Kaunos Ancient City
A Carian-Lycian port city across the Dalyan reed beds, with a theatre, temple terrace, and Roman baths.
Kaunos sat on the frontier between Caria and Lycia, and its ruins carry both cultures. A steep Greek theatre looks out over the delta; below it lie a temple terrace, a Roman bath and basilica, and the agora with its fountain house. Silt from the Dalyan river slowly cut the once-busy harbour off from the sea, stranding the city inland. You reach it by rowboat across the reeds, passing beneath the famous rock tombs on the way.
“For a whole ancient city reached by rowboat, with a theatre view over the Dalyan delta.”
Go early or late to dodge the midday heat — there is little shade among the ruins — and wear proper shoes for the climb to the theatre.
Rowboat crossing plus rough paths and a steep climb to the theatre; not step-free.
Good to know
- Is Kaunos Ancient City free to visit?
- TL 90. Site entry; reached by a short rowboat crossing from Dalyan.
- How long should you spend at Kaunos Ancient City?
- ~1h 30m
- When is the best time to visit Kaunos Ancient City?
- Morning
- Is Kaunos Ancient City wheelchair accessible?
- Rowboat crossing plus rough paths and a steep climb to the theatre; not step-free.
