Tlos

One of the largest and most dramatic Lycian cities, set on a steep rocky crag

Tlos is one of the great Lycian sites and one of the most visually impressive — a massive acropolis rising from a crag above a wide valley, scattered with rock-cut tombs, an agora, baths, a theatre, and the remains of an Ottoman fortress built over the ancient citadel. The site is large and requires some scrambling to explore properly.

The rock tombs here are carved into the cliff face below the acropolis, several with elaborate carved facades. The most famous is the Tomb of Bellerophon, which depicts the mythological hero riding Pegasus. The site is about 45 km from Fethiye — reachable by car or on an organized day trip, often combined with a visit to the Saklıkent gorge nearby. Allow three to four hours.

sight
A story
Tlos was one of the six principal cities of the Lycian League and is mentioned in Hittite texts as early as the 14th century BC, making it one of the oldest known settlements in the region. The city was inhabited almost continuously until the 19th century — a Beylik tribal leader used the ancient acropolis as a fortified stronghold well into the Ottoman period.