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Phellos Ancient City

3.6
·101 reviews·, Türkiye

An overgrown Lycian ancient city offering stunning views and a challenging hike along the Lycian Way.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant temperatures for hiking

CrowdLow
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Phellos Ancient City - Image 1

Phellos Ancient City

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant temperatures for hiking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An overgrown Lycian ancient city offering stunning views and a challenging hike along the Lycian Way.

3.6
(101 reviews)

"A fascinating blend of ancient history and nature, but be prepared for a challenging hike!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Wear Proper Hiking Gear

Sturdy boots & long trousers are crucial for navigating overgrown paths and protecting your legs.

🗺️ Follow the Lycian Way

Avoid Google Maps; use Lycian Way markers from Çukurbağ for the best route.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Lycian Views

Panoramic Lycian Views

Mountain summit

Breathtaking vistas of the Lycian coast and surrounding landscape. The ancient Lycians chose this spot for a reason!

Overgrown Ancient Ruins

Overgrown Ancient Ruins

Spread across the mountaintop

Explore scattered tombs and remnants of a once-thriving city, beautifully reclaimed by nature.

The Lycian Way Trail

The Lycian Way Trail

Access from Çukurbağ

A scenic and challenging hike that leads to the Phellos ruins, offering a true sense of discovery.

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Planning Your Visit

Hiking Boots & Trousers Essential

Phellos is an overgrown ancient city best explored on foot. Sturdy hiking boots are a must for the uneven terrain, and long trousers will protect your legs from dense vegetation. Don't underestimate the hike; it's a significant trek.

Navigate the Lycian Way Wisely

Google Maps can be misleading. The best approach is to follow the marked Lycian Way trail from Çukurbağ. Pay close attention to trail markers and signs, as some paths can be confusing. The north entry offers easier access for vehicles.

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer hikers on the trail
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

How To Find Ancient Cities
@camman.18
72.8K likes • 818.4K views

🥾 Wear Proper Hiking Gear

Sturdy boots & long trousers are crucial for navigating overgrown paths and protecting your legs. Reddit

🗺️ Follow the Lycian Way

Avoid Google Maps; use Lycian Way markers from Çukurbağ for the best route. Reddit

My number one bucket list country is Turkiye. In esoteric circles it seems to be the cradle of civilization after the cataclysm while still retaingong pre cataclysm architecture. In my opinion it has more mysteries than any other country. #turkiye #turkiye🇹🇷 #cappadocia #derinkuyu #ancientgreece #ancientrome #ancienthistory #ancient #temple #fypシ #greenscreenvideo
@bassforge.us
48.3K likes • 479.9K views
Antiphellos is an ancient Lycian city located in present day Kaş, Turkey. The name "Antiphellos" means "opposite Phellos," referring to its proximity to another ancient Lycian settlement. The city dates back to at least the 4th century BC and played a significant role as a port city in ancient times, particularly in maritime trade. Theatre one of the best-preserved ruins is a small but well-desig...
esrabkalayy
0 likes • 2K views

💧 Carry Plenty of Water

The hike can be strenuous, so stay hydrated throughout your exploration. Reddit

🐻 Be Bear Aware

Sightings of brown bears have been reported; stick to marked paths. Reddit

🇹🇷Today’s Kaş was called Antiphellos and served as a port of an ancient Lycian city of Phellos which was one of the biggest market towns in Lycian period. Today, these ruins remember us of the people and a great civilisation lived here centuries ago. #antiphellos #lycian #turkey2024 #travel2024 #travelturkey #kaş #kas #kaşantalya #ancienthistory #ancientcities
irinaevis_travels
77 likes • 252 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Wear Proper Hiking Gear

Sturdy boots & long trousers are crucial for navigating overgrown paths and protecting your legs. Reddit

🗺️ Follow the Lycian Way

Avoid Google Maps; use Lycian Way markers from Çukurbağ for the best route. Reddit

💧 Carry Plenty of Water

The hike can be strenuous, so stay hydrated throughout your exploration. Reddit

🐻 Be Bear Aware

Sightings of brown bears have been reported; stick to marked paths. Reddit

🧭 Look Beyond Red Crosses

Interesting parts of Phellos lie behind the red crosses on trail markers. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.6
(101 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Phellos Ancient City is a rewarding, albeit challenging, destination for those seeking an authentic historical and natural experience. Visitors praise the stunning views and the unique atmosphere of ruins reclaimed by nature. However, the strenuous hike, overgrown paths, and potential for misleading navigation are common drawbacks.

"Do not park where Google Maps tells you to park! The only way to reach Phellos is by hiking a part of the Lycian trail, about 1-1.5 km. The ruins of Phellos are spread around a mountain top and largely covered by vegetation. Once you've reached it, it's a fascinating blend of ancient history and nature."

Michael Schmitt

"Good place to have a daily tracking route.
Only several tombs and piles of stones remain, but the walking path is scenic."

Splitterman

"Hard hike definitely for people who like long walks. Wear trousers as our legs got scratched really badly from the bushes.
It was absolutely amazing once we made it, path is easy to follow and the ruins are great.
Couldn’t find the mosaic though :(
We parked at the mosque and followed the Lycian way."

Amb Titch

What People Like

Spectacular panoramic views
Wild, overgrown ruins
Sense of discovery

What People Dislike

Strenuous, long hike
Overgrown and difficult paths
Navigation challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The best way to reach Phellos is by hiking the Lycian Way trail, starting from Çukurbağ. Avoid relying solely on Google Maps, as it can be misleading. The north entry point is also accessible by vehicle. Reddit

While you can drive to the north entry point of the Lycian Way, the ancient city itself is primarily reached by hiking. The final approach involves a trek through natural terrain. Reddit

Çukurbağ is recommended as a starting point for the Lycian Way hike to Phellos. Follow the marked trail carefully. Reddit

The hike is approximately 1-1.5 km one way, but it can feel longer due to the terrain and vegetation. Allow ample time for the round trip. Reddit

Public transport options might get you to the general vicinity of Kaş or Çukurbağ, but the final leg to Phellos requires hiking the Lycian Way. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Phellos Ancient City is an open-air site and generally does not require an entrance fee. However, it's always a good idea to check for any local regulations or changes. Reddit

As an unmanaged archaeological site, Phellos does not have set opening hours. It is accessible during daylight hours, but be mindful of the hike's duration and daylight. Reddit

There is no official visitor center at Phellos. Information is scarce, and navigation relies on trail markers and personal maps. Reddit

Official guided tours are not commonly advertised for Phellos. Exploring independently or with a local guide you arrange yourself is the usual approach. Reddit

While technically accessible year-round, visiting during the spring and autumn offers the most pleasant weather for hiking. Summer can be very hot, and winter may present challenging trail conditions. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find scattered ruins including tombs, remnants of structures, and a fascinating blend of history and nature. The views from the mountaintop are also a major highlight. Reddit

The strenuous hike and overgrown nature of the site may not be ideal for young children. It's better suited for older children or families who enjoy active exploration. Reddit

Sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended due to the uneven terrain and dense vegetation. Sandals are not suitable. Reddit

Phellos is largely overgrown with plants, which adds to its wild charm but means it's not a manicured tourist site. Reddit

Some visitors have reported not being able to find mosaics, suggesting they may be hidden, overgrown, or not as prominent as in other sites. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the panoramic views from the summit, the atmospheric overgrown ruins, and the scenic Lycian Way trail. The interplay of ancient stones and nature is very photogenic. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful dramatic effects on the ruins and landscape. Consider the golden hours for photography. Reddit

The scattered tombs and the general mountaintop vista offer the most striking photographic subjects. Look for interesting angles where nature meets ancient architecture. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views, while a standard zoom can be useful for details of the ruins. A sturdy tripod might be helpful for low-light conditions. Reddit

Drone regulations can vary in Turkey. It's advisable to check current rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over archaeological sites. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Phellos Ancient City is an adventure, but perhaps not for very young children. The hike is substantial, and the terrain is uneven and overgrown, which can be challenging for little legs. Reddit If your family enjoys active outdoor exploration and your children are older and accustomed to hiking, it can be a rewarding experience. The sense of discovery and the stunning views might captivate older kids. However, for a more easily accessible and less strenuous ancient site experience, consider alternatives like Antiphellos (modern Kaş) which has a well-preserved theatre. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Adventurers

For those who love to hike and explore off-the-beaten-path, Phellos is a dream. It's a key stop on the renowned Lycian Way, offering a challenging yet incredibly scenic trek. The reward for your effort is not just the ancient ruins but also the breathtaking panoramic views from the mountaintop. InstagramReddit Be prepared with sturdy footwear, plenty of water, and a sense of adventure, as the site is overgrown and requires careful navigation. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Phellos offers unique photographic opportunities where ancient history meets wild nature. The overgrown ruins create a dramatic and atmospheric setting, perfect for capturing evocative shots. The panoramic vistas from the summit are also spectacular, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Reddit Remember to bring lenses that can capture both wide landscapes and intricate details of the stonework. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Lycian Way: A Hiker's Paradise

Phellos Ancient City is a rewarding stop along the famous Lycian Way, one of the world's most beautiful long-distance hiking trails. This ancient path winds through stunning coastal scenery, rugged mountains, and charming villages. For those undertaking the full Lycian Way, Phellos offers a glimpse into the history of the Lycian civilization that once thrived in this region. The trail itself is a significant part of the experience, demanding good physical condition and a spirit of adventure. TikTokInstagram

When planning your hike to Phellos, remember that the Lycian Way is marked with red and white blazes. However, as one traveler noted, 'don't get mislead by the red, white hiking marks and especially not the RED crosses. They are only for the hikers, you have to go behind the red crosses to find the interersting parts.' This advice highlights the need for careful observation and a willingness to explore off the most obvious paths to discover the true gems of Phellos. Reddit

Proper preparation is key for enjoying the Lycian Way and Phellos. This includes wearing appropriate footwear, carrying sufficient water, and being aware of the natural surroundings. The experience is less about a perfectly preserved city and more about the journey of discovery through a landscape steeped in history and natural beauty. Reddit

Uncovering Phellos: History and Nature Intertwined

Phellos, an ancient Lycian city, offers a unique blend of historical ruins and untamed nature. Unlike more manicured archaeological sites, Phellos is characterized by its overgrown vegetation, which has beautifully reclaimed the ancient stones. This creates a mystical atmosphere, where remnants of tombs and structures emerge from the dense foliage, hinting at the city's past glory. InstagramReddit

The Lycians were known for their strategic placement of settlements, and Phellos is no exception. Perched on a mountaintop, it commands spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and the distant Mediterranean coast. This vantage point likely served defensive purposes and offered a connection to the maritime trade routes that were vital to Lycian civilization. InstagramReddit

While the site may not boast grand temples or intact mosaics, its charm lies in its wildness and the sense of discovery it offers. Visitors often describe it as a 'fascinating blend of ancient history and nature,' making it a rewarding destination for those who appreciate a more rugged and authentic exploration. Reddit

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