Sidyma

Around an hour’s drive from Kaş, this is one of our favourite places to walk. Today’s village (Dodurga) has simply been built in and around the ruins, which are thought to date back to the 2nd Century BC. The village is on the Lycian Way – named one of the world’s top-ten long distance walks by the Sunday Times – and is a perfect place to end a walk. The village Muhtar’s wife runs a charming tea house, where you can have tea, soft drinks or even a cold beer, as well as homemade gözleme (Turkish pancakes) and local bay honey.

A local village woman and a charming Canadian lady have refurbished some old houses to make a charming, but very simple pansiyon, where you can stay for a night or two – perfect for walkers to have a brief rest from the trail. Details can be found at: Sidyma Homes

There is no warden and access to the ruins is free of charge. During the school holidays, one of the local children may offer to show you the way – an ice cream or a few coins to say thank you will always be appreciated.

 

The ruins are spread out across the neighbouring hillsides and the peaceful, bucolic, setting is as much of an attraction as the city itself. For more energetic visitors, it is possible to climb up to the acropolis, which is accessible by a path from the upper part of the village. Here are a few photos to whet your appetite: