Cedar Island
Sedir Island is notable for its rich history dating back to ancient times. Turkey'S Muğla province dependent Marmaris It is a charming island located in the district. Known as Kedrai in ancient times, this island is the largest of a group of three islands located in the Gulf of Gökova and this area, also called Kerme Bay, is famous for its natural beauty. The island is named after the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra and is therefore sometimes called Cleopatra Island. The surface of the island is famous for its beaches covered with legendary golden sands where Cleopatra and her lover Antonius swam. In addition, there are many historical artifacts on the island such as the ruins of an ancient theater and temples from the Greek period. This historical wealth and natural beauty make Sedir Island indispensable for visitors.
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history
Sedir Island has been recorded as one of the important settlements of the Caria region since prehistoric times. The 4th century BC historian Hekataios mentioned the settlement on this island, and the rich history of the island began to take shape from the 6th century BC onwards. Kedrai was an island preferred by the Carian royal families as a summer residence at that time, and over time it became one of the important towns on the opposite coast of Rhodes. When Attik joined the Delian League, the annual dues paid by the island to the league were recorded.
The natural beauty of Kedrai is surrounded by a dense maquis vegetation dominated by olive and pine trees. The island has been given various names reflecting these natural and historical beauties: It is called the Smiling Island by the Fisherman of Halicarnassus, and by others it is called the Island of Cleopatra, the Island of Poetry, the Island of Love and the Island of Honeymoon with romantic names.
One of the most striking features of Sedir Island is its unique sand, which is formed by the special combination of limestone droplets and is found only on the islands of Sedir and Crete. These sands are one of the main reasons why the island has been taken under protection. Among the legends about the island, there is a belief that these sands were brought from Egypt for Cleopatra, but this is not certain.
Among the ancient city ruins on Sedir Island, there is a well-preserved theater, a temple of Apollo, a church built later on its site, an agora and harbor ruins. These structures increase the island's potential to attract visitors. Transportation is provided by boats departing from Akyaka or Çamlı villages on the Muğla-Marmaris road, so visitors can easily reach the island.
How to get to Sedir Island?
Transportation to Sedir Island is provided by sea and there are several different options for entering the island:
- Çamlı Village Route: You can reach Cleopatra Beach Pier by driving to Çamlı Village on the Muğla-Marmaris highway. You can park your car here and take boats from the pier to Sedir Island in about 20 minutes. In order to protect the natural structure of the island, vehicles are prohibited from entering the island and can only be visited on foot. If you do not have a vehicle, you can use minibuses to get from Marmaris to Çamlı Village.
- Transportation via Boat Tours: It is possible to go to the island with daily boat tours departing from Marmaris or Akyaka. These tours allow you to enjoy the sea and the surroundings, as well as visiting various bays and beaches. Tours departing from Akyaka may be shorter. If you are planning to go from Marmaris and do not have a vehicle, you can take a minibus to Çamlı Village and reach the pier from there and reach the island by boat. These boats usually offer a journey lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes.
These routes offer practical and enjoyable options to discover the unique natural beauties and historical riches of Sedir Island.
Sedir Island Visiting Hours
Going early in the morning during the summer months to visit Sedir Island is ideal for discovering the island’s beauties before the hottest hours of the day and before the crowds gather. Cleopatra Beach in particular can get quite crowded around noon, so it would be a good idea to go early if you want to find a spot on the beach.
Visiting hours of Sedir Island are as follows:
- Opening Hours: 09:00 in the morning
- Closing Time: 18:30 in the evening
- Box Office Closing Time: 18:00 in the evening
Since it is not possible to enter the island outside of these hours, it is useful to adjust your plans according to these time periods.
Frequently Asked Questions Before Visiting Sedir Island
- Question: What are the food and drink options like at the cafeterias on Sedir Island? The cafes on the island can often be expensive and the variety on offer is limited. If you want to keep your budget in check and plan on staying on the island for a long time, it is recommended that you bring your own food and drink.
- Question: When should I go to Sedir Island? The island is usually at its least crowded and most enjoyable in the early morning hours. Especially in the summer months, arriving on the first boat to the island will allow you to enjoy the island before the crowds arrive during the day.
- Question: What is the most affordable way to get to Sedir Island? Boat tours that depart from Akyaka and include meals are generally more affordable. Before making your travel plans, it would be useful to contact the boat tour companies in Akyaka to get information about prices and times.
- Question: What should I pay attention to regarding environmental damage on Sedir Island? Sedir Island is under 24-hour protection due to its 'Museum Island' status. It is of great importance not to harm the environment, not to leave litter and especially not to remove sand from the island. It is mandatory to comply with these rules in order to preserve the natural beauty of the island.
Sedir Island is a unique destination in the Marmaris district of Muğla that fascinates its visitors with its rich historical texture and natural beauty. Known as the ancient city of Kedrai, this island is the largest of the three islands in the Gulf of Gökova and is famous for the golden sands of Cleopatra. Historical structures such as the ancient theater, temple ruins and the Temple of Apollo on the island offer an experience intertwined with history in every corner of the island. The unique sands and natural vegetation of the island, which are under protection, offer visitors unforgettable moments full of both history and nature. Transportation to Sedir Island is provided via Çamlı Village or Akyaka, and access to the island is only possible by sea. Sedir Island is a fascinating getaway that should not be missed for history and nature lovers.
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