The ancient cities of Lycia!

A contemplative and delicious breakfast in a cozy coffee shop near another ancient ruin!

The history of Rhodiapolis dates back to early Antiquity. It is believed that in the 8th or 7th century BC, colonists from Rhodes sailed to the south-east of Lycia and founded a small settlement here, which was given a simple name meaning "land of Rhodes".
From the ruins that can be seen there are remnants from the classical period to the Byzantine period. There is an amphitheatre, a Turkish bath, a basilica, a necropolis and many other buildings.

The city was founded supposedly in the 6th century BC by the Luvians. In classical antiquity, the main symbol for patronage was the Sun. It has been established that there was a centre of worship of the Holy Mother of the Sun. Annual celebrations in her honour were held here.

Arikanda is considered to be one of the oldest cities in Lycia, whose name in Luvian means "Place near high cliffs". The historical facts state that it existed as early as the 5th century B.C.
Arikanda is rich in architectural monuments, many of which are well preserved. Above all it is known for the largest complex of baths which can be found in no other Lycian town. There are well preserved gymnasiums and public toilets with coloured mosaics on the walls. There are also temples to Helios and Trajan.
The ruins of the amphitheatre that was built during Roman rule are also quite remarkable. It consists of twenty rows of seats which are divided into seven sectors.
If you walk to the eastern part of the city, you can get acquainted with the Buletterion - a place where the city's nobility gathered and resolved important state issues. The ruins of this structure occupy the mountainside and the rows of seats were carved directly into the rock.
The building of the Odeon is also worth a look. In ancient times it was a very beautiful structure, inside and outside decorated with magnificent decorations. To this day, remnants of coloured marble decorations can still be seen on the walls and seats.

Time for lunch or dinner before the last interesting antique point for today. We're getting tired and need to refresh ourselves, there's still one more push ahead.
This good spot on the riverbank will allow you to rest and catch your breath.

Mira is the most important trading port of Lycia. The city was founded in the 5th century BC. During the Byzantine period of Theodosius II it became the capital of Lycia. Here they printed their own coins. According to tradition, the Apostle Paul moored in this harbour before leaving for Rome.
What remains of the city are the ruins of a Greco-Roman theatre and tombs carved in the rocks. The uniqueness and peculiarity of the tombs can be explained by the fact that the Lycian people used to bury the dead on high places, as it was believed that this would help them get to heaven.

It's time to relax, time to think about what we have seen, to digest all we have been through and get a good night's sleep before tomorrow is a wonderful day filled with adventures, picturesque bays and, of course, ancient towns.