Lycian Coast

The ancient geographical region and once Kingdom of Lycia lies on the southern, Mediterranean coast of Turkey, bounded by Fethiye to the west, Antalya to the east and Korkuteli to the north. The region is steeped in both history and natural beauty.

The ancient Lycians were a democratic and independent people who spoke their own Indo-European language closely related to Luwian and Hittite. The Greeks admired the Lycians because while most Greek city states were often at war with each other, the Lycians had established a democratic federation that maintained peace between the various Lycian cities. Given its strategic location, the Kingdom of Lycia was of great interest to many competing powers. Lycia was first conquered by the Persians. When Alexander the Great arrived, after the Persians, the Lycians adopted Greek culture. After Alexander, Lycia became a part of the Roman Empire and the Romans built several cities and ports, theaters, temples, and ceremonial gates, all linked with paved roads. By the 4th century the Roman Empire crumbled, and Christianity took hold in Lycia. Several Byzantine monasteries were established in the Lycian hills at this time.

Today, the Lycian Peninsula is a popular tourist attraction. Tourists typically drive around the peninsula, starting from Antalya, and covering sights like Aspendos, Perge, Xanthos and Letoon, Patara and Demre (Myra). Another popular attraction is the Lycian Way, a 540 km trail around the southern coast of Turkey, from Fethiye to Antalya, that takes around 29 days to cover fully. The trail, which often has steep gradients, covers several of the ancient Roman roads, footpaths and mule trails, and several important historical sites.

Destinations

Key sights to see

Antalya

Antalya is the largest city on the Lycian coast, also known as the Turquoise Coast for its clear blue waters. Believed to have been founded around 200 BC by King Attalos of Pergamon, Antalya was later a part of the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman empires. Today, Antalya is Turkey's biggest international sea resort and is famous for its historical monuments like Hadrian's Gate, magnificent beaches, hidden bays and coves, a vibrant nightlife, and an excellent gastronomy scene.

Aspendos

Located about 40 km east of Antalya, Aspendos is an ancient Greco-Roman city that is famous for one of the best preserved Roman theaters in the world. Built in 155 AD, the theater has a diameter of 96 meters (315 feet), rises nearly 100 meters high, and has a capacity of over 12,000 spectators. Other important historical sites in Apendos include the remains of the Acropolis of Aspendos, a basilica, agora, nymphaeum, and 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) of a Roman aqueduct.

Perge

The incredible ancient city of Perge, also known as Perga, has been continuously inhabited since the Copper Age (5th millennium BC). The most impressive historical sites found here are the Great Theater, the Stadium, and the massive City Gate Towers from the Hellenistic period (4th century BC). Other important remains include the mile-long, colonnaded street, the southern baths, the agora, the acropolis on a nearby hilltop, various fountains and 5th and 6th century churches and temples that have been recently excavated.

Xanthos and Letoon

Xanthos and Letoon are among the most remarkable archaeological sites in Turkey, and have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Xanthos was the capital city of the Lycian Federation and its greatest city for most of Lycian history. Some of the key remaining ruins here include the first and second acropolis, the Roman amphitheater, the Xanthian obelisk, the necropolis, Roman-Byzantine street, and Byzantine basilica. Letoon, located less than 10 km to the south of Xanthos, was a religious center and a sanctuary of Leto, the mother of Apollo and Artemis.

Patara

Patara is the birthplace of St. Nicholas, commonly known as Santa Claus. There are several Greek and Roman ruins to be found here including the Tepecik acropolis and necropolis, the Arch of Modestus, the Vespasian bath, an amphitheater, Hadrian's granary, and the Patara lighthouse, which is possibly the oldest lighthouse in the world. Archaeologists have still not found Patara's Temple of Apollo, whose oracle is said to have rivaled the oracle at Delphi. Patara is also mentioned in the New Testament as the site where St. Paul exchanged ships with Luke on his journey to Jerusalem.

Demre

Demre is the Lycian town of Myra and was the home of Saint Nicholas, commonly known as Santa Claus. His remains were once held at a 11th century church in Demre, now known as the Santa Claus Museum. In 1087 though, most of his remains were forcibly taken to Italy, with some taken to Bari, and the remainder to Venice. Today, Demre is mainly a seaside resort with several Roman era ruins like the well preserved theater and rock-hewn tombs. It is also famous for its agricultural produce, particularly pomegranate and citrus fruits.

Lycian Coast

Destinations

Antalya

Aspendos

Perge

Xanthos and Letoon

Patara

Demre

Map

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