Pinara Ancient City Turkey
Explore Pinara, a hidden Lycian gem with awe-inspiring rock tombs carved into cliffs and a well-preserved ancient theater. A hiker's paradise with stu...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for exploring
Pinara Ancient City Turkey
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Pinara, a hidden Lycian gem with awe-inspiring rock tombs carved into cliffs and a well-preserved ancient theater. A hiker's paradise with stunning views.
"Magnificent and underrated Lycian/Greek/Roman cities! Very few tourists."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Uneven terrain and rock climbing are part of the adventure. Comfortable footwear is essential! :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. There are no facilities on-site. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spectacular Rock Tombs
Southwest side
Intricate tombs carved directly into the cliff face, showcasing Lycian artistry and engineering. A must-see!
Ancient Theater
Northeast side
A well-preserved theater with 27 rows of seats, offering a glimpse into ancient entertainment and social life.
Panoramic Summit Views
Summit of Mount Cragus
Hike to the top for breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape and coastline. The climb is challenging but rewarding.
Agora and Odeon
East of the cliff
Explore the remnants of the city's public spaces, including the marketplace and a small performance hall.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Hike
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Uneven terrain and rock climbing are part of the adventure. Comfortable footwear is essential! :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. There are no facilities on-site. :droplet:
☀️ Avoid Midday Sun
The sun can be intense. Plan your visit for cooler parts of the day. :sunwithface:
🗺️ Explore Off the Beaten Path
Wander freely and discover hidden tombs and unique rock formations. Embrace the adventure! :compass:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Uneven terrain and rock climbing are part of the adventure. Comfortable footwear is essential! :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. There are no facilities on-site. :droplet:
☀️ Avoid Midday Sun
The sun can be intense. Plan your visit for cooler parts of the day. :sunwithface:
🗺️ Explore Off the Beaten Path
Wander freely and discover hidden tombs and unique rock formations. Embrace the adventure! :compass:
📸 Drone Photography
Capture stunning aerial views of the ruins and landscape. Check local regulations first.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pinara Ancient City is a magnificent and underrated historical site, praised for its stunning rock tombs and well-preserved theater. Visitors appreciate the challenging hike to the summit for its breathtaking views and the sense of discovery exploring the ruins. While the journey can be steep and the site requires significant walking, the unique atmosphere and historical depth make it a highly recommended destination for those seeking an authentic ancient experience away from the crowds.
"Great historical and religious site! Pinara was home to one of the greatest Christian Orthodox saints Saint Nicholas of Zion who was a bishop in Pinara by the end of his life in the 6th century. He was great miracleworker who healed the sick and expelled many demons from people. There was Greek Orthodox Basilica and churches in Pinara, close to agora and odeon. My goal, as Orthodox Christian, was to pay tribute to this great Christian saint."
Roman Z
"Like many Lycian cities not much is known about the early history of Pinara. The people of Xanthos were forced by overpopulation to establish a new city on a peak that curves out from Mt Cragos. They called it Pinara, after the Lycian word for “round”. Homer mentions a Lycian archer called Pandarus. This may be the Pandarus honoured in later times in Pinara. The city enters history properly in 334 BC, when it surrendered to Alexander the Great. However, there is no doubt about its importance before that time. It had three votes in the Lycian Leage. After the death of Alexander his empire was divided among the Diadochoi and Pinara came under the rule of Pergamum. When Attalus 3 bequeathed his kingdom to Rome in 133 BC Pinara became a Roman city. In Roman times it enjoyed a considerable degree of prosperity and although badly damaged by earthquakes in 141 AD and 240 AD, was inhabited until 9C.
The great red cliff which rises to a height of 500m, never fails to impress. The summit may be reached, with some difficulty, by a path that starts on the south side. The earliest settlement was located on the top, but little of that remains. In more settled times the city was moved to a smaller hill east of the cliff. There is an agora and a small odeon on the northeast side and south sides a number of rock tombs. The theatre with 27 rows of seats was constructed in Greek from. A substantial part of the stage building remains."
Ahmet Esen
"The road up is a bit steep. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have gone but when I got up there the view and experience was absolutely worth the drive. The tombs are relatively well preserved! The nature is wonderful to walk through. There’s no official path so you climb over rocks randomly in the direction you feel called towards. Bouldering is part of the experience if you want it to be. I highly recommend."
Maya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pinara Ancient City is located near Fethiye. You can hire a car or take a taxi for the most direct route. Public transport options are limited, so a private vehicle is recommended for ease of access. The drive takes approximately 45-60 minutes.
The road leading up to Pinara can be steep and narrow in parts. While manageable for most cars, drivers should exercise caution. Some visitors mention it's a bit of a drive, but the views are worth it.
Yes, there is a car park available at the top, near the entrance to the site. From there, it's a short trek to the main ruins and theater.
Pinara is quite a distance from Antalya (around 3-4 hours drive one way). While possible, it would make for a very long day. It's more feasible as a day trip from Fethiye or Ölüdeniz.
While not as common as for more famous sites, some local tour operators in Fethiye may offer excursions that include Pinara. It's best to inquire locally or book in advance if you prefer a guided experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Pinara Ancient City. It's advisable to check the current ticket prices and opening hours before your visit, as these can change.
Pinara is typically open during daylight hours. It's best to confirm the exact opening and closing times with local authorities or your accommodation, as they can vary seasonally.
The entrance fee usually covers access to the entire ancient city, including the path to the summit. There are no separate charges for reaching the top, but the climb itself requires effort.
It's unlikely that a standard museum pass covers Pinara, as it's managed by local authorities. It's best to purchase tickets directly at the site or through official channels.
Discounts may be available for students and seniors. It's recommended to inquire at the ticket office upon arrival or check the official website for any applicable concessions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
To fully explore Pinara, including the rock tombs, theater, and a hike to the summit, allocate at least 3-4 hours. Some visitors spend longer if they enjoy leisurely exploration.
Pinara involves a lot of walking and uneven terrain, with some climbing. It might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. Older children who enjoy exploring might find it fascinating.
There are very limited facilities at Pinara. Restrooms might be available near the car park, but there are no cafes or shops on-site. It's essential to bring your own water and snacks.
The rock tombs are scattered across the hillside. Wander freely and explore the ones that catch your eye. The tombs on the southwest side are particularly impressive.
Cell service can be spotty within the ancient city, especially in the more remote areas. Wi-Fi is generally not available. Download offline maps if you need navigation. :iphone:
📸 📸 Photography
The rock tombs against the cliff face, the ancient theater, and the panoramic views from the summit are prime photography locations. The golden hour light is particularly beautiful.
Drone photography is possible and can yield stunning results, as seen in some social media posts. However, always check and adhere to local drone regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the ruins and landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the rock tombs. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light shots. :camerawithflash:
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, professional photography or filming might require special permits. Always be respectful of the historical site.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. This also helps avoid harsh midday sun.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it a shorter visit focused on the most accessible areas, like the theater and some of the lower rock tombs, if you have younger kids. The panoramic views from higher points can also be a great reward for their efforts. Emphasize the historical and adventurous aspects to keep them engaged.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Adventure Seekers
Wear your most comfortable hiking boots and pack extra water. The lack of defined paths adds to the adventure, allowing you to forge your own route through the ruins and natural landscape. It's an excellent destination for those seeking an active and immersive historical exploration.
🏛️ History and Archaeology Buffs
Take your time to appreciate the details of the ruins and imagine life in this ancient city. Consider researching the Lycian League and the historical context before your visit to enhance your understanding. The site's relative lack of crowds allows for a more intimate and contemplative experience with history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Lycian Civilization and Pinara
The city's history stretches back to at least the 4th century BCE, when it surrendered to Alexander the Great in 334 BCE. Following Alexander's death, Pinara fell under the rule of Pergamon and later became a Roman city in 133 BCE. Despite suffering damage from earthquakes in 141 AD and 240 AD, Pinara remained inhabited until the 9th century, leaving behind a rich archaeological legacy.
Today, Pinara is celebrated for its well-preserved ruins, particularly its impressive rock-cut tombs that are carved into the sheer cliff face. These tombs, along with the ancient theater, agora, and odeon, offer a tangible connection to the Lycian, Greek, and Roman civilizations that once thrived here.
+1Exploring the Rock Tombs and Theater
The ancient theater, located on the northeast side, is another highlight. With 27 rows of seats, it provides a clear view of the stage building, much of which still stands. Imagine the performances and gatherings that once took place here, echoing the vibrant social life of the ancient city. Exploring these structures offers a profound sense of history and a connection to the past.
Many visitors describe the experience of exploring Pinara as an adventure, with no strict paths, encouraging a sense of discovery. This freedom allows for spontaneous exploration, where you might stumble upon hidden chambers or unique rock formations. It's an immersive experience that goes beyond simply sightseeing.
The Religious Significance of Pinara
The presence of a Greek Orthodox Basilica and churches within Pinara underscores its historical role as a center of Christian worship. For those interested in religious history, visiting Pinara offers an opportunity to pay tribute to this influential saint and explore the remnants of early Christian sites within the ancient city.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit