Rhodiapolis is an important ancient city of the Lycian League, founded by Rhodian colonists, located within the pine forests of Sarıcasu neighborhood in Kumluca district of Antalya. Its structures, unearthed by Antalya University archaeological excavations, provide information about ancient urban life.
Rhodiapolis, as its name suggests, is a Lycian city founded by Rhodian colonists. Sharing the same foundation story as Phaselis and Olympos, this ancient city is situated on a dominant hill within the borders of Kumluca's Sarıcasu neighborhood. Its structure nestled among pine forests adds both visual appeal and a cool atmosphere to the city.
Rhodiapolis has gone down in history as one of the important settlements within the Lycian League. The structures unearthed by excavation works carried out by faculty members of the Archaeology Department of Antalya University provide important clues about the city's vibrant urban life in ancient times. As excavations are still ongoing, visitors also have the opportunity to observe an active archaeological site firsthand.
Its proximity to Kumluca center and the possibility of forming a route with other ancient cities in the vicinity make Rhodiapolis a valuable stop for cultural tourism enthusiasts who want to explore the region. However, keep in mind that you will need to walk 2-3 km along a proper path during your visit.
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Guide's Note
Rhodiapolis is a settlement built on a hill overlooking Kumluca, notable for its ancient theater and the surrounding mountain and sea views. Visitors particularly mention being impressed by the panoramic position of the theater and the atmosphere it creates at sunset. Rock tombs, monumental structures, and partially restored areas offer a worthwhile experience for those interested in history.
It is useful to consider some practical information before your visit. The entrance road has been built but is closed; you can leave your car at the entrance and reach the area by using the path on the left. Temperatures can get quite high in summer; it is recommended to bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes. There are no markets or food and drink spots in the immediate vicinity, so you need to go prepared. It is also shared by visitors that Google Maps provides more reliable results for navigation, while Apple Maps can give wrong directions.
Several visitors point out that despite the area's potential, it has been largely neglected. Infrastructure elements such as the ticket building and toilets have been built but are not functional.
- No staff present: The vast majority of visitors state that they did not encounter any personnel in the area.
- Lack of signage and information: There are no signs or plaques explaining what the structures are; visitors have to find information through their own research.
- Unclear exit route: The exit path from the area is not clear and can be challenging.
- Toilets out of order: There is no running water in the existing toilet facilities.
- Very low visitor density: Especially on weekdays and outside the season, the area remains almost completely empty; this causes security concerns for some visitors.
Best Time to Visit
The most suitable periods to visit Rhodiapolis are April-May and September-October. During these seasons, the weather temperature is very favorable for walking up the hill; the pine forest also takes on a fresh green hue. In summer, the region's temperature can reach serious levels. As frequently mentioned by Tripadvisor users, those who want to visit the ancient city during the summer should prefer early morning or late afternoon. Climbing the hill at midday can be both tiring and risky for health.
How to Get to Rhodiapolis?
Rhodiapolis Ancient City is located within the borders of Kumluca's Sarıcasu Neighborhood. Its distance from the district center varies between approximately 2.5 to 5 km. If you are starting from Antalya city center, you need to follow the highway in the direction of Kumluca; this journey takes approximately 1.5-2 hours.
While it is possible to reach Kumluca by public transport, there are no regular minibus or bus services to the area where the ancient city is located. Therefore, private car or rental car remains the most practical option. From Kumluca center, you can follow the signs indicating the direction to Sarıcasu Neighborhood. Searching for "Rhodiapolis Ancient City" in navigation apps will be sufficient.
How Much Time Should You Allocate?
Rhodiapolis is a relatively compact area compared to large-scale ancient cities. An average of 1.5 to 2.5 hours, including walking, is sufficient for most visitors. For those who love photography or have a deep interest in archaeology, this period can extend up to 3 hours. If you combine the ancient city with surrounding excursions, you can create a full-day program that also covers Kumluca and other historical sites along the coastline.
Suggested Route with Surrounding Ancient Cities
Rhodiapolis is located in the same region as many ancient cities on Antalya's Lycian route. If you are planning a one-day program in Kumluca and its surroundings, you can visit Rhodiapolis in the early morning and then proceed to other Lycian ruins in the area or to Kumluca's coastline. Phaselis and Olympos are also among the cities founded by Rhodian colonists, so a Lycian route covering these three points will allow you to experience the historical context firsthand.
Photo Spots
Rhodiapolis's hilltop location offers a natural advantage for taking wide-angle photos overlooking the surroundings. The ancient structural remains framed by pine forests provide impressive shots, especially in the morning light and golden hour. Close-ups of the excavation areas can also yield powerful photographs documenting the traces of the ancient period. A wide-angle lens or telephoto lens will be useful for both landscape and detail shots.
Things to Consider Before Visiting
You need to walk 2-3 km to reach the ancient city. Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes are therefore important. Since there may not be a fixed ticket office, cafeteria, or toilet in the area, it is advisable to bring enough water and snacks. Sunscreen and a hat become essential in summer. As the excavation area is active, entry to some sections may be restricted; pay attention to official warnings. We recommend checking the official sources of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for current opening hours and possible restrictions before your visit.
General Information About Rhodiapolis
Rhodiapolis has been recorded in historical records as one of the important cities of the Lycian League. Its connection to Rhodes in its name indicates that the city was founded by Rhodian colonists; this gives it a common founding tradition with Phaselis and Olympos. The city is systematically researched through scientific excavation works carried out by a team led by Prof. Dr. Nevzat Çevik from the Archaeology Department of Antalya University. Thanks to these studies, new information about the city's history and architectural texture is emerging day by day.
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