Xanthos & Letoon — Heart of Ancient Lycia
This part of the guide adds local context to the places, landscapes and history of the Lycian Coast, helping you plan the visit at a relaxed pace rather than treating it as a checklist of sights.
This guide is designed for independent travellers who want to understand the place rather than simply tick off sights. It brings together the landscape, local character, practical context and the historical layers that make this part of the Turkish Riviera distinctive.
What makes it worth visiting
The appeal here lies in the combination of Mediterranean scenery and a landscape shaped by ancient Lycia. Allow enough time to explore at an unhurried pace, particularly in the warmer months, and avoid building a day around too many distant stops.
In pictures
Xanthos and Letoon form one of the most important archaeological pairings in ancient Lycia. Xanthos was a major Lycian centre, while nearby Letoon served as a significant sanctuary. Together they offer a much clearer picture of Lycian political, religious and cultural life.
Xanthos and Letoon form one of the most important archaeological pairings in ancient Lycia. Xanthos was a major Lycian centre, while nearby Letoon served as a significant sanctuary. Together they offer a much clearer picture of Lycian political, religious and cultural life.
Xanthos and Letoon form one of the most important archaeological pairings in ancient Lycia. Xanthos was a major Lycian centre, while nearby Letoon served as a significant sanctuary. Together they offer a much clearer picture of Lycian political, religious and cultural life.
Planning your visit
Xanthos and Letoon form one of the most important archaeological pairings in ancient Lycia. Xanthos was a major Lycian centre, while nearby Letoon served as a significant sanctuary. Together they offer a much clearer picture of Lycian political, religious and cultural life.