• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Istanbul
  • Cappadocia
  • Mediterranean
  • Aegean
  • Black Sea
  • Other Places
Turkish Travel Blog

Turkish Travel Blog

Turkish People, Culture, History, and Places inTurkey

  • Culture and Traditions
  • Food and Drink
  • History
  • Travel Tips
  • Living in Turkey
  • About Turkey
    • About the Blog
    • Advertising
    • Contact

Where to See Lycian Rock Tombs in Turkey

by Natalie

Everyone who visits this country should see the Lycian rock tombs in Turkey. They are a reminder of the past, and a previous civilization but more important, they will astonish you, even if you have no interest in history. Citizens of Lycia, a previous empire that occupied the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, carved tombs into the sides of hilltops and mountains. They were a resting place for prominent members of society, who were buried with their most treasured possessions that would accompany them into the afterlife.

Lycian rock tombs in Turkey

Intricately carved with symbols of Lycian beliefs, the tombs were constructed in high places so the winged creature taking them into the afterlife would have easy access.

Unfortunately, over history, robbers ransacked many tombs and sprayed graffiti on others. Also because of safety reasons; entering inside some of them is forbidden. This still does not distract attention away from their splendid appearance.

Where to see Lycian rock tombs in Turkey

Historians estimate more than 1000 Lycian rock tombs exist today, all along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey! This is where the Lycian empire existed, long before the Ottomans and Romans conquered the area.

Lycian rock tombs Turkey

The most popular places to see them are….

Demre: Myra

In the region of Demre, the ancient ruins of Myra, sit side-by-side with Lycian rock tombs. If you wear sturdy walking shoes, you can venture close to them and have a better look at the intricate carvings. Demre is also a great base to stay overnight because along with  ruins and tombs, the church of Saint Nicholas aka Santa Claus, is an excellent place to visit.

Myra rock tombs

Xanthos Valley: Tlos

Hardly featuring in any international guidebooks, the rock tombs of Tlos are another chance to get up close and to date, they are my favourite. Overlooking the ancient ruins of the city and Xanthos Valley landscape, they are within a short drive of all major resorts including Olu Deniz, Calis, and Fethiye.

Tlos Lycian Tombs Turkey

Dalyan: Caunos

No doubt, the most famous rock tombs are six that adorn picture postcards of Dalyan. Overlooking the river, they resemble temples on first appearance, because of the facade carvings. Also known as Caunus or Kaunos, I saw them 12 years ago from a distance but will return because my memories have faded. In addition, I never saw the ruins of the ancient city sitting nearby.

Dalyan rock tombs

(Picture credit : Peter J Dean)

Fethiye: Amyntas

Overlooking the bustling city of Fethiye, sits a majestic collection of tombs, which are reached by completing a strenuous, uphill walk.  I failed to complete the walk; therefore, I now have a reason to return to the area. The most famous of the tombs is called Amyntas.

Fethiye rock tombs

(Picture credit : Stevie gill)

Handy Tips

If trekking and history is your passion, research the Lycian way, a 509-kilometre walk covering all Lycian city and tomb remains on the Mediterranean coast. It can be completed in stages, all at once or you can cheat as I did and use transport instead!

Olympos sarcophagi

Also, look for Lycian sarcophagi. I saw plenty among the ruins of Patara, Olympos and in one of the main streets of Kas! While trying to complete a strenuous sea kayaking trip, I  saw the partly submerged sarcophagus of Simena. They are everywhere!

Patara sarcophagi

Save

Pin112
Share108
Tweet
Share
220 Shares

Filed Under: History, Mediterranean Coast

Hi. I'm Natalie, a freelance travel blogger and writer specializing in the country of Turkey. I love hot summer days, historical sites and coffee. Read More…

Primary Sidebar

istanbul tourist pass

Search This Website

Popular Posts

Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul : Last Days of the Ottoman EmpireDolmabahce Palace in Istanbul : Last Days of the Ottoman Empire49K Total Shares
The Colourful Wooden Mosque of MaralThe Colourful Wooden Mosque of Maral6K Total Shares
Santa Claus and His Life in TurkeySanta Claus and His Life in Turkey5K Total Shares
Sanliurfa (Urfa) : The City of Abraham in TurkeySanliurfa (Urfa) : The City of Abraham in Turkey4K Total Shares
The Serene House of the Virgin MaryThe Serene House of the Virgin Mary3K Total Shares
Ottoman Intrigue at Topkapi Palace in IstanbulOttoman Intrigue at Topkapi Palace in Istanbul3K Total Shares

Footer

Everything Else

  • Blog Sitemap
  • GDPR, Privacy and Cookies
  • Terms of Use and Disclaimer

Of Interest

  • About Us
  • Advertising and PR
  • Map of Turkey

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Copyright @2023 - Turkish Travel Blog

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT