Sedir or Cedar Island - Ancient Kedrai Marmaris

Kedrai City

Kedrai; 18km from Marmaris on the Gulf of Gokova is Camli Quay from where boats depart for Sedir Island taking visitors to the famous Cleopatra Beach and ruins of the ancient Carian city of Kedrai. Kedrai is actually the Greek word for cedar and although today there are no cedar trees there it is thought that they once grew here and used to build frames for ships in ancient times.  

Sedir Island

The island sits directly opposite the Greek island of Rhodes and was once part of the Rhodian State. Kedrai ancient city was surrounded by walls and towers, some of which are still visible along the coastline, and there are foundation remains of a Temple of Apollo.  
Other ruins include buildings, an agora, necropolis, and on the east of the island is the theatre that has remained in fairly good condition. The historian Ksenophon wrote of a Peloponnesian War that took place in 450 BC between Athens and Sparta, the island was attacked by Spartan General Lysander for siding with Athens and enslaved the local people that Ksenophon described as being half barbarian.  

Cleopatra's Beach

Cleopatra’s Beach is so named as it is said that the Roman Emperor Mark Anthony brought the golden sand by ship from Egypt for her to enjoy when visiting the island.