Every visitor to Turkey should make time to see the Lycian rock tombs. Carved into cliff faces and hillsides along the Mediterranean coast, these ancient tombs offer a striking glimpse into a past civilization and are visually impressive even to those with little interest in history. The people of ancient Lycia carved these tombs for prominent members of their society, placing the deceased with belongings believed to accompany them into the afterlife.
Decorated with motifs tied to Lycian beliefs, many tombs were positioned high on cliffs so the winged figures and symbols of the afterlife could reach them easily. Over time some tombs suffered looting and vandalism, and a few are closed to visitors for safety reasons, but their dramatic façades still draw attention and admiration.
Where to see Lycian rock tombs in Turkey
Historians estimate there are over a thousand Lycian rock tombs along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, the heartland of the ancient Lycian civilization long before Roman and Ottoman rule. They appear in numerous archaeological sites and offer varied experiences—some are easy to approach, others are set high above valleys offering panoramic views.
Notable locations where you can see Lycian rock tombs include:
Demre: Myra
At Demre, the ruins of ancient Myra stand beside impressive rock-cut tombs. With good walking shoes you can approach many of the façades and appreciate the detailed carvings up close. Demre is also a convenient base for an overnight stay; the nearby church associated with Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus) is another popular attraction in the area.
Xanthos Valley: Tlos
Less prominent in international guidebooks, the tombs at Tlos are a favorite for up-close exploration. Perched above the ruins of the ancient city and overlooking the Xanthos Valley, these tombs offer rewarding views and are within driving distance of major resorts such as Ölüdeniz, Çalış, and Fethiye.
Dalyan: Caunos
Perhaps the most iconic Lycian façades are the six tombs above Dalyan, often featured on postcards. Carved to resemble temple fronts, they dominate the river view and make a dramatic sight. The nearby ruins of the ancient city of Kaunos (Caunos) are also worth visiting when time allows.
(Picture credit : Peter J Dean)
Fethiye: Amyntas
Overlooking Fethiye is a prominent group of cliff tombs reached by a steep uphill walk. The most famous is the tomb of Amyntas. The climb rewards visitors with excellent views across the town and the surrounding coastline, and it’s a memorable spot to see Lycian rock-cut architecture in an urban setting.
(Picture credit : Stevie Gill)
Handy Tips
For those who enjoy trekking and history, consider exploring sections of the Lycian Way, a long-distance route of about 509 kilometres that links many ancient cities and tomb sites along the Mediterranean coast. The trail can be completed in stages or tackled in full; many visitors choose to combine walking with local transport to cover more ground.
Keep an eye out for Lycian sarcophagi as well. These stone coffins appear among the ruins at sites such as Patara, Olympos and in the streets of Kaş. I also encountered a partially submerged sarcophagus near Simena while sea kayaking—these relics are scattered throughout the region and add to the sense of discovery.
