C L E O P A T R A  B E A C H

At one of the further points of Gokova Bay lies, Sedir Island and Cleopatra Beach. Legend has it that this was the beach where Cleopatra would rendezvous with Marc so many centuries ago - a mid point between Egypt and Rome. To make the beach more comfortable for Cleopatra, Marc Anthony shipped tons of special sand from Egypt. Today it is a beautiful beach that you can no longer walk on, but you still have access to the crystal clear water – as clear as the clearest swimming pool and a beautiful turquoise blue color.

The sand has made this beach famous. Tiny grains of almost transparent perfectly round pearl-like sand. The sand is of an extraordinary texture and color, and in classical sources there is a suggestion that is was not natural sand but specially transported here from North Africa on Anthony's orders. So special is the sand that a security guard makes sure that you don't abscond with the small grains of sand! In fact, the sand was most likely formed naturally from carbonated waters and is reported to be highly flamable.

There are also the ruins of Cedreae, which flourished in the Hellenistic centuries and was one of the more important continental colonies of ancient Rhodes. A powerful wall surrounds the eastern half of the island; within it are the foundations of the temple of Apollo superseded by those of a Byzantine church. A theater lies buried amid the olive groves. The theater is a short walk on a pathway through some brush – so be sure to bring footwear. There are some beautiful views along the pathway, so get your cameras ready. I was again reminded that with the good always comes the bad – with the beautiful water and incredible sand - be on the lookout for giant spiders which apparently like to feed on the olives trees that grow along the pathway to the theater.

Admission: about $8 USD (in Turkish Lira) per person to enter the beach. (apparently to pay the guy who is making sure we don't steal the sand)