Pinara Ancient City
A sprawling Lycian city perched under Mount Cragus, with rock-cut tombs and a theater hidden among pine trees.
Pinara was one of Lycia's major cities, sprawling across a pine-forested slope beneath Mount Cragus. Its proximity to the Xanthos River made it strategically important. Today the site feels wonderfully remote; you'll likely have the ruins almost to yourself. The steep climb rewards you with a honeycomb of Lycian rock tombs carved into a sheer cliff face, a remarkably intact theater, and the foundations of temples and agora scattered across the hillside. Bring sturdy shoes—there's a lot of ground to cover over uneven terrain.
“To wander a vast, secluded Lycian city high in the mountains, with few other visitors around.”
The unpaved mountain road is rough and steep; a car with high clearance is advisable, or you can park by the village and walk the final 2 km.
Steep, uneven rocky terrain throughout; wheelchair access is not possible.
Good to know
- Is Pinara Ancient City free to visit?
- TL 60. Müzekart accepted; rough mountain road to the site.
- How long should you spend at Pinara Ancient City?
- ~1h 30m
- When is the best time to visit Pinara Ancient City?
- Morning
- Is Pinara Ancient City wheelchair accessible?
- Steep, uneven rocky terrain throughout; wheelchair access is not possible.
