Tucked away in the pine-covered hills between Demre and Kaş lies one of Lycia’s most underappreciated treasures: Kyaneai. It doesn’t have the fame of Myra or the coastal charm of Simena, but what it offers is something rare — solitude, dramatic landscapes, and some of the finest Lycian sarcophagi you’ll ever see, still resting where they were placed over two thousand years ago.
If you’re the kind of traveler who prefers ancient paths to paved roads and stories carved in stone over souvenir shops, then Kyaneai belongs on your list.
🏛️ A Short History of Kyaneai
Kyaneai (also spelled Cyaneae) was a significant city in ancient Lycia, especially between the 4th century BCE and Roman times. Though no grand temples or theaters dominate the site, it was an important political and religious center.
The name “Kyaneai” means “the dark ones” in Greek — likely a reference to the shadowy blue hue of the stone found in the area.
Most famous for its dense collection of rock tombs and sarcophagi, Kyaneai also has the remains of a small theater, stone houses, cisterns, and several inscriptions that provide valuable insight into Lycian language and society.
📍 How to Get There
Kyaneai is located in the mountainous countryside between Demre and Kaş, near the modern village of Yavu.
- By car: From Demre, drive toward Yavu village. From there, it’s about 2 km hike uphill on a rough but scenic trail.
- By foot: For hiking lovers, you can include Kyaneai as a detour on the Lycian Way trail.
There is no formal ticketing or tourism infrastructure — this is a truly wild and untouched archaeological site.
🔍 What to See
- Sarcophagi Everywhere: Kyaneai has over 350 tombs and sarcophagi, many of them inscribed and still in their original positions. It’s like an open-air museum — but with no ropes, crowds, or noise.
- Theater with a View: Though modest in size, the city’s ancient theater offers sweeping views of the valley below. It’s a perfect spot to rest and take in the silence.
- Inscriptions & Reliefs: Look closely at the tombs — you’ll find Greek and Lycian inscriptions, carvings of warriors, animals, and family names that have lasted millennia.
- Wild Beauty: The ruins blend into the natural landscape. You’ll be walking among wild herbs, goats, olive trees, and if you’re lucky, a tortoise or two.
🧭 Tips for Visiting
- Wear sturdy shoes — the terrain is rocky and uneven.
- Bring water and snacks — there are no shops or facilities nearby.
- Start early — especially in summer, as there’s little shade on the hill.
- Offline map recommended — cellular signal is weak.
- Respect the ruins — please don’t climb on tombs or remove stones.
✨ Why You Should Go
Kyaneai is not polished or curated — it’s raw history. And that’s its magic. It’s one of those rare places where you can sit alone among ancient tombs and hear nothing but the wind through the pines.
If you love archaeology, nature, or simply want to wander somewhere truly off the map, Kyaneai will stay with you long after the dust has left your boots.
See you among the stones,
Deniz from Demre
