Antalya to Xanthos - Letoon and Fethiye: Private day trip

The twin sites of Xanthos-Letoon were the administrative, cultural, and spiritual center of the ancient Lycian Federation. Xanthos was the Lycian capital, and its status made it a target for ancient warring empires. Despite being destroyed and rebuilt on several, Xanthos remained a major settlement through the Byzantine era. Less than 10km away, Letoon was the main religious sanctuary for the Lycians, which was repurposed for whichever religion was dominant in the region until being abandoned in the 7th century AD. Today, the two are a joint UNESCO World Heritage Site for their exceptional architectural and cultural value. Both sites offer some great Roman ruins, like amphitheatres, temples, and even city infrastructure, but it’s the Lycian elements that make this site truly unique - every single piece discovered here has been crucial in understanding the Lycian people.

Fethiye was founded in late antiquity as Telmessos, a major Lycian city famed for its school of diviners, who attracted the likes of King Croesus and Alexander the Great. In 1958, the city was devastated by an earthquake, and it’s since been reborn as one of Turkey’s premier holiday destinations on the Mediterranean, and is now a hub for Turkish yacht cruises, and a favoured home base for beach-goers. While it’s hard to tear your eyes away from the coast and its pretty islands, history lovers will want to head toward the cliffs behind the town. Here you’ll find ancient Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliff face. And there are more free-standing tombs scattered throughout town, including one right in front of the governor's office. The Fethiye Museum is also worth a visit for its surprisingly extensive collection of artefacts dating back to Antiquity.