Dalyan Rock Tombs
Rock-cut temple tombs of the ancient city of Kaunos carved into a cliff face overlooking the Dalyan River.
These Lycian-style rock tombs were created for the elite of Kaunos around the 4th century BC. The largest and most elaborate façades, with Ionic columns and pediments, are carved directly into the limestone cliff high above the right bank of the Dalyan River. You can't climb up to the tombs, but they are visible from across the river along the Dalyan waterfront, or better yet, from a small boat that drifts closer. The setting, with the glowing rock face rising above reeds and river, is what draws people here. The tombs are part of the wider Kaunos archaeological site, which lies on the opposite side of the river and includes a theatre, city walls, and a Byzantine basilica (separate entry fee).
“To see the dramatic cliffside temple façades that have become the symbol of Dalyan.”
Take a paddling boat from the town center at sunset – the rock glows gold and the midday crowds have left.
Viewed from the town promenade or boats; waterfront paths are mostly flat, but boarding a boat may require a step.
Good to know
- Is Dalyan Rock Tombs free to visit?
- Free. Free to view from the riverbank; the Kaunos ruins across the water charge separately.
- How long should you spend at Dalyan Rock Tombs?
- ~1h
- When is the best time to visit Dalyan Rock Tombs?
- Sunset
- Is Dalyan Rock Tombs wheelchair accessible?
- Viewed from the town promenade or boats; waterfront paths are mostly flat, but boarding a boat may require a step.
