Tlos and Pinara: Two Lycian Cities Within Reach of Fethiye

Most visitors to Fethiye see the Tomb of Amyntas and stop there. If you have a day to spare and an interest in ancient history, two Lycian cities in the hills and valleys inland are well worth the trip: Tlos and Pinara. Neither is crowded, both have impressive rock tombs in dramatic settings, and both fit easily into a day with a visit to Saklıkent Gorge.

A very short introduction to Lycia

Lycia was a region of southwest Anatolia where a distinct culture grew up, with its own language and a love of carving tombs into cliffs. The Lycians were organised into a league of cities, and later came under Persian, Hellenistic and Roman rule. Their buildings are often scattered across hillsides, so you walk through ruins that are half buried in pine, thyme and wild olive. Our Amyntas guide covers the Lycians in more detail.

Tlos

Tlos is one of the oldest known Lycian cities, perched on a rocky spur above the Xanthos valley, roughly 45 km from Fethiye. It is easy to reach by road, and it is well suited to a morning visit.

• The acropolis and fortress: At the top stands an Ottoman-era fortress built on older foundations. The view across the valley and mountains is the highlight, and sunrise or late afternoon light is especially good.
• Rock tombs: Lycian tombs with temple-style fronts are carved into the cliff, including the so-called Tomb of Bellerophon, famous for a relief of a rider on a winged horse. Look carefully for the carved details.
• The theatre: A Roman-period theatre with well-preserved seating faces the mountains. It is smaller than the great theatres of the coast but beautifully placed.
• Baths and stadium: Remains of Roman baths and a stadium lie lower down the slope.

Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours. Paths are uneven and steep in places, so wear proper shoes. There is an entrance fee, and prices and hours change, so check locally.

Pinara

Pinara is more remote, further to the west, and it feels wilder. The city is set under a huge rock face riddled with hundreds of rock-cut tombs, and the ruins are spread across several levels of the hillside.

• The cliff tombs: Hundreds of small cavities, some with painted or carved decoration, climb the rock face. From the plain below the effect is striking.
• The theatre and agora: Smaller than those at Tlos, but quiet and atmospheric.
• Royal tombs: Several tombs with carved reliefs of city scenes are among the most interesting at the site.

The roads are narrower and the site involves more walking and scrambling than Tlos. Allow 2 to 3 hours, bring plenty of water, and go in the morning in summer. If you are not comfortable on uneven ground, Tlos is the easier choice. Check local conditions before you go.

Getting there

You can reach both with a rental car or a taxi arranged for the day. Public transport to Tlos is limited, and it is not practical for Pinara. Many tour operators in Fethiye offer a combined day trip to Tlos and Saklıkent, sometimes with a trout lunch. A tour is a good option if you do not want to drive on mountain roads. Pinara is less often included, so ask in advance if it is a priority.

Combining with other stops

• Saklıkent Gorge: Only a short drive from Tlos, as described in our Saklıkent guide.
• Xanthos and the Letoon: Larger Lycian sites further east, recognised for their historical importance.
• Trout restaurants: Riverside places near Saklıkent and Yaka Park are popular lunch stops.

When to go

April to June and September to October are the best months, with good weather for walking and green countryside. In July and August, start early and avoid the middle of the day, because there is little shade on the sites. In winter the paths can be slippery after rain.

What to bring

• Strong shoes or light hiking boots with a good grip.
• A hat, sunscreen and plenty of water. There are few facilities at the sites.
• A small first aid kit and a charged phone.
• Cash for entrance fees and a simple lunch.

Respect the sites

Do not climb on tombs, walls or carved stones, and do not remove any pieces. These ruins have survived for more than two thousand years. Leaving them untouched means that the next visitor can enjoy them too.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Tlos and Pinara?

Tlos is easier to reach and has a fortress, a theatre and rock tombs with valley views. Pinara is more remote and wilder, with hundreds of rock tombs on a huge cliff.

How far is Tlos from Fethiye?

About 45 km by road, roughly an hour's drive.

Can I visit Tlos and Saklıkent on the same day?

Yes. They are close to each other and many tours combine them.

Is there an entrance fee?

Yes at Tlos, and possibly at Pinara. Check current prices and hours locally.

Is it suitable for children?

Tlos is fine for most children. Pinara involves more uneven ground and scrambling.