Ancient Cities of Phellos and Antiphellos near Kaş

Located just 5 km north of Antiphellos (modern-day Kaş), the ancient city of Phellos was most active between the 7th and 4th centuries BCE. It was one of four dynastic Lycian settlements, alongside Xanthos, Trysa, and Limyra. Interestingly, both Phellos and Antiphellos are among the few Lycian cities with Greek names. ‘Phellos’ roughly translates to “land of rock,” known in Lycian as Vehinda (or Wehnti).

Perched on a ridge overlooking rugged mountains, Phellos played a significant role in the 4th century BCE. As its port city, Antiphellos, later thrived during the Hellenistic Period, Phellos declined in importance. When what is now Kaş served as its harbour, Phellos stood as a vital centre for Mediterranean maritime trade.

Although historical records about Phellos are limited, the ruins suggest it functioned more as a fortress than a residential hub. Its defensive purpose is clear from the remnants of sturdy fortress walls and corner watchtowers. The elevated site offers commanding views of the surrounding area—ideal for spotting incoming threats. The city walls, constructed from local limestone, were clearly designed to prevent enemy access.

Aside from the acropolis walls, there are relatively few standing structures in the city. The ruins cover an area roughly 550 metres long and 200 metres wide. A standout feature is a unique house-type rock tomb located at the western edge of the acropolis. This family tomb is a rare example of Lycian wooden house architecture preserved in stone.

If you walk north from the acropolis, you’ll come across several sarcophagi scattered across the valley and hillsides. Among them, a sarcophagus with carved reliefs stands out as one of the most impressive sights in the city.

Address: Phellos Antik Kenti, Çukurbağ / Kaş / Antalya
Entry Fee: Free
Visiting Hours: Always open (no official hours)

The Ancient City of Antiphellos

Once the harbour of Phellos, Antiphellos eventually outgrew its inland neighbour and became a flourishing trade city. Situated where modern-day Kaş now lies, it gained prominence during the Hellenistic Period, largely due to its role in the cedar trade. The name ‘Antiphellos’ means “land without rocks,” and in the Lycian language it was known as Habesos or Habesa.

As Phellos declined, Antiphellos prospered. In the 2nd century BCE, it gained a vote in the Lycian League and began minting its own coins. Unlike many ancient cities whose ruins are confined to a single area, the remains of Antiphellos are scattered throughout modern Kaş.

One of the most significant surviving structures is the Antiphellos Theatre, located on the southern slope of the acropolis hill. Just a 10-minute walk from Kaş’s main square, the theatre offers stunning views of the Mediterranean and is one of the best spots in town to watch the sunset. The theatre has 26 rows of seats arranged into three sections, divided by four staircases.

Another highlight is the King’s Tomb at the top of Uzunçarşı Street. Despite its name, it's not certain the tomb belonged to a king—its name comes from the decorative lion heads on the sarcophagus. Three more sarcophagi can be found throughout the city: one near the farmer’s market, another at the entrance to the harbour, and a third beside the military police (jandarma) building by the sea.

The Akdam Doric Rock Tomb

To the north of the theatre lies the Akdam Doric Rock Tomb—a square, slightly conical tomb carved from a single stone block measuring 4.5 by 4.5 metres. At its entrance, a colonnaded façade supports a triangular pediment. Inside, rows of recesses on three sides indicate where the deceased were laid to rest. A relief of 24 women decorates the tomb, and stylistic analysis dates it to the 4th century BCE. The tomb was restored in 2008 and remains one of the most fascinating ancient sites in the area.

Address: Antiphellos Antik Kenti, Kaş / Antalya
Entry Fee: Free
Visiting Hours: Always open (no official hours)