Sedir Island (Cleopatra Beach)

Beach / Bay

In the Gulf of Gökova, a protected island with unique sand said to be brought for Cleopatra, and the ruins of ancient Kedrai.

Scattered across the waters of the Gulf of Gökova, Sedir Island holds both a natural marvel and an ancient city. The island is covered with the theatre, temple and wall remains of ancient Kedrai, yet its true fame comes from the oval, snow-white and surprisingly coarse-grained sand of the famous Cleopatra Beach. According to popular legend, this unique sand was shipped from North Africa for Cleopatra, lover of the Roman commander Antony. Though scientific study shows the sand is geologically native to the region, its grains really do have a structure found in very few places on earth.

To preserve this singularity, the beach is strictly protected: stepping on the sand, laying down a towel or taking a single grain is forbidden, and those who wish to swim enter the sea from wooden platforms set along the shore. This careful protection ensures that sand formed over millions of years passes to future generations. The island is reached by a short trip on small boats from the Çamlı (Kızılağaç) jetty on the Gökova coast; a day among clear water, the scent of pine and ancient stones is one of Gökova’s most special experiences.