Trip Planner: Europe / Turkey / Turkish Aegean Coast / Mugla Province / Dalyan / Historic Sites / Kaunos

Kaunos, Dalyan

4.6

#2 of 27 in Things to do in Dalyan

Ruin Historic Site

Explore the ancient ruins of Kaunos, once an important sea port founded in the 9th century BCE between the empires Caria and Lycia. Because of manmade alterations to the landscape, the site no longer sits directly on the coast. You'll need to join a guided boat trip or board one of the private rowing boats in Dalyan that take you across the river and walk 20 minutes to the site. Walk along the remnants of city walls up to the acropolis perched on a 152 m (500 ft) high rock, which offers vistas of the ruins, the river, the bay, and the beach. A Hellenistic-Roman theater on the slope of the acropolis is still occasionally used for performances. See the gymnasium with its Roman baths, a wind-measuring platform, and a domed Byzantine basilica. Do not miss the floor mosaics next to the basilica. Wear sensible shoes, since you'll be doing lots of walking. Put Kaunos and other Dalyan attractions into our Dalyan itinerary planner, and watch your holiday take shape.

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Where to stay in Dalyan

The village of Dalyan is abundant in its family-run hostels and guesthouses. This quiet, riverside town offers older, quaint places to stay right along the river. Here, water taxis will pick you up right at your front door and whisk you off to nearby tourist attractions. You'll find newer hotels and guesthouses more inland, but still a short walk to the pier. If you're not willing to forgo luxury, look to the more upscale, coastal resorts just south of the village, which come with a ten-minute commute.

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878 reviews

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4.6

AngiePetkovic

Kaunos is a ruined city on the banks of the river. It is more than 3000 years old and as my son commented 'that when the Romans arrived the site had been inhabited for the more than 1000 years and now... more »
Sue F

Onur took us here, and really didn't want to leave, love history of any sorts, but this was something else, !!!!! Great great place. more »
Manicstar

Having visited here 28 years was surprised to see how much more extensive the excavations were this time. Entry price of 10tl is crazy cheap and visiting late afternoon I virtually had the whole place... more »

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Lee Chase

Amazing history and stunning to see in real life. Something that has to be seen while it can. Plus easy to do so from most boats.

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Ken Allen

Totally love this place no crowds great views you can wonder around all day just soaking up the atmosphere

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Peter Kock

Beautiful site to wander around for a few hours.

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Tim Bright

Beautiful location and interesting remains. Excavations still continue.

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Andrew L

An ancient city spread across a wide area. It's always evolving as the archeologists piece together more and more. There is an amphitheatre, bath house, and loads of other ruined structures. Incredible! It's mind blowing that a civilisation over 2000 years old was so complex and modern.

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