IS XANTHOS, TURKEY WORTH A VISIT?

We advised you to disregard UNESCO in our previous post regarding Tlos. We discussed Xanthos as a member of the Lycian League and a UNESCO World Heritage site in that same post. Therefore, it wouldn’t be fair to say that you may ignore UNESCO without first demonstrating what you would lose out on. Who are we to tell you what to do, after all? We must respect objectivity and let you choose whether or not to visit Xanthos. 🙂 And to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting Xanthos is the best way to accomplish that.

Theatre Entrance Gate

XANTHOS: OF GREAT HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE

The historical significance of Xanthos is one of the primary reasons it was among the first Turkish sites to be listed on the Unesco World Heritage list. After the British Charles Fellows found the site in 1842, it took them only two months to strip it and transport its most important artefacts to the British Museum. This led to the site’s rise to fame.

Nevertheless, there are still plenty of striking ruins to see in Xanthos, like the theatre, the Xanthian Obelisk, the Pillar Tomb, and the Harpy Tomb. Beautiful marble reliefs at the pinnacle of the Harpy Tomb show sirens stealing the souls of the deceased. The original marbles that are on display at the British Museum have been replaced with casts. The adjacent Pillar Tomb is a special kind of tomb that is not seen anywhere else in Lycia. It combines two tombs: a pillar tomb and a Lycian sarcophagus.

Harpy Tomb & Pillar Tomb

A MAGNIFICENT NECROPOLIS

A MAGNIFICENT NECROPOLIS: Necropoli are found at nearly all Lycian sites; Sidyma, Tlos, and Pınara contain some exquisite examples. Xanthos is no exception; it’s tiny but exquisite. We think it’s the most fascinating area in the entire archaeological site. It is worth hiking and deviating from the trail to visit the Necropolis. The well-preserved Lycian sarcophagi, pillar tombs, and rock tombs are tucked away amidst vegetation and olive trees.

Necropolis Pillar & Rock Tombs

Xanthos Greenhouses

TO GO OR NOT TO GO?

There is no excuse not to visit Xanthos after seeing these photos. To be honest, it is worthwhile to stop here if you are passing through or heading to nearby Patara or Leon. Thus, do make an effort to schedule a visit to Xanthos. However, if you have to choose which locations to visit, don’t limit yourself to the Unesco list.

We think that Xanthos has lost some of its charm over time, even though the discoveries found there have made it relevant. due of its location as well as the transportation to the British Museum. Fertile ground, the Xanthos Valley once overlooked a verdant valley before nature was supplanted by greenhouses many years ago.

You might not be bothered by the sight, but we always like the Tlos landscape. If you have the time, go to both; if not, Tlos is our top choice. It is astounding in every way.Go here to learn everything there is to know about Tros. An immersive experience is what one should expect when visiting an old place, and Xanthos’ surroundings have taken that element away. Despite the greenhouses encircling it, the view is still breathtaking, even though the church’s renowned mosaic floor has been covered to preserve it.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION TO VISIT XANTHOS, TURKEY

Xanthos is situated in the village of Kınık, just off the D400 connecting Fethiye to Kalkan. Access to the site is well way-marked. There is an entrance fee to be paid. It is common to visit both Xanthos and Letoon, its so-called sister-site only 5km further down the Eşen Çayı river in Kumluova. Please note that a ticket to one site does not give you access to the other.