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

Kaunos, Dalyan

4.6

#2 of 26 in Historic Sites in Mugla Province

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.

Create an itinerary including Kaunos

Related Tours to Book

Dalyan Cruise from Marmaris: Iztuzu Beach, River Cruise and Mud Baths BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $33

Dalyan Mud Baths and Turtle Beach Day Trip from Bodrum BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $47

Dalyan Day Trip from Bodrum Including Dalyan River Cruise, Iztuzu Beach, Mud Baths and Lunch BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $51

Private Dalyan Iztuzu River Boat Caunos Tour with Private Guide BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $591

View more tours

Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

905 reviews

Google

4.6

Ebru A

August 19, 2017

Kaunos Antik Kenti 'ne , Dalyandan Kaunos Aile Çay Bahçesinin önünden kalkan sandallarla 5 dakikalık mesafede karşıya geçiyorsunuz. Sabah saat 7 de gitmenizi tavsiye ederim. Güneş kızmaya başlamadan s... more »

Kaunos ancient City Kaunos Family Tea Garden, Dalyandan front of the boats you are crossing over a 5-minute drive away. I suggest you go at 7 o'clock in the morning. Sun girl in cool from you before it starts to choke, magical nature look look around the outskirts of the village where the bells go to organic agriculture is that bother you. Sneaker terms (there's about half an hour walking distance) from water or a would get Pomegranate juice necessarily sister Salam above they don't sell because. Excavations in the ancient city still continues in this big. Who knows what else. the biggest I've ever seen ancient city here. But I appeal to the Ministry of Culture received the $10 entrance fee at this place toilets dirty and poorly maintained. Cleaning the toilet bowl of the sink are not needs to be replaced. :(

View original
donspeakyenglish

August 17, 2017

I love history this was a must for me breathtaking views and a fantastic roman church. But it's a 1km walk from the river to get to so be prepared for me personally it was worth it is 10tl per person ... more »
Debbee47

August 15, 2017

We bought all of our gifts and souverniers at the Market in Kaunos. A 5 hour day trip with an hours boat ride to Kaunos from Dalyan. more »

View more on TripAdvisor »

Google

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.

more less
Ken Allen

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

more less
Peter Kock

Beautiful site to wander around for a few hours.

more less
Tim Bright

Beautiful location and interesting remains. Excavations still continue.

more less
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.

more less

View more on Google »

Plan your trip to Dalyan

Get a personalized plan

A complete day-by-day itinerary
based on your preferences
Customize it

Refine your plan. We'll find the
best routes and schedules
Book it

Choose from the best hotels
and activities. Up to 50% off
Manage it

Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.

Best things to do in Dalyan

Popular

Side Trips

Parasailing & Paragliding

Oludeniz

Visit for: 3h

Saklikent Milli Parki

Fethiye

Visit for: 3h 30min

Marmaris Blue Paradise

Marmaris

Visit for: 3h

Hidden Gems

Dalyan Villa Kiydan Boat Tours

Fishing Charters & Tours

Nearby

Kid Friendly Attractions

Dalyan Special Environmental Protection Area

Nature

Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

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.

Live like a local, find unique places to stay

Millions of travel reviews on TripAdvisor

Plans in Dalyan by other users

View more plans

Kaunos, Dalyan

Ebru A

donspeakyenglish

Debbee47

Lee Chase

Ken Allen

Peter Kock

Tim Bright

Andrew L

Plan your trip to Dalyan

Get a personalized plan

Customize it

Book it

Manage it

Best things to do in Dalyan

Where to stay in Dalyan

Plans in Dalyan by other users

For Business Owners