Arykanda & Sillyon: Two Empty Ancient Cities Near Antalya

✓ Last reviewed: 29 September 2026 — Verified and updated by İlyas Bayrak, licensed Turkish guide (licence 070867), with the My Turkey Adventure editorial team. Prices, opening hours, transport fares and visa rules reflect the latest 2026 guidance. Quick Answer: Arykanda and Sillyon are two stunning but largely overlooked ancient cities near Antalya, perfect for adventurous travellers seeking solitude. If you want to experience the grandeur of Roman and Lycian ruins without the crowds, these empty ruins in Turkey offer an unforgettable glimpse into the past and are absolutely worth the trip for those willing to explore off the beaten path. Fact Detail Location Arykanda: Antalya province, near Arif village. Sillyon: Antalya province, between Antalya city and Serik. Period & Date Arykanda: Lycian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine ( 5th century BC - 11th century AD ). Sillyon: Pamphylian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk ( Pre-7th century BC - 13th century AD ). What It Is Arykanda: A spectacular Lycian city built on stepped terraces down a mountainside. Sillyon: A fortified Pamphylian acropolis on an isolated, flat-topped mesa. UNESCO Status None. Entry Arykanda: Ticketed site, Turkish Museum Pass is valid. Sillyon: Free, unmanaged site. (Status should be confirmed locally before your visit). Typical Visit Length Arykanda: 2.5 - 3 hours. Sillyon: 1.5 - 2 hours. Nearest Airport Antalya Airport (AYT). Driving Time from Antalya Arykanda: Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes. Sillyon: Approx. 45 minutes. Best Months to Visit April-June and September-October, to avoid summer heat and winter rain. What Are Arykanda and Sillyon? Welcome, fellow adventurers! As licensed guides who have spent decades exploring every corner of our beautiful country, we love sharing the secrets that don't make it into the mainstream travel brochures. Today, we're taking you to two of our favourite sites on the Turquoise Coast: Arykanda and Sillyon . These are the ghosts of the ancient world, two cit