Phaselis Festival: When an ancient harbour city becomes a concert stage
Music among ancient stones and along the Mediterranean coast: the Phaselis Festival reveals a side of Kemer that is worth leaving the beach early for.
A concert evening can change a trip. Suddenly, a holiday is remembered not only for a particular beach, but also for a voice, a piece of music and the place where both were heard. At the Phaselis Festival, that place is part of the evening's story: performances take place in an ancient harbour city near Tekirova, south of Kemer.
Two ways of travelling meet here. Those exploring ruins and bays during the day seek traces of the past. Those attending the festival experience the place as a stage for the present. This connection is precisely what makes Phaselis appealing for a cultural holiday on the Turkish Riviera.
The distinctive sound of a place
According to the Municipality of Kemer, Phaselis was founded by Rhodians in the 7th century BC. Three harbours, a broad main street and the remains of a theatre, baths and an agora tell of its importance as a harbour city. For centuries, the sea was its connection to the outside world. Today, this landscape provides the setting for excursions and cultural events. History of Phaselis, Municipality of Kemer
For a festival visit, it is worth getting to know the site beforehand. Then the old walls and pathways take on new meaning in the evening. A concert among historic structures feels different when you already know that this city once thrived on trade, encounters and movement.
No one needs to arrive with an archaeology book, though. Curiosity is enough: curiosity about the city, the people on stage and music that may not yet be part of your own collection.
A festival with more than one musical language
The Phaselis Festival is organised by the regional tourism foundation KETAV. The programmes of previous editions show just how broad its musical vision is.
In 2023, the ensemble Cumhuriyet Tangoları opened the 13th edition. The centenary of the Turkish Republic shaped that year's festival. Tango and history found a shared setting here. Review of the 2023 edition
In 2024, the 14th edition opened with pianist İlyun Bürkev and the Cameratalia string ensemble, conducted by Can Özhan. The opening therefore focused on the interplay between piano and orchestra. 2024 opening
At the 15th edition in 2025, the group Samida brought songs from different musical traditions to the stage. The municipality's review describes the concert on Phaselis's historic main street. The festival should therefore not simply be equated with a concert in the ancient theatre; the specific venue is part of each programme. Samida at the Phaselis Festival 2025
These different evenings create a clear picture: Phaselis provides space for classical music, singing and encounters between musical cultures. For travellers, this is an invitation to choose a concert by artists they may not yet know.
September 2026: The 16th edition
The festival was held for the 16th time in September 2026. The opening featured soprano Dilruba Bilgi, baritone Caner Akgün, violinist Can Özhan and the Cameratalia string ensemble. The municipality's report describes a programme ranging from opera arias and tango to Neapolitan songs and Turkish folk songs. Official report on the 2026 opening
As of the research date for this article, the 2026 edition has already passed. However, it shows why those interested in culture may wish to keep the festival in mind when planning a future trip to Kemer. Artists, dates and venues are determined anew for each edition. A past programme is not an announcement for the coming year.
How a concert becomes a great day on holiday
A pleasant festival evening starts with allowing some time in your itinerary. If you would like to visit the ancient city beforehand, check its regular visiting hours and the separate access arrangements for the event. Admission rules for the archaeological site do not automatically indicate which ticket is required for a concert.
The journey back also deserves a place in your planning. The concert start time, the location of the event area and the route home are more useful than trying to pack the day as full as possible. Comfortable shoes are better suited to a historic site than expecting an entirely level concert foyer.
For couples, friends or solo travellers, an evening like this can provide a lovely highlight: time in Kemer during the day, music in Phaselis in the evening. Those travelling with children or with particular access requirements should ask in advance about the duration, seating options and routes for the specific event.
Kemer with time for culture
Erendiz Garden Hotel can be your accommodation for a trip where the sea, excursions and culture belong together. You can enquire with us directly about your preferred stay. Festival tickets, transfers and event services must be arranged separately and are not automatically included in a hotel booking.
For a visit beyond the festival, you can find further inspiration in our article Discovering Phaselis from Kemer. Your accommodation at Erendiz can be planned around it.
Sometimes all it takes is one special evening to see a holiday region through different eyes. In Phaselis, this evening is given a stage that existed long before us.
Research status: 5 October 2026. Retrospective and travel inspiration; not an announcement of a future festival edition.