Pınara

Pınara was one of the largest cities of Lycia, and its setting is the thing: a huge column of rock rises behind the site, and its sheer face is pierced with hundreds of small rectangular tombs cut high into the cliff, packed close in rows so the whole face reads as a honeycomb. How they were reached is not fully understood - the accepted explanation involves scaffolding and ropes lowered from above. Below, in scattered woodland on a terrace, are the remains of the city: a theatre in good condition looking out at the mountains, an odeon, temple foundations, cisterns and a set of house-type tombs at ground level, one carved with reliefs of walled cities. Very little is excavated or signposted, goats graze among the stones, and on most days you will be the only visitor. The track up from the village is steep and rutted, which is a large part of why that is true.

What you actually see

• The honeycomb cliff - hundreds of tombs cut high in the rock face.
• The theatre - well-preserved seating facing the mountains.
• The carved tombs - ground-level tombs with city reliefs.
• The overgrown terrace - the city among trees and grazing.

When to go

April to June and September to October. Mornings; there is shade among the trees but the climb is hot. Spring brings flowers through the ruins.

Honest expectations

The access track is steep and rough - a low car will struggle and it is unpleasant after rain. There are no facilities and almost no signage. Terrain inside is uneven with loose stone.

Nearby

Tlos and Saklıkent are north; Xanthos and Letoon are south toward the coast.