Xanthos-Letoon

Ksantos-Letoôn

UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site showcasing important Lycian city ruins including temples, theaters, and rock tombs spanning millennia. Essential for understanding the region's ancient civilizations and Lycian culture.

Things to do

• Explore the Lycian Rock Tombs — Examine the distinctive cliff-carved tombs of Lycian nobles dating back to the 4th century BCE, featuring carved facades that resemble wooden house fronts.
• Visit the Theatre of Xanthos — Walk through the well-preserved Hellenistic theatre with its distinctive curved seating area overlooking the Xanthos Valley.
• Tour the Letoon Temple Complex — Discover the sanctuary dedicated to Leto with three adjoining temples and a Doric portico, located in the fertile plain below Xanthos.
• Study the Harpy Tomb — Examine the 5th-century BCE pillar tomb adorned with relief carvings of harpies, considered one of the site's most important monuments.
• Hike the Xanthos Valley Trail — Walk along the scenic valley connecting Xanthos and Letoon with views of ancient structures and traditional Lycian landscapes.
• Inspect the Pillar Tombs — View the unique Lycian burial monuments consisting of stone pillars topped with burial chambers, unique to this region.

Food to try

• Mezze Selection — Sample the traditional Turkish appetizer spread featuring hummus, baba ganoush, olive spreads, and local cheeses served with fresh pita bread.
• Grilled Hamsi — Try the fresh anchovies caught in the nearby Mediterranean, simply grilled with lemon and served at local restaurants in nearby Kinik village.
• Piyaz — Taste this Anatolian white bean salad dressed with garlic, herbs, and olive oil, a nutritious local specialty perfect for the warm climate.
• Testi Kebab — Experience meat and vegetables slow-cooked in a sealed clay pot, a traditional Lycian cooking method available at local establishments.
• Fresh Pomegranate and Citrus — Enjoy locally-grown pomegranates and citrus fruits from the surrounding valleys, particularly sweet and refreshing during summer visits.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Archaeological Conservation — Do not touch carved reliefs or remove any artifacts, as the site is actively protected by UNESCO regulations and Turkish heritage laws.
• Visit During Cool Hours — Plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon to avoid intense summer heat and better appreciate the extensive ruins spread across the hillside.
• Learn Lycian History Context — The Lycians developed their own unique civilization blending Greek, Persian, and indigenous traditions; understanding this hybrid culture enhances site interpretation.
• Dress Appropriately for the Terrain — Wear sturdy hiking shoes and sun protection as the site requires climbing steep terrain among uneven ancient stones and exposed hillsides.