Discover Xanthos Ancient City: Heart of Ancient Lycia

Perched on a strategic hill in the Xanthos Valley of Antalya Province, Xanthos Ancient City is one of the most evocative and historically rich archaeological sites in Türkiye. Once the capital of ancient Lycia, Xanthos (also spelled Xantos) carries a powerful legacy of heroism, cultural fusion, and artistic brilliance. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, along with the nearby Letoon Sanctuary, due to its exceptional historical, linguistic, and architectural significance.

This site was the political and administrative center of Lycia, one of the most unique and resilient civilizations in Anatolia. According to ancient historians, including Herodotus, the people of Xanthos chose collective suicide over surrender when faced with Persian invasion in the 6th century BCE — a testament to their unwavering spirit. The city was later ruled by the Persians, conquered by Alexander the Great, and eventually absorbed into the Roman and Byzantine empires.

What to See at Xanthos

Walking through the ruins of Xanthos is like flipping through the pages of an epic. The site is especially famous for its elaborate funerary architecture, including the unique pillar tombs and the Harpy Tomb, a blend of Greek and Lycian artistic elements with friezes that are now housed in the British Museum.

You can also explore:

• The Roman Amphitheatre: Partially restored, this theater once seated thousands and still offers panoramic views of the valley.

• Lycian Acropolis: Situated on the highest point of the city, the ruins of temples, city walls, and houses provide insight into Lycian city planning.

• Byzantine Basilica: With well-preserved floor mosaics and stone structures, this area reflects the Christian influence during the Late Antique period.

• Inscriptions in Lycian and Greek: Some of the longest known Lycian texts were found here, crucial for understanding this extinct Indo-European language.

• Agora and Colonnaded Street: Remains of a once-bustling commercial and civic life under Roman influence.

Xanthos’ layout reflects layers of history. From the original Lycian foundations to Roman embellishments and Byzantine conversions, each stone tells a story. Nature adds to the drama, with olive trees and wildflowers growing among ancient ruins, while the distant mountains form a majestic backdrop.

How to Get There

Xanthos is located in Kınık, between the towns of Fethiye and Kaş, making it easily accessible from either destination.

• From Fethiye: About 60 km southeast via D400 highway (approx. 1 hour by car).

• From Kaş: 45 km northwest (about 40–45 minutes by car).

• Public Transport: Minibuses (dolmuş) run from nearby towns, or you can join a guided day tour.

Parking is available near the entrance, and the site is best explored on foot with comfortable shoes.

Best Time to Visit

The best months to visit Xanthos are April through June and September through October, when temperatures are moderate, and the surrounding countryside is lush. Summers can be very hot, especially around midday, so bring water and sun protection. In winter, while the site remains open, weather conditions may make walking more difficult.

Travel Tips

• Consider combining your trip with nearby Letoon and the Patara Beach and Ruins for a full-day Lycian tour.

• While English signage is limited, guided tours or audio guides greatly enhance the experience.

• Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best lighting for photography.

Xanthos Ancient City is not just a relic of the past — it’s a living symbol of identity, language, and resistance. For travelers seeking more than just scenic beauty, Xanthos offers a connection to the heart and soul of ancient Anatolia. Here, every carved inscription and broken column echoes a civilization that refused to be forgotten.