The Temple of Artemis & Hadrian's Gate: A trip to the ancient city of Termessos.

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Konyaaltı, Akdeniz Bölgesi, TR

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Route Overview

The Paperclip.cc

Ride and Tell

54 mi.

3,408 ft.

the titles says it all!

A ride to the Ancient city of Termessos to explore the Temple of Artemis & Hadrian's Gate, hidden deep within the Western Taurus Mountains

read the full ride report here: https://www.thepaperclip.cc/post/the-temple-of-artemis-hadrians-gate

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Route Details

Nestled on top of a peak in the Western Taurus mountain range, Termessos holds a mystical status as a lost city that was rediscovered.

Termessos, or Eagle’s Nest, as it was called by Alexander the Great, is an ancient Pisidic city that weathered many nations over thousands of years until it was reclaimed by nature and forgotten about deep within the Taurus.

It's well worth the effort.

# The Route

This route shares many similarities to the Ruins of [Evdir Han route](http://ridewithgps.com/routes/41698820), starting from the same way out of the Liman neighborhood towards the ancient city of Termessos. Learn from my mistake and bring some sandals or shoes. I wish I did! As you'll find out when you ride up to the ancient city.

To get to the ancient city itself, you'll have to hike up the trail, which is quite accessible, but not with your road shoes, so if you bring some sandals or shoes, you can stash your bike in the woods and hike up. You could also ask the security person if you can keep your bike with them. But it's best to grab a lock, like [Ottolock](http://ottodesignworks.com/shop/ottolock) fairly light and easy to carry.

Starting from the Liman neighborhood, preferably from @poi[The Sudd coffee shop](75912960), the route heads north towards the foothills of the Western Taurus Mountains. The main road that cuts north can be busy at times, but the shoulder is wide enough to get you out towards the mountains. Once you reach the giant boulder in front of you, traffic pretty much slows down.

Meandering along backcountry roads. Passing by dispersed villages, the route passes by the @poi[roadside bakery](75912959) run by Ali and his family. I highly recommend you stop for breakfast and tea, and if you have a way of carrying more snacks, I suggest you grab some for the road.

After that, the route continues along the main road, and after crossing the bridge, a quick turn left gets you off that main road and into quieter back country roads.

A few turns here and there, you'll reach a road that separates the forest on your right from the farms on your left. Suddenly, you're in the woods. Although it's mostly paved, we threw in a few gravel sections for two reasons: 
* A ride-around option to avoid busy roads.
* Short cuts unnecessary reach around.
* Back road gravel here is fairly accessible to many riders.
* Gives access to hidden viewpoints!

So as soon as you reach that left bend in the pavement, continue straight toward the aqueduct. Go under the aqueduct and continue on this @poi[easy gravel section](75943552) before rejoining the paved road again on the side.

This road @poi[climbs up](75943553) a Mesa, leading to the upper Antalya valley and farmlands. From there, you'll reach the small village of Nebiler, where you'll ride on wide shoulders on the main road all the way till you reach a roundabout. Pay attention to the traffic behind you, and cross safely.

Once you're off the main road, ride up the hill toward @poi[the gate](75912962). You need to buy a ticket to get into the park, but it's quite affordable; I believe I paid around 20 Liras. However, due to inflation, it might cost a bit more or less depending on the month. So take more than you need.

The ride up to the ancient city is magical in every sense of the word. Starting at the bottom of the hill, under the tree line, the road is quiet, and the pavement is great. As you climb and rise above the tree line, the land reveals itself to you. You'll also come by half a dozen ruins scattered around.

Although it's a climb, It's an easy one, with easy grades. The road meanders and turns into a series of zigzags until you reach the top parking lot where @poi[The Temple of Artemis & Hadrian's Gate stand](75912961).

Take your time and explore the lower area, and if you did, bring hiking shoes, then stash your bikes and head on up to the ancient city above.

This is a very simple route but offers a very high caliber of stoke.

Since this is an in-and-out route, the way back to the start is very simple and direct.

# More resources

If you want to read our full ride report, then head over to [The Paperclip.cc](http://www.thepaperclip.cc/post/the-temple-of-artemis-hadrians-gate)

Antalya has a few good bike shops such as: 
* [UĞUR BİSİKLET](http://goo.gl/maps/jtyiae7LXyb1L2hg7)
* [Bıke Stop ](http://goo.gl/maps/C9xbn2rnkFNFdSUKA)

# Important Reminders

Antalya can be very hot in the summer from July to late August, so if you find yourself there in the summer, leave early and head towards the mountains for better weather.

The Temple of Artemis & Hadrian's Gate: A trip to the ancient city of Termessos.

Route Overview

Route Details

Other routes by The Paperclip.cc

The Ruins of Evdir Han

The Castle of Montesa

The Castle of Gidlem

Circumnavigating the Çandir Stream Valley

The town of Feslikan

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