Cuanos
Cuanos Turkey, ancient Lycian League city
Kuanos or Cuanos was founded around the 9th century BC, Kaunos became an
important Carian city in 400 B.C. Right on the border with the Kingdom of Lycia,
its culture reflected aspects of both Kingdoms. The tombs, for instance, are in
Lycian style. When Mausolos of Halicarnassus was ruler of Caria, his
Hellenistic influence reached the Kaunians, who eagerly adopted the culture.
This mixture of cultures in Kaunos may be seen amongst the ruins of its various
archaeological remains: the Carian city wall built by Maussolos, the Lycian and
Carian tombs, the medieval walls on the acropolis, a Roman fountain dedicated to
Vespasianus, a theater from the 2nd century BC, remains of 4 temples, massive
Roman baths and a Byzantine basilica of 5th/8th centuries. Kaunos was threatened
by the silting of the harbor after which the city was eventually abandoned. One
of the most beautiful features of the site are the rock tombs sculpted in the
form of the porticoes of small Ionic temples. Although the builders were Carians,
the original occupants of the tombs are obscure but are assumed to have been
Kaunian noblemen; in most cases they were vacated and reused in Roman times. The
largest one is unfinished, providing a curious glimpse of the method of
construction.
You will first stop at the the fascinating ancient harbor city of Kaunos, where you can explore the ancient Lycian and Byzantine ruins. You can also take a fabulous hike to the top of the fortress that stands at the top of the hill on the right as you walk in. From the top there is an incredible view that should not be missed. Bring water, wear sneakers, tevas or hiking shoes and a hat. The hike up takes about 45 minutes. To get to the trail you must first walk up to the top of the Amphitheater. Behind the center of the Amphitheater is a big old tree. You will see a trail to the right, but it splits - so take the fork on the left. It should be marked (by yours truly) and it says "Easy Way". I don't suggest going the other way as it goes straight up the face of the cliff. If you have time, you can stop at Dalyan Beach for a sunset cocktail, a walk along the beach and swim before you return. Make sure you don't forget to pack the cocktails!
It will be getting dark when you return. Your water taxi ride will be a bit bumpy and it may get chilly. For fun you can go to the front of the water taxi, hold onto the rope and surf the waves. It's fun. This excursion takes all-day - it is a great time and a MUST!!
You will first stop at the the fascinating ancient harbor city of Kaunos, where you can explore the ancient Lycian and Byzantine ruins. You can also take a fabulous hike to the top of the fortress that stands at the top of the hill on the right as you walk in. From the top there is an incredible view that should not be missed. Bring water, wear sneakers, tevas or hiking shoes and a hat. The hike up takes about 45 minutes. To get to the trail you must first walk up to the top of the Amphitheater. Behind the center of the Amphitheater is a big old tree. You will see a trail to the right, but it splits - so take the fork on the left. It should be marked (by yours truly) and it says "Easy Way". I don't suggest going the other way as it goes straight up the face of the cliff. If you have time, you can stop at Dalyan Beach for a sunset cocktail, a walk along the beach and swim before you return. Make sure you don't forget to pack the cocktails!
It will be getting dark when you return. Your water taxi ride will be a bit bumpy and it may get chilly. For fun you can go to the front of the water taxi, hold onto the rope and surf the waves. It's fun. This excursion takes all-day - it is a great time and a MUST!!