Standing silently for thousands of years directly across from Dalyan, one of Muğla’s most enchanting corners, is the Ancient City of Kaunos. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, this ancient port city takes visitors on a journey through time—not only with its magnificent rock tombs but also with its theater, baths, and melancholic founding legend.
A Tale of Love and Escape: The Founding of Kaunos
According to mythology, the city's origins are rooted in a tragic story. Kaunos, the grandson of Apollo, fled here to escape the forbidden love of his twin sister, Byblis, and founded the city that bears his name. Legend has it that the labyrinthine canals of Dalyan were formed by the tears shed by Byblis as she wept for her brother’s departure.
A Port City on the Edge of History
In antiquity, Kaunos was a strategic port city forming the border between the Carian and Lycian regions. Although it now sits inland, Sülüklü Lake was once the city’s commercial heart where ships docked. While the city lost its prominence over time as silt filled the harbor, the structures left behind still retain their original grandeur.
Key Structures to See in Kaunos
Based on official excavation results, these are the must-see structures during your visit:
Kings' Rock Tombs: The icons of Dalyan, these temple-faced tombs (in the Ionic order) were carved into the cliffs for high-status individuals.
Ancient Theater: Situated at the foot of the acropolis with a capacity of approximately 5,000 people, the theater still possesses incredible acoustics.
Measuring Platform: Considered a "first" in the world of archaeology, this circular structure was used for urban planning based on wind direction.
Roman Bath and Basilica: These structures shed light on the social life of the Roman period, showcasing how the city hosted diverse cultures.
There are two pleasant ways to reach the Ancient City of Kaunos:
By Rowboat: You can take a small boat from the Dalyan Kaunos Kral Cafe to cross the river. From there, a 10-15 minute scenic walk through olive groves will lead you to the ruins.
By Ferry for Vehicles: If you are traveling by car, you can use the ferry located in front of the Dalyan Portakal Hotel. Once across, the city entrance is only 600 meters away.
