The most beautiful natural sites to discover Aegean Coast

Very extensive, it requires a long visit. The old part of the city, near Kızıl Avlu, is very endearing.

The acropolis is perched on top of a rocky hill overlooking the modern city of Bergama, 5 kilometers from the museum. It is best to take a cab. As you enter, on the left you can see the Heroon, a temple in honor of the rulers of Pergamon. A path leads to the site of the sanctuary of Zeus, in an idyllic environment. Eumenes II had it built in 180 BC to commemorate the victory of his father against the Galatians. The building is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, only the base of the sanctuary is visible, all the rest was transferred to Berlin. Behind it was a temple of Athena. Continuing north, you reach the library and the temple of Trajan. From the temple of Athena, steps lead to the Hellenistic theater, which, clinging to the side of the acropolis, is particularly impressive. Provided with a mobile wooden stage, it could contain 10 000 people. To the south of the sanctuary of Zeus is the temple of Demeter, the oldest building on the site (^3rd century B.C.) and next to it, the gymnasium. From the hill of the acropolis you can clearly see the ancient aqueduct.

Asclepion. To reach the Asclepion, dedicated to Asclepius, god of medicine, take a path west of the modern city. Attention, photos are forbidden, the building is near a military zone. The Asclepion was founded by Archias, a citizen of the city who had been cured at the Asclepion of Epidaurus. But the medical school of Pergamon became famous in the ^2nd century A.D. thanks to Galen who researched the functioning of the circulatory and nervous systems. His work is fundamental for the history of medicine. Thermal baths, massages and herbal teas were prescribed to the sick in Pergamon, as well as psychological cures. The Asclepion was also frequented by philosophers. The present remains date for the most part from the time of Hadrian (^2nd century). The snake that you see engraved in several buildings is the symbol of Asclepios. Following the Sacred Way, you arrive at the temple of Asclepius, a circular construction, at the library and at a small Roman theater of 3 500 seats. After the sacred fountain, an underground passage leads to the temple of Telesphorus.

In the 3rd century, seven young Christians from Ephesus, persecuted, took refuge in this cave, the exit of which was blocked by Roman soldiers. They fell into a deep sleep that lasted 192 years according to some, 309 years for others. After their death, they are buried in the cave, a chapel is built on their graves. This cave was used as a burial place until the end of the Byzantine era. The location of the tombs, which became a place of pilgrimage, is clearly visible.

One hour by ferry (20 minutes by hydrofoil), this island of the Dodecanese does not offer a very different face from that of Bodrum except for the Turkish doner which becomes the Greek gyros. You will go there for its beaches or for a walk. The ideal is to rent a scooter to go around the island. Remember that Hippocrates (460-357 BC), the founder of the first school of medicine, is from Kos. The beach of Tigaki is often crowded. On the other side are the beaches of Kefalos, the most beautiful beaches of the island: quiet with clear water.

The beach of Sarmısaklı, 8 km away, accessible by dolmus, is the most beautiful in the area. It is a large sandy spit that stretches for 4 km south of the town. Don't be afraid of the translation of its name!(Sarmısaklı plaj means "the garlic beach"). The beach is very crowded as it is one of the stops for tour operators and a large part of it is overrun by hotels and restaurants. But if you are willing to walk a bit, you will discover secluded corners like Badavut Bay, further west, where there are small, quieter restaurants.

The park features pebble beaches that give water a magnificent colour, animal observation points, waterfalls, hiking trails or cycling trails, botanical trails… The site is really superb and richly deserves displacement. It is possible to spend several days without getting tired. Many beaches are often very crowded on weekends. But in the week, you may only have 2 or 3 people.

The village of Güzelçamlı is adjacent to the park and is an excellent option for those who wish to enjoy the region while avoiding the overloaded atmosphere of Kusadasi.

In fact, this island is, since the construction of a bridge in 1964, a peninsula and one can go by bus, but it is much more pleasant to take one of the boats that leave the port several times a day. This ancient resort, where the rich Ayvaliotes spent the summer, had 15 000 inhabitants at the time. Today, there are about 2 000. You have to walk through the streets to the ruined houses and the deserted churches where birds are hunted. Cunda has some pensions and the coast is strewn with small coves where you can swim, but most visitors come mainly to taste the mezze and fish used by the port's restaurants. Bikes can be rented to tour the island.

The beach is located in the village itself, which is quite convenient when you have small children and don't want to go for a swim. There are also many beautiful coves in the area, which are best visited by boat. In addition, you will have the opportunity to see seals, especially in autumn. Indeed, the waters off the coast are reputed to be home to the last Mediterranean monk seals. An essential stop: Orak, an island famous in Greek mythology for its mermaid songs.

Kara Ada ("Black Island") has healing hot springs that spring from a cave. The resulting orange mud is renowned for its benefits to the skin. So you will see many travelers rush to cover their bodies with it. Legend has it that Queen Cleopatra used this mud to preserve her beauty and fight skin diseases. There are also some great hikes to be had on the island. Many travel agencies offer day trips, Kara Ada is one of the must-see stops.