Quick answer
Limyra is about 7 km north-east of Finike, at the foot of a steep hill near the village of Turunçova. You can see the Roman theatre and the lower town in about an hour, as they sit right beside the road. The climb to the acropolis and the Heroon of Pericles is steep, unshaded and takes a good part of a morning. Limyra is roughly two hours from Antalya by road and pairs well with Arykanda.
Limyra was a leading Lycian city and, in the 4th century BC, the seat of the Lycian ruler Pericles. Today it’s a scattered, half-wild site: orange groves around the edges, springs running through the lower town, and tombs cut into the cliffs above. It rewards visitors who like to explore rather than follow a signed route, and it sees very few tour groups.
What to See
1. The Roman theatre
The 2nd-century AD theatre, rebuilt after an earthquake with money from the local benefactor Opramoas, is the easiest part of Limyra to reach and the best preserved. It sits at the foot of the hill beside the road through the village.
2. The lower city and the cenotaph of Gaius Caesar
Springs rise in the lower town, so parts of the ruins stand in shallow water, and you may see turtles and frogs among the stones. Here you’ll find the remains of the cenotaph built for Gaius Caesar, Augustus’s grandson and heir, who died at Limyra in AD 4, along with the Ptolemaion, a monument to the Ptolemaic kings of Egypt, and the Byzantine bishop’s church.
3. The rock-cut tombs
Limyra had five necropolises. The Lycian house-style tombs carved into the cliff faces are visible from the road and the theatre area, and some can be reached on foot, including the tomb of Xñtabura with its carved reliefs.
4. The acropolis and the Heroon of Pericles
The hilltop tomb-temple of Pericles is Limyra’s most important monument; its original sculptures have been removed for protection. The path up is steep, rocky and exposed, so treat it as a proper hike: go early, carry plenty of water, and don’t attempt it in the midday heat of summer. The view over the Finike plain and the coast is the reward.
5. The Roman bridge (Kemerköprü)
A few kilometres east of the city, the long Roman bridge over the plain is considered one of the oldest segmental arch bridges in the world. Much of it is half-buried by river silt, so it looks more like a low line of arches in the fields. Worth a short stop if you have a car and an interest in engineering.
How Long to Allow
- Short stop (about 1 hour): the theatre, the lower city and a look at the rock tombs from below.
- Half day (3–4 hours): add the climb to the acropolis and the Heroon of Pericles, plus the Roman bridge by car.
Tickets and Access
Limyra is spread out and parts of it are open ground around the village, while the main monuments fall under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Opening hours and whether a ticket is charged have varied between listings, so check the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s official Limyra Archaeological Site page before you go, and carry some cash.
How to Get There
Limyra lies just off the road that runs north-east from Finike, around 7 km from the town. Rough drive times:
- From Antalya: about 2 hours along the coast road via Kemer and Kumluca.
- From Finike: 10–15 minutes. Local minibuses to Turunçova pass nearby; a taxi from Finike is simple.
- From Kaş or Kalkan: about 1.5 hours via Demre.
Because the sights are spread out, a car helps: the theatre, the tombs and the bridge are separate stops. For a round trip from Antalya with waiting time, request a quote on WhatsApp.
Combining Limyra With Other Sites
Limyra and Arykanda make a natural pair: Limyra on the plain in the morning, then the 30-minute drive north to Arykanda’s mountain terraces after lunch in Finike. Going the other way, Olympos and Çıralı are on the coast road back to Antalya; see our Olympos guide. If you’re based in Kaş, Limyra fits into a day with Myra and Demre.
When to Go
October to May is best. Finike’s plain is hot and humid in July and August, and the acropolis climb has no shade. In spring, the orange groves around Finike are in blossom; the town is known across Turkey for its oranges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Limyra?
About 7 km north-east of Finike in Antalya province, near the village of Turunçova.
How long does it take to see Limyra?
About an hour for the theatre and lower city; three to four hours if you climb to the Heroon of Pericles and visit the Roman bridge.
Is the climb to the acropolis difficult?
It’s steep, rocky and unshaded. Fine for fit walkers with good shoes and water, but avoid midday in summer.
Can I visit Limyra and Arykanda on the same day?
Yes. They are about 30–40 minutes apart by road, which makes a full day from Antalya.
📝 A Local’s Note
Limyra isn’t signposted like the big sites, and paths through the lower city can be muddy after rain. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet.
In winter and spring, roadside stalls around Finike sell oranges by the bag. Buy some for the drive home.
🚗 Private car to Limyra
Round trip with waiting time, and Arykanda on the same day if you like. Send your date, pickup point and group size for a quote.
💬 Request a Quote on WhatsAppMonuments and history checked on 30 September 2026 against published archaeological summaries of the Austrian-led excavations and visitor listings. Ticket and opening information varies between listings; confirm on the ministry’s official Limyra page (turkishmuseums.com) before visiting. Cover photo: Limyra’s Roman theatre by Dosseman via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized).
Page last updated: September 2026