EN
Fethiye Lycian Stone Sarcophagi
Once the Greek city of Telmessos and an important stop along the Lycian way, Fethiye’s ancient ruins reveal a history dating back to 350 BC. The Lycian Stone Sarcophagi are scattered around the modern town and the ancient tombs are easily missed if you don’t know where to look.
The basics
Exploring Fethiye with a guide is the best way to seek out the Lycian Stone Sarcophagi, many of which are hidden in plain sight. Carved out of limestone and decorated with carved reliefs, the sarcophagi are an impressive sight, with some standing two or three stories high. One well-preserved example is located in the garden of the city hall and features intricate carvings and a vaulted lid; another now stands on a roundabout, with traffic speeding past it on either side.
Things to know before you go
- History buffs will enjoy hunting down the Lycian Stone Sarcophagi, which are often missed off tour itineraries.
- All of the ruins are outdoors and most offer little shade, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
- Most of the sites are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, although you may not always be able to get up close.
How to get there
The ruins lie at various locations around town and most can be reached on foot. The easiest to find without a guide is at Fethiye's Belediye (city hall), located along Ataturk Cad in the center of town.
Trip ideas
When to get there
There are no opening times for the ruins, so it’s possible to visit at any time.
Exploring Fethiye’s Ancient Ruins
Other must-visit sites around Fethiye include the remains of a Roman amphitheater close to the harbor and the Lycian Rock Tombs which are carved into the cliffs above town. Climbing up to the clifftop Tomb of Amyntas, reached by a flight of rocky steps, affords panoramic views over the city and along the coast. The Fethiye Museum houses a number of interesting artifacts uncovered in the region, while the Lycian tombs of Kaunos make a popular choice for a day trip.
- Gulf of Fethiye (Fethiye Körfezi)
- Fethiye Roman Theater (Telmessos Theatre)
- Fethiye Old Town (Paspatur)
- Fethiye Museum (Fethiye Muzesi)
- Calis Beach (Calis Plaji)
- Kayakoy
- Ölüdeniz Beach and Blue Lagoon
- Gemiler Island (Gemiler Adasi)
- Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi)
- Tlos
- Saklikent National Park (Saklikent Milli Parki)
- Patara Beach (Patara Plaji)
- Fethiye Lycian Rock Tombs (Tomb of Amyntas)
- Dalyan Mud Bath