There is much to be said for approaching an ancient, historic sight on foot. Arykanda is located in the area around Finike (ancient Phoenicus). We set off on a sunny, warm morning following mountain trails along a valley which connects the coast with the Kabalia highlands until we came to Arykanda…View image….where one lone guardian allowed the group to enter…View image. He also followed us throughout the entire visit, watching like a hawk to make sure nothing was disturbed or taken.

Arykanda is a vast site dating back to the 2nd Century BC and built on five large terraces climbing up the mountain. I remember Arykanda as one of the most interesting sites in Lycia, probably because there was no one else there but the Explore group and it had a spectacular view over the valley. The site is continually being excavated and that would be right up my alley.

hiking into Arykanda, Turkey
Lucky for the archaeologists, Arykanda’s location made it difficult for grave robbers and others to take away important relics other than columns. There were still a few bits of decoration left on the rocks and I can’t imagine what it must have looked like when occupied.

Arykanda had the largest bath complex in Lycia, a gymnasium and Amphitheatre with 20 rows of seats. Simon pointed out holes at the edge of every row that supported awnings for sun protection. The Explore group relaxed among the ruins while hearing about this ancient site’s history and admired the valley views along with the sun.

sitting among the Arykanda ruins, Turkey 

the valleys of Lycia, Turkey
You could also visit what remained of the Agora, Odeon, Stadium and two Necropolises. The eastern Necropolis has barrel-vaulted tombs, temple-tombs and one sarcophagi filled with bones…View image…

The Arykanda guardian invited to his house after the visit where his wife made tea…View image. A pleasant time just resting and talking to the family before hiking back down and out of the mountains.

family home of Arykanda guardian, Turkey 

turkish hospitality in Arykanda, Turkey
Explore vacations usually involve interaction with locals along with visits to sights. We also like the fact that dinners aren’t usually included giving all participants the chance to wander off by themselves, eat with friends or downtime to do absolutely nothing. A great respite from the 14 days and 14 nights of busing, touring and eating three meals a day with an entire group.