On my way back from diving in Kas I stopped at the ruins of Termessos. But you could easily add it to a trip from Isparta. Or a day trip from Antalya. According to Homer’s Iliad, Bellerophon flew on Pegasus over Termessos and threw rocks at the residents. (Like you do.)
Termessos Ruins
Termessos is on top of Solymos Mountains (Gulluk Dagi) map link at ~1000m of elevation. If you’re feeling ambitious you could bike up from the camping area at the bottom, but I chose to drive the switchbacks up to the upper parking lot and walk up to the ruins from there. But even if you aren’t there is plenty of hiking and walking to explore the ruins.
NOTE: It is not easily accessible or wheel chair friendly. TIP: Wear good hiking shoes or hiking sandals and leave the flip-flops (thongs) for the beach, there are lots of rocks to climb over.
Because of it’s elevation, limited access, and fresh water supplies, Termessos is one of the very few ancient cities never conquered by Alexander. I’m not quite convinced it would have been worth it. It’s a steep hilly area without much land for crops or livestock.
Necropolis
There are many tombs and sarcophagi in three cemeteries within the ruins. Conveniently the best (in my opinion) is a 2 minute walk from the parking area.
The Lion Tomb
Termessos Sarcophagi
Depending on your time and effort you could spend 1-5 hours exploring the site. NOTE: There are very limited aka no concessions available, bring your own water.
Theatre
One of the most scenic, I’ve ever seen. You can’t quite tell from my photos but you can stand on the upper row and see the Mediterranean in the distance. It would be amazing, if challenging logistically to clean up the ruins and put on a show there.
Here’s a short video I took of my hike to the theater. Termessos Ruins Hike on YouTube.
