Fethiye Rock Tombs

The Lycian rock tombs in Fethiye with the tomb of Amyntas holding prime position, overlook the town and the bay below.

These rock cut tombs, dating from the Lycian period, are arguably Fethiye’s most famous archaeological site.

Today, the west side of the Mediterranean coast of Turkey is part of the beautiful Turquoise Coast. But in ancient times, towns and villages along this stretch of coast were part of the Lycian League.

Exploring Fethiye’s Lycian Rock Tombs

Being that the Lycian rock tombs are carved into the cliff face, high above the town, they are easy to spot. And getting to them is easy enough.

If you don’t mind a bit of an uphill pull that is.

Just keep in mind the reward of the views over Fethiye once you reach the top. That should be enough to keep you going.

Chances are, you’re going to be out of breath by the time you reach these stone steps that take you to the highest and most important rock tomb, the Tomb of Amyntas.

This is where the payment booth is should you want to go right up to the main tomb.

Take a breather here. And, if you haven’t brought provisions, there’s a small snack bar just opposite the entrance where you can pick up a refreshment if needs be.

Climbing To Amyntas

We have some steps to climb…

But don’t worry, the steps are winding and shallow.

Take your time so that you can enjoy the views of Fethiye unfolding below.

The ancient Lycians liked to live with their dead nearby.

And that means people like us benefit from relatively easy access to the tombs while enjoying panoramic views over Fethiye.

This is a perfect area for the best photo opportunities and videos of the rooftops of the centre of old Fethiye. Over Paspatur, the whole bay and the sprawl of the new builds beyond.

Amyntas

Eventually, you will reach the imposing Amyntas tomb – also known as the King’s Tomb.

Dating from the 4th Century BCE, it’s typical of a Lycian tomb as it is carved out of a single piece of rock into the shape of an Ionian style temple portico with the entrance at the bottom right.

Not much is known about the Lycians. BUt the ancient ruins of Xanthos and Letoon have revealed most clues to archaeologists.

We know Amyntas was important as his impressive rock tomb is higher and larger than the others carved into the cliff.

It’s also the only tomb you can get right up to.

The tomb itself is an impressive sight but not in fantastic condition.

An article that we once read in Hürriyet heralded the use of ground breaking nanotechnology to restore Fethiye’s Telmessos Theatre and the famous Dalyan Lycian rock tombs.

The same treatment was also assigned to the Lycian tombs of Fethiye. But we haven’t seen any clues to anything happening as yet.

But let’s leave the politics of archaeology and restoration behind. Let’s turn our backs on the tomb of Amyntas to take in the views of Fethiye.

Great Views

The Lycians obviously wanted to make sure their leader’s burial chambers had a decent view from which the king could enjoy his afterlife!

Once you’ve exhausted just about every angle and had your fill of taking photos of the views, head back down the steps and take a right, downhill towards old Fethiye.

This is where you will see the tombs of less important Lycian figures grouped together in the side of cliffs.

Despite being smaller than the tomb of Amyntas, as an archaeological feature there’s more in this group of tombs to keep you interested.

No panoramic views for these guys though.

Their sea views were obscured long ago by the growth of Fethiye from the older town centre and beyond.

Just before you hit the buildings of the old Fethiye neighbourhood, don’t forget to turn round to get a photo of all the Lycian rock tombs in the same shot.

This angle shows how set apart the tomb of Amyntas is from the rest.

Fethiye Rock Tombs – Useful Info

• Although all the Lycian rock tombs can be viewed from the roadside (you can see the fence lining the road in the bottom shot) there is an entrance fee for those wishing to go right up to the tomb of Amyntas. Worth it for the views.
• This fee is currently €3 (May 2026), payable should the warden happen to be sitting at the entrance gate. Entry is free for citizens and residents if you have the MüzeKart app. Current fees and opening times can be found on the official website.
• The site is open daily from 08:30 with last entry at 19:30 for a closing time of 20.00. Allow around an hour for wandering and photos.
• The Fethiye rock tombs are easily reachable on foot. Just keep heading uphill from the centre of town towards them.
• If you approach from the east side of Kaya Caddesi, you will also pass examples of a completely different type of lycian tomb. Two sarcophagi in the fenced off area on the right of the street and a freestanding stone pillar tomb in the middle of the road.
• As of 2024, official Turkish museum fees and those of archaeological sites are stated in Euros. However, bear in mind, you will probably need to pay in Turkish Lira. Aand, for the rock tombs, card is not accepted. Cash only.
• The Fethiye rock tombs are just one of the many things to do in Fethiye.

Share this article