Xanthos-Letoon Transfer: How to Get There by Private Car

Xanthos was the leading city of ancient Lycia and is often called its capital. Its ruins stand on a hill above the village of Kınık, looking over the Eşen river valley: a Roman theatre, the agora, tall Lycian pillar tombs and the famous Harpy Tomb, whose original reliefs, like the Nereid Monument, are today in the British Museum in London.

Letoon, a few kilometres away near Kumluova, was the main religious sanctuary of the Lycians, dedicated to the goddess Leto and her children Apollo and Artemis. Here you see the foundations of three temples side by side, a theatre and a sacred spring area that often lies under shallow water. Together the two sites have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1988.

From Antalya Airport (AYT) it is about 215 km, roughly 4 hours 25 minutes by road. The route follows the coast road past Kemer, Kumluca, Finike, Demre and Kaş, then turns inland after Kalkan into the Eşen valley. It is a long but very scenic drive with many bends.

• From Kalkan and Patara the sites are a short drive away.
• From Kaş it is a pleasant coastal drive of moderate length.
• From Fethiye and Ölüdeniz you drive south through the valley.

For Kalkan and Patara, Dalaman Airport can also be an option, so ask us which airport suits your flight. We drop you at the entrance car park of each site, or at the nearest accessible point.

Both sites are open hillsides and fields with very little shade, and the valley gets very hot in summer. Go early in the morning or in the late afternoon, wear a hat and good walking shoes, and take plenty of water and sun cream. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, when the valley is green and quiet.

Many visitors combine Xanthos and Letoon with the ancient city and long sandy beach of Patara, only a short drive away. With a full day you can also add Saklıkent Gorge or the hilltop ruins of Tlos, or end the day with dinner in Kalkan harbour.

A car with driver is the easiest way to see Xanthos, Letoon and Patara in one day, as public transport between them is limited. Tell us your plan when booking, which sites, how long you want at each and where to stop for lunch, and we tell you what is possible and agree the pick-up time back with you.

Choose a Minivan (VW Caravelle class) for 1–6 people, a VIP Mercedes-Benz Vito with leather seats for 1–7, or a Mercedes Sprinter for groups of 8–16. Child seats are free on request, and the price is fixed per vehicle, not per person.

If you are staying in Kalkan, Kaş or Patara, we meet you at the airport with a name sign, track your flight and wait for free if it is delayed, then drive you straight to your hotel. There is no night surcharge and no luggage fee, which matters on a long transfer.

On the return day, allow for the long drive back to Antalya when we agree your pick-up time. Plan to be at the airport 2–3 hours before an international flight, and check your airline's advice. Booking is 24/7 by WhatsApp or the booking form: you get a fixed-price quote within 1 minute, pay nothing in advance, cancel for free and pay in the vehicle.