How many bays across the globe offer the unique experience of swimming amidst the remnants of ancient baths and monasteries? The mere notion that the renowned Egyptian Queen Cleopatra herself constructed that bathhouse adds to the bay's exceptional allure. This is precisely what renders Hamam Bay extraordinarily special, immensely valuable, and a destination deserving immediate exploration.
When you come to Göcek, there are many places that we can say don't return without seeing. Mother Nature has been so generous to this region that you will find yourself in a new beauty with every step you take.
One of these beauties is
Cleopatra Hamam Bay. Yes, the famous
Cleopatra we all know who gave this place its name. We are talking about Cleopatra, the lover of the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar, the wife of Mark Antony and the magnificent queen of Egypt, for whom Hollywood made movies.
Hamam Bay is located about 10 kilometers from the center of Göcek.
With its turquoise sea, green nature covered with forest, and historical ruins both in the sea and above the ground, Cleopatra Hamam Bay fascinates its visitors.
Rumor has it that Cleopatra learned that there was a hot water source in this bay during her visit to the Mediterranean coast and built a bath here. It is said that the water of this bath is good for skin diseases and Cleopatra's beauty that makes the world jealous comes from here.
It is also said that the source of hot water and minerals that are good for the skin is a nearby volcanic mountain, but there is no extinct volcano in the immediate vicinity, at least not that we know of. However, if you still look to the bottom through the ruins in the sea in the early morning, you can see that the sand is moving due to the current of water coming from the bottom.
Also ideal for diving and snorkeling
The hot water source in Cleopatra Bath Bay, whose value was understood in ancient times, must have been exhausted years ago, because rainwater was brought to the bath later with pipes. This water was heated and continued to serve as a bath.
There is also a Byzantine monastery near the bath. As a result of the earthquakes, both buildings turned into ruins, half of which were in the sea. The stones of the ruins are scattered on the sea floor. Thanks to these stones, the water has a perfect turquoise color and the variety of living things is very rich. That's why Hamam Bay is a very popular stop for those who want to dive and snorkel.
Have sea shoes with you
Among the ruins, the water does not exceed its height, but one side of Hamam Bay is quite deep. Among the stones there are sharp ones. For this reason, it is useful to have your sea shoes with you.
How to get to Hamam Bay
In order to come to Cleopatra Hamam Bay, which is located in the south of
Sarsala Bay, another beautiful corner of Göcek, it is necessary to join a boat tour or
charter a yacht.
When you come to Hamam Bay, do not forget to go ashore. In fact, take a small walk, go to the ancient city of Arymaxa on the hill, and watch the beauties of Gökgemile and Cleopatra Hamam Bay from above.
During the walk, you can collect carob fruit from the trees and add extra flavor to your walk.
It is not possible to reach Hamam Bay by road other than the sea route, but if you want to do trekking, you can reach the bay with a difficult walk of about 2 hours from Sarsala Bay.
You can
charter a boat from Göcek and go to Hamam Bay comfortably.