By Mehmet Kurtkaya
Founder of Twarp.com, exploring Turkey since 1995
Last updated: May 10, 2026

Tlos Travel Guide

Tlos was a very important ancient city of the Lycian region. It was a religious center.

The characteristic of the region are tombs carved on the hill and the fortress on top of a hill built later on by the Ottomans offers a superb view of the plain down below. You can also visit the theater easily, almost on the road.

You can see pictures at Tlos excavations official website.

Saklıkent Gorge is about 4 kilometers from Tlos. You can visit Tlos with a daily tour departing Fethiye or Ölüdeniz. Tlos is about 45 kilometers (30 minutes) from Fethiye.

Minibus public transportation from Fethiye to Tlos is available. Inquire about departure hours at the Fethiye minibus station.

You can see videos of the region in Fethiye Video Clips.

For lodging in the Fethiye region, please see Fethiye Hotels.

About Tlos

Tlos was one of the six principal cities of the Lycian League, an early democratic federation. The city's history dates back to at least 2000 BC. According to mythology, Tlos was founded by Praxidike, daughter of Tlos, one of the four sons of Tremilus (the mythical founder of the Lycian people).

The site is dominated by a Roman-era theater, rock-cut temple tombs including the famous Tomb of Bellerophon with its relief carving, an acropolis, and a fortress built by the Ottomans. The view from the fortress across the valley is spectacular, especially at sunset.

Excavations continue at Tlos. New discoveries are made every year. The site is well-maintained with marked paths. There is a small entrance fee. The Ottoman fortress has been partially restored. The theater is sometimes used for cultural events in summer. A small cafe near the entrance sells drinks and snacks. Bring water if you plan to hike up to the fortress.

What to See at Tlos

Insider Tip: Wear sturdy shoes. The path up to the fortress is uneven and steep. The climb is worth it for the view. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours to see the main highlights. Combine Tlos with a visit to nearby Saklıkent Gorge (only 4 km away) for a full day trip. The best light for photos is in the late afternoon.

About the Author

Mehmet Kurtkaya is the founder of Twarp.com, one of the web's longest-running Turkey travel resources (est. 1995). His research into Anatolia's ancient civilizations is published in Who Built Göbeklitepe and Echoes of the Ice: How Migrations Made Civilizations.