Kaunos Ancient City
Explore Kaunos, an ancient port city with stunning Lycian rock tombs carved into cliffs, offering a journey through millennia of history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid midday heat & crowds
Kaunos Ancient City
Best Time
Avoid midday heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Kaunos, an ancient port city with stunning Lycian rock tombs carved into cliffs, offering a journey through millennia of history.
"Absolutely amazing ancient ruins, quite a hike but worth it for the views!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The terrain is dusty and can be a challenging climb. Good walking shoes are essential for exploring the ancient city.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
It gets very hot and exposed, especially during summer. Stay hydrated!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lycian Rock Tombs
Cliffs overlooking the Dalyan River
Majestic tombs carved high into the cliffs, dating back over 2,400 years. A breathtaking sight with historical significance.
Ancient Theater
Lower plateau of the ancient city
A well-preserved theater offering a glimpse into ancient entertainment and social life.
Acropolis and City Ruins
Upper plateaus
Explore the remnants of this once-thriving port city, with structures showcasing Carian, Lycian, and Roman influences.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Getting to the Rock Tombs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The terrain is dusty and can be a challenging climb. Good walking shoes are essential for exploring the ancient city.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
It gets very hot and exposed, especially during summer. Stay hydrated!
💰 Affordable River Crossing
A small rowboat service offers an inexpensive way to cross the river to the ancient city.
📸 Capture the Views
The rock tombs against the river and landscape are incredibly photogenic.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The terrain is dusty and can be a challenging climb. Good walking shoes are essential for exploring the ancient city.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
It gets very hot and exposed, especially during summer. Stay hydrated!
💰 Affordable River Crossing
A small rowboat service offers an inexpensive way to cross the river to the ancient city.
📸 Capture the Views
The rock tombs against the river and landscape are incredibly photogenic.
🗺️ Explore Beyond the Tombs
Don't miss the theater and other ruins within the ancient city complex.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning Lycian rock tombs and the historical depth of Kaunos Ancient City. The site offers a captivating glimpse into the past with its well-preserved ruins and dramatic cliffside architecture. While the heat and climb can be challenging, the breathtaking views and the overall experience are widely considered well worth the visit.
"Absolutely amazing ancient ruins. Quite a hike from one plateau to another but worth it. The boat across was 100TL for two people return. And the pancakes at the cafe on that side were amazing.
Well worth a visit.
If you go into the cemetery and walk straight on, then take a little turn right at the fence you can get a closer look at the rock tombs."
Dianne Holland
"An amazing relic of the past. I'd like to give everyone a little information here. There is no need to get a boat trip to visit this place.
Walk along the front in the direction of the sea. (Left). You will see a restaurant on the other side. There is a row boat service to take you to over. The cost is insignificant.
You will see a single road on the other side. Simply walk along it for approximately 20 minutes and you will arrive at Caunos. You can not miss it. It's an easy walk for most people. You do have to get in and out of the boat, obviously but you will be helped.
These are pictures of the crossing point."
James Bogie
"Kaunos is a must see if you’re in the area! So much amazing history to see and gorgeous views over the water! Remember to bring water as it’s HOT up there… they have opened a little cafe to grab a drink too."
Kylee Kotyk
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Kaunos Ancient City from Dalyan via a short boat ride across the river. Many visitors take a dedicated boat tour, but a smaller, more affordable rowboat service is also available. Alternatively, you can walk along the riverbank for about 20 minutes to reach the site.
While the ancient city itself is not directly accessible by car, you can drive to Dalyan and then take a boat or walk to the site. Parking is available in Dalyan.
Yes, Kaunos Ancient City is a popular day trip destination from Marmaris. It's often combined with other local attractions.
The most scenic and common way to approach Kaunos is by boat, offering stunning views of the rock tombs as you arrive.
Kaunos Ancient City is located near Dalyan, which is about an hour's drive from Fethiye. Many visitors combine a trip to Kaunos with other sites in the region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Kaunos Ancient City is typically around 150 Turkish Lira, payable at the top of the site. Prices can vary, so it's always good to check for the latest information.
Kaunos Ancient City is generally open daily from morning until early evening. It's advisable to check the specific opening hours closer to your visit, especially during different seasons.
Tickets can usually be purchased on-site. Advance booking is generally not required for Kaunos Ancient City, but it's always a good idea to check official sources if you prefer to secure your entry beforehand.
Currently, there isn't a widely advertised combined ticket for Kaunos with other specific sites. However, many boat tours may include stops at various points of interest in the Dalyan area.
Information on specific discounts for Kaunos Ancient City is not widely available. It's best to inquire at the ticket office upon arrival for any potential concessions.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Kaunos features impressive rock-cut tombs, an ancient theater, a basilica, a Roman bath, and remnants of city walls and houses, showcasing a blend of Lycian, Carian, and Roman architecture.
Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore Kaunos Ancient City thoroughly, including the climb to the upper ruins and enjoying the views.
The site involves walking on uneven terrain and climbing to higher points. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
Yes, there are restrooms available, and a small cafe has opened on-site offering drinks and snacks, which is convenient for visitors.
The rock tombs are a defining feature of Kaunos, carved into the cliffs for elite burials. They represent a unique blend of Lycian funerary architecture and offer spectacular views.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo opportunities are the Lycian rock tombs from across the river, and from various vantage points within the ancient city looking out over the landscape.
Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout Kaunos Ancient City. However, always be respectful of the historical site and other visitors.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a beautiful golden glow on the ruins and tombs.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the site management before flying a drone at Kaunos Ancient City.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the rock tombs and the theater. A telephoto lens can be useful for details within the ruins.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The ancient theater and the sprawling ruins offer ample opportunities for capturing architectural details and panoramic views. Visiting during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon will provide the most dramatic lighting for your shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Kaunos
+1 The city was renowned for its salt production and trade, contributing to its prosperity over centuries. Despite the harbor silting up over time, leading to its inland location today, Kaunos remains a vital testament to the region's rich past. It is currently on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, highlighting its global importance. +1The most striking features of Kaunos are its Lycian rock-cut tombs, carved high into the cliffs overlooking the Dalyan River. These elaborate tombs, dating back over 2,400 years, were once reserved for the elite and offer a dramatic visual spectacle.
The ongoing restoration work ensures that visitors can better understand and appreciate the scale and complexity of this ancient metropolis. Exploring Kaunos provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and imagine life in this once-thriving port. The blend of architectural styles and the dramatic natural setting make it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.
The site's inclusion on the UNESCO tentative list underscores its exceptional universal value and the need for its preservation for future generations. Experiencing Kaunos: Tips from Travelers
Practical advice from travelers emphasizes the importance of wearing comfortable walking shoes due to the dusty and uneven terrain.
For those interested in photography, the rock tombs against the backdrop of the river and the surrounding landscape are a major draw.
The ancient theater and other ruins also offer excellent photographic opportunities. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit