycian League member. If you appreciate exploring ruins and taking in the breathtaking environment, Kalabantia is an interesting site to visit because of the remnants of that era. In Turkish, Kalabantia is also known as Kalabatia or Sancaklı Limanı, but really, it doesn’t really matter what we call it because it’s undoubtedly a unique place to visit. Travel guides rarely mention Kalabantia, with the exception of a few markers along the Lycian Way. Does this imply that a visit isn’t worthwhile?

Conversely, though! It adds much more intrigue to it! Sancaklı Limanı is a fantastic location for swimming, hiking, and visiting the ruins of the old harbour.

Arriving at the port

THE HIDDEN CHURCH AT KALABANTIA

There may be a church amidst the ruins that not even people familiar with Kalabantia are aware of. The apse is completely maintained, although the most of it collapsed. The outlines of nine of the saints that were portrayed are still discernible, as are some portions of the vibrant murals and saint medallions. The church with two aisles is located in the southeast section of the property and might be difficult to locate and reach.
However, the payoff is enormous—that is, if you keep an eye on your direction and avoid being stuck in the cistern directly in front of the arch. This shoreline is literally dotted with the most amazing ruins that are just waiting to be uncovered, and we can’t help but be thrilled by it. And each time, we wonder the same thing: how did they manage to erect such a large structure in such a remote area?

Ornament Close Up (colors are slightly enhanced to give you a clearer view of the frescoes)

HOW TO GET TO KALABANTIA?

You have to make a bit of an effort to get to Kalabantia. As previously mentioned, one option is to make it a stop on your hike along the Lycian Way. You can reach it by following the Lycian Way from Kabak, or as an extension to your visit to Sidyma. Head into the direction of Boğaziçi and keep right after the village. Check out this detailed hiking itinerary below.

If hiking isn’t your thing or temperatures are too high, you can always treat yourself to a boat trip. There are no organized boat trips to Kalabantia, which is undoubtedly the reason it is still so pristine, but you can negotiate a price for a private trip with one of the many captains in Ölüdeniz or Gemiler. Along the way, expect scenic views from Saint-Nicholas Island and Karacaören Island, Babadağ, Butterfly Valley, and Kabak, before arriving at the port of Kalabantia.

If you plan on exploring the ruins, make sure to wear good shoes and bring plenty of water and some food. Depending on your level of fitness, you might even consider using a walking stick.

Karacaören Island