The only way to reach the tombs is by climbing up the hillside. It’s a short walk but leave yourself plenty of time to admire the ruins and take in the views along the way—you can see as far as the Greek island of Rhodes on a clear day. A flight of rocky steps climb up to the very top to reach the Tomb of Amyntas. The entrance to the Amyntas Tomb was carved out of the rock so as to look like a temple portico, with two Ionic-style columns topped by a triangular pediment, and an inscription reading: “Amyntas, son of Hermagios”.
Fethiye Lycian Rock Tombs are located just south of the main town and the only way to reach them is on foot. It’s a 15-minute uphill hike from the central bus station, followed by 296 stairs to get to the Tomb of Amyntas at the highest point.
It’s possible to visit the Lycian Rock Tombs at any time of year and the Tomb of Amyntas is typically open from sunrise to sunset. For the most memorable views, climb up in time to watch the sunset from the cliffside.
After admiring the Lycian Rock Tombs, spend some time exploring the rest of the city’s ancient ruins, which include the remains of a Roman amphitheater close to the harbor. Tours offer a greater insight into the city’s ancient past—Fethiye is built on the site of the ancient Greek city of Telmessos—and the Fethiye Museum houses the most impressive artifacts uncovered in the region. Further afield, popular day trips include the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ephesus, one of Turkey’s most impressively preserved ancient cities; the Lycian tombs of Kaunos; and the abandoned Greek-Christian village of Karakoy.
