Dikili (Pergamon), Turkey

Fanned out across a wide bay along northern Turkey’s Aegean coast, Dikili (pronounced DEE-kee-lee) is blessed with more than 20 miles of sandy beaches, thermal springs and mud baths, the hidden Nebilier (aka, “Lovers”) Waterfall, and the Karsgol mountain range with its breathtaking crater lake. Dikili also offers access to the ancient city of Pergamon (Pergamum), one of Turkey’s most important archaeological sites. A Persian city-state until Alexander the Great conquer it in the 2nd century BC, Pergamon evolved into a major Greek center of culture and medicine, renowned for its Asklepieion (Asclepieion) healing sanctuary and a library second only to Alexandria. Under Roman rule, it fostered one of the earliest Christian communities in Asia Minor while serving as the region’s Imperial capital — the infamous city “where Satan’s throne is,” according to the Book of Revelation. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Pergamon cascades down a steep peak above the modern town of Bergama. The vast ruins include the acropolis with its Temple of Trajan and Temple of Athena; a dramatic, 10,000-seat Hellenistic amphitheater; and the Asklepieion healing center set at the mountain’s base.