It is known that the ancient city of Phaselis, located 18 kilometers southwest of Kemer and 58 kilometers southwest of Antalya, was founded by Rhodian colonists in the seventh century BC. The city's geographical location shows that it was an important harbor city. The town has three harbors, one on the north of the peninsula, one on the northeast, and the third on the southwest coast.

The welcoming of Alexander the Great with a golden crown in 333 BC is one of the most critical lines in the city's history.

Phaselis, under Byzantine rule in the fifth and sixth centuries, was abandoned entirely from the beginning of the 13th century due to its damage during the Seljuk siege in the 12th century. Predominantly Roman and Byzantine ruins have survived to the present day. These are lined up on both sides of the main street, which forms the city's central axis and connects the north-south harbors. The road widens between the agora and the theatre, creating a small square. Steps in the square's southeast corner provide access to the theatre and the acropolis. The theatre is a typical Hellenistic period theatre of small size.