Lycia was an ancient civilization that flourished in the 1st millennium BC along today's Antalya and Muğla coasts — especially around Kaş, Kalkan, Fethiye and Demre. Named after the "Lykia" people mentioned in Homer's Iliad, it is considered one of Anatolia's most distinctive cultures.
Who were the Lycians?
The Lycians were a seafaring, fiercely independent people living in rugged, mountainous terrain. They used their own language and alphabet. Their most striking legacy is the monumental rock-cut tombs they carved high into cliffs to bring the dead closer to the sky.
The Lycian League: one of history's first democratic federations
In the 2nd century BC the Lycian cities united under the Lycian League. Cities held votes proportional to their size — according to the geographer Strabo, the six largest — Xanthos, Patara, Pinara, Olympos, Myra and Tlos — each held three votes. This representative system is regarded as one of the earliest known democratic federations; Montesquieu praised it as a model federal republic, and it was cited in the debates over the U.S. Constitution (the Federalist Papers).
Main Lycian cities you can visit nearby
| Ancient city | Near | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Patara | Kalkan | League capital, lighthouse, 18 km beach |
| Xanthos | Kınık | Lycia's largest city, UNESCO World Heritage |
| Letoon | Kumluova | Sacred site, UNESCO |
| Myra | Demre | Rock tombs, theatre |
| Kekova / Simena | Kaş | Sunken city, castle |
Why see it?
- Many ancient cities are within a short drive of Kaş and Kalkan as half-day trips.
- Rock tombs, sarcophagi and theatres often sit right beside the sea.
- You can combine history and a beach holiday in a single trip.
Your base for exploring Lycia: Kaş & Kalkan villas
The most comfortable way to explore the region is to stay in your own centrally located villa. Browse our Kalkan and Kaş villa rentals to plan a holiday with easy access to the ancient sites. Our guides to Patara Beach, the Kekova boat tour and the Lycian Way will help you plan the details.