Lycian Coast: From Dalyan to Antalya

KaunosKaunos was a Carian port on the border with Lycia, settled at least since the 9th century BC. Today, the ruined city lies about 5 km from the sea. Since 2014, Kaunos has been on Turkey's Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage.Rock TombsTombs with temple facades are carved into the cliffs above the river. They date from the 4th century BC and follow Lycian models. The best way to see them is from the riverbank in Dalyan or from a boat.Turtle Protectionİztuzu Beach is a nesting site for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta). The DEKAMER rescue center on the beach cares for injured animals.

Telmessos and the LyciansModern-day Fethiye stands on the remains of the ancient city of Telmessos, a settlement in the Lycian heartland. Above the city lies the Tomb of Amyntas, a temple-tomb from around 350 BC. Further rock tombs are carved into the slopes on the southern edge of the city.1957 EarthquakeIn April 1957, severe earthquakes destroyed large parts of the city. Consequently, the centre is largely modern. The rock tombs survived the quakes.Kayaköy and the Population ExchangeIn the mountain village of Kayaköy, formerly Livissi, Greek Orthodox families lived until the early 20th century. Following the Greek-Turkish War and the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne, the last residents had to leave the village. Today, around 500 house ruins are listed as historic monuments.

AntiphellosIn Hellenistic and Roman times, Kaş was Antiphellos, the port of the city of Phellos. The Hellenistic theatre had seating for around 4,000 spectators and looks directly out to sea. It was restored in 2008 and today serves as a venue for jazz concerts.Lycian TombsIn Uzunçarşı Street stands the King's Tomb, a Lycian sarcophagus from the 4th century BC with two lion heads on its lid. It bears an inscription in Lycian script. Other rock tombs are carved into the cliffs above the town.Diving SpotKaş is one of Turkey's most renowned diving destinations, with numerous dive schools and around 40 dive sites. Off the coast lies a replica of the Bronze Age Uluburun shipwreck and a sunken C-47 transport aircraft.

Lycian OlymposOlympos was one of the six cities with three votes in the Lycian League. In the 1st century BC, it was associated with piracy: The Romans besieged the fortress of the pirate Zeniketes, who killed himself and his family rather than surrender. Olympos was subsequently expelled from the League.Roman and Byzantine TracesUnder Roman rule, Olympos grew into a city with a planned street network and baths. In the center are the remains of nine early Byzantine churches, and a necropolis with tombs on the north side.The ChimaeraAbove Çıralı, gas, mainly methane, emerges from the rock on the slopes of Yanartaş and burns continuously. Ancient authors like Pliny already described the flames. They are most impressive after sunset.

AttaleiaKing Attalos II of Pergamon founded the city as Attaleia in the 2nd century BC. Emperor Hadrian visited in AD 130, and Hadrian's Gate was built in his honour. The Hıdırlık Tower on the edge of the old town also dates from Roman times.Seljuks and OttomansThe Seljuks conquered Antalya in 1207 and, after a brief Byzantine reconquest, for good in 1216. The 38 m Yivli Minare, the fluted minaret with remains of turquoise and dark blue tiles, dates from their era. The old town of Kaleiçi, with its lanes and Ottoman-era houses, has been restored and is now home to guesthouses, bars and restaurants.Antalya MuseumThe archaeological museum has been closed since July 2025. Because of earthquake risk, the old building is being replaced by a new one on the same site, with completion announced for the end of 2026. Check the current status before your visit.