Istlada Ancient City is one of the small-scale cities of the Lycian civilization, located within the borders of Demre, a district of Kaş in Antalya, known for its unique rock-cut tombs and city walls.
Istlada Ancient City, also known as Kapaklı or Hoyran, is a Lycian settlement located near Kapaklı Village on the Finike-Kaş road. With its unique tomb architecture, city wall remains, and traces of ancient structures that have survived to this day, it stands out as one of the most remarkable among Lycia's smaller cities. Ancient period structures are intertwined with the village fabric from the Beyliks, Ottoman, and Republic periods, creating the appearance of a living archaeological site.
The city hosts one of the stages of the Lycian Way between Demre (Andriake) and Kekova (Üçağız). For this reason, it is located on a well-known route among hikers. Its dominant position overlooking Gökka ya Bay also offers a visual reward to visitors. New findings are unearthed every year in the ongoing excavation works.
Related discoveries: Places to visit in Antalya, Historical Places, Historical places in Antalya, Lower Düden Waterfall.
Guide's Note
Istlada Ancient City is a well-preserved Lycian settlement, reached by an approximately 700-800 meter walk from Kapaklı village on the Demre-Üçağız road. The path marked with blue lines offers a flat and relatively easy route; however, visitors still recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes. Residential remains built on artificial terraces, a church with its apse still intact, sarcophagi, and an ancient cistern that still functions are among the prominent features of the area. Entrance is free.
It is useful to know that Istlada is often confused with Hoyran, which is approximately 2 km northwest; Google Maps records can also sometimes confuse these two separate settlements. While Hoyran has a rich structure in terms of its necropolis area and tomb types, Istlada stands out more with its residential fabric and church remains. If you plan to visit both, keep in mind that they are separate routes.
Exploring the area with someone familiar with the surroundings makes the experience easier; villagers seem ready to help with directions.
- Lack of signage: There are not enough signs or markers on the road to the area; it may be necessary to ask villagers or download the map in advance.
- Name confusion: Istlada and Hoyran are confused in many sources, including guidebooks; it is recommended to verify the location of both areas separately before visiting.
- Acropolis access: The highest hill where the ruins are located can be difficult to navigate due to dense bushes.
Best Time to Visit
The most suitable periods to visit Istlada are April-May and October-November. In mid-summer, temperatures rise considerably in the inland areas of the Antalya coastline; it can be tiring during midday in this ancient city, which requires walking in an open area. In spring, the region turns green and wild flowers bloom; this creates an ideal environment for both photography and hiking. In autumn, temperatures drop, crowds decrease, and light conditions become extremely favorable for photography.
In winter months, access to the region can sometimes be difficult, and paths become slippery in rainy weather. Those planning a winter visit should check the weather forecast in advance.
How to Get There?
The most common way to reach Istlada Ancient City is via Kapaklı Village on the Finike-Kaş highway. It is possible to reach the village, which is approximately 180 kilometers from Antalya city center, by minibus or taxi via Kaş or Demre. There are regular minibus services from Kaş; you can get off at Kapaklı and walk up to the ancient city.
For those who want to explore the Lycian Way on foot, Istlada is a natural stop on the stage between Andriake (Demre) and Üçağız (Kekova). If you are coming with your own vehicle, you can park your car in Kapaklı Village and walk to the ancient city.
What to Eat, Where to Eat?
There are no comprehensive food and drink options immediately around Istlada Ancient City. You can find simple refreshments through small village cafes or grocery stores in Kapaklı Village; for a full meal, you will need to go to Kaş or Demre.
Kaş hosts many restaurants offering fine examples of Mediterranean cuisine. Fresh seafood, seasonal dishes with olive oil, and herbal cheeses unique to the Lycian region are among the main delicacies. If your visit coincides with lunchtime, we recommend taking enough water and light snacks with you.
Photo Spots
Istlada is an extremely fertile area for photography enthusiasts. The rock-cut tombs offer striking frames with their door and window craftsmanship reflecting the characteristic features of Lycian architecture. The natural stone texture and vegetation around the tombs create dramatic shadows in the morning or evening light.
The view of Gökka ya Bay obtained from the high points of the ancient city is perhaps the most impressive photo opportunity. It is possible to capture the turquoise waters of the bay in the same frame as the ancient stone walls. Street views where the village fabric is intertwined with ancient structures also contain interesting details for documentary photography.
Things to Know Before Visiting
Since Istlada is an open archaeological site, sturdy hiking shoes are essential. The paths are uneven and can sometimes be rocky. Do not forget to bring enough water; there are no facilities in the vicinity where you can get drinking water.
Not touching ancient artifacts and not climbing on tomb structures is both a legal and ethical obligation. Some areas may be closed during ongoing excavation works. Sunscreen and a hat are also among the essential items to have in your bag. Since mobile phone network coverage may be weak in the region, downloading an offline map in advance will be useful.
Route Suggestion: Combine with the Lycian Way
Instead of visiting Istlada alone, incorporating it into the Lycian Way route enriches the experience much more. This route, starting from the ancient port of Andriake in Demre, extending through Istlada to the coast of Gökka ya Bay, and from there to Üçağız and Kekova, offers the opportunity to see different facets of the Lycian civilization together.
By choosing accommodation centered in Kaş, you can set off early in the morning. Spending 2-3 hours in Istlada and then moving on to Demre or Kekova in the afternoon will allow you to make efficient use of your day. For those coming by car, Kapaklı Village will be a good starting point.
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