
Tlos Ancient City
Ancient Lycian city with impressive rock tombs, a Roman theater, and a hilltop acropolis offering stunning views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds

Tlos Ancient City
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient Lycian city with impressive rock tombs, a Roman theater, and a hilltop acropolis offering stunning views.
"A fascinating walk through history! The rock-carved Lycian tombs are spectacular."

🚗 Drive for Scenery
Access Tlos via car for scenic village drives. Parking is available near the entrance.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Essential for navigating uneven paths and steep climbs to the acropolis.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Spectacular Rock-Cut Tombs
Cliffsides
Intricate Lycian tombs carved directly into the rock face, reminiscent of Petra. A truly awe-inspiring sight.

Hilltop Acropolis Views
Summit
A rewarding climb to the acropolis offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and ruins.

Roman Amphitheater & Stadium
Lower Site
Well-preserved structures from the Roman era, offering a glimpse into ancient public life and entertainment.

Bellerophon's Tomb
Hillside
A unique tomb adorned with the image of Pegasus, linked to the mythical hero who tamed the winged horse.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Getting There & Exploring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive for Scenery
Access Tlos via car for scenic village drives. Parking is available near the entrance.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Essential for navigating uneven paths and steep climbs to the acropolis.
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Limited food options on-site.
🤝 Hire a Local Guide
Enhance your visit with historical context and photo tips from knowledgeable locals.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive for Scenery
Access Tlos via car for scenic village drives. Parking is available near the entrance.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Essential for navigating uneven paths and steep climbs to the acropolis.
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Limited food options on-site.
🤝 Hire a Local Guide
Enhance your visit with historical context and photo tips from knowledgeable locals.
📸 Capture the Views
The acropolis offers incredible photo opportunities, especially during sunset.
💰 Affordable Entry
Tlos is generally less expensive than other ruins like Myra.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tlos Ancient City is lauded for its historical significance, stunning rock-cut tombs, and breathtaking panoramic views from the acropolis. Visitors appreciate its less touristy atmosphere, affordability, and the opportunity to explore freely, including entering the tombs. Some minor drawbacks include potential accessibility issues for certain structures and the need for comfortable footwear due to the terrain.
"A great place to visit by car. Entrance for four is 600 lira. At the entrance you will be offered the services of a guide, I forgot his name. He lives nearby with his family. Take him, you will not regret it. Without his story, for us this place would be just stones with incomprehensible inscriptions. He will tell you about this place quickly and interestingly, will not let you die from the heat. He will tell you where to get the best photos. You set the price for the excursion yourself. His wife and daughter make souvenirs from stone with their own hands."
Наталья Лопашенко
"I preferred this spot to the Myra ruins. First of all, it's way less touristy. We were the ONLY people there. It was also a quarter of the price of Myra. You are free to explore the whole area and ACTUALLY go in the tombs. Plus, there is an amazing view from the top. I would work this into your road trip. It was totally worth the stop. You get to drive through some farming villages on the way."
Jacob C Von Seth
"A fascinating walk through history! The rock-carved Lycian tombs are spectacular—very reminiscent of Petra—and stand in amazing contrast to the well-preserved Roman amphitheater and stadium nearby.
The site isn't huge, but make sure you take the steep path up the hill above the tombs. It's a bit of a scramble, so wear good shoes and be careful of the narrow paths, but the panoramic view from the top is absolutely worth the effort and makes for incredible photos.
A fantastic way to spend a few hours imagining the ancient world."
Dorian Seabrook
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tlos Ancient City is located about an hour's drive from Fethiye. The most convenient way to reach it is by car, offering scenic views of local farming villages along the way.
Public transport options are limited, with bus drop-off points often several kilometers away, requiring an additional walk or taxi.While not directly accessible by public transport, you can reach the general area via buses heading towards Seydikemer. However, the bus drop-off point is typically about 5 km from the ancient city, necessitating further travel by taxi or a significant walk.
Exploring Tlos Ancient City is best done on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be uneven and involves uphill climbs to reach the acropolis.
Hiring a local guide can significantly enhance your understanding and experience of the site.Yes, driving is the recommended way to visit Tlos Ancient City. There is parking available near the entrance, and the journey itself offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Tlos Ancient City is relatively close to other significant Lycian sites. It's about an hour from Fethiye and can be part of a road trip that includes Xanthos, Letoon, and Patara.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Tlos Ancient City can vary. One review mentioned an entrance fee of 125 TRY per person, while another noted 600 lira for a family of four.
It's advisable to check the current prices upon arrival.Yes, local guides are often available at the entrance and are highly recommended.
They provide valuable historical insights and can help you navigate the site efficiently, especially during hot weather.While specific opening hours are not detailed in the provided content, it's generally recommended to visit during daylight hours. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal to avoid the heat and crowds.
Unlike some other sites, visitors are generally free to explore the tombs at Tlos Ancient City and even go inside them, offering a unique and immersive experience.
Many visitors find Tlos Ancient City to be significantly less touristy than other ruins like Myra, with some experiencing it as if they were the only ones there.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the spectacular rock-cut Lycian tombs, the Roman amphitheater and stadium, the acropolis with its panoramic views, and the tomb of Bellerophon featuring Pegasus.
Yes, exploring Tlos involves a fair amount of walking, including a steep uphill climb to the acropolis. Comfortable footwear is essential.
Some reviews mention the possibility of buying food like gözleme, juices, and fruits on the premises.
Restroom facilities are not explicitly mentioned but are common at such sites.The view from the acropolis at the top of Tlos is described as absolutely worth the effort, offering incredible panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.
It's a prime spot for photography.While most of the site is explorable, some areas like the theater might be surrounded by a fence and not fully accessible.
📸 📸 Photography
The acropolis offers stunning panoramic views, especially during sunset.
The rock-cut tombs themselves are also highly photogenic, with their intricate details.Yes, drone footage of Tlos Ancient City showcases its vastness and the dramatic landscape, capturing the ancient ruins from a unique aerial perspective.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful lighting for photography, enhancing the colors and textures of the ancient stones.
No specific restrictions on photography are mentioned, but it's always good practice to be respectful of the historical site.
The combination of ancient Lycian and Roman architecture, dramatic rock formations, and expansive natural landscapes makes Tlos a visually rich location for photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider hiring a local guide to keep younger minds engaged with stories and legends, making the ruins come alive. Bringing plenty of water and snacks is crucial, as is ensuring everyone wears comfortable shoes for navigating the uneven terrain. The experience of exploring a less crowded, ancient site can be more intimate and less overwhelming for families compared to more popular tourist destinations.
🚗 Road Trippers & Independent Travelers
For independent explorers, the freedom to wander and enter the tombs is a significant draw. While a guide can enhance the visit, Tlos is also perfectly explorable with a good guidebook or by simply soaking in the atmosphere and imagining its past. The panoramic views from the acropolis are a fantastic reward for those who like to venture off the beaten path.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Lycian Legacy of Tlos
The city flourished through various eras, including the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods, each leaving its mark on the archaeological landscape. You can explore remnants of its past, from the imposing acropolis offering commanding views to the well-preserved Roman amphitheater and stadium, which once hosted thousands for performances and events. The presence of Bellerophon's tomb, featuring the mythical winged horse Pegasus, adds a layer of legend to the historical significance of Tlos.
Visiting Tlos is like stepping back in time, offering a tangible connection to ancient civilizations. The blend of natural beauty and historical ruins creates a captivating atmosphere, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences.
Navigating Tlos: Practicalities and Perspectives
Comfortable footwear is non-negotiable due to the uneven terrain and the rewarding but steep climb to the acropolis. The panoramic views from the summit are a major highlight and offer incredible photo opportunities, especially during the golden hour of late afternoon. While the site is generally less crowded than other major ruins, visiting in the early morning or late afternoon helps avoid the midday heat and potential for larger groups.
Many visitors highly recommend hiring a local guide, who can bring the history to life with engaging stories and point out the best photo spots, making the experience far richer than simply wandering among the stones. While some food and drinks might be available on-site, it's wise to carry sufficient water, especially during warmer months. The affordability of Tlos compared to other sites is also a significant draw for many travelers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit