The theatre at the ruined city of Kyaenai.
Peter was asked to write an article for Forbes recommending his top five 'lesser known' destinations in Turkey. After a great deal of deliberation, he settled on five of our favourite, but off the beaten track archaeological sites in this wonderful open air museum of a country.
To whet your appetite, here is one of his five suggestions:
Explore The Ruined City Of Kyaenai Like Indiana Jones
On a rocky ridge high above a rustic valley, east of the resort town of Kaş, are the ruins of Kyaenai. “Look up as you’re driving and you’ll see a tomb with a Greek temple façade carved into the cliff face, the first indication that there are antiquities in this seemingly remote spot,” says Sommer.
He recommends heading into the little village of Yavu at its base and asking one of the hospitable locals to escort you up to this remarkable archaeological site. Your path, an hour’s climb, will mainly be on a roughly 2,400-year-old road gouged out of the bedrock, winding its way through a seemingly endless series of sarcophagi.
Finally, on high, with mountain and sea views in all directions, you’ll face the city walls, with Corinthian columns and decorative arches lying asunder in the undergrowth. “You’ll need a guide, for Kyaenai has the spirit of Indiana Jones,” Sommer adds.
Breaching the fortifications, you’ll find the city’s interior, once replete with temples, then churches, Roman baths, public squares filled with altars and statues, now completely engulfed by trees and vegetation.
On the slopes outside the city center is its ancient theater, shattered by earthquakes. Climb to the top, gaze around in wonder and the eons will dissolve as you are transported into the past. “Getting to Kyaenai isn’t easy, but I couldn’t recommend it high enough—it’s a true archaeological adventure,” says Sommer.
You can read the full article on Forbes at An Archaeological Expert’s Top 5 Lesser-Known Destinations In Turkey.
You can visit Kyaenai on our 2-week Walking and Cruising the Lycian Shore trip.
If you would like to know what our tours are like, have a look at more independent reviews from past guests on the website of Aito, The Specialist Travel Association
The Temple of Athena at Priene.
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