lycian way trek

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The Complete Guide to

The lycian way.

If you found yourself on this page, that means you are up for an exploration of the most popular hiking trail on the Mediterranean Coast: The Lycian Way! 

The Lycian Way is a trekking route following the traces of the ancient trade route of the Lycians along the Turkish Mediterranean coast.

This path is a creation of a woman named Kate Clow from England in the 1990s. Her idea was to create a 509-kilometer long Lycian Way from Fethiye to Antalya and to connect 18 ancient cities. When she won a competition announced by a Turkish bank with this idea, she got the financial means to implement the plan and immediately started to work on it. It took her two years to complete it.

In 1999, Turkey had its first marked long-distance hiking trail that met international standards. The prestigious British Sunday Times chose the Lycian Way as one of the   top ten hiking trails in the world.

Now that we piqued your curiosity, let's discover the information you will need before embarking on this journey...

Table of Contents

Path Markings on the Lycian Way

All start and end points of the trekking route are marked in larger towns and streets by green, white, yellow, and black signs with location and kilometer information.

The trail itself is marked with red and white lines. R ed X warn of wrong turns and saves you from the wrong path. 

Since the course of the route is subject to constant changes such as construction work or new paths, it is a great advantage not to count only on the markings, but also to make a GPS comparison in tricky situations.

For this purpose, recommended resources are mentioned at the end of the article.

Best Time for Hiking the Lycian Way

June to August are the hottest months of the year with temperatures some times over 40 degrees Celsius and are not the best time for hiking on this path because the route can be tiring.

In the winter time, it gets uncomfortably cold above certain altitudes and it can snow and become slippery. This would be a time best suited for seasoned hikers only. 

So, when is the best time to hike on Lycian Way? Experienced hikers suggest the best time to hike on the Lycian Way is in April and May, and then in September and October. So you have 4 solid months to experience this unique adventure and its easier during these temperate months.

Don't forget that carrying trekking poles, headgear, sun protection, and above all sufficient drinking water is an absolute must! 

Solo Hiking on the Lycian Way?

Solo hiking is not recommended on this path.  A companion can take care of you or get help in case of an emergency. Besides, hiking in company is much more fun. There are now plenty of offers for guided group hikes on the Lycian Way.

Emergency Numbers

For emergency calls, it makes sense to take a fully charged smartphone with you, even if there is sometimes no signal in the mountains. Dial 112 to call the emergency doctor, or 115 to call the police. With an appropriate app, a cell phone can also serve as a GPS device. 

Necessary Preparation

The Lycian Way is becoming increasingly popular every year. 

A growing number of trekking fans from all over the world want to explore this long-distance trail, which is not technically very demanding, but nevertheless sometimes very challenging. Alpine knowledge is not absolutely necessary, but a good physical condition, as well as a head for heights are absolutely basic requirements to pass here. The trail frequently goes up and down and in parts is very steep. The path is sometimes very narrow and, it must be said, sometimes much too close to the cliff.

The reward for the effort is, of course, wonderful, unspoiled nature and spectacular panoramic views over the Mediterranean Sea all the way to the horizon.

On the Road

Today, after more than 20 years, Likya Yolu , as the Lycian Way is called in Turkish, has been a well-known name among the locals and has also become a new source of income. Many inexpensive guesthouses and restaurants have sprung up along the route. The extremely hospitable people no longer wonder why these strange foreigners are able to afford a plane ticket, but walk around packed like a pack mule. What makes the Lycian Way appealing to any vacationer in Turkey is the fact that it winds along very close to tourist centers . Not only with  Fethiye and Antalya as starting and ending points, but popular destinations like Kalkan , Kaş , Demre and the coastal strip Kemer,  with resorts are a stone's throw away. Even if you are not an enthusiastic hiker, the Lycian Way is a great day trip full of interesting sights to add some adventure and activity to your beach vacation.

The 4 Sections of the Lycian Way

You don't have to do the whole 509 km long Lycian Way. It is possible to hike along parts of it. Here are four routes with particularly impressive scenery.

1. Starting Point Fethiye

Those staying in the Fethiye area can consider the first stage of the Lycian Way, which leads from Ovacık to Faralya.

The 13.5-kilometer route takes about five hours.

The first half of the way to the village of Kozağacı is steadily uphill with an altitude of over 730 meters, but the magnificent views of Ölüdeniz turquoise lagoon on the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding countryside quickly make you forget the effort.

Countless paragliders from all over the world come to jump from the nearly 2,000-meter-high Babadağ and make a beautiful picture to the left with the sea to the right. You reach Kozağacı after 6.5 kilometers and Kirme after another 4 kilometers.

In both villages there are small roadside cafés offering refreshments and inviting you to rest. The road then descends in sometimes steep and narrow switchbacks, later turning into a piste and ending in the village of Faralya, perched above the steeply sloping Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi).

The sight of this valley, which is a protected nature reserve, and indeed all of the scenery around it, is simply unforgettable. Although a small path leads down to the valley on the eastern side of the apparently vertical wall, it is not necessarily recommended for inexperienced hikers without alpine experience.

2. UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 18 kilometers of Sandy Beaches, and a Picturesque Plateau

For visitors to the area around Patara , Kalkan, and  Kaş , there are four sections that are particularly beautiful. A 16-kilometer section without any notable climbs leads to the ruins of Pydnai via the remains of  Letoon  to the excavation site of Xanthos  and takes five hours from. It is highly recommended, especially for those interested in archaeology.   Letoon and Xanthos have been UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites since 1988. Another 14-kilometer section takes you mostly downhill from Akbel to the ruins and the 18-kilometer long, partly deserted sandy  beach in Patara   in just over four hours. On the way there are impressive views of the bay of Kalkan and the hinterland of the Lycian Peninsula. The highlight of this hike is certainly a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean Sea. Patara beach is closed from mid-June to mid-August, because during this time the hawksbill turtle comes ashore here to lay its eggs. In the third section, 800 sweaty meters of altitude have to be overcome over nine kilometers. The reward is breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea stretching to the horizon and the charming Bezirgan plateau. Another route leads from the ruins of Phellos at an altitude of 860 meters, partly steeply downhill to Kaş. Towards the end of the relatively short 8.5 kilometers section, the panoramic view of the resort on the Mediterranean Sea and the nearby Greek islands will fascinate you.

3. Nicholas Theater and Rock Tombs

On the 18.5-kilometer stretch between Üçağız and Demre, which takes about six hours of pure walking time, several sights await you.

A medieval castle towers above the fishing village of Kaleköy, the former Simena , and a sarcophagus rises out of the water in the middle of the small bay.

Next are the ruins of Andriake, the old port of the ancient city of Myra , today called Demre or Kale.

Without a doubt, the church of St. Nicholas , who was born in Patara around 300 AD and later lived here, as well as the colossal theater and the fascinating rock tombs of Myra are the highlights of this tour and absolutely worth seeing.

4. Eternal Flames, Cable Car Ride, Swimming Next to Ancient Ruins, and a Canyon

Those staying in Antalya or Kemer and its seaside resorts have plenty of choices for a taste of the Lycian Way. The nearly 15-kilometer, seven-hour section between Adrasan and Çıralı passes the  ruins of Olympos and offers plenty of freshening up in the sea. The section from Çıralı in the direction of Ulupınar/Beycik offers a special natural display kilometer 5.5. The Eternal  Flames of Chimaira have been burning since ancient times. Documented stories of the flames are more than 2,500 years old. But it's not a fire-breathing monster, as legend would have us believe. Rather, it is a special natural gas mixture that ignites itself when it comes into contact with air. The sight of the flames is particularly beautiful after dark. An alternative 14-kilometer coastal route  leads to Tekirova in about seven hours. From there, you can take a trip by  Dolmuş to the valley station of the  Olympos cable car . The ten-minute ride takes you from 726 meters at the valley station to a high 2,365 meters at Tahlalı Dağ mountain peak. The view from there is simply breathtaking. Another section can be started in the town of Göynük and ends in  Göynük Canyon , about four kilometers away. A high ropes course and opportunities for canyoning offer sporting variety here.

Literature on the Lycian Way

Conrad Stein Verlag's website offers  a free download of a GPS track to the guidebooks mentioned below (GPS device or smartphone with app).

Kate Clow – The Lycian Way 

The book by the concept founder of the Lycian Way is the standard work for this hike. 

Upcountry (Turkey) Ltd. - ISBN 978-0-9539218-6-7

Michael Hennemann - Turkey: Lycian way from Fethiye to Antalya

The guide for hikes along the Lycian Way in German.

Conrad Stein Verlag GmbH - ISBN 978-3-86686-557-0

Find your way on the Lycian Way with these free online maps that will help you locate yourself.

www.map-site.de

The two topographical hiking maps Lycia West and East on a scale of 1: 50,000 with route and contour lines. 

www.opencyclemap.org

Free online maps with contour lines for hikes along the Lycian Way are available here.

www.maps.de

Map sections are available on the website for offline use without the Internet.

Request for Guided Hikes

We are happy to arrange guided group hikes along the Lycian Way. 

For individual tours we can arrange a certified local hiking guide. We are happy help you explore possible the options and can give advice in our first conversation for free.

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Lycian Way - Routes, book, map, guided&self-guided programs, GPS, locals

• _Fethiye-Kas (West Paths)
• __1 - Fethiye Ovacik-Faralya-Butterfly Valley-Kabak
• __2 - Kabak-Alinca-Bogazici-Sidyma
• __3 - Sidyma-Dodurga-Bel-Belcegiz-Gavuragili-Pydnai
• __4 - Pydnai-Letoon-Kumluova-Kinik-Xanthos-Cavdir-Uzumlu
• __5 - Uzumlu-Akbel-Kalkan-Bezirgan-Saribelen
• __6 - Saribelen-Gokceoren-Hacioglan-Phellos-Cukurbag
• __7 - Cukurbag-Kas
• _Antalya-Kas (Mt.Tahtali East Paths)
• __1 - Hisarcandir-Goynuk
• __2 - Goynuk-Goynuk Yayla-Gedelme-Yayla Kuzdere
• __3 - Yayla Kuzdere-Mt.Tahtali-Beycik-Ulupinar
• __4 - Ulupinar-Chimaera-Cirali-Olympos-Mt.Musa
• __5 - Mt.Musa-Adrasan-Gelidonya Lighthouse-Karaoz
• __6 - Karaoz-Mavikent-Kumluca-Finike
• __7 - Finike-Belos-Kırkmerdiven
• __8 - Kirkmerdiven-Alakilise-Zeytin-Beloren-Myra/Demre
• __9 - Demre/Myra-Gurses-Cayagiz/Andriake
• __10 - Cayagiz/Andriake-Kapakli-Kalekoy/Simena-Ucagiz
• __11 - Ucagiz-Aperlae-Kilicli-Bogazcik
• __12 - Bogazcik-Ufakdere-Limanagzi-Kas
• _Antalya Goynuk-Tekirova-Cirali/Olympos (Coastal Paths)
• __1/2 - Goynuk-Goynuk Yayla-Roman Bridge
• __3 - Roman Bridge-Kuzdere-Phaselis-Tekirova
• __4 - Tekirova-Maden Bay-Cirali-Olympos
• _Fethiye-Karadere-Xanthos (Mugla Sections) West-1
• __01 - Fethiye-Kayakoy-Ovacik
• __02 - Ovacik-Kozagaç-Faralya
• __03 - Faralya-Kabak
• __04A - Kabak Valley-Alinca
• __04B - Kabak Beach-Waterfall-Alinca
• __05An - Alinca-Sidyma-Bel(UpdatedRoute)
• __05Bn - Alinca-Ge-Bel (UpdatedRoute)
• __06n - Bel-Gavuragili-Pydnai-Ozlen (UpdatedRoute)
• __7 - Ozlen (Pydnai)-Letoon-Xanthos
• _Xanthos-Kas (Antalya Sections) West-2
• __08 - Xanthos (Kinik)-Cavdir-Caykoy-Uzumlu
• __09A - Uzumlu-Akbel-Sarnicbasi-Bezirgan (Patara Bypass)
• __09B - Uzumlu-Delikkemer-Patara-Gelemis-Kalkan
• __09C - Kalkan-Sarnicbasi-Bezirgan
• __10n - Bezirgan-Saribelen-Gokceoren (UpdatedRoute)
• __11n - Gokceoren-Hacioglan-Phellos-Cukurbag (UpdatedRoute)
• __12 - Cukurbag-Kas
• _Kas-Kekova-Demre / CentralLycia-1
• __13A - Kas-Limanagzi UPPER-Ufakdere-Uzumlu Coast
• __13B - Kas-Limanagzi COAST-Ufakdere-Uzumlu
• __14 - Uzumlu-Bogazcik
• __15 - Bogazcik-Aperlai
• __16 - Aperlai-Uçagiz-Kalekoy
• __17y - Kalekoy-Kapakli Village-Cayagzi (UpdatedRoute)
• __18A - Cayagzi-Kapakli-Hoyran-Davazlar (NewRoute)
• __18B - Davazlar-Trysa-Gurses-Myra-Demre (NewRoute)
• __18C - Davazlar-Trysa-Demre Gorge-Demre (NewRoute)
• __18D - Çayagzi-Gurses-Trebenda-Myra-Demre (UpdatedRoute)
• _Demre-Finike-Kumluca-Karaöz / CentralLycia-2
• __19 - Myra-Demre-Beloren-Alakilise-Finike
• __20 - Finike-Kumluca-Karaoz
• _Karaoz-Adrasan-Cirali / East-1
• __21 - Karaoz-Gelidonya Lighthouse-Adrasan
• __22 - Adrasan-Olympos-Cirali
• _Cirali-Goynuk / East-2
• __23A-TAHTALI - Cirali-Chimaera-Ulupinar-Beycik
• __24A-TAHTALI - Beycik-Mt.Tahtali-Yayla Kuzdere
• __25A-TAHTALI - Yayla Kuzdere-Gedelme-Goynuk Yayla
• __23B-TEKIROVA - Cirali-Maden Bay-Tekirova
• __23B2-TEKIROVA - Cirali-Maden Bay/Kızılan-Tekirova
• __24B-TEKIROVA - Tekirova-Phaselis-Kuzdere
• __25B-TEKIROVA - Kuzdere-Roman Bridge-Goynuk Yayla
• _Goynuk-Geyikbayiri-Doyran / East-3
• __26 - Goynuk Yayla-Goynuk
• __27 - Goynuk-Elmayani Yaylasi
• __28NEW - Elmayani-Ucsogut-Hisarcandir-Citdibi
• __28OLD - Elmayani-Hisarcandir-Citdibi
• __28ANT - Elmayani-Konyaaltı FINISH
• __29 - Citdibi-Geyikbayiri
• __30WARNING - Geyikbayırı-Doyran-Neapolis-Aşağı Karaman
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• Adventure Travel
• Travel Tips

A Practical Guide to the Lycian Way

• Posted on March 28, 2019 July 30, 2023
• 21.9K views
• 8 minute read

Turkey’s Lycian Way runs along the South-Aegean coast, between the touristic hotspots of Fethiye and Antalya. It is the country’s oldest long-distance trail, created in 1999 by the British expat Kate Clow. Since then, this 540 kilometre (335 mile) long trail has led countless walkers along the ancient ruins, tombs, pathways and port towns of this unique part of Turkey.

So for those of you willing to tackle its steep hills and rocky goat tracks, here is my practical guide to the Lycian Way!

Level of difficulty

The Lycian Way is a long-distance trail that can be quite demanding with a large backpack. The easiest way of beating this trail would be to arrange for accommodation every night, and only carry what you need to make it to your next hotel or pansiyon . While it would be possible to walk most sections of the trail in this fashion, those of you planning on walking the entire trail will have to carry a tent and sleeping gear, as there are quite a few stretches that feature no accommodation whatsoever. The level of difficulty therefore depends on your personal level of fitness and the weight you’ll be carrying.

The Lycian Way consists of a collection of ancient footways and goat tracks, leading walkers up and down the coastal hills of the Lycian peninsula. Most of these paths are very rocky, strewn with loose stones that create difficult footing at times. More experienced hikers will have no trouble here, but this will demand a lot of effort for those with less experience.

There are a lot of steep inclines along the route, varying from steep rockslides to near-vertical scrambling sections. Again, the difficulty here will depend on your carried weight and level of fitness. Although I can guarantee the latter being no problem after spending a few weeks on this trail!

Another matter to take into consideration is the season in which you’re planning to walk. I walked this trail in Februari and March, when the weather was a pleasant 20 degrees Celsius (68 Fahrenheit) when the sun was out, chilly when it was not and downright freezing when camping at altitude.

In summer, temperatures can prove to be a challenge on their own as they often rise to 30-35 degrees Celsius (86-95 Fahrenheit). This is why the most popular months to walk the Lycian Way are April-June and September-November.

Food, Water and supplies

As stated above, the weight you carry strongly impacts the difficulty of this trail. Carrying many day’s worth of food is therefore not a good idea. Fortunately, there are daily options to shop for supplies or buy fruit, bread and cheese from locals. There are a few sections that lead through more remote areas, but will have you pack food for three days at most.

Freeze-dried instant hiking meals or prepackaged meals are hard to come by in Turkey. If you’re planning to rely on these, I suggest sending ahead parcels beforehand to one of the countless hotels along the way. Tell them in what week you expect to arrive and spend a night there and most will be more than willing to hold your parcel for you, especially in the quiet winter season!

Water can be a problem along the Lycian Way, depending on the season. In summer, most natural springs and wells will be dry. In winter more will be available, while in spring the melting snows will supply most of these with fresh water. However, I recommend buying bottled water wherever you can. Bottled water comes in many sizes, with the smaller bottles costing more per litre than the most commonly bought 1,5 litre bottles. Bottled water is available almost everywhere and is almost always really cheap, priced around 1-3 Turkish Lira per litre.

Medical supplies are also widely available at pharmacies in the larger towns and cities. You can find camping gear and supplies in the larger cities, but don’t expect much speciality gear.

Accommodation on the Lycian Way

In my opinion, carrying a tent or warm bivy bag will save you a lot of trouble. Like I said before, not all sections of the Lycian Way are covered by paid accommodation and those of you planning on walking the entire trail will sooner or later have to camp somewhere. Try to keep it lightweight, and you should have no trouble lugging your camping gear up and down the steep Lycian slopes.

The numerous villages, towns and cities along this trail have been benefitting enormously since the Lycian Way’s creation in 1999. As a result, even the smallest villages often have a family-run pansiyon or a little hostel to cater to the many walkers throughout the year. Not all will be open all year though. In winter you can expect most accommodations to be either closed or empty with no reservations necessary. In summer most will be booked, so making reservations will be necessary.

Maps and other resources

I used a lesser-known paperback map book (ISBN 1546512071) published by an unknown author. This book shows water sources, wild camping spots and most types of facilities and accommodations along the trail, but the route it shows is outdated. Therefore books like these are not recommended by the Culture Routes Society, the NGO maintaining, promoting and creating trails in Turkey including the Lycian Way.

As the trail’s founder, Kate Clow wrote what is considered the guidebook on the Lycian Way. Mostly intended as a source of background information, it is best used with the official smartphone-app. The app, guidebook and paper maps are available from the Culture Routes Society’s website .

For those of you with a (Garmin) GPS device I recommend downloading a detailed map of Turkey over at OpenTopoMap.org . These maps are excellent resources for anyone travelling through Europe, and come with a separate layer of contour lines, as well!

Getting there

The official start of the trail starts somewhere in the hills above Ölüdeniz, near Fethiye and is marked by a large yellow archway. It is also possible to pick up the trail from Fethiye, though. Follow the road leading south out of town into the hills towards Kayaköy. After passing the castle ruins on the edge of town, turn left along the main road. After roughly 500 metres (540 yards) you’ll see an signpost on the left side of the road marking the (unofficial) start of the trail.

Currently the trail ends somewhere east of Geyikbayırı, near Antalya. There is an extension planned however, which will connect the Lycian Way to the start of the St. Paul Trail just north of Antalya. For more information I suggest you keep an eye on the Lycian Way’s official website .

Getting to Fethiye is easiest by flying from Istanbul to nearby Dalaman. From there you can take regular buses to Fethiye. Should you wish to start at the official starting point, then you can take regular buses to Ölüdeniz, or have a taxi drop you off at the trailhead.

Should you wish to walk the Lycian Way from east to west, then I suggest flying on one of the numerous domestic and international flights to Antalya. From there you can take a bus to Geyikbayırı.

As it cannot be omitted from any hiking guide, here’s a list of must-have gear on the Lycian Way!

I will list only what I consider to be the essentials here; I’ll leave it up to you how much extra gear you want to bring.

• Sturdy hiking boots.  Solid hiking boots are recommended, as most of the trail consists of rocky, uneven goat tracks.
• Good, sturdy backpack.  The fewer items you bring, the smaller your pack can be. Just make sure to leave enough room for food supplies!
• Lightweight tent(when camping).  For those parts of the Lycian Way that do not have accommodation options for every night.
• Season-appropriate sleeping gear(when camping).  A sleeping bag and whatever item you prefer to sleep on. Just make sure to prepare for the season’s nighttime temperatures!
• Season-appropriate clothing.  Light and fast-drying in summer, nice and warm in winter!
• Cooking gear and fuel(when camping).  Unless you plan on eating cold rations for four weeks, bring something to heat up your food or make tea with!
• Water reservoir or water bottle.  Either get a lightweight water reservoir for your backpack, or two large drinking bottles of at least one litre (33 oz) each. Water can be an issue along this trail, so bring enough! I always bring a lightweight water filter for those occasions where I can’t trust the water quality.
• Map, app or GPS (and navigational skills).  The trail isn’t always clearly marked. A map, GPS or the official Lycian Way app can save you some backtracking!
• Medkit and basic first-aid skills.  As with any multi-day hike, a certain degree of self-reliance is always a good thing. Make sure you bring something to send out emergency signals with as well, just in case.
• Sunscreen. The sun burns hot in southern Turkey!
• Swiss army knife or multitool.  Don’t leave home without it.
• A (phone)camera.  It would almost be a crime to not make pictures of the beauty of this trail!

Getting your hiking gear assembled can get expensive. Perhaps my tips on how to save money on hiking equipment can help you get started?

Travelling in Turkey isn’t a very expensive experience for most travellers. Basic supplies like bread, cheese and water are really cheap. A loaf of bread will cost you 1-2 lira, a block of local cheese usually no more than 15 lira. Meat is of course a little more expensive, and a beer will cost you the most, as Turkey has high tax rates on alcohol. As it is in most places, sticking to the basics will save you money!

Planning to walk the Lycian Way on a budget? Check out my 10 tips for a cheap hiking trip !

While camping will always be the cheapest option, commercial campsites are not very common, but usually cost you between 30-50 lira for a night. Finding a good wild camping spot can prove a challenge in the rocky, steep hills of the Lycian peninsula, as most of the flat land is either fenced, developed, built on or otherwise occupied.

Luckily, accommodation is really cheap, with private rooms going for as little as 60-100 lira in winter. Expect prices to rise by at least 25% in summer. Most pansiyons and hotels don’t offer dorm rooms, as the Turks are still quite unfamiliar with the concept of a backpacker hostel. When you do manage to find a hostel, dorm beds often prove around 60 lira. Sticking to private rooms will cost you just as much in most places!

Transportation is cheap, with regular domestic flights to Antalya going for as little as 140-200 lira. Buses are cheapest, but expect long, shaky night rides for most longer distances. A bus ticket from Istanbul or Ankara to Antalya will set you back around 100 lira.

And that’s it for my guide to the Lycian Way! For more information, check the website of the Culture Routes Society , or leave your questions in the comments below!

See you on the Trail!

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10 comments

Hi, We are planning to walk the Way during Ramadan. Will that really be an issue?

I don’t think it will be. As far as I know, shops will still be open. People are fasting during the day, but that doesn’t mean they can’t buy stuff to eat in the evening! Hope this helps!

Hi Roel, we are planning to hike the trail in May but only have two weeks. What parts would you recommend and what direction? We would like to do hiking most of the time but would appreciate every 4 to 5 days a resting day at the beach for instance.

Appreciate your advice.

Bedankt, Joost

Hi Joost! I see I already answered your question on Instagram… Have fun preparing for the trip!

hi all , im super interested in doing the trail in September for my birthday , so how would the weather be , is it too humid ? also i can spare a max of 10 days to do the trail and have to finish at Antalya to take a flight to cappadocia , can you recommend the best parts of the trail to do in ten days? and can i commute from one place to another by bus or car ? is it a self guided trail or can anyone recommend a guiding company

As I’m not a local I can’t tell you much about the weather in September, but I’d recommend you check the monthly averages on weather websites (Quick Google search will help here). If you only have 10 days, the sections between Kalkan/Kas and Finike, and onwards from Finike towards Olympus and the mountain sections beyond would be most interesting in my opinion. For less intensity, I’d say take the section between Kalkan and Olympos. For more strenuous mountain hiking, start near Finike or Karaöz and do the last sections towards the trail’s end.

With a route map and basic navigational skills, you should be able to do this independently. Only if you’re absolutely horrible in navigating, or if you wish to learn more about the area you’re walking through would you need a guide, in my opinion.

Hi, I am wondering if hotals, camps or family guesthouses are open in August to receive tourists. I start soon. I wrote them by email but no answer. What do you think? is it required to book? Is it easy to arrive and get accommodation? Should I take a tent in case? I am thinking to buy an ultralight tent. I am travelling alone.

Hi Chamana!

Normally, I would say there won’t be any problem finding accommodation, and that unanswered emails could just mean the owners are busy or not very active online. However, as I’ve been experiencing first-hand, during these Covid-19 times, I really couldn’t say for sure. Your best bet is to just bring a tent anyway, and ask around when you arrive in a town. Anything that is open and running is sure to have room for you, as there are very few tourists around now!

Hi Roel, is a bivvy bag suitable for the Lycian Way? I will have a 50L backpack with me and will not be taking a tent. Thanks!

Hi Jean-Marc, sorry for the late reply! A bivvy bag would certainly be useful on the Lycian Way, just make sure you prepare for cold nights (as in subzero temperatures) when camping from October to May, especially at altitude.

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Outstanding hiking & cycling treks from around the world

Heralded as one of the top 10 long-distance trails in the world by the UK’s Sunday Times, this 400 km / 250 mi hike along Turkey’s rugged, beautiful Turquoise Coast connects the small city of Fethiye in the west with a village on the outskirts of Antalya in the east. It has jaw-dropping scenery, ancient historical sites, incredibly friendly people, delicious food, and constantly changing terrain.

Typically done over about 27 to 30 days , though with good partial-routes of as little as 5 days, it has lots of elevation changes and will give your legs (and lungs) a good workout with about 23,000 m / 75,000 ft of both ascent and descent.

Known as Likya Yolu in Turkish, this trail can be done in either direction as a through-hike or a series of day hikes.

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Nitty-Gritty

Orientation, trail network, seasonality, suitability, accommodation, getting in / out, public transportation, getting around by car, regions & trail sections, pre-defined routes, communities, highlights & attractions, accommodations, pros & cons, articles / more info.

Crime! Attacks by Yeti! Crazed shepherds feeding unwitting hikers to the goats! Falling off cliffs! Death by thirst! Vicious dogs! Dandruff! Being the first up against the wall when the revolution comes! Suicidal dolmuş drivers!

We have all the gory details in this incisive, in-depth, explosive investigative report.

Hotels. Guest houses. Camping. Supported trips. One of the nice things about the Lycian Way is there is a good mix of accommodation options that enable you to choose the approach that is right for you.

Read on for an exciting, nay breathtaking, discussion of each type of accommodation option on the Lycian Way.

Tap water. Wells. Cisterns. Village fountains. Remote fountains. Streams and springs. Bottled water.

This articles outlines the different types of water sources available along the Lycian Way and which of them are more (or less) likely to be rather rude and inconsiderate to your stomach.

Way-finding, trail blazes / signposts, and the joy of getting lost.

Read on to discover what’s involved in getting from point A to point B on the Lycian Way.

Trail variants. Skipping sections. Short itineraries. Choosing suitable stage lengths.

Read on for more info.

It is (relatively) easy to significantly lighten your load while hiking on the Lycian Way using a ‘base of operations’.

Read on for details.

Read on for more shrewd, insightful tips only available on this great site.

Some considerations to keep in mind when packing for the Lycian Way.

This 3-day mountain stretch has no accommodations available along it. The easiest way to do it is, of course, by camping. But one of the nice things about the Lycian Way is that you don’t have to camp. Even this 3-day stretch can be done without camping!

It requires some extra logistical planning, but it is do-able!

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Lycian Way Trek

Adventure Travel , Trekking , Turkey

Lycian Way Trekking

Beautiful bay views along the trek.

Lycian Way Trekking Season: 01 Apr – 23 May, 01 Sep – 31 Oct  The Lycian way was a famous trail during the Lycian period for the Lycian people (LYKIA means land of light). It starts in Fethiye (South west of Turkey) and goes along the Mediterranen coast all the way down to Antalya (total 510 km).

The New York Times anounced that the Lycian Way is the one of the top the walking trails in the World On the Lycian Way trail you can see beautiful panoramic views of the sea and mountains and a good opportunity to see real Turkish village life. You will also see the wild flora of Turkey and amazing wild flowers, animals and birds.

When you’re walking on the Lycian Way, you’re always together with the amazing nature of the Mediterranean climate and thousands years of history which is still full of mysteries and waiting to be explored. While walking the Lycian way you’ll need your trekking boots and raincoat, you’ll also need your swimsuits. On the Lycian Trail sometimes you walk through endemic forest and sometimes you walk just by the coasts of Lycians and can swim over the sunken ruins of Lycians.

You can join in on the season dates stated above or form your own private group.

• Private 5 Days
• Private 10 Days

5 Days Lycian Way Fethiye-Alınca with Greece Rhodes Tour Code: TUR-LWFR-P5 Private Group Season: May, Sep, Oct Itinerary subject to changes

DAY 1: Fethiye (Dinner) Arriving Fethiye. Check in Guesthouse and explore the local fish market and have dinner there. Accommodation in Guesthouse in Fethiye

DAY 2: Fethiye – Faralya (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) After breakfast, transfer to starting point and trek along the ridge of Mt. Babadag. This part of Lycian Way has the most magnificent view which contain blue lagoon (Oludeniz), butterfly valley and paragliders. Then we will begin ascend to Faralya. Accommodation in a pension/ hotel in Faralya. Trekking time: 6 hours

DAY 3 :Faralya (Butterfly Valley) – Alınca – Fethiye (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) After breakfast, climb up via Kabak valley to Alinca mountain village (740m). Today will not be easy as is generally ascent, but the views are good with the Kabak bay and then Seven Capes. Transfer back to Fethiye. Check in Guesthouse and diner at traditional tent with music. Accommodation in guesthoue Trekking time 5 hours / 14 km

DAY 4 : Fethiye – Rhodes (Greece) (Breakfast) After breakfast ferry to Rhodes. Check in hotel. You can take hop on hop off bus and visit old part of town with many nice restaurant around. Accommodation in Hotel

DAY 5 : Rhodes – Fethiye (Breakfast) After breakfast you can take public bus to Lindos and return back to Rhodes for the 4pm ferry to Fethiye. Transfer to Dalaman airport for your next destination.

10 Days Lycian Way Fethiye-Patara with Greece Rhodes Tour Code: TUR-LWFP-P10 Private Group Season: May, Oct Itinerary subject to changes

DAY 1: Fethiye (Dinner) Pickup from Dalaman Airport and transfer to Fethiye. Check in Guesthouse and explore the local fish market and have dinner there. Accommodation in Guesthouse in Fethiye

DAY 2 : Fethiye (Breakfast, Dinner) After breakfast at hotel, enjoy a hike from Fethiye to Kayakoy and Oludeniz with packed lunch. Afternoon transfer back to Fethiye and enjoy dinner in a Turkish tent with music. Accommodation in Guesthouse in Fethiye

DAY 3 : Fethiye – Rhodes (Greece) – Fethiye (Breakfast, DInner) After breakfast ferry to Rhodes. You can take hop on hop off bus and visit old part of town with many nice restaurant around. Return back to Rhodes for the 4pm ferry to Fethiye. Accommodation in Guesthouse in Fethiye

DAY 4: Fethiye – Faralya (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) After breakfast, transfer to starting point and trek along the ridge of Mt. Babadag. This part of Lycian Way has the most magnificent view which contain blue lagoon (Oludeniz), butterfly valley and paragliders. Then we will begin ascend to Faralya. Accommodation in a pension/ hotel in Faralya. Trekking time: 6 hours

DAY 5 :Faralya (Butterfly Valley) – Kabak (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) After breakfast, climb up to Kabak valley. Accommodation in Bungalow Trekking time 4 hours / 10 km

DAY 6 :Kabak – Alınca (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) After breakfast, continue asend to Alinca mountain village (740m). Today will not be easy as is generally ascent, but the views are good with the Kabak bay and then Seven Capes. Accommodation in bungalow. Trekking time 6 hours / 10 km

DAY 7 : Alınca – Gey – Bel (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Begin descend to Sancaklı Beach and ascend for 2 hours, follow a cliff to reach to Gey village. Continue trek to Village Bel. Accommodation in village house/ guesthouse/ bungalow in Bel. Trekking time 6 hours / 14 km

DAY 8 : Bel – Belceğiz – Gavurağılı – Patara (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Today’s first destination will be before descend to Gavuragili village which is near the seaside. We will then transfer to ancient city of Patara. Accommodation in guesthouse at Patara. Trekking time 6 hours / 14 km

DAY 9 : Delikkemer – Fethiye (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Today you will be amazed when you see the Delikkemer. After a short break for pictures, we will pass over the Roman aqueduct. We will stop near the old well and under the pine trees for lunch. We will then transfer back to Fethiye. Accommodation in Fethiye guesthouse. Trekking time 4 hours / 12km

DAY 10 : Fethiye Depart (Breakfast) After breakfast, transfer to Dalaman Airport.

LAND Price per person in SGD

Season May, Oct

5 Days Lycian Way Fethiye-Alınca with Greece Rhodes (Private Group) ~ Tour Code TUR-LWFR-P5

10 Days Lycian Way Fethiye-Patara with Greece Rhodes Private Group ~ Tour Code TUR-LWFP-P10

Email us for the price!

Price is subjected to changes without prior notice

LAND Price includes

• All transfer as mentioned
• Accommodation in guesthouse, village house, bungalow
• Meals as mentioned in itinerary
• English speaking Guide
• Tours as mentioned (Turkish bath for 7 Days program)
• Briefing prior departure
• 15% for gears from X-Boundaries

Price excludes

• All airfares, Airport taxes and fuel surcharge
• Expenses of personal nature
• Visa fees if applicable
• Tips to guides
• Other tours not mentioned

Hiking the Lycian Way: Everything You Need to Know

Hiking , Hiking Guide , Lycian Way

Türkiye’s southern coastline, spotted with sandy beaches and sweeping green cliffs, is a hidden gem beside the Mediterranean sea. Besides its natural beauty, it is an area rich with history – humans have called the jagged shoreline home for centuries, visible in the crumbling ruins nestled along the shores. Luckily for those who want to see it for themselves, this area is also home to one of the world’s best hikes – The Lycian Way .

Despite being a hiking enthusiast, I wasn’t familiar with the Lycian Way until my friend Ruth mentioned it to me in passing – while out on a hike of course ! Before we knew it, we were on a plane to Türkiye, bags strategically packed and ready for a week on one of the world’s most extraordinary trails. 

In this article, I’ll be sharing all the practical information you need to plan your own Lycian Way trek, from essential tips to my packing guide. If you’d like a more detailed breakdown of our weeklong trekking itinerary, I encourage you to read this article. 

What is the Lycian Way?

The Lycian Way is a 540 km (335 mile) long-distance hiking trail along the southern coast of Türkiye, in a region known as Lycia. It is the first trail of its kind in Türkiye.

The story of the Lycian Way begins over 2,000 years ago, with the autonomous Lycian Civilization . These seaside dwellers called the southern coast of ancient Türkiye home for centuries until their eventual absorption into the Roman Empire in 546 BCE. To this day, many remnants of the Lycian Civilization still remain – from ancient burial sites to entire cities.

The story continues in the mid-1990s, with a British woman by the name of Kate Clow . After moving to Antalya, Türkiye, Clow found herself fascinated by the history of the Lycian Civilization and with a budding desire to create a long-distance trekking route. Thus, the Lycian Way was born! 

These days, nearly 30,000 people set out on the trek each year. The full route takes approximately 30 days to complete, stretching along the banks of the Mediterranean from Fethiye to Antalya and passing through everything from ancient ruins to hippie beach towns.

Useful Info for Hiking the Lycian Way

I had a lot of questions before setting out on my Lycian Way trek, some of which I learned them the hard way along the trail. Here are a few things to know while planning your own trek of Türkiye’s most beautiful route. 

The Best Time to Hike

The best times to hike the Lycian Way are during the milder months of April-May and September-October, especially if you plan to camp.

Summers can be extremely hot on the trail, with temperatures rising above 40 degree Celcius (100+ Fahrenheit) so best to attempt the trek before the temperatures become scorching. Winters can be extremely chilly at night, so a trek is only possible for those with appropriate gear.

We trekked during late March/early April, and while daily temperatures were pleasant on the trail, evenings could be extremely cold (especially at higher elevation!) We ended up staying in pensions (homestays) to avoid some of the colder nights, but those with appropriate camping gear would be fine. 

Hiking Routes

The entire Lycian Way trail stretches 540km (335 miles) from Fethiye to Antalya and takes around 30 days to complete. While most hikers prefer to go this route (eastbound) some opt to trek from Antalya to Fethiye (westbound)

You do not have to hike the entire Lycian Way, and many hikers opt to do the trail in sections. We personally trekked for one week, seeing how far we could make it from our starting point in Fethiye, hiking about 25 kilometers a day. 

If you only have time for a day hike, here are 4 recommended sections of the trail perfect for trekking in a day. 

Trail Markers on the Lycian Way

The Lycian Way is marked by red and white dashes, which are regularly placed along the trail. Keep an eye out for red X’s marking the wrong  direction and red arrows pointing you towards the right trail. 

However, depending on outside conditions like weather or construction, you may find yourself needing to take an alternate route at points. Many alternate routes are also well-marked with colored dashes, and can be found on the Maps.me offline map (more on Maps.me below!)

Most of the towns along the Lycian Way have official yellow and green signs pointing you towards the next town and providing a kilometer distance. 

Accommodation on the Trail

There are 3 options for accommodation along the Lycian Way: camping, pensions/hotels, or a combo. 

Wild camping is completely legal in Turkey, so trekkers seeking a night in nature are in luck, as you can basically pitch your tent anywhere along the route. There are also a few more formal campsites along the trail that have shared bathrooms and showers – though these usually cost a small fee. 

There is plenty of accommodation along the Lycian Way, ranging from pensions (homestays) to full hotels and AirBnbs in some of the larger towns. Pensions are usually more affordable, and provide a unique opportunity to get to know a local family. Often, you’ll even get a meal or two. 

It’s possible to trek the entire Lycian Way without camping if you commit to around 20-25 km per day between towns. However, camping can cut down on costs and give you more flexibility to take your time between towns.

Food and Water

Food is very accessible along the trail at mini marts and restaurants in the towns you’ll pass through. Local pensions are also often happy to cook trekkers a meal for a small fee. 

However, I highly recommend carrying at least 1 meal with you every day (or more if you plan to camp!) Some stretches between towns can be long, and it’s important to have food on hand to keep you fueled along the route. 

Mini markets in small towns often have essential dry snacks, but finding fresh fruit and veggies can be more of a challenge. I recommend stocking up on these items in the larger towns. 

There are plenty of water fountains along the way where it’s safe to fill up your water bottle. However, there can be long stretches between these fountains, so I recommend carrying 3-4 liters of water per person on the trek. I use an in-backpack water bladder when trekking.

Budget and Money

Trekking the Lycian Way has become more expensive in recent years due to its rising popularity and the inflation of the Turkish Lira. Unfortunately, that means that many of the articles you’ll find online have outdated prices for necessities along the trek. 

The good news – it’s still quite affordable to hike the Lycian Way! During our week-long trek, we spend around $150 each ($300 total). This included all of our costs of staying in pensions and eating at restaurants, but you could certainly spend even less if you camped and cooked for yourself. 

Accommodation costs vary, but are usually around 250-500 TL ($10-$25) per person a night. This usually includes meals (dinner and breakfast). Dinner at most restaurants cost us around 200 TL ($10) for two people.

HOWEVER, ATM’s are not readily available and most places along the trail only take cash, so it’s extremely important to have cash on hand (we learned this the hard way!) I recommend carrying around at least $200 per person between ATM stops (approx every 70km) or taking out around $50/day times the length of your trip. Better safe than sorry!

Safety Concerns

Though we didn’t encounter any, we had a few locals warn us about wild pigs along the trail. If you’re planning to camp regularly and carry a lot of food with you, an airtight container for your food will help keep the pigs away. Stray dogs are also common, though in our experience they were not aggressive (some completely befriended us — read about Eddie, our trail dog! )

If you’re planning to trek during summer or winter, plan accordingly and come prepared with the correct gear to keep you safe. Winters (and even early spring) nights can be extremely cold, so a proper sleeping bag and tent are essential. On the contrary, summers can be blazing hot, so make sure you have adequate water and sun protection. 

Scorpions and snakes exist on the trails but encounters are rare. Remember to shake out your shoes and bags when left outdoors, and be wary when turning over rocks. 

Trekking Difficulty

The Lycian Way is considered a moderate trek because of its changing elevation. While some sections of the trail are flat, others challenge trekkers to long stints of uphill or technical downhill. Relatively fit hikers should be fine to take on the challenge. 

The trail itself varies, sometimes following rocky doney trails and other times passing along paved roads. Good hiking shoes are essential for traversing the changing terrain and hiking poles can help assist on uneven paths. 

I believe the Lycian Way is a great first-time long distance trek for hiking enthusiasts. The route is highly customizable and the changing terrain provides plenty of opportunities to catch your breath. 

Emergency Numbers

If you do encounter an emergency situation while hiking the Lycian Way, call 112 to be connected to all emergency services. 

Alternatively, if you need police assistance on the trail, the number to dial is 115. 

Note that some areas of the trail have limited to no signal, so be aware if you are in a no-internet zone and make sure you know how far you are from the nearest town. 

Essential Hiking Resources

Hands down the most useful resource for hiking the Lycian Way is the Maps.me offline maps app. To say this app saved our butts is an understatement. 

Here’s why Maps.me is an essential for hiking the Lycian Way:

• Maps are downloadable, meaning they’re available completely offline
• The map clearly shows the Lycian Way as well as all variants of the trail in the case of needing to re-route
• Food, lodging, and useful tips are all clearly marked along the way
• You can add your own places along the map for your memories, or share them publicly to assist other hikers

It’s important to remember to download the Antalya Region map BEFORE you set out on the trail, as you need wifi to do so. To download a map in Maps.me, simply Zoom in on the region you plan to visit and click “Download”

You can use Maps.me whether or not you have a local Turkish SIM card. However, I still highly recommend purchasing a Turkish SIM in order to place calls in case of emergency along the trail. Here’s a great article about buying a Turkish SIM in 2023. 

Lycian Way Packing Tips

The key to packing for the Lycian Way is bringing as little as possible . 

If you plan to continue exploring Turkey before or after your trip, I highly recommend leaving some of your belongings at a hotel in Fethiye/Antalya and only bringing what you need on the trail. Trust me, your back will thank you. 

Regardless of the length of your hike, I recommend only carrying about a week’s worth of gear at a time – less if your hike is even shorter! For long distance trekkers, many towns have laundry facilities, and even some pensions will do your laundry for a small fee. 

My Packing List

I consider myself somewhere in the middle on the ultra-light packing scale. I know there might be some who read this and scoff and everything I took along, but I ended up feeling like it was just about the right amount for me. In the end, my bag weighed 13 kg (28 lbs) with all my gear for a 7-day trek (plus a few days in Istanbul!) 

GEAR Hiking backpack Hiking boots or sneakers Flip Flops or Sandals Lightweight tent (if camping!) Sleeping bag (if camping!) Camp stove (optional) Hiking poles (optional)

CLOTHING Down jacket Fleece jacket 2 long sleeved shirts 3 short sleeves shirts 4 pairs of lightweight pants 4 pairs of socks 2 sports bras Underwear Hat

ELECTRONICS/MISC. Camera + spare battery (2) GoPro + spare battery (2) Mini tripod for phone/GoPro Charging cables Solar power bank Bandages/First Aid Kit Microfibre Towel Headlamp

How to Get to the Lycian Way

The start and ends points for the Lycian Way are Fethiye and Antalya respectively. The official trailhead begins in Olüdeniz (about 10km by road) from Fethiye, but most trekkers begin in Fethiye heading eastbound. 

If you are doing a shorter trek (< 2 weeks) I recommend making Fethiye your start and end point. Buses to Fethiye run regularly from many of the towns along the trek, so you’ll always be able to take a bus back to where you started (or where you left your stuff!)

Here’s how to get to the Lycian Way so you can begin your trek:

From Istanbul to Fethiye

Assuming you’re coming from Istanbul, the most time-efficient way is to fly from Istanbul (IST) to Dalaman (DLM) airport. Flights operate daily and cost around ~1000 TL ($50) each way. The total flight time is a little over an hour. 

From the Dalaman airport, there are daily buses to Fethiye available for 60 TL ($3) per person. These buses will drop you at the Fethiye bus station. You can also take a taxi into town for around 500 TL. I recommend spending a night in Fethiye before beginning the trek. Private transport can also be arranged – here’s a highly recommended company that will take you right to your hotel!

From Fethiye to the Lycian Way

From Fethiye, you have two options to officially begin the Lycian Way. First, you can take a dolmus (public minivan) to Olüdeniz to begin at the official start of the Lycian Way. 

However, I HIGHLY recommend beginning the trek in Fethiye if you have the time. The trail begins right behind the Castle of Fethiye, a short walk from the city center. You’ll see a sign indicating that you’re at the start of the Lycian Way, and from here, it’s towards Antalya!

TIP: If you’re really looking to save, daily buses are available from Istanbul to Fethiye. Note that these buses can take upwards of 12+ hours, so decide for yourself if the time is worth the money saved!

My Lycian Way Hiking Route + Map

I spent one week hiking the Lycian Way in March 2023, departing from Fethiye and seeing how far we could make it in our time on the trail. The above map details our route, but for a more detailed breakdown of each day of our trip, I encourage you to visit my 7-Day Lycian Way Itinerary. 

We hiked an average of 22km a day and made it from Fethiye to Kalkan. Our route was as follows.

• Day 1: Fethiye to Olüdeniz: 23km
• Day 2: Olüdeniz to Kabak: 23km
• Day 3: Kabak to Gey: 20.5km
• Day 4: Gey to Patara: 25km
• Day 5: Patara Beach Day
• Day 6: Patara to Kalkan: 22km
• Day 7: Return to Fethiye

Why Hike the Lycian Way?

By the end of hiking the Lycian Way, we’d trekked through pine forests and seaside cliffs, connected with locals and fellow hikers, and drank our weight in Turkish tea. It was one of the most extraordinary adventures of my life, and I hope I someday have the opportunity to complete the trail.  

The Lycian Way has certainly earned its reputation as one of the best long-distance trails in the world, and I believe it’s a perfect trek for newbies and seasoned hikers alike. It’s a route filled with history at every turn, opportunities to connect with local culture and experience the joy of untouched, awe-inspiring nature. 

So whether you have a month to spare or a few days set aside for the trail, you’re bound to have the adventure of a lifetime. Happy trekking!

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Virginia Taylor (Ginna) is a travel writer and photographer exploring the world until her boots wear through. She’s currently on a mission to explore all 32 departments of Colombia, though she formerly called the Middle East home. Want to know more? Visit the About Page.

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9 thoughts on “hiking the lycian way: everything you need to know”.

Wow this post is incredibly detailed and well written! I have never done an over seas hiking trip and I love all the information you included, especially which sections to hike if you can’t do the whole thing! AI was also wondering how you got your dog there with you, so I appreciated the captions on the photos lol.

I hope you get the chance for an over seas trek some day! 🙂 Hahaha right? We made so many dog friends along the way, sometimes it was hard to say goodbye!

Wow, this was super detailed and I definitely want to add this to my travel list! It looks like an incredible hike and very affordable too. Thanks for sharing!

Go for it! It’s an incredible trail 🙂

Wow I have never heard of the Lycian Way before but it looks amazing! This is such a detailed guide, it has everything for planning the hike. I’m not sure I would want to tackle the whole thing but I love that there are shorter option for doing sections of the Lycian Way. I’m definitely putting this on my hiking wishlist.

I know right, I couldn’t believe I’d never heard of it either when I saw how extraordinary it was! I hope you get the chance to hike it someday (but I totally hear you about the whole thing ha!)

I like to hike, but have never down such a long trek like this one. Thanks for all the information and tips and one day, when I’m a lot fitter, I may consider doing this hike.

The Lycian Way looks like the perfect place for a thrilling adventure. You covered all the details for anyone planning to make the trek! Thank you for this helpful guide.

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LOTUS EATERS TRAVEL

Lycian way trail: how to hike the lycian way self-guided.

Published by

lotuseaters.travel

LYCIAN WAY TRAIL: HOW TO HIKE THE LYCIAN WAY SELF-GUIDED.

We recently walked a selection of the highlights of the Lycian Way Trail. Although this is a popular walk, information about it is patchy. Here you can find our guide to walking the Lycian Way self-guided.

This post covers all frequently asked questions offering you as much information as possible to help you prepare for your adventure in Turkey. You can read it in conjunction with our route guide to walking the highlights of the Lycian Way.

🏙️ Be sure to check out our post on visiting Antalya too . This marks the end (or the start) of the Lycian Way, so you are likely to fly in or out of Antalya .

The Lycian Way Trail

The Lycian Way Trail, Likya Yolu in Turkish, is a long-distance hiking trail in Turkey. Specifically it runs along the Aegean Coast to the South West of the country. This area of the coast is often called the Turquoise Coast, owing to the fantastic colour of the sea.

The trail was created in 1999 by British expat Kate Clow. Since then, the trail has become increasingly popular and it is now estimated that around 30,000 people walk a portion of the trail each year.

One of the things that the Lycian Way Trail is most known for, is that it runs through the historic region of “Lycia”. This was a flourishing state in the 14th and 15th centuries. All along the Lycian Way you will find historic settlements and ruins, including fascinating Lycian rock tombs.

Can you hike the Lycian Way Trail Self-Guided?

You can absolutely hike the Lycian Way Trail without a guide. A bit of forward planning is required however. We’ve put together this blog post to help you prepare to hike the Lycian Way without a guide.

Quick tip. If you’re considering hiking without a guide and going solo – you can join one of the Lycian Way Facebook groups ( here and here ) to give you an opportunity to link up with fellow hikers.

What makes the Lycian Way Trail unique?

#1 Coastal walking – the coastal walking is some of the best we have ever experienced. Views overlooking the Turquoise coast are second to none and there are lots of opportunities to take a dip in the sea and laze in quiet coves.

#2 Mountain sections – whilst the coastal walking is incredible, the mountain sections of the Lycian Way offer something totally different. High up in the clouds, you feel far away from it all enjoying mountain air and local hospitality.

#3 Historical context – One of the things that the Lycian Way is most known for, is that it runs through the historic region of “Lycia”. This was a flourishing state in the 14th and 15th centuries. All along the Lycian Way you will find historic settlements and ruins, including fascinating Lycian rock tombs.

#4 Turkish cuisine – it’s easy to access fresh local produce and food all along the Lycian Way. We loved trying Turkish cuisine at home stays and small cafes and restaurants.

#5 Friendly animals – before walking, we were worried about encountering scary farm dogs. This couldn’t’ have been further from the truth, instead we frequently walked with friendly dogs and even cats and chickens.

#6 Unique accommodation – accommodation on the Lycian Way is varied. There are no hostels, but guest houses are cosy and inviting, hotels on the coast can be quite luxury and there are opportunities to camp. There’s something for everyone.

How long is the Lycian Way Trail?

The Lycian Way is generally said to be 540km. However, one of the unique things about the Lycian Way is that there are numerous alternative routes. On most days there are optional short cuts or extra paths you can take.

Plus, there’s a section from Cirali to Goynuk that you can walk inland or as a coastal path. Therefore the actual distance walked by each hiker is likely to be different.

How difficult is the Lycian Way Trail?

The Lycian Way is not an easy walk. We would describe it as an intermediate hiking trail. The Lycian Way is a series of trails, many are ancient goat tracks. It takes you along the coast and into the mountains, with varied terrain throughout.

Lycian Way Trail Challenges

The main challenges associated with the Lycian Way are as follows:

#1 Backpack weight

Ideally you don’t want to carry more than 10 to 15% of your body weight in a backpack during a multi-day hike. If you plan to walk the entire Lycian Way, this is not going to be possible and you will need to carry more.

There are some sections that require camping, therefore your backpack is going to weigh at least 10kg with a tent and camping supplies. We did not walk the entire route, choosing to stick to sections with accommodation – meaning our backpacks weighed around 4 to 6kg each. A much more manageable weight on this terrain.

There are a few sections of the route that are only accessible if you carry your own tent and wild camp.

#3 Food & Water

Food and water is fairly easy to manage, but it does require some forward planning. Budget food is readily accessible in most areas. In more remote areas, you may need to carry some food.

See more detail below on water access, but note that you can expect to carry at least a few litres of water each day (more on some days.)

No two days on the Lycian Way are the same. The terrain is constantly changing. You can expect rocky surfaces, canyons, boulders that require scrambling, sand and gravel surfaces too.

The Lycian Way is an undulating route. There is rarely a moment when you can enjoy a flat walking surface. The highest point of the trail is a whopping 2,300m at the top of Mount Olympos. But even if you stick to the coastal sections, you can still expect to climb well above 1,000m on a daily basis. If you’re not going up, you’re going down!

Daily sections

When planning your daily hikes, do keep in mind that the terrain and steep hills can mean that you cover the distances fairly slowly. For example, some days we walked 17km and it took around 9 hours. On flat terrain, we would expect to walk this in a third of the time!

Training for the Lycian Way Trail

As the trail is quite challenging, training before is recommended. We are regular hikers and had just completed the Camino Frances prior to the Lycian Way, so felt sufficiently trained!

We would suggest a training plan for the Lycian Way to include the following:

• Walking – increasing distances and incorporating hills
• Carrying a weighted backpack – checking how much you can carry and preparing your legs/ back for the extra weight while walking
• Strength training – we’ve got some suggestions about strength training for hiking here
• Yoga – an excellent way to improve strength and mobility for hiking. Find out more about why yoga is an amazing part of any hiking training plan here.

🧘 If you’re keen to start a yoga for hiking training plan, you can find the Game Changer Yoga bespoke yoga for hiking course here . Game Changer Yoga is our sister website, which was created by Emma – a qualified yoga teacher.

Lycian Way Trail Map

The map above shows an overview of the Lycian Way trail, highlighting some of the major tourist attractions on the route. This map shows the coastal route around Cirali rather than the mountain route which is an alternative.

For a more detailed route map, try the Trekopedia App ‘Trail Smart.’ We recommend this app for navigating the Lycian Way too (see more on that below).

Lycian Way Trail Highlights

It is estimated that walking the entire Lycian Way would take around 27 or 28 days. Whether you’re short on time, unsure about committing to the entire route, or not keen to camp – you could consider walking sections of the Lycian Way.

One of the great things about the Lycian Way trail is that it is possible to pick sections of the route and move between them using public transport. This way, you can choose between coastal trails, mountain sections and historical highlights.

We’ve written about our highlights on the Lycian Way in a separate post here.

Lycian Way Trail Transport

One of the concerns we had before walking sections of the Lycian Way, was how we would transfer from one section to another using public transport. This turned out to be of the most pleasant surprises on the Lycian Way, the transport worked like a dream. Transport was always straightforward and easy to find, as well as running regularly and on time.

The main challenge when it comes to transport along the Lycian Way, is finding information online. Bus and Dolmus timetables are not published and available to find online.

Google Maps does not provide accurate information on bus routes or timetables. The best way to find out about up to date times and bus routes is to ask your accommodation hosts or locals in the area. Alternatively, in larger towns you can often find a “bus station” where you can buy tickets and find information.

Types of transport on the Lycian Way Trail

There are two types of public transport that you will find along the Lycian Way Trail:

• Buses – buses run along the motorway from Fetihye to Antalya, calling at coastal towns along the route. The bus service is frequent (every 30 mins at time of writing) and is helpful in getting between sections of the Lycian Way along the coast.
• Dolmus – the Dolmus service is a mini-bus service which travels between smaller towns and villages on the route. For example, from Oludeniz to Ovacik. These are more informal and tend to run once they are full, rather than to a timetable.

Buying tickets for the bus and Dolmus

If you board the bus at a main station, for example in Fetihye, you can buy a ticket at the bus station. Otherwise, if you board at a bus stop, expect to pay the driver. For a Dolmus service, you can board and pay the driver.

Normally there are set rates for the journey, so you can expect to pay a set fare. You normally don’t get given an actual ticket. Buses and Dolmus services are inexpensive, expect to pay as little as 30 Lira for a short trip and less than 100 for a longer journey.

How to get to the start of the Lycian Way self-guided

The Lycian Way can be walked East to West or West to East. If you walk East to West, the nearest airport to the start is Antalya. If you walk from West to East, then Dalaman is the best airport to arrive to. We walked West to East. Both options are good and seem to be equally as popular.

Walking East to West

The route from East to West starts near to Antalya in Geyikbayırı. This is a village that you can get to from Antalya on either a bus or with a taxi. The distance is around 27km between them.

If you’re walking East to West, you will finish in either Ovacik or Fetihye (see below.)

Walking West to East

Most people walking West to East will start in Fetihye. This is a beach town around 45 minutes from Dalaman airport. There are regular buses direct from the airport to Fetihye running late into the night. The exact start point of the Lycian Way in Fetihye is around here (coordinates of a wonderful cafe at the start!)

Do note, the “official” start of the Lycian Way is actually in Ovacik – one day of walking from Fetihye. Personally, we opted for a day of walking from Fetihye as it is a beautiful place ( see more on our highlights post ) and easier to get to from the airport. But there is an option to start from Ovacik. The exact start point of the Lycian Way in Ovacik is here .

If you’re walking West to East you will finish in Geyikbayırı, near to Antalya (see above.) Another popular choice is to finish in Goynuk, a coastal town that is well connected to Antalya.

How to navigate on the Lycian Way Trail

Navigating on the Lycian Way is done using a combination of trail markers and either a map or a phone map app. We used the latter. It is perfectly okay to navigate yourself when you walk the Lycian Way self-guided.

The Lycian Way is generally marked by “trail markers” or “trail blazes”. These tend to be red and white, with two stripes (as shown below). You will also find a “red cross” marking used frequently to demark the incorrect route. Red and white arrows are also used along the Lycian Way.

As the Lycian Way is numerous trails joined together to create a long-distance path, there are other trail markings found too. For example, yellow markers are found on some sections.

How good are the way markers on the Lycian Way Trail?

The way markings are sometimes very good and sometimes very bad! It really depends on the section that you’re on. For example, the first couple of days (from the west side) around Ovacik are great. Frequent and clear markings can be found and it is difficult to get lost. But, the day prior to this from Fetihye to Ovacik is very badly marked.

Throughout our time hiking we got lost multiple times. Fortunately, it was fairly easy to find our way back (although we took a 4km detour around Goynuk!) The most difficult paths to navigate tend to be some of the coastal ones, a slight wrong turn and you can find yourself scrambling up and down rocks hanging over the sea.

In general, it is quite easy to see the correct path. Trails were not overgrown and a number of hikers walk them each day. Therefore the “well worn” trail with no plants overhanging is often the right one.

Which app to use to navigate when you walk the Lycian Way self-guided?

There are a couple of apps available to help you navigate the Lycian Way.

We used Trail Smart . This is an app hosted by the website “Trekopedia”. The app is available on Android and Apple phones. There is a free and a paid for version. At first, we tried to use the free version but it did not have sufficient detail and didn’t work offline. Subsequently we both purchased the $7.99 version and this was an absolute life-saver on the Lycian Way.

The app has GPS features, which work offline. We found this to be fairly accurate. There is a live map, with built in detail to help you locate water points, accommodation and food supplies. Plus, there’s instructional and contextual information on there. It was particularly helpful at flagging up any dangerous or tricky paths ahead.

What is accommodation like on the Lycian Way Trail when you walk the Lycian Way self-guided?

There are broadly five different types of accommodation that can be found on the Lycian Way. These are described in the table below.

🏨 Find out more about where we stayed on he Lycian Way in our post about walking the highlights of the route here.

Do you need to book accommodation on the Lycian Way?

Our approach to walking the Lycian Way was to book the majority of our accommodation in advance. Because the hiking is quite challenging, we wanted to ensure that we had guaranteed accommodation and a clear plan for walking so that we could focus purely on the hiking and enjoying our trip.

In general, accommodation along the coast in towns is quite plentiful but we recommend booking ahead, especially during peak holiday season. You can book on booking.com , or other sites, ahead of time.

Often, free cancellation is possible which helps to keep plans flexible. However, there are some areas of the Lycian Way that may have only one hotel or guest house – we recommend booking this in advance. Normally you will have to get in touch via email or Whatsapp to arrange this accommodation.

We rely heavily on booking.com for most of our accommodation – one thing to note is that booking.com does allow you to book accommodation in Turkey, whilst you are in Turkey. According to our research, this is a legal restriction. You can however book accommodation on booking.com prior to arriving in Turkey.

What to pack for the Lycian Way – Lycian Way self-guided

Here is a suggested packing list for the Lycian Way.

What to pack for camping on the Lycian Way?

Although a few commercial camp grounds offer tents, many do not. If you plan to walk the entire route, it is preferable to pack your own camping kit.

We suggest the following items and have included links to some of the camping kit that we use regularly:

• Lightweight tent
• Lightweight sleeping bag – adjusted for the weather
• Sleeping pad
• Cooking stove, gas and lighter
• Cooking pots (we prefer these to a kettle)
• Coffee or Tea and a cup or mug
• Utensils (a spork is the best option)
• Swiss-army knife or multi-tool
• A head torch

Do you need hiking poles for the Lycian Way?

We do not tend to use hiking/ trekking poles and have deliberately avoided using them on all long-distance hikes we’ve done previously. That said, we did regret not having them for the Lycian Way. If we went back, we would pack hiking poles.

The route is very undulating and there are quite often steep climbs and steep descents. Most people we met had poles and found them useful for the hills. However, they may not always be helpful (especially when scrambling), so we suggest packing foldable ones.

If you do decide to take poles, a budget set of hiking poles can be found for around £25. Mid-range hiking poles retail at £60 ish. More expensive carbon fibre poles are in the region of about £150.

What kind of footwear to wear on the Lycian Way

There are a few options for footwear on the Lycian Way. We suggest either trail shoes or hiking boots.

Trainers/ Trail Shoes

Trail shoes with a decent grip area ideal for the Lycian Way. Especially if you’re looking for lightweight and breathable shoes in the warm weather. Trainers without decent grip are not going to be suitable for the Lycian Way.

We opted to wear our Hoka shoes. John had a pair of trail shoes ( Speed Goat 5 ), whereas I wore Clifton’s which are not as suitable to trails. Decent trail shoes, such as the Hoka Speed Goats are brilliant for the Lycian Way.

Hiking boots

Lightweight and breathable hiking boots would be suitable for the Lycian Way, especially if you plan to walk the entire route. Many hikers opted for boots and I would argue that they are probably the most suitable thing for the terrain on the Lycian Way, with boulders to scramble over and regular uneven surfaces.

We wear the Aramadillo Hiking Boot from Nortiv 8 . These are a really great modern hiking boot – breathable, flexible and nicely cushioned. I wish I had packed mine for the Lycian Way!

Mobile reception and WiFi on the Lycian Way Trail

Mobile phone.

If you’re planning to use your mobile phone to navigate, we recommend getting a SIM card that gives you access to Turkish mobile networks .

There are some areas of the Lycian Way that do not have mobile signal, in particular some areas around Goynuk canyon (in the latter stages towards Antalya.)

We use Airalo eSIM cards when we travel – a great solution to get mobile data quickly and without removing your current SIM card.

The majority of hotels we stayed in on the Lycian Way had internet, but guesthouses/ pensions did not. You are also not likely to find WiFi at campsites. WiFi can be found in some bars and cafes too but you may have to ask for the password.

The cost of hiking the Lycian Way Trail

The currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira and it is subject to inflation that often means the value fluctuates. How much money to budget for the Lycian Way will largely depend on when you travel.

At time of writing (October 2023), £1 is worth around 30 Turkish Lira. Our average spend per day on the Lycian Way was around 2000 Lira, of around £60 for two people. We did not camp, so this budget included hotels (average around 3*) and dinner out with a few drinks every evening.

The average costs that we encountered along the Lycian Way are listed below:

Do you need cash on the Lycian Way?

You do need to carry some cash on the Lycian Way. Although many restaurants and hotels in large towns and on the coast will take credit or debit card, most facilities inland and in the mountain regions will not.

In our experience, Turkish Lira is the easiest cash to carry and use on the Lycian Way. You will find that cafes and restaurants in remote areas will not accept Euros, although some places in large coastal towns will accept Euros (and sometimes US dollars.) Turkish Lira is accepted everywhere in Turkey and is therefore the easiest currency to carry.

Where to get cash on the Lycian Way?

ATMs are fairly easy to find on the Lycian Way. However, do note that you are mostly going to find them in large towns. It is prudent to get out a chunk of cash to last you if you are heading into more remote areas or the mountain regions of the Lycian Way.

We found that many ATMs charged significant transaction fees on the Lycian Way. This can be anything from 5 to 10% of the amount you withdraw. The best ATMs to choose if you want to avoid these fees are Halk Bank and PTT (the Turkish post office.)

Food, Drink & Supplies on the Lycian Way

Food on the Lycian Way

The food on the Lycian Way was one of the highlights of the trip for us. We love Turkish food and were so excited to try local specialities along the route. Along the way, we sampled Pide (Turkish flat bread), Kofte, Kebabs (of all varieties), Manti (dumplings), fresh fish, delicious salads, soup, ice cream, Baclava and numerous incredible Turkish breakfasts.

Finding food on the Lycian Way is generally quite easy. The daily stages tend to start or finish in a town with restaurants, cafes or a supermarket. Where this is not the case, you will most likely stay in a pension/ home stay where you will be provided with a delicious home cooked dinner and breakfast. Some will also offer a packed lunch, should you want it.

Food does require a little planning however. There are some days when you may not pass anywhere to get food during the day and therefore you need to pack a lunch and snacks with you.

You can find out more about some of the best restaurants and cafes that we visited on our highlights of the Lycian Way post.

Water on the Lycian Way

According to our research, the tap water in Turkey is drinkable. But, it may take a few times to get used to it if you’re travelling from outside Turkey.

On the Lycian Way, there is a mix of water cisterns (water wells) and water taps. The cisterns range from clean-ish to frankly filthy and full of rubbish. The water taps are fairly frequent in some areas, for example we saw three during one day. But, there are many days with no water taps or cisterns.

To walk the Lycian Way, you have a few options when it comes to water supplies. You can rely on cisterns and taps along the way on the Lycian Way, topping up water bottles in hotels in the evening. If you want to be sure that is is safe, you should use water purification tablets and/or a filter, like this. Do note, that in the summer springs and cisterns could be dry.

The other option is to stick to mineral water and avoid the cisterns/ taps. It is very easy to buy enough water along the Lycian Way and it is inexpensive. The only down side is that it results in a using a lot of plastic and there are few recycling points along the way. We chose this option and tended to carry between 1.5 and 4 litres each per day, depending on the amenities along the way.

Supplies on the Lycian Way

For other supplies, such as medication or clothing, there are some options to stock up on the Lycian Way. But, do keep in mind that large towns are likely to be the best places to buy supplies. If for example you need medication, you may have to wait a few days to arrive in a town with a pharmacy.

Nightlife on the Lycian Way

The Lycian Way goes mainly through beach resorts, seaside villages and mountain towns and villages.

In terms of nightlife, you will find that resorts by the sea tend to have a few restaurants and bars which predominately cater to holiday makers. This means that there is always some nightlife to access when you walk the Lycian Way. Perhaps some of the best nightlife we found was along the coast in towns like Kabak, Oludeniz and Simena.

The mountain towns and villages tend to be much quieter. Especially if you stay in a home stay/ pension inland on the Lycian Way, it’s likely you’re in for a quiet night.

You can find out more about the nightlife we enjoyed on our highlights of the Lycian way post.

Lycian Way Best Time to Go

The most popular times to walk the Lycian Way are April to May or September to November. The summer months are simply too hot to walk in Turkey, you can expect highs of 30 to 35 degrees centigrade during the day on the South West coast.

We walked from mid to late October and found the temperatures on route to be perfect. Although days were warm, it was rarely too hot to walk, especially early in the morning. It was also plenty warm enough to enjoy swimming in the sea or lazing by a pool in the afternoons after hiking. The evenings had also started to cool which would make camping more of a pleasant experience.

One thing to keep in mind if you walk in April or November, is that the further East you go along the Lycian Way (towards Antalya), the colder it can get. Therefore if you walk in April, it is best to walk West to East. If you walk the Lycian Way in November, it can be more sensible to walk East to West.

Written by Emma

Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.

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[…] This blog post sets out the highlights of the Lycian Way that we walked over a period of 10 days in October 2023. We hope that it helps you pick your route and get a sense of what is on offer on the Lycian Way. However, if you want to know more about planning your trip – packing, accommodation, cost of travel etc, then you can find our post ‘How to walk the Lycian Way.’ […]

[…] is right on the Lycian Way, a long-distance hiking path. This is ideal for anyone wanting to take a short hike during their […]

[…] a recent trip to Turkey walking the Lycian Way, we wondered whether Antalya was worth visiting. We were so pleased to have taken time to spend a […]

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Thy Lycian Way hike in Turkey: from Fethiye to Kabak

We take you with us on the first 3 days of the Lycian way in Turkey and we give you lots of information to prepare this trek as well as possible

Last Update: 18/01/2024 15 COMMENTS

After a rather smooth start of our trip in Turkey with the visit of very beautiful (but quite busy) sites like Ephesus or Pamukkale , we thought it was time to put those legs to work and enjoy the weather in May (which is quite pleasant in Turkey 😉 ).

You may have noticed that if we often choose to walk for several days with our camping gear in our backpacks, it is because the slower pace of hiking allows us to take the time to enjoy the landscapes, meet people and get away from the crowds (and also to have a little break from our computers, which is not bad now and then). So it was with this desire to get lost in Turkey that we set out in search of a beautiful Turkish hike that we could do for about a week… and that’s how we came across the Lycian way .

It is by doing some research on the net that we came across this website which lists about 20 long distance hikes in Turkey. As we were in the southwest of the country, the Lycian way immediately caught our attention (especially since it is often mentioned as one of the most beautiful long-distance treks in the world…. just that!)

What’s the lycian way?

Itinerary and map of the lycian way.

• Infrastructures (accomodation, food, water)
• When to do the lycian way?
• Useful gear
• Day 1: Fethiye – Kayaköy – Ölüdeniz
• Day 2: Kirme – Faralya

Day 3: Kabak – Alinca

It is a hiking itinerary that covers more than 400 km between Fethiye and Antalya in southwest Turkey. This trek is a rather unique combination of Mediterranean landscapes along the turquoise coast, fairly mountainous passages, paradisiac beaches and above all ancient Lycian ruins that date back more than 2000 years. This route (the 1st of its kind in Turkey) is the work of Kate Clow , an English woman living in Antalya, passionate about hiking and history who was convinced that Turkey should have long-distance treks (whereas the Turks were not really known as great hikers).

Beaches, mountains, turquoise waters, ancient ruins… all this far from the crowds. That was all it took to convince us to hike a part of the Lycian way. So we decided to leave from the small seaside town of Fethiye and hike for about a week (there are still other places we would like to see in Turkey… so if we hike a months… ).

As you will see below, the Lycian Way did not disappoint us, far from it!

By the way, if you already want a little preview in pictures before the practical infos, Fabienne has made you a little video of our 6 days on the Lycian way (sorry about the french 😉 … if you insist we might add some subtitles) :

Get ready for the lycian way: useful infos

Obviously, before starting a hike of several days in a country you don’t know and whose language you don’t speak, you have to prepare yourself a minimum. But don’t worry, this trek doesn’t really require any special preparation and there are very complete resources on the web to help you.

Here is how it works:

• Current Datase t: In our case, we obviously use the Lycian Way dataset but there are also other treks available (including one in Cappadocia that we will certainly test).
• Active Route : Each dataset has several routes. For example, we didn’t want to do the entire lycian route so we chose the road from Fethiye to Kas as our base.
• Offline Map : You have the possibility to buy the trek databsets to have an offline access (in the map tab especially). We bought the Dataset of the Lycian way but honestly we could have done without it because we had almost always 4G (obviously it will depend on your phone subscription).
• Trail : Tab that gives you written information about the active stage. This tab is updated according to your gps position as you progress. You will find information about the route but also a lot of interesting information about the places you visit, accommodation, bivouac spots, water points etc…
• Map : Certainly the tab you will use the most since it displays the gps trace of the trek on the map. You will also find lots of pins with information on accommodation, villages, supermarkets, water points, bivouac spots and much more.

The dataset of the lycian way is very detailed and regularly updated. Frankly, with that in your pocket, you can’t get lost.

In addition to TrailSmart we also used our beloved Maps.me because we sometimes find information on bivouac spots or viewpoints that are not on TrailSmart (see our bivouac spot on the 1st evening)

As a “simpler” alternative, we recommend you the excellent application AllTrails (the one we use daily for our hikes since 2019). You can also import our tracks and/or create your own super easily. To download our routes (more than 30 formats to choose from), you just need to create an account (free). To access them offline you can either upgrade to an AllTrails+ account (20€ per year via this link instead of 29,9€), or stay in free and export the tracks in KML format and import them into Maps.Me.

Infrastructures on the lycian way (accomodation, food, water)

The lycian way can be done entirely without tents and by staying in village pensions on the way (TrailSmart information is very up-to-date for accommodations). On our side, we still prefer to have our camping gear with us. Honestly, the bivouac spots we saw on our way were quite nice (it would be a shame to miss this) and that it is also a way to be more independent and spend less money.

As for food , there is a lot of minimarket in the villages or even small restaurants. We had planned 4 meals with us and a lot of snacks (which also work as breakfast) and frankly we could have had less. My advice would be to always have at least 1 meal in the bag just in case but in general, you won’t have any problem finding something to eat on the way. So it is not necessary to load yourself with too much food, especially since a meal does not cost much in Turkey (especially in the small villages of the Lycian way).

For water , always make sure you have a little more water than you think you need. It can be very hot on the Lycian way (in May for us it went up to almost 30 degrees) and there are practically no rivers. You can refuel in the villages at the shops or fountains indicated on TrailSmart. But if we knew that we wouldn’t necessarily have a lot of water over a day (or that we were planning to bivouac), we were always careful and we carried up to 3 to 4 liters of water per person.

When is the best period for the lycian way?

The best months are probably spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) . In summer it is too hot to hike on the lycian way trails (already in May we suffered a lot from the heat) and in winter there can be snow on several sections of the trek (there are passages at more than 1500m altitude – not the section we did, but further away).

As for the weather, the sun is strong and it rains very little in the region. You will enjoy the shade of pines or olive trees believe me.

For the equipment I’m not going to make you a complete listing because there’s not much special to mention and we had almost the same equipment as the one we had on the Via Alpina (which you can find here ).

A few details, however:

• We didn’t take our stove and the cooking set with us. As we did this trek in the middle of a trip of several months, we preferred to save this weight by thinking that when we would do treks, we could get by with cold food. And on the Lycian way it is no problem since you can have warm food in the villages along the way (and dishes are much better than what you could cook on a stove 😉 )
• We did the trek with trail running shoes and it went very well. Again it was mainly because we did the hike in the middle of a long trip and these type of shoes are more versatile for other aspects of the trip. But if you come to Turkey mainly for this trek, I think that hiking boots are more suitable for this type of very rocky trail.

On the budget side, we spent the tiny sum of 185€ all inclusive (for the 2) for 6 days on the Lycian way. At the time of our trip, 1 euro was exchanged for 6.8 Turkish lira (TL). This budget includes:

• The groceries before the start on the trek (280 TL spent on snacks, wraps, etc.)
• 1 night in a pension in Alinca (250 TL for both with dinner and breakfast)
• 2 nights of camping (once 30 TL and the second time 70 TL)
• various meals, chaï teas and groceries along the way
• a few beers to reward ourself after the effort (alcohol is quite expensive compared to the rest in Turkey – count between 15 TL and 25 TL per beer)
• entry fees at some historical sites
• the return bus ride from Patara Beach to Fethiye

Note: Be careful to have enough cash with you to pay. There are few places where you can withdraw money during the trek and payment by card is only very rarely an option.

Day 1: Fethiye – Kayaköy – Ölüdeniz – bivouac

After a few quiet days spent in Fethiye working and enjoying sunsets by the sea (we rented an apartment at the Artim apart hotel for 150 TL per night with a nice wifi), we start our adventure on the Lycian way early to enjoy the morning temperatures. As every time we go on a hike over several days, the backpacks seem to weigh a ton… it’s especially because we took with us a lot of food and 3.5 litres of water per person (which was not necessary with hindsight…).

We start directly with a good climb out of Fethiye to warm up. A sign indicates that we are at the beginning of the lycian way 😉 (even if the official start is actually in Ovacik). While looking back we can see the huge lycian tombs dug in the cliffs above Fethiye… we are immediately in the mood!

We walk between path and road to go down again towards Kayaköy and its ghost town . Frankly this part until Kayaköy was not the best and if you want to shorten this 1st stage a bit, you could take a Dolmus (the local Turkish buses) to the ghost town. But anyway, we still saw our first 2 turtles of the hike on the way and the view of the abandoned town isn’t so bad from the pass.

After paying 6 TL/pers, we enter the site of the ghost town or village of Kayaköy. The site is very impressive and it is the ruins of several hundred houses that are there on the hillside. The history of Kayaköy, which was a village populated by Greeks before the First World War, is in fact very similar to the one of the village of Sirince . In 1923 as well, the Greek Orthodox living in this village were forced to leave Turkey. On the other hand, no one then settled in the village, which was also hit by a major earthquake in 1957. The remaining ruins of this village are now preserved as an open-air museum (even if it seems that the local authorities want to transform part of the site into a hotel 🙁 )

After having enjoyed this place, we decide to take the alternative path towards the seaside resort of Ölüdeniz. The trail climbs behind the ghost town through the pines and then descends to Ölüdeniz with some magnificent views of the bay and beaches on the way. Honestly, we highly recommend this section. On the other hand, the least we can say is that we were not charmed by Ölüdeniz, which represents everything we don’t like about this kind of seaside resort.

Instead of going up to Ovacik for the night as TrailSmart advises us, we decide to follow a path indicated on maps.me which climbs very steeply at the other end of the beach and which rejoins the official route of the Lycian Way more directly (and thus avoids an unnecessary detour through Ovacik). We had also spotted a bivouac spot on maps.me 600m higher. We start hiking this path following the “green dot” markings (there are some every 10m so if you don’t see them anymore it’s because you lost the path)… it’s already 4:30 pm.

The sun is still strong and we suffer with our big backpacks, especially since the climb is difficult (you will be warned 😉 ). We also come face to face with our 1st snake of the Lycian way, a beautiful black and white beast of 1m in length (perhaps an Ottoman viper according to our research) which was in no hurry to leave the hiking trail… we pray not to meet many others of these creatures during the trek!

We really hope that the bivouac location indicated on maps.me will be good because we don’t feel the strength to go much further… At 7pm we arrive at the point indicated on our map and there we can say that we have been rewarded for our efforts. This is undoubtedly the most beautiful spot where we have bivouacked so far. We have a completely unobstructed view of the whole bay of Ölüdeniz and the sun sets right in front of us. We quickly pitch the tent, eat and admire this show until nightfall. We go to bed very tired but happy to be there.

Infos day 1

• Distance 17,4 kms
• Deniv. +1160m -560m
• Difficulty quite hard
• Duration 6-7h

Day 2: Kirme – Faralya – camping

So we didn’t have a really good night because after going to bed we started to hear the sounds of someone around our tent. Bold as we are, neither of us dared to leave the tent to check even if it kept us awake for a while 😉 (certainly a shepherd who was passing by). So we start the end of the climb towards Kirme this morning a little tired. The climb still passes much better with the morning freshness.

After a short break chaï and gözleme at a small restaurant in the village, we start the descent towards Faralya which we reach at lunchtime. The village actually overlooks the butterfly valley which is accessible either on foot from Faralya (you have to go down a very steep path with ropes) or by boat from Fethiye or Ölüdeniz. We decide not to go down into the valley (especially with the big bags) but to take an alternative path to the Lycian way that runs along the coast to Kabak.

We walk a bit on this trail which offers spectacular views of the beach and the butterfly valley below. We take advantage of a nice spot with a view to take our lunch break.

We continue on this variation of the lycian way during the afternoon. Some passages of this trail are a little more difficult but the path is rather well marked and does not present any great difficulty. We also meet our 2nd creeping and whistling creature, green this time but which does not hang around on the path unlike the other one 😉 . Fortunately, the beautiful landscapes quickly make us forget this encounter.

In the late afternoon, we stop at the first campsite we see on our way (Aktas beach camping) and pitch our tent for 35 tl/pers (we would have paid for that only for the shower 😉 ). Just above our tent we can also comfortably sit on platforms full of cushions with sea views. Perfect for sipping a small beer at sunset in peace 😉 (the food in the small restaurant is also delicious).

Infos day 2

• Distance 14 kms
• Deniv +346m -925m
• Difficulty average
• Duration 5h

This morning we’re back on track! It felt good to arrive a little earlier the day before, to have showered and had time to rest. We continue on the path along the coast to the village of Kabak which overlooks a pretty beach 200m further down. There are mainly hotels on the heights of Kabak and one wonders how they managed to put so many bungalows in such a steep place…

We go down to the beach (which is quite nice though by the way). Here the atmosphere is a little “bobo-hippy” (not too much our thing I must say)… I’ll spare you the details but we also lost 2 hours at the beach because I thought I had lost (or had my smartphone stolen) which had actually slipped behind my backpack ;)… In short, after changing all my passwords and almost blocking my sim card, my phone magically fell into my back while we were walking…. a big relief anyway!

At the beginning, in Kabak we thought we would take a Dolmus to skip part of the Lycian way and go to Kalkan to do 3-4 more days of walking until Kas (it is the “best of the west” route in TrailSmart). But we realized that this option would make us spend the day in the bus, go back to Fethiye and then only to Kalkan (we didn’t realize that there was no direct route). As we thought it was a bit silly, we changed our plans again at the last minute and decided to continue on the Lycian way towards Alinca .

From Kabak, we start a nice little climb of almost 800m which starts from the beach and goes up to the village of Alinca. Honestly this climb has been one of our favorite parts of these few days on the Lycian way (with our bivouac spot of the 1st day and the view above the butterfly valley). We climb quietly in the shade of the pines with often spectacular views of Kabak Bay below. Even if it is hot, the climb is going well and we are clearly better than the 1st day after Ölüdeniz. We arrive at the village of Alinca after about 3h30 of climbing.

The atmosphere in Alinca has nothing to do with Kabak’s. The 2 villages are not connected by a road and if you want to reach Alinca by car, you will have to make a detour of several hours. Here there are thus no tourists except the few hikers passing by (we met less than a dozen hikers in 6 days 😉 ). We are welcomed in the village by a young boy who surprises us with his very good English and who immediately offers us to stay in his mother’s pension for 250 TL (for both) with dinner and breakfast. Since we have nothing against sleeping in a bed tonight, we accept his proposal. After a good shower, we settle down on the small terrace of the house for a well-deserved beer before being served a delicious meal (with starter, main course and dessert). Such a feast with a view, a shower and a good bed for 40$…. we don’t regret our choice 😉

Infos day 3

• Distance 10,4 kms
• Deniv. +978m -272m
• Duration 5-6h

We hope that this article has made you want to try to hike on the lycian way and we see you soonon the blog for the continuation of our adventures between Alinca and Patara beach.

Update: The end of the hike is life and can be read here

About Benoit

Self-taught web developer and passionate photographer, I love travelling and hiking for this incredible feeling of freedom they bring me. Curious, I constantly need to learn new things, to take on new challenges and I couldn't live any other way. I share with you on this travel blog my experiences on the roads but also my thoughts to travel better while respecting our beautiful planet (which is unfortunately in a very bad shape).

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Reader Interactions

4 years ago

What a great and informative article. I am planning to take all the trail in 25 dyes; I don’t know, maybe LOL.

anyway, I want to thank you guys for this fantastic Blog

Glide you liked our blog posts… hope you’ll be able to do this amazing hike!

2 years ago

Hi! Thank you so much for this incredibly informative blog, has helped us do the Lycian way! Would just like to comment for other hikers, the beach at Faralya (Actas beach) is no longer a nice campground. Currently it is all being bulldozed and being made into a big resort. You can not stay there, and it is very difficult to get down to the beach with the construction and new paths, not worth it. The following beach (Tektas) you can camp at, but they are also doing developments there but it is not very nice (tress and bush getting pulled out). Try to continue on to ‘beautiful camp for 2ppl’ (which is not much further and an easy walk) or kabak. Very depressing to see these developments, and annoying after a big walk when all we wanted was to do was set up camp and relax! -Lara and George

Hello Lara,

Thanks for your informative feedback and glad you found some useful infos here 😉 . It’s sad to read about all these developments… Not sure if we will ever gonna stop destroying places like these for “tourism”. Hopefully we will understand sooner than later. All the best

Awesome, thanks for sharing! I just have three nights, but will definetely plan to squeeze in a day hike after reading this!

Glad you liked it. Hope you’ll have fun on the lycian way trails 😉

3 years ago

Thank you! An overview is very well done, also plenty of useful information about how better to plan the hike. Planning to go there in autumn 🙂

Glad our blog posts were useful and hope you’ll like this hike as much as we did 😉

I saw that you wrote, Greek Orthodox left that town in 1923, that’s sad, but it’s happened on both sides, because, also Turks in the Balkans are forced to leave their places.

with respect and love

more information:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Population_exchange_between_Greece_and_Turkey

“Convention Concerning the Exchange of Greek and Turkish Populations” signed at Lausanne, Switzerland, on 30 January 1923

I enjoyed this narration and the valuable information… I am planning to go there in the coming days and I have benefited a lot from the information that was presented… Thank you

Glad our infos could be helpful to you 🙂 . Have fun there 😉

Hi, great couples and informations!

Is it worth to go 3 days alone on the lycian ways while im a solo traveler?

Hi, thanks for your message! Sure, why not? In terms of safety I would not see any reason not to do it! It is not the most “famous” hike so I would not guarantee that you’ll meet many other hikers but it’s definitively a stunning experience. Enjoy!

3 months ago

Hello! Thank you so much for this! It’s a nice, clear insightful guide with some useful info 🙂 We are thinking of doing the same route but I have one or two questions for now: 1) Is free camping legal in Turkey? Can you just camp respectfully anywhere along the way? 2) Is it easy enough to just continue hiking rather than stop at Kas? 3) When we run out of time (6 days), do you think it will be simple enough to just find access to the main road and return to a major city (Dalaman/Antalya)?

Hi, Camping was fairly easy in this area. A few flat spots, friendly locals. We either camped in fully remote areas or if we were closer to houses, we simply asked and people always told us where we could set up a tent without issues. We did not go all the way to Kas (we stopped at Patara beach), but yes, the trail is well marked all the way!

The road access will depend, but in Patara beach this was fairly easy. Small buses run from almost everywhere. It might take a few changes, but you should always be able to make it back to bigger towns within a few hours. Enjoy your hike Fabienne

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Seven Capes Trek

This exciting self-guided trek follows the prettiest parts of the Lycian Way, Turkey’s first ever long-distance footpath. The route meanders over bare hillsides and through scented pine forests overlooking the blue Mediterranean. It dips down to wonderful hidden beaches where sparkling waves lap smooth sands. The region south of Fethiye is known as the Seven Capes, a stunning coastline where steep hillsides drop abruptly into the sea. We start in Kayaköy close to the famous Ölüdeniz lagoon and follow well-preserved foot paths that meander along this coast, sometimes staying high above it in Faralya and Alınca; but also passing through tiny, secluded coves such as Kabak with white, sandy beaches that give ample opportunity for a swim. The trek ends at the impressive ruins of Patara, one of the principal cities of ancient Lycia, located near one of the finest and whitest beaches of Turkey.

Best travel time:

For tours without fixed departure dates you can email us at: [email protected] or you can contact us using the "Contact Us" page. We will provide you with a tailormade itinerary and quotation.

Difficulty Level

Grade 2 : Gentle. Trekking averages 5/6 hrs per day with daysack. Daily altitude differences up to 600m in hilly and mountainous areas. Hiking can be on stony foot paths and some dirt tracks with occasional steep ascents.

Lycian Way Trekking Tours Self-Guided

€745 per person, price based on double/twin room occupancy. €190 single room supplement traveling together. €315 single room supplement traveling alone.

You can start this tour any day. An additional night at Patara with airport transfer the next morning can be arranged (price on request).

all transfers (also from/to airport Dalaman) and luggage transfers during the trek (except for walk day 2)

all accommodation

6x breakfast

5x lunch (picnic)

transfer on day 2 between Ölüdeniz and Kayaköy (by bus/taxi)

1x dinner in Kayaköy

soft or alcoholic drinks during meals

entrance fees to museums and sites

tips and gratuities

Customers should have good quality hard soled trekking boots, rain gear, swimwear, sunhat and sunblock, and a 30-40 litre daysack. Walking sticks are recommended.

You pack, we take care of the rest! We transfer your luggage between the accommodations while you enjoy your walk. Our aim is to make your holiday more enjoyable. During the walks, you carry your daysack only.

Accommodation

On your first nights you stay near Kayaköy – an abandoned Greek village, beautifully portrayed in the 2004 novel Birds Without Wings by Louis de Bernières. The delicious home cooked meals of your host at the small eco-guesthouse are served under the grapevine covered courtyard near the swimming pool. In Faralya you stay in free-standing wooden cabins set in a lovely garden with fruit trees and pool. From the restaurant terrace stunning views to the sea and Butterfly Valley below can be enjoyed. The village houses in Alınca and Gey offer basic but clean lodging and very tasty traditional Turkish meals. Many guests find these nights the most memorable of their trip! In Alınca the house is situated at the edge of a cliff, overlooking the sea and the stunning sunsets. In Gey you stay right in the heart of the village, surrounded by an impressive landscape of stone built terraces. In Patara you are guest to a very welcoming family in their pension with garden. Dinner is with lots of home grown fruits, vegetables and herbs and the Turkish breakfast can be enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the pool.

During the tour, you will enjoy natural, regional and rich Turkish food. Evening meals consist of a soup or salads, a main course and fruit or sweet for dessert. Lunches will be picnics provided by the accommodations.

Day 1: Arrival & optional walk

Upon your arrival at Dalaman airport you have a transfer to Kayaköy (1,5hrs) for your check-in at the accommodation. Dinner and overnight in guesthouse in Kayaköy.

Day 2: Kayaköy-Ölüdeniz (9km / 3hrs / +200m / -350m)

The walk takes you right through the ruined village of Kayaköy. Once a thriving Greek village, Kayaköy has over one thousand houses, two churches, fourteen chapels, and two schools. It was completely deserted in 1923 when the orthodox Christian inhabitants had to move to Greece following the Turkish War of Independence. Climbing out of the village the path crosses a green headland to arrive at the famous white beaches of Ölüdeniz. You may enjoy a swimming break before taking the minibus back to Kayaköy (pay locally). Dinner not included. Overnight at guesthouse in Kayaköy.

Day 3: Ovacık - Faralya (14km / 5-6hrs / +660m / -680m)

We transfer you to the beginning of the Lycian Way (15mins) where you start your hike with spectacular views towards the sea and Ölüdeniz lagoon. You ascend the lower slopes of Baba Dağı (Father Mountain) following a paved mule path. After passing the villages of Kozağaç and Kirme on a stretch of road you descend an age-old path to the small village of Faralya on the green slopes above the Butterfly valley. Dinner and overnight in pension in Faralya.

Day 4: Faralya - Alınca (13km / 5-6hrs / +750m / -450m)

You walk from Faralya to Alınca along a forested path passing high above the secluded cove of Kabak. You will climb up a beautiful old mule trail to the small hamlet of Alınca, with impressive views over Yedi Burun (Seven Capes). Dinner and overnight in village house in Alınca.

Day 5: Alınca - Sidyma (11km / 4hrs / +490m / -660m)

You walk along the spectacular Seven Capes coastline towards a pasture with an Ottoman cistern. There you have the choice to descend along a cobble stone trail to the secluded beach of Kalabantia, explore the ruins of the ancient harbour and swim in the crystal clear waters (additional 5km / 2,5hrs / +400m / - 400m). After returning to the main trail you follow and old mule trail inland and uphill to reach ancient Sidyma where you explore the ruins of this once huge city scattered around an inland valley and two hills. The village houses are constructed using ancient building blocks; inscriptions, tombs and city walls are visible. Transfer to Gey (30 mins). Dinner and overnight in pension in Gey.

Day 6: Gey - Gavurağili (14km / 6-7hrs / +500m / -1000m)

You trek along a tiny goat path around the spectacular bay of Gemili to Bel. After a short section of dirt road you start your descent along the last of the Seven Capes following a steep, rocky Roman road down to Gavurağili. You meet your transfer vehicle here for the transfer to Patara. Patara is famous for its very long beach where the giant sea turtles, Caretta Caretta come for laying their eggs. It was also the birthplace of saint Nicholas, who became known as bishop of nearby (Myra) Demre. Dinner and overnight in pension in Patara.

Day 7: Delikkemer - Patara (11km / 3hrs / +225m / -340m) & Departure

After a short transfer you visit the remains of a Roman aqueduct spanning a ravine at Delikkemer. It was part of a system that supplied water from the mountains to ancient Patara on the coast. You walk back from the aquaduct to Patara, partly following the course of the ancient water pipes. After exploring the ruins of this once leading city of the Lycian League, with a theatre, bath complexes and temples, you can relax on the beach. The trek ends with a transfer to Dalaman airport (2hrs).

OTHER TOURS YOU MIGHT LIKE

1 night camp & 2 days trek.

The fairy chimneys and secret valleys offers fascinating walks to be enjoyed anywhere in the world. And It is spectacular feeling to waking up to the glorious hot air balloons floating across the valleys as well.

A Trek Back In Time

This trek will take us to the real villages, where you will get the chance to be witness to the daily life of local people. Trek in these untouched valleys with chimneys around will lead you to villages where people left their home during 1924. We will see very fine examples of late ethnic settlements and architecture.

Aegean Coast Luxury Cycle Touring

This luxury cycling tour is the finest and most complete holiday in the Biking in Turkey portfolio, designed from the ground up to meet world class service standards and exceed expectations every step of the way. Based on our popular and highly praised Aegean Road Bike Touring programme, this tour breaks the route up into smaller, more manageable chunks, discarding anything other than the most perfect rides, and anchoring the evenings at superior boutique hotels throughout. With shorter distances averaging 50km per day the route retains enough hills to be challenging but leaves you with plenty of free time simply to enjoy your time with us. Whether you choose to explore historical sights, relax in blissful tranquility on little-known beaches or unwind and distress in the fine facilities of our hotels, you will relish the time and freedom. The route itself takes to a network of roads that link coastal mountains with paradise beaches and rugged peninsulas. It is a chance to experience the true beauty and character of Turkey’s less-developed seaside and coastal hinterland areas, far away from the hustle bustle of modern life.

Aegean Coast Road Bike Touring

A week of perfect cycle touring beside the blissful Mediterranean. Choose from guided or self-guided options to suit you best. Flexible tour lengths from 5 to 12 days. Explore the ancient city of Ephesus. Cycle the Bozburun peninsula with it’s beautiful coves and villages. Discovering little known beaches on the Dilek Peninsula. Dalyan’s protected turtle beach and unique fresh water lagoon. Lake Bafa National Park and it’s unique rock formations. Get away from it all in the remote wilderness of Latmos Mountains.

Aladağlar - Seven Lakes

The Aladağlar massif boasts the region’s highest peak (Demirkazık summit, which stretches to 3756 m). The geology of the area is responsible for the interesting rock formations and waterfalls. The erosion of limestone has created a fascinating karstic topography and hydrography, especially in the Yedigöller (Seven Lakes) valley, where the karstic underground rivers and caverns collect the surface water.

Aladağlar Mountain Trek 3 Days

It will be once in your lifetime to wake up in the middle of the night to the most clear milky way. Two nights nearby 1000m height lime stone walls and walk inside the valleys with stunning views here is the chance. Very well organized camp sites with toilet and shower facilities are waiting for you.

Cappadocia Adventure Biking MTB

This relatively wild and challenging journey offers a true taste of Cappadocia’s finest landscapes, history and local hospitality without being too technical or physically intense. It connects incredible historical sights, off the beaten track villages and un-missable panoramas with wonderful cycling routes on dirt tracks, quiet roads and smooth flowing off road trails. The tour is a journey of discovery, spanning much of the region including the Ihlara Canyon, Soganli Valley, and “Fairy Chimney” lunar landscape that stretches from Mustafapasa to Goreme. It’s a mix of dirt road adventure bike touring, relaxed cycle touring and some great mountain biking that is suitable for all cyclists. The emphasis is on discovery, and there are plenty of sights, things to do and unforgettable photo opportunities throughout. This tour is a great choice for small groups, couples and families.

Cappadocia Photo Tour - 2 Days

What do you think about photographing the majesty of almost 300 Yılkı horses in the heart of Anatolia just like shooting a piece for a film or documentary? Are you ready to capture the same great scenery as Nuri Bilge Ceylan did in Winter Sleep, his Golden Palm Award winning movie at the Cannes Film Festival? This Yılkı Horses Photography workshop is organised by Anadolu’ya Yolculuk, under the inspiring leadership of Nuri Çorbacıoğlu, an AFIAP award-winning photographer. Apart from catching the best images of the horses we also pay a visit to a Kyrgyz Otağı (a large nomadic marquee) in the Avanos district where you can relive the centuries old central Asian traditions! The magical eternity and powerful reflections of the Salt Lake with a horseman or people dressed in their traditional outfits, it will be a visual feast and magical atmosphere that you cannot even imagine! Whether you travel in the white snows of winter, between the fresh spring showers or in a huge dust cloud during summer, each season will offer you stunning images! This will be a tour focussing on PHOTOGRAPHY as you will visit the best photographical locations under the expert consultancy of professional photographer Nuri Çorbacıoğlu; a tour full of DISCOVERY as you will see the best viewpoints and the least known corners of the cities with our expert guide and lastly a definite GOURMET tour, as we include the best cuisine of the region and you won’t turn back until you have tasted every special food there is!

Cappadocia Photo Tour - 3 Days

Are you ready to capture the same great scenery as Nuri Bilge Ceylan did in Winter Sleep, his Golden Palm Award winning movie at the Cannes Film Festival? What do you think about photographing the majesty of almost 300 Yılkı horses in the heart of Anatolia just like shooting a piece for a film or documentary? This Yılkı Horses Photography workshop is organised by Anadolu’ya Yolculuk, under the inspiring leadership of Nuri Çorbacıoğlu, an AFIAP award-winning photographer. Apart from catching the best images of the horses we also pay a visit to a Kyrgyz Otağı (a large nomadic marquee) in the Avanos district where you can relive the centuries old central Asian traditions! The magical eternity and powerful reflections of the Salt Lake with a horseman or people dressed in their traditional outfits, it will be a visual feast and magical atmosphere that you cannot even imagine! Whether you travel in the white snows of winter, between the fresh spring showers or in a huge dust cloud during summer, each season will offer you stunning images! This will be a tour focussing on PHOTOGRAPHY as you will visit the best photographical locations under the expert consultancy of professional photographer Nuri Çorbacıoğlu; a tour full of DISCOVERY as you will see the best viewpoints and the least known corners of the cities with our expert guide and lastly a definite GOURMET tour, as we include the best cuisine of the region and you won’t turn back until you have tasted every special food there is!

Cappadocia Photo Tour - 5 Days

This will be a tour focussing on PHOTOGRAPHY as you will visit the best photographical locations under the expert consultancy of professional photographer Nuri Çorbacıoğlu; a tour full of DISCOVERY as you will see the best viewpoints and the least known corners of the cities with our expert guide and lastly a definite GOURMET tour, as we include the best cuisine of the region and you won’t turn back until you have tasted every special food there is! What do you think about photographing the majesty of almost 300 Yılkı horses in the heart of Anatolia just like shooting a piece for a film or documentary? Are you ready to capture the same great scenery as Nuri Bilge Ceylan did in Winter Sleep, his Golden Palm Award winning movie at the Cannes Film Festival? This Yılkı Horses Photography workshop is organised by Anadolu’ya Yolculuk, under the inspiring leadership of Nuri Çorbacıoğlu, an AFIAP award-winning photographer. Apart from catching the best images of the horses we also pay a visit to a Kyrgyz Otağı (a large nomadic marquee) in the Avanos district where you can relive the centuries old central Asian traditions! The magical eternity and powerful reflections of the Salt Lake with a horseman or people dressed in their traditional outfits, it will be a visual feast and magical atmosphere that you cannot even imagine! Whether you travel in the white snows of winter, between the fresh spring showers or in a huge dust cloud during summer, each season will offer you stunning images!

Cappadocia Road Bike Touring

Cappadocia, with its unreal rock formations, cave dwellings and “fairy chimneys” is undeniably one of Turkey’s most captivating, unique and unmissable areas and a perfect destination for a road cycling tour. This tour links Cappadocia with the nearby Aladaglar Mountains – a jagged alpine range of limestone peaks surrounded beautiful forests, canyons and waterfalls. Designed to satisfy keen cyclists without being overly demanding, the tour includes some long days but the effort is more than rewarded. We get the most from our time by using minibus transfers to cut out any unsuitable areas, leaving an itinerary jam packed with highlights and offering first class riding throughout. The tour is a true journey of discovery that covers much of this intriguing region. There is much to explore along the way, and beyond the usual scope of stop-learn-take photo you will genuinely be able to explore and discover yourselves. Cappadocia is a land that frees the Indiana Jones inside us all, with history around every corner and an incredible mix of colours and cultures.

Cappadocia Singletrack MTB

Welcome to Turkey’s most awesome scenery: abounding with intense, technical ups, super fun smooth, flowing chutes and adrenaline fueled rock garden descents. This is Turkey’s trail biking paradise- a volcanic landscape offering challenging and rewarding slick rock; lush, green singletracks and unforgettable caves, tunnels and canyons. Accessible to all riders with a little off-road experience, the sandy terrain makes Cappadocia a perfect place for beginners, imp-rovers and experts alike. Biking in Cappadocia is so much fun, but what this sets this tour apart is quality of hotel accommodation and restaurants used throughout, complimented by a breadth of historical and cultural interest rarely matched on world class singletrack terrain such as this. Cappadocia has it all- great trails, friendly, welcoming people and a landscape that will blow your mind….

Carian Trail - Bozburun

The 850 km Carian trail is the longest of Turkey's long-distance trekking routes. Located in the south western part of Turkey it runs through the provinces of Muğla and Aydın, passing by numerous monuments from the Carian civilization that thrived in this region during Antiquity. The region has its own unique architecture and many ancient villages, untouched coves, hills full of olive and almond trees, and ancient cities, some of which are only accessible on foot. This guided tour takes in the Bozburun Peninsula, one of the 5 sections of the Carian trail. Leaving busy tourist centres such as Marmaris behind, we hike from the blues of the sea to the greens of the hills, starting on forested slopes above Kumlübük and slowly making our way to the more barren hillsides of the southern part of the peninsula. We pass sleepy coastal towns and traditional mountain villages, on the way enjoying the ever changing, amazing views.

Central Lycia

The Lycian Way is well known for its famous stages passing by Ölüdeniz Beach, Gelidonya Lighthouse or Mount Olympos. The Teke Peninsula is however home to many more natural beauties and historical treasures! In Central Lycia, the region between Demre and Kaş, some great walks and interesting visits can be made from comfortable, well-located accommodations. This guided tour will introduce you to this rocky Mediterranean coast where the Lycian Way leads past beautiful beaches and turquoise waters, as well as some impressive remains of ancient Lycian cities and early Christian monasteries.

Combined Cappadocia & Lycian Way

This tour is designed for those who would like to enjoy both the beauty of the Lycian Way and the mysticism of Cappadocia. CAPPADOCIA is a volcanic land, the erosion of the “tuff” (volcanic ash) that is abundant in the area has shaped the region. It has become a refuge for the early Christians escaping Roman persecution. Rich and varied cultural traditions continue to exist in the area, kept alive by the villagers even today. Walking possibilities are endless in the valleys full of cave dwellings and surreal rock formations. Turkey's first long-distance route, the LYCIAN WAY links ancient Roman roads and Ottoman caravan routes with muletrails and forestry tracks in a 509 km walk along the spectacular Turquoise coast. The route passes through ruins of many ancient Lycian cities and visits the most worthwhile spots on the coast.

Erciyes Mountain & Soğanlı Valley

Mount Erciyes (3917m.) is one of the best mountaineering and winter sports centers in Turkey. This dormant volcano rises south of the city of Kayseri. Erciyes is exposed to every kind of atmospheric movement and winter brings heavy snow on it. On a historical note: there is a fire worshippers’ (Zoroaster/ Zarathustra) temple around the summit. Monks in historic times have visited this summit several times. The first known successful climb in modern times was performed by WJ Hamilton in 1837. On the way we visit Soğanlı Valley, it is an ideal introduction to the riches of Cappadocia, helping you to understand how different cultures have shaped the development of this region steeped in history.

Fit in 2 Days in Cappadocia

If you have limited time to breathe the culture and geography of Mystic Cappadocia, this program will make you happy.

Göreme Daily Cycling Tours

Daily tours offer the maximum amount of freedom and choice in any Turkish bike tour. We frequently operate centre based tours from our base in Göreme, Cappadocia: an incredibly scenic area which is fast becoming a hub for all kinds of biking experiences! These guided daily tours are less technical than our Singletrack Tour selection, and are suitable for all. Tours are on a mix of sandy dirt tracks and quiet, asphalted back roads. Tours include professional guide, lunch and bike/helmet hire.

Hasan Mountain & Ihlara Valley

Mount Hasan (3268m.) ranks as the second highest mountain of central Anatolia. This tour starts with a long but easy walk in the Ihlara Valley. On the way it is possible to visit one of the famous underground cities. Ihlara Valley -13 km hike- is one of the most popular day treks. The walls in the valley are carved with churches and some have really unique wallpaintings inside. The ascent of Mount Hasan takes place on the second day.

Hike with Legends

You will explore fairy chimneys, deep valleys, hidden rock-cut churches with wall paintings, tunnels, underground cities, mysterious rock dwellings and get a taste of the traditional life and cuisine of Turkey.

Historical Cappadocia

The tour is a chance to explore the central part of Turkey known as Cappadocia. The area is unique with volcanic formation in the world. You will explore fairy chimneys, deep valleys, rock-cut churches with wall paintings, underground cities, rock dwellings and traditional life and cuisine of Turkey.

Ihlara Valley Exploration

A 13 km (10 mi) long gorge cut into volcanic rock . The only ever green place in whole Cappadocia. Halfway on the trail, at the base of the village of Belisirma, we will stop to enjoy lunch on the river. After lunch we continue along the more remote trails until we reach the village of Selime. This part of the walk looks significantly different as the gorge widens and many farmers use the lands for planting vegetables . if time allows we will be able to visit the breathtaking Selime monastery perched at the top of the valley.

Kaçkar Pasture Trek

This tour takes in the lower slopes of the Kaçkar and can already take place in July, the beginning of the trekking season in this mountainous region. It is relatively quiet and trekkers have a greater chance of observing wildlife than in the more crowded weeks of August. Wild flowers cover every slope and the snowmelt streams gush in every valley. This is a tour for those who don’t aspire to do the summit and prefer to stay in village houses and pensions. July and August are the best times to visit this heaven on Earth. We will walk from one mountain yayla (pasture) to the other and see glacial lakes, flowers and snowcapped peaks along the way.

Kaçkar Summit Trek

This one week hike crosses the high passes of the Kaçkar Mountain range from north to south, including an optional ascent to the peak of Kaçkar (H: 3937m). We stay in pensions in the local villages and camp in the high pastures for our summit ascent.

Lycian Way: Antalya - Kaş

This 14 day self-guided trek follows a large section of Turkey’s first ever long-distance footpath – the Lycian Way. The famous route snakes its way above the Mediterranean’s most dramatic coastline of 'the Land of Light' Lycia, to the limestone peaks of Mount Olympos, soaring high above the glittering sea. It descends through shady wooded valleys along a 4-km beach past the ruins of the Lycian city of Olympos to the spectacular isolated lighthouse on the ridge of Cape Gelidonya. The trek continues on coastal paths around the sheltered harbour and tiny islands of Simena and Kekova lagoon, famous for the underwater ruins of the Sunken City that can be visited by boat. You end the tour at the charming coastal town of Kaş with a day full of activities at sea.

This 14 day guided trek follows a large section of Turkey’s first ever long-distance footpath – the Lycian Way. The famous route snakes its way above the Mediterranean’s most dramatic coastline of 'the Land of Light' Lycia, to the limestone peaks of Mount Olympos, soaring high above the glittering sea. It descends through shady wooded valleys along a 4-km beach past the ruins of the Lycian city of Olympos to the spectacular isolated lighthouse on the ridge of Cape Gelidonya. The trek continues on coastal paths around the sheltered harbour and tiny islands of Simena and Kekova lagoon, famous for the underwater ruins of the Sunken City that can be visited by boat. We end the tour at the charming coastal town of Kaş with a day full of activities at sea.

Mount Ararat

The extinct volcano Ağri Dağı (Mount Ararat) is, at 5,165 metres, the highest peak in Turkey. It is the final cone in the chain of volcanoes which march across the bare savannah of the central Anatolian plain. The ascent follows the southern route spreading the climb over three days up and one day down. We will be using two campsites at 3200m and 4200 metres, and mules to carry supplies to the first camp. The trek starts from Eliköyü, an abandoned village in the foothills and sticks to a ridge for much of the way, thus avoiding the Ulker glacier which careers down the face into deep and jumbled gorges below. The path, though rocky, is clearly marked. Above 5000m are permanent ice fields, so crampons, ice axes and ropes are required. The summit is reached via a long ridge and is no more than a rounded hump marked by cairns.

On Top of Cappadocia

It is one of the favorite as it provided many great views and interesting learning opportunities for the churches carved within the caves. There is only one way to have whole view of Cappadocia, either fly with balloon or do for trekking up in Bozdag. (1300 m)

Pirate Coast Trek

This challenging self-guided trek follows the highest and most rugged section of the Lycian Way, Turkey’s first ever long-distance footpath. The route winds up and down along the Mediterranean’s most dramatic coastline of Lycia, to the limestone peaks of Mount Olympos, soaring high above the glittering sea. It descends through shady wooded valleys along a 4-km beach past the ruins of the Lycian city of Olympos. It finishes at the spectacular isolated lighthouse on the ridge of Cape Gelidonya.

This challenging guided trek follows the highest and most rugged section of Turkey’s first ever long-distance footpath - the Lycian Way. The route winds up and down along the Mediterranean’s most dramatic coastline of Lycia, to the limestone peaks of Mount Olympos, soaring high above the glittering sea. It descends through shady wooded valleys along a 4-km beach past the ruins of the Lycian city of Olympos to finish at the spectacular isolated lighthouse on the ridge of Cape Gelidonya.

This exciting guided trek follows the prettiest parts of Turkey’s first ever long-distance footpath - the Lycian Way. The region south of Fethiye is known as the Seven Capes, a stunning coastline where steep promontories drop abruptly into the sea. The route meanders over bare hillsides and through scented pine forests overlooking the blue Mediterranean. We start in Kayaköy close to the famous white sands of Ölüdeniz lagoon and follow well-preserved foot paths to Faralya, Alınca and Yediburun enjoying the vast sea views from their elevated locations. In between, the route dips down to wonderful hidden beaches such as Kabak where sparkling waves lap smooth sands, idyllic places for a swim. The trek ends at the impressive ruins of Patara, one of the principal cities of ancient Lycia and located near one of the finest beaches of Turkey.

St. Paul Trail

This self-guided trek starts on the shores of lake Eğirdir and follows the eastern branch of the Saint Paul trail, the long distance walk between Antioch in Pisidia (Yalvaç) deep in the Taurus mountains and Perge near the coast. The trek allows you to immerse yourself in the way of life of the inhabitants of the old stone and timber villages along the route; you will often stay in village houses, see the local handcrafts, watch cheese and yoghurt making and enjoy the tasty village foods. The trip includes a visit to the major Roman city of Selge as well as many opportunities to look at bulbs and birds during the walks. Our trail follows beautiful sections of Roman roads and migration routes in use since Roman times (and perhaps even walked by st Paul himself!) in this spectacular area of forests, canyons, rivers and peaks.

This guided trek starts from the ruins of Perge (east of Antalya) and follows parts of the eastern branch of the long distance walk from Perge to Antioch in Pisidia (Yalvaç), deep in the Taurus mountains. The trek allows us to immerse ourselves in the way of life of the inhabitants of the old stone and timber villages along the route; we will frequently stay in village houses, see the local handcrafts, watch cheese and yoghurt making and enjoy the tasty village foods. The trip includes a visit to the major Greek/Roman city of Perge as well as many opportunities to look at bulbs and birds during the walks. Our trail follows beautiful sections of Roman roads and migration routes in use since Roman times (and perhaps even walked by st Paul himself) in this spectacular area of forests, canyons, rivers and peaks.

The Green Valleys of Cappadocia

The love valley gives you chance to have great shots of Cappadocia with small fields, lush vegetation and strange rock formations. Pigeon Valley is named for the many pigeon houses or dovecotes carved into the rocks and cliffs. Even though they are few pigeons only.

Trekking in Cappadocia

The fairy chimneys and secret valleys of Cappadocia offer the opportunity for some of the most fascinating day walks to be enjoyed anywhere in the world. The famous troglodyte villages and the amazing scenery are best enjoyed on foot. In this one week tour, walking possibilities are endless in this area of cave lived valleys and surreal rock formations. The walking is of moderate difficulty and is generally between 4 and 5 hours each day. There is also time to visit some of the attractive villages on route.

Turkey's Highlights

Capturing the highlights of Turkey in one tour is not easy, but this 14 day culture & hike program comes close. It gives you a chance to discover the rich history of Istanbul, the city that embraces two continents and to admire the 'out of this world' natural and cultural wonders of Cappadocia. Next, you can strengthen your legs on some of the most beautiful sections of the Lycian Way, before ending the holiday with a visit to one of the best preserved ancient cities in Turkey, Ephesus.

Lycian Way Trail

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LYCIAN WAY TRAIL: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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Photo story: tombs, turquoise seas and trekking along Turkey's Lycian Way

On the Teke Peninsula of southern Turkey, a 470-mile network of hiking trails connects ancient cities of the Lycian civilisation with a dramatic Mediterranean coastline. The Lycian Way was the country's first long-distance trek, where pine-covered mountains above the turquoise ​waters provide a scenic backdrop to the mysterious rock-hewn tombs ​left by the Lycian people.

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A Journey Worth Exploring: The Lycian Way

Culture & travel.

The Lycian Way, stretching along the stunning Mediterranean coastline in southwestern Turkey, is a unique hiking route for nature and history enthusiasts. This ancient path, extending 540 kilometers from Fethiye to Antalya, passes through dozens of ancient cities bearing the traces of the Lycian civilization. With every step, this route, recognized as one of the world's top 10 long-distance hiking trails, offers a journey where history and nature intertwine.

Before introducing Butterfly Valley, the focus of this article, let's take a general look at the Lycian Way for the curious.

History and General Features of the Lycian Way

Named after the ancient Lycian civilization, the Lycian Way dates back to 2000 BCE, showcasing the rich history and cultural heritage of that era. The trail features different routes that can be hiked in all four seasons, allowing a journey through time among ancient theaters, sarcophagi, rock tombs, and city walls.

You can find more about other stops on the Lycian Way in this article: The Breathtaking Stops of the Lycian Way .

Each hiker will challenge their limits and have unforgettable experiences on the Lycian Way, which hosts unique routes that start at sea level and rise up to 1800 meters, allowing you to enjoy both nature and history simultaneously.

Tips for the Journey

•    Preparation and Planning: Proper planning is essential before setting out on the Lycian Way. Determine which sections you will hike and where you will stay in advance. •    Equipment: Ensure you have comfortable and durable hiking shoes, a backpack, waterproof clothing, and enough water. •    Map and Guide: Carrying a detailed map of the Lycian Way and getting a guidebook will be beneficial. •    Season: The best times for hiking are in the spring and fall. Summer can be very hot, and some trails can be challenging in winter.

The Most Beautiful Stop of the Lycian Way: Butterfly Valley

One of the most impressive stops on the ancient Lycian Way is undoubtedly Butterfly Valley. Located at the foot of Babadağ, declared one of the 100 mountains that need protection by the World Heritage Foundation, Butterfly Valley is one of Turkey's most touristic spots. The valley, named after the hundreds of butterfly species it hosts, is in the village of Faralya in Fethiye.

Surrounded by steep cliffs rising up to 350 meters, the Jersey Tiger (Euplagia quadripunctaria) butterflies, especially visible between June and September, have become the valley's symbol.

With its tranquil atmosphere, clear sea, and natural beauty, Butterfly Valley opens the gates of paradise wide for its visitors. Let's explore how to get there and where to stay.

How to Get There

The most popular way to reach Butterfly Valley is by boat from Ölüdeniz. Many tourists prefer this route to reach the valley. You can catch one of the service boats operating at specific times of the day in Ölüdeniz to reach the valley. If you miss these, contact your accommodation, and they can arrange a private Zodiac boat service for you.

For those flying to Fethiye, the nearest airport is in Dalaman, 55 kilometers away. After arriving at Dalaman Airport, which has numerous domestic and international flights, you can reach Fethiye center by public transport. From the Fethiye center, minibusses in front of the bus station go to Ölüdeniz beach.

Another way to reach Butterfly Valley is by hiking, but this option is usually preferred by experienced climbers and hikers due to the steep and challenging path.

Doğal Güzellikler

The most striking feature of the valley is, of course, its natural beauty. This ancient settlement, dating back to the 4th century BCE, amazes visitors with its breathtaking nature. Although it's one of the ideal places for a peaceful vacation immersed in nature, Butterfly Valley offers much more. For those wanting to try different activities, nature walks, climbing, photography, and snorkeling are top choices.

Kelebekler Vadisi'nde Yapılacak Aktiviteler

1.    Camping: Camping in Butterfly Valley is one of the best ways to be in touch with nature. The tent camps in the valley are arranged to meet your basic needs.

2.    Hiking and Climbing: You can hike around the valley and experience climbing on the steep cliffs. These activities will refresh both your body and mind.

3.    Sea and Sun: Once you reach the valley, you can enjoy the clear sea, sunbathe, and snorkel. Its clear waters and rich marine life are ideal for underwater exploration.

4.    Photography: Butterfly Valley offers unique landscapes for photography enthusiasts. The golden light covering the valley at sunset is perfect for capturing stunning photos.

Accommodation and Dining in Butterfly Valley

As the valley is quite isolated, everything has been thought out in the area. There are several bars, restaurants, cafes, and markets in Butterfly Valley, ensuring you can find an option that suits your taste.

For accommodation, there are a few options. For those who don't want to give up camping, tents, the most popular form of accommodation in eco-tourism, are available. 

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Turkey's Lycian Way Trek in 14 Spectacular Photos

This fall, our editors took an 8-day journey along turkey's lycian way trail. here's the hikers' paradise they discovered..

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Hikers on the Lycian Way, and their friendly canine companion, pass through a red pine forest.

Camping is allowed on nearly all public land in Turkey, including this black sand beach near Maden Bay.

Because the Lycian coast faces south, it’s possible to see both sunrise and sunset over the Mediterranean, depending on the aspect of your campsite. Here, a hiker shoulders his pack for the day.

One of the Lycian Way trek’s many ancient attractions is the everlasting flame at Chimera. Legend says it comes from the breath of a buried dragon.

The route climbs high into the cedar forests of the Taurus Mountains, where fall-blooming crocuses dot a grassy ridge.

High peaks run straight down to the coast in this rugged, beautiful region of Turkey.

Sunsets are especially magical at the Gelidoyna Lighthouse, the southernmost point of the Lycian Way.

You’ll want to get up early for this sunrise vista while camping at the lighthouse; the peninsula juts so far south, you can see them both over the water.

There’s nothing quite like finishing a long hike with a swim in the Mediterranean’s warm waters (in this case, near Simena).

We met this gentleman in the town of Ucagiz.

Option: Give your feet a rest with a sea kayak voyage near the ancient sunken city of Kekova.

Locally grown delicacies include olives and pomegranates. This batch is waiting to be cured.

Hike to the village of Kayakoy, abandoned just in the 1920s, though you’d never guess it’s that young.

Leave room for a snack of gozleme: flame-cooked flatbreads filled with vegetables, cheese, or meat.

They say the word “turquoise” comes from the French for “Turkish coast.” And after a week of gorgeous vistas on the Lycian Way in southern Turkey, our editors had no trouble believing it. They trekked across black-sand beaches, past ancient sunken cities, and through some of the world’s last remaining Lebanon cedar forests. Consider this gallery just a preview; you’ll see more stories about how to repeat their trek in future issues.

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There are hundreds of thousands of guides and tour operators around the world. Figuring out who to trust is stressful and hard.

That’s why we started 10Adventures Tours, we’re here to make it easy to find a great guide or tour operator. We handpick the best local guides and tour operators for 10Adventures, working to ensure you have great guides and a great trip.

We know it sucks to show up in a different country and find out the tents are junk, the guide incompetent or the route different from what we thought we were getting.

We want to give our users peace of mind that you’ll have a great trip and offer a guarantee that we will work with you to make it right.

How does this work? Well, if you feel that something about your trip didn’t’ meet your expectations, let us know. We will then work to gather the details and figure out where things went wrong. If something indeed wasn’t as described, or went wrong with your trip, and the problem was within the control of either oursleves, the guide or the tour company, we will then work out a refund with you that’s proportional to the scale of the problem.

Obviously the best way to make a great trip is to tell your local guide or tour operator and give them the chance to fix the solution while you are on your trip. Most things can be solved by telling your guide when the issue develops. If that doesn’t solve it, then email us right away. Please don’t wait to voice your concerns until the trip is over, as it’s much harder to solve issues after the fact.

We work hard to make sure you have a great trip. If something isn’t right, please email  [email protected]  and we will get to work right away.

Group Trips

Group travel can be chaotic and messy, which is why going on a trip with family or friends is the fun part and planning the trip, well… isn’t. But what if the group travel experience of your dreams could be organized without the hassle of you needing to plan every detail?

With 10Adventures group tours, you’ll be the mastermind behind an unforgettable trip without the need to worry about logistics, payments, or who can get time off for a holiday.

The VIP-level service of our Travel Advisors allows you to organize the adventure of your dreams, customize it exactly how you want to, and watch the savings roll in as more of your friends and family sign up for the once in a lifetime experience you created. It’s that simple!

Take the first step on your next group adventure by contacting one of our Travel Advisors today.

The window to travel as a family only narrows with time. Make the most of it by exploring the world together and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Why share a travel experience with people you don’t know? Spend your hard-earned vacation surrounded by close friends on the adventure of a lifetime.

Shared travel experiences strengthen bonds and are the perfect way to come together as colleagues to solve challenges in a way that just can’t be done in an office environment.

Connect with members of your club or social circle over shared interests like food, culture, and the outdoors.

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• Quality Time: There’s no better way to travel than alongside family and or friends. Enjoy quality time exploring the world with those you love most.

Lycian Way Trek

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Spend 2 weeks trekking and exploring Turkey’s Mediterranean Coast on this guided tour

Take the first step towards a private travel experience, customized just for you.

About this tour:

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Why travellers choose this tour

At 10Adventures, we take care of the details so that our guests can focus on making memories. Enjoy these key features on this tour.

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Accommodations

Accommodations for 13 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour are not included.

Don't worry about meals. 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 12 dinners are included.

Check out the 'What's Included' tab for more info on personal transfers during your tour.

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Route notes, maps, and/or a trail app make navigation on this tour a breeze.

Park Entrance Fees

Included where possible! Check the 'What's Included' tab for more info on park entrance fees during your tour.

Luggage transfers

Take a load off, with optional or included luggage transfers. Check inclusions for further details.

Accommodation for Lycian Way Trek

This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.

Hotels in villages along the Lycian Way

Stay in comfortable local hotels in an array of Turkish villages, brimming with ancient and local charm.

Hotels on Standard Tour

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Lycian Way Trek Tour Details

Overview for lycian way trek.

This 14-day guided trek follows a large section of Turkey’s first-ever long-distance footpath – the Lycian Way. The famous route snakes its way above the Mediterranean’s most dramatic coastline of 'the Land of Light' Lycia, to the limestone peaks of Mount Olympos, soaring high above the glittering sea. It descends through shady wooded valleys along a 4-km beach past the ruins of the Lycian city of Olympos to the spectacular isolated lighthouse on the ridge of Cape Gelidonya. The trek continues on coastal paths around the sheltered harbour and tiny islands of Simena and Kekova lagoon, famous for the underwater ruins of the Sunken City that can be visited by boat. The tour ends at the charming coastal town of Kaş with a day full of activities at sea.

Itinerary for Lycian Way Trek

Meet with your guide and driver at Antalya Airport. Transfer to Kaleiçi, the historical city centre of Antalya (30 mins) where you are surrounded by old mansions, hamams and mosques. Welcome dinner in a local restaurant.

Hisarçandır - Göynük

After a transfer from Antalya (1hr 15mins) your walk starts through the Hisarçandır traverse with a beautiful forest of pine and cedar trees. Antalya and the Tauros mountains are visible in the distance. The walk leads down to the bottom of the Göynük canyon from where you’ll have a short transfer to your pension. Dinner and overnight in a pension in Göynük.

Göynük - Göynük Yayla

You’ll take a short transfer from your pension to the entrance of the Göynük canyon and walk up the gorge over switchback ridges beneath pine trees, with excellent views to pastures and orchards. It is possible to swim where the river forms a nice pool near our lunch spot. You’ll meet your transfer vehicle near a bridge (850m) from where you’ll transfer to Ovacık.

Göynük Yayla - Yayla Kuzdere

Transfer back to where you left the walk the previous day. On the trek to Gedelme you will explore a Roman castle and continue your walk up to the village of Yayla Kuzdere (900m) for your overnight.

Dinner and overnight in village house in Yayla Kuzdere.

Yayla Kuzdere - Beycik

From Yayla Kuzdere you start with a steady climb up a stream bed to the pastures of Çukur Yayla, just below Mount Olympos (Tahtalı Dağı). You’ll climb the pass from here (1950m) through the forest of pines and impressive cedar trees. You’ll descend via a winding mule path to the village of Beycik (900m) where you’ll meet the transfer vehicle that takes you to the pension in Çıralı.

NOTE: Day 5 can be changed into an optional ascent of Mount Olympos summit (2366m). In that case, you don't descend to Beycik but climb from Yayla Kuzdere to the pass and from there to the top (total 6-7 hours and appr. 1400m uphill). From the summit, you’ll take the cable car to the lower station and transfer to Çıralı (cable car ticket not included).

Ancient Olympos & Chimaera (Yanartaş)

After breakfast, take an optional exploration of the ruins of ancient Olympos (total appr. 6km along the beach). This ancient city, which gets its name from its view of Mount Olympos, was built on the banks of a wide river flowing into the sea near Çıralı adjoining a long, sandy beach. It once was a hideout for pirates and amongst its ruins are tombs, temples, churches and palaces all hidden between lush vegetation. After lunch, there is free time until dinner. You can swim and lie on the beach or do other activities as desired (eg. sea kayak). After dinner you’ll enjoy a short night walk to admire the eternal burning flames of Chimaera.

Çıralı - Adrasan

You’ll start directly from your pension in Çıralı and walk through the ancient city of Olympos and up Musa Dağı (Moses Mountain, alt. 650m). The climb is through a dense forest with many strawberry trees and passes some minor ancient ruins. After having a picnic lunch near an old hut you’ll descend through the forest, past deserted farmhouses to reach our accommodation in the beautiful bay of Adrasan.

Adrasan - Gelidonya Lighthouse

The walk starts directly out of your hotel and leads south via Kızıl Sırt (450m) along a remote and isolated coastline. You’ll follow a path parallel to the coast at a high altitude along cliffs and green slopes, overlooking the sea and enjoying great views towards some little islands. After arriving at the lighthouse at the tip of Cape Gelidonya (200m) you’ll walk down to a dirt road to meet your transfer vehicle for the transfer to Beymelek. Dinner and overnight in guesthouse in Beymelek.

Kapaklı - Simena

You’ll drive to Kapaklı where you’ll rejoin the Lycian Way. Along sheltered coves and rocky inlets, you’ll reach Simena (also known as Kale). You’ll enter the village near the crusader castle, built on the remains of a necropolis with sarcophagi and rock-cut tombs and with outstanding views across to Kekova. Yur pension is situated right on the shore with lovely views across the bay.

Kılıçlı (Apollonia) – Aperlai & cruise

You transfer by boat and car to the village of Kılıçlı and climb the acropolis of the ancient Lycian city of Apollonia. The descent is along old mule paths to the seaside ruins of ancient Aperlai, a Lycian harbour town, from where purple dye extracted from seashells was exported to the centres of the Roman world. After a short coastal walk, you are collected by boat and can enjoy a cruise over the Sunken City before returning to Simena. A swim in the crystal clear waters will be accompanied by a barbecue lunch as you sail past the ruins of houses and harbour works.

Boğazcık - Okçuöldüğü

You’ll transfer to the village of Boğazcık from where you’ll walk past Ottoman cisterns and Roman watchtowers to the beach. After a swimming break, continue along the rocky coast to the hamlet of Okçuöldüğü from where have a transfer to Kaş (30 mins).

Okcuöldüğü - Limanağzı/Kaş

Transfer back to Okçuöldüğü from where you enjoy a short walk on coastal paths with many opportunities for a swim. You’ll have lunch at a restaurant in Limanağzı where the walk ends. After some free time, take a ferry boat to cross over to the harbour town of Kaş.

Free day in Kaş

Free day in Kaş with ample opportunities for swimming, diving, canoeing, paragliding or just some souvenir shopping and relaxing.

Farewell dinner in local restaurant and overnight in hotel in Kaş.

Today your tour comes to an end after breakfast. Transfer from Kaş to Antalya airport (35 hrs).

Tour Highlights

Highlights for lycian way trek.

Trek Turkey’s incredible Lycian Way and explore the limestone peaks of mighty Mount Olympos.

Explore the picture-perfect islands that dot the glittering sea, like Simena and Kekova lagoon.

Experience the mystical underwater ruins of the famous Sunken City.

Hike wooded valleys, limestone peaks, as you explore “The Land of Light”.

What's Included

What's included for lycian way trek.

13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 12 dinners are included.

Transportation during the Tour

This tour includes airport pick up and drop-off as well as luggage transfers. This tour doesn’t include any local or international flights and you will be hiking between your overnight locations yourself.

Also Included

• English-speaking guide

Not included

• Any domestic or international flights
• Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
• Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
• Entrance fees to museums and monuments

Optional Extras

• Single supplements

Dates & Prices

Dates and prices for lycian way trek.

This guided tour in the Turkish Mediterranean Coast is typically run as a fixed-departure tour where you would be joining a group, however, private guided treks are available on request. Please note that additional price supplement may apply to groups smaller than 8.

Prices below are per person:

Accommodation

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Tour Booking Process

Booking process for lycian way trek.

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Frequently asked questions for Lycian Way Trek

How hard is the Lycian Way Trek?

We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. The trails are not technical, and the elevation is minimal, however, you should be ready to hike for up to 6 hours daily.

Do I need a visa to travel to Turkey?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website , though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on the Lycian Way Trek?

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance .

How do I get to Antalya to start this tour?

Fly into Antalya Airport, from where you will be picked up.

Is the Lycian Way Trek in English?

Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.

Where does the Lycian Way Trek end?

The tour ends in Antalya, where you will be transferred to an airport for your flight.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Turkey?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Turkey?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

Tour Difficulty

Difficulty for lycian way trek.

Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

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Hiking Turkey's Lycian Way

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Follow Turkey's picturesque Lycian Way on this one-week walking holiday. Take on scenic coastal trails between little-visited ancient ruins and time-forgotten villages, resting in peaceful valleys and on tranquil beaches. Along the way, soak up traditional Turkish hospitality, stopping by teahouses and staying in rural village guesthouses.

• Patara - Explore the Roman ruins and stunning golden sand beach of this ancient Lycian city.
• Turquoise Coast - Take a boat trip over sunken ruins and cool off with swims in secluded bays.
• Kas - Finish up with two nights in the charming seaport town, with its whitewashed houses and rock tombs.

Included meals

Breakfast: 7

Explore Tour Leader

Accommodation

1 nights simple guesthouse

5 nights comfortable hotel

1 nights simple village house

Walking grade:

Group size:.

Trip maximum 16 Explore Average 11

Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.

Our trip starts today in Fethiye, a thriving coastal town that's home to remains of the ancient Lycian city of Telmessos. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to arrive into Dalaman Airport (DLM) which is a one-hour drive away.

For those arriving in time, our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the initial tour briefing. Afterwards, there'll be the option to have dinner at a nearby restaurant. Should you miss the welcome meeting, our tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. The main trip briefing will normally take place on the morning of day 2 due to some late flight arrivals.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, there'll be the opportunity to take a walk to the Fethiye Archaeological Museum before continuing up to the Amyntas Tomb, cut into the cliffs behind the town. There's an impressive Greco-Roman theatre to be discovered too. In the old centre, known as Paspatur, there's a traditional Turkish Bath that would make a great start to the holiday, too.

Accommodation:

Yeniceri Hotel (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available, meals provided: none.

After breakfast this morning, we'll have a short transfer to the official start of the Lycian Way near Ovacik village, nestling on the hillside overlooking Oludeniz. We'll commence our hike heading south up onto the outflung shoulders of Baba Dagi (1,989 metres/6,524 feet). Along the way, we'll be rewarded with views back over Turkey's most photographed beach, Oludeniz. Passing through pine forests and remote villages, we'll descend to the village of Faralya which lies on a small plateau above the fjord-like Butterfly Valley, where steep limestone cliffs drop to the sea.

Our accommodation tonight is a simple graded family-run hotel. The rooms are simply furnished but comfortable and clean, with private bathrooms. Please note, the rooms may vary in size. Montenegro Motel grows a lot of their own produce and has a small swimming pool (closed during the off-season). It's the perfect spot for a sundowner as it looks out over the stunning Butterfly Valley and the coastline.

Today's 14 kilometre/8.8 mile walk is expected to take around 5 hours with 780 metres/2,560 feet of ascent and 800 metres/2,625 feet of descent. The morning is mostly uphill, but the gradient is never severe.

Montenegro Motel (or similar)

Grade: Simple Guesthouse

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Starting gently uphill through pine forest, we'll reach farmland with open fields that soon give way to spectacular terraces with views to the villages far below, as well as across the sea to distant islands. We'll descend for a while, towards the distant beach and village of Kabak. Skirting the higher slopes of the village, we'll follow an ancient path into a blind valley before climbing up through pine forest again to the tiny village of Alinca. Perched high over the sea we might stop to take a well-earned tea break with the villagers before continuing.

In the afternoon, we'll pass high above the beautiful bays of this spectacular coastline as we continue towards the village of Gey, our destination for the night. Please note that there are a couple of very short scree sections that people with bad vertigo may find difficult. Please speak with the tour leader if you're concerned - it will be possible to avoid this by travelling by vehicle from the accommodation to Alinca, around halfway through the walk. Normally there's space in the luggage vehicle for this but on occasions, it will require a taxi at your own expense.

Tonight, we'll stay in a traditional village house. Accommodation will be in single-sex, en-suite rooms of up to six people, depending on the size of our group. Gey is a very typical rural Turkish village and the food and hospitality you'll receive is wonderful after a long day walking.

Today's 18 kilometre/11.3 mile walk is expected to take around 7 hours with 900 metres/2,950 feet of ascent and 490 metres/1,605 feet of descent, relatively steep for about 1 hour and 30 minutes before lunch.

Gey Village House (or similar)

Grade: Simple Village House

Single Room Unavailable

Meals provided: breakfast, lunch & dinner.

From Gey, the Lycian Way continues through stunning coastal scenery staying high as far as Bel, then climbs more via some large plains and pine forests, before descending steadily to Sidyma Ancient City (Dodurga Village). The site has some well-preserved and unusual tombs from the Roman and Byzantine periods - the village is amongst, and indeed part of the site. A tea stop can be made at the house opposite the mosque.

From the site, we'll make a transfer (approximately a 30-minute drive) to the village of Patara, where we'll spend two nights. Please note that there's another short section of scree on our walk today, in total 500 metres, with a 40-metre section where the path narrows and there's a 45-degree angle. Most people manage it fine but if you suffer from vertigo and would prefer to avoid this section, the tour leader can assist you with alternative options. You could wait in Gey for the group transport and travel with the luggage to Sidyma, normally without charge but not walking at all, or the leader can help to arrange a taxi (this would cost approximately 20GBP) to meet the group in Bel and walk the final third of the route.

Today's 12 kilometre/7.5 miles walk is expected to take around 5 hours with 450 metres/1,475 feet of ascent and 600 metres/1,970 feet of descent.

Patara Delfin Hotel (or similar)

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

Following the route of the aqueduct from Delikkemer to Patara, we'll hike across fertile rolling fields and through pine forest, enjoying beautiful coastal views before descending to the southern end of Patara Beach. Here, we'll have an opportunity to swim and explore the extensive ruins of ancient Patara, the birthplace of Saint Nicholas.

Today's 10 kilometre/6.2 miles walk is expected to take around 3 hours and 30 minutes with 150 metres/490 feet of ascent and 250 metres/820 feet of descent, with additional time for exploration of the ruins and on the beach.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Taking a route across streams and through villages, almost untouched by modern life, our path today climbs to a ridge, Mount Felen, with views of the higher mountains inland and the coast below that are almost unsurpassed. We'll descend by vehicle to Kas, one of the most beautiful ports on the Turkish Riviera, with a dramatic backdrop of limestone cliffs. Kas is a great place to relax, with cafes and restaurants spilling out onto cobbled streets and a network of tiny back alleys to explore.

In Kas, we'll stay at the Club Phellos Hotel, conveniently located just a few minutes' walk uphill from the centre of Kas. It has an outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers, open-air breakfast terrace with views down to the sea, and WiFi is available in public areas. All bedrooms have a balcony and either a hillside or sea view and are allocated on a run of house basis. All the rooms have simple decor and are air-conditioned with an en suite bathroom with a toilet, shower and hairdryer. The pool generally opens at the start of May and closes in late October, depending on weather and visitor numbers, and at the start and end of the season will be cold. From November through to May the pool will be empty.

Today's 16 kilometre/10 miles walk is expected to take around 5 hours and 30 minutes with 570 metres/1,870 feet of ascent and 370 metres/1,215 feet of descent.

Club Phellos Hotel (or similar)

This morning, we'll hike to the hamlet and ancient port of Aperlae and from there travel by boat to the castle-topped village of Simena, possibly one of the most beautiful settings on the Mediterranean. A tiny village accessible only on foot or by boat (it has no roads), its harbour is dotted with ancient sarcophagi (tombs), Roman baths and houses that cling to a hillside beneath a medieval castle. Hiking up to the castle, we'll find a tiny ancient theatre within its walls (the smallest in Lycia, with a seating capacity for about 300 people). Carved from solid rock it's a wonderful place to sit and soak up the beautiful surroundings and layers of history.

En-route to Simena, we'll visit the sunken city of Kekova by boat where you can enjoy a BBQ lunch on board. The results of various earthquakes, the partly submerged streets and buildings are visible in the crystal-clear waters and there are visible mosaic pavements, terracotta amphorae, walls and staircases that once formed part of this remote island community. Afterwards, we'll return to Kas for our final evening.

Today's 10 kilometre/6.2 miles walk is expected to take around 3 hours with 20 metres/66 feet of ascent and 370 metres/1,215 feet of descent.

Our trip ends today at Dalaman Airport.

There'll be two transfers provided to Dalman Airport (DLM) today, which is around a 2 hour and 30 minute drive from the hotel. The morning transfer will be at 7am to arrive at the airport by 9:45am and another later in the day departing at 4:30pm to arrive at the Airport for around 7pm. The earliest your flight can depart is 11:15am or 9pm.

Is this the tour for you?

• We've graded the walks on our tour of the Lycian Way as moderate - you should have a decent level of fitness to take part and have experience hiking.
• Some routes have sections of steep ascent or descent which can be tough on the knees so you may want to bring your walking poles.
• There are also a couple of short but steep scree runs with a 45 degree angle that the trail traverses - if anyone suffers from vertigo these can be avoided by taking the support vehicle or a taxi (at an additional cost) rather than walking.
• It can get incredibly hot in Turkey during the summer months - during these periods our itinerary might vary slightly to avoid the hottest parts of the day.
• During this tour, we'll stay at a mixture of simple and comfortable accommodations. Some are fairly basic, but all have been chosen for location, authenticity and comfort.
• Typical Turkish breakfasts will have a selection of cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumber, salad, eggs, fruit, jam, honey, pastries and bread with tea and coffee. Sometimes there may also be a simple cereal provided to cater for foreign guests.
• We'll spend one night staying in a local village house. Rooms will be shared with up to four people per room.
• Vegetarians will generally be well catered for as many dishes are based on vegetables and dairy products.
• Please note that availability of ingredients for restricted diets such as gluten - free or dairy-free is very limited in Turkey and we strongly recommend you bring specialised dietary items with you.
• Walking Information

Daily distances

Total distance : 77 kilometres

Travel Expert Diaries

A moment hiking turkey's lycian way.

Trip information

April, May, late-September and October are generally pleasantly warm, with temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees centigrade. Summers, June through to mid-September can be very hot with temperatures reaching mid-thirties or above. On especially hot days we try to avoid the heat as best we can with earlier starts. In late-October, November and March shoulder seasons, temperatures are cooler with an increased chance of rain. Despite these cooler temperatures it can be a perfect time to visit Turkey's amazing ancient sites and Istanbul as visitor numbers are lower. In winter you can expect cold weather and more rainfall. Temperatures inland on the Anatolian Plateau, in places such as Cappadocia, are always cooler than the coast thanks to the altitude up to 1000masl; and as a result temperatures are slightly cooler in the heart of summer and it isn't unusual to get snow in winter and cold days in shoulder seasons.

Time difference to GMT

2 Pin Round

Islam, Christian

Bring light and comfortable clothing that can be layered according to the temperature. It can become cool, especially at night, so bring warmer layers. Tops made from wicking materials which keep you drier, a warmer fleece is recommended as a mid layer, and walking trousers are preferable to trousers of heavier material such as jeans. -Breathable wind and waterproof jacket -T-shirts -Long sleeved tops -Sunhat -Long trousers -Shorts (if you prefer to walk in them) -Swimwear and towel -Midlayer Fleece/pullover -Socks (liner and thicker pair)

We recommend you bring walking boots with ankle support- leather or fabric are both fine. Make sure that your boots are worn-in and comfortable before the start of the trip. Also trainers or sandals for relaxing and general wear. We suggest that on international flights you either carry your walking boots in your hand luggage or wear them - should your luggage be lost or delayed, your own boots are the one thing that will be irreplaceable.

Luggage: On tour

Bring one main piece of luggage and a 20-30 litre day sack is recommended. You will need to carry what you need for the day which may include a raincoat, jumper, camera, sun-cream, water and picnic lunch. On hot days you will carry fewer clothes but more drinking water.

-Sunglasses -Sun cream -Small Torch (with spare batteries and bulb) -Camera -Walking poles (if you usually use them) -Personal toiletries -Personal first aid kit - On each walk a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, aspirin and other essentials. -Insect repellent -Small waterproof dry bag (for items such as your mobile phone) -Reusable water bottle (minimum 1 litre) - Get 15% discount on a Water-to-Go bottle www.explore.co.uk/about-us/responsible-travel/water-to-go-discount-with-explore

Food and drink The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.

Foreign exchange, transport information, accommodation notes.

During our tour of Turkey, we'll stay in a selection of simple and comfortable hotels, guesthouses and village houses. All accommodation is chosen based on location, comfort and authenticity. In Faralya, we stay in a simple-graded family-run hotel. The rooms are simply furnished but comfortable and clean, with private bathrooms, the rooms may vary in size. Montenegro Hotel grows a lot of their own produce and has a small, seasonal swimming pool. It's the perfect spot to catch enjoy a sundowner as it looks out over the stunning Butterfly Valley and the coastline. In Gey village, we stay in a local village house - a great way to experience a beautiful location, try locally produced, traditional food and to meet the families that live in this region. We sleep in shared, en-suite rooms with up to four people to a room depending on the size of the group. Gey is a very typical Turkish village and the food and hospitality you'll receive is welcome after a long day's walk. In Kas, we stay at the Club Phellos Hotel, conveniently situated just a few minutes' walk uphill from the centre of Kas. It has an outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers, open-air breakfast terrace with views down to the sea, and WiFi is available in public areas. All bedrooms have a balcony and either a hillside or sea view and are allocated on a run of house basis. All the rooms have simple decor and are air-conditioned with an en suite bathroom with a toilet, shower and hairdryer. The pool generally opens at the start of May and closes in late October, depending on weather and visitor numbers, and at the start and end of the season will be cold. From November through to May the pool will be empty.

Food and drink

Can you drink the water?  It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Government Travel Safety Advice

Under 18 immigration guidance.

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information. Booking Conditions  

Visa and Passport Information

Turkey: Citizens from the UK, USA, Canada New Zealand and the EU travelling to Turkey for tourism purposes do not require a visa for visits of up to 90 days. Citizens of Australia require a visa that will last for up to 90 days. You can apply via - https://www.evisa.gov.tr Visa rules change, sometimes suddenly and without notice, so we always advise you to check this information is still valid through the local embassy or consular office before travel. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846 . It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.  

Booking conditions

Minimum age restrictions, your safety and enjoyment on tour, your tour leader, find out more about trip transfer terms and conditions before you book. booking a land only package with explore.

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information.  You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.

Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.   For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom. Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Flight information.

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Maximum altitude (m)

Ability to swim.

No ability to swim is necessary for the included activities on this trip, however there will be opportunities to swim in the sea and hotel pool for those who are able to participate in this.

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.

Dates, prices and booking

Add a flight with explore.

• Full Explore refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
• Carbon neutral flights – Gold Standard offsetting included
• Rearranged flights and transfers in the event of delays, missed connections, or cancellations (including accommodation overseas)
• ATOL protected
• No surcharge guarantee

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• Why Book This Trip?
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• More Details
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LYCIAN WAY - TURKEY

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Tour Highlights

Experience some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean along Turkey's Turquoise Coast

Follow a portion of the famous Lycian Way walking path by water - it stretches 509 kilometres from Fethiye to Antalya!

Discover the historic city of Aperlai, including ancient ruins both above and below water

Explore caves, tunnels, arches and bays as we complete a range of beautiful coastal swims and challenging crossings

Relax and soak in the world-renowned Turkish hospitality in the lovely seaside village of Kaş

Based in the small coastal village of Kaş, we spend the week exploring countless caves, tunnels, arches, and bays. Our swims will uncover the area’s most isolated beaches, scattered archipelagos and ancient sites, including the historic city of Aperlai, strewn in ruins both above and below water. There is so much to discover as we swim along a portion of the Lycian Way walking path, which stretches 509 kilometres from Fethiye to Antalya.

Our main boat for the week is a traditional Turkish ‘gulet,’ which is an ideal way to experience this part of the world. The gulet is also where we will enjoy the fresh, traditional Turkish lunches which are served on board between your swims – a highlight for many SwimTrekkers! There is plenty of room to stretch out as well and relax under the sun while you are out of the water.

Who is this trip for?

This trip is designed for swimmers who enjoy both crossings and coastal swims, including exploring sea caves, tunnels, and arches.

Swimmers should have a basic understanding of open water swimming and be capable of completing the average swim distance and average daily swim distance (over the course of two swims) prior to the start of the trip.

The average swim distance is around 3km. The average daily swim distance is around 5km.

We have given this trip a ‘Moderate’ grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.

What's included?

• Fully guided swimming holiday (swimmers only)
• Professional swim guides and full safety escort on all swims (swimmers only)
• Six nights' accommodation
• All breakfasts
• All lunches (swimmers only)
• Full ABTOT Financial Protection
• Technique advice with video playback

What's not included?

• Travel to and from the start of the trip
• Evening meals
• Drinks and additional activities

Sample Trip Itinerary

Please note that the below daily itineraries are an example of the swims that may take place during your trip, however, actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions. Your SwimTrek guides and local boat pilots will determine the most suitable swim locations each day and will communicate the plan with all guests as soon as possible.

Trip Schedule

Start Point: BeLinda Hotel , Kaş, Turkey

Start Time: 17:00 on Day 1

Finish Point: BeLinda Hotel , Kaş, Turkey

Finish Time: 11:00 on Day 7

After meeting in the reception area of the hotel, we will head down to the beach for your acclimatisation swim. We will then return to the hotel for a welcome drink and a safety briefing while discussing our plans for the week ahead. For those booked onto a trip in 2023, your acclimatisation swim will take place in the morning of Day 2.

First thing this morning, we make our way out to Kaş Peninsula for our first coastal swim of the trip. Following lunch and some time to relax on board the gulet, we get you back into the water to film your stroke, both above and below the water. After the filming session, we’ll set off on another enchanting coastal swim, which finishes at the at the tranquil Dolphin Beach.

This morning is spent island-hopping within the Canyon Archipelago of seven islands, situated midway between Greece and Turkey. We retreat to Ufakdere to moor our gulet for lunch. After lunch, we’ll complete a stunning coastal swim out from Ufakdere bay. Once we arrive back at the hotel, we will review the video playback from Day 2.

This morning, we head out along the coast, past the Uluburun Cliffs for a swim towards the ancient city of Aperlai. Here we swim into the bay, over ancient foundations and ruins which have been deposited on the seabed by numerous earthquakes. Once we arrive at the bay, which sits beneath the city of Aperlai, you can complete a short but rocky walk uphill to explore the city’s ruins. After lunch on board the boat, we head back to Kaş, stopping off for our swim following the Lycian Way from beneath the dramatic cliffs of Uluburun. The day concludes with a walk to the Kaş amphitheatre to see the sunset after another great day of swimming.

We make our way to Bayrak Adasi, just outside the Greek waters off the island of Meis, before beginning our crossing back to the Turkish mainland. This is one of the more challenging and rewarding swims of the week. After completing the crossing, it’s time for a snack and lunch aboard the gulet. Following lunch, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy, whether that involves taking the evening ferry over to Meis, exploring the village of Kaş, or simply relaxing at the nearby beach areas. For guests who are looking for other activities to take part in, a traditional Turkish bath or breathtaking paragliding session are fantastic ways to spend your afternoon.

This morning, we swim along the last section of the coast, making our way from Choban Beach, towards Limanağzi, looking out for the cave on the way. Once we reach Limanağzi, we moor for lunch on the boat before a final coastal swim out of the bay towards Pebble Beach - make sure you look out for tombs hidden within the rock face!

We hold a final early morning swim before breakfast to conclude our fantastic week of swimming along the Turkish Lycian Way.

click to expand

Accommodation

BeLinda Hotel

Being within half a kilometre of the city centre and main beach of Kas the Linda Hotel is the perfect base from which to swim the Lycian Way.

The recently redecorated, air-conditioned, rooms provide a peaceful environment; while the pool side area offers guests the chance to enjoy an alfresco breakfast in preparation of a day’s swimming!

Please note that we stay at the Belinda Hotel, not the Linda Beach Hotel which is also located in Kaş.

Location Summary

The Lycian Way is a 509km walking path which follows several ancient routes of the local Lycian people along Turkey’s beautiful southern coastline. The path runs from Fethiye to Antalya and takes in some of the region’s most breathtaking scenery and historic sites, including fascinating ruins from the Greek, Roman and Persian civilisations. We can walk a small section of this iconic path as we traverse a narrow, rocky path towards the ancient city of Aperlai.

The small coastal village of Kaş is our home for the week and a fantastic base from which to explore the surrounding area. With its narrow streets, filled with cafes, bars and restaurants, there are plenty of options to enjoy the delicious local cuisine and experience the renowned local hospitality.

Kekova is a small island, which was declared a protected area in 1990. Just off its coast are the spectacular underwater ruins of Dolchiste - an ancient town destroyed by an earthquake in the 2nd Century.

Trip Grading

Swimming distances.

*Please note that these swims are an example of what may take place during your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the open water is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as jellyfish, plankton, sea lice, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims and may cause some discomfort. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures and that any interactions are managed safely. If you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

Walking Conditions

Most walks to and from our swims take place on recognised paths and tracks, however there may be cases where we walk along trails or other unsealed surfaces and care should be taken in these areas.

There is also an opportunity to walk a short (approximately 200 metre) section of the famous Lycian Way. This walk takes place on a rocky, uphill track which leads to the ancient city of Aperlai. Sturdy walking shoes or sandals are recommended for this walk.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. As a consequence, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Trip Information

This trip has a maximum group size of 16. The group will be split into a maximum of three groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort. 

Boat Support

Boat support on this trip includes one main boat and two inflatable boats to be piloted by your SwimTrek guides and a local boat pilot. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Extra Activities

There are a number of additional activities available locally or via a transfer along the coast. From Turkish baths to visiting the Greek island of Meis, there is something to suit everyone in Kas. If you want to book additional excursions either end of your trip, our partners at WILUSA will be able to help you. You can contact them directly at [email protected] .

Equipment Checklist

For your basic, essential packing list, please visit our Packing List page on the website. For additional, location specific items , please see the information below.

SwimTrek will provide water and electrolytes at every location and refill your bottles.

Getting There

The easiest way to get to Kaş is to fly into Dalaman and take a shared transfer to the Belinda Hotel in Kaş. It is also possible to fly into Antalya and take a private transfer, however, please be aware that this can take up to one hour longer than the journey from Dalaman to Kaş.

Whichever route you choose to take, we recommend confirming your flights and other travel arrangements as early as possible to avoid price rises and availability issues.

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don't currently offer flights as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights page on the website.

Dalaman Airport to Kas - Transfers

You can arrange a private transfer service through several online and local providers direct from the airport to the the Belinda Hotel in Kaş, depending on the number of passengers and the time of arrival at the airport.

Our local partner, Wilusa Travel, can also assist with the provision of private and shared transfers. For a quote, please email [email protected] at least seven days prior to your arrival with your flight number and arrival time.

Dalaman Airport to Kas - Shuttle Service

Transfer Kas provides a shared transfer from Dalaman Airport and Kaş. The cost depends on the number of passengers and the time of year. It takes approximately 2 ½ hours. You can reserve your place for this service via www.transferkas.com .

Dalaman Airport to Kas - Public Bus

Catching a public bus is a great way to see more of the Turkish coast. From the airport, you will need to travel to Fethiye using local bus company. A timetable can be found at www.havas.net . Once in Fethiye, you will need to change buses to head towards Kaş. Buses from both the airport to Fethiye and Fethiye to Kaş run frequently throughout the day. The total journey time is approximately 3½ hours.

Antalya Airport to Kas - Transfers

You can arrange a private transfer service through a number of online and local providers direct from the airport to the the Belinda Hotel in Kaş depending on the number of passengers and the time of arrival at the airport.

Our local partner, Wilusa Travel, can also assist with the provision of transfers. For a quote, please email [email protected] at least seven days prior to your arrival with your flight number and arrival time.

Accommodation during this trip is in thethe Belinda Hotel in the small coastal village of Kaş. Our accommodation is based on twin-share rooms with en-suite facilities. There are a limited number of single supplement rooms which can be reserved during the booking process, subject to availability.

Please note that we stay at the Belinda Hotel in Kaş, not the Linda Beach Hotel which is also located in Kaş.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation and Trip Extension Options

If you require any additional nights’ accommodation before or after the trip, this can be arranged directly via our partners in Turkey, Wilusa via [email protected] .

Food and Drink

All breakfasts and lunches are included in your trip price - however, dinners are at your own expense. This gives you a fantastic opportunity to explore and experience the local cafes and restaurants of your choice over the course of your trip.

For more information, please visit our food and drink page on the website.

Travel Advice

For more information on any of the following sections please visit the Travel Advice page of our website.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover items such as meals not already included in your package, drinks, entertainment, souvenirs, etc.

In some countries, tipping (gratuities) is not part of the culture - in others it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is done entirely at your own discretion. If you have been provided with excellent service it may be something you wish to do. Your SwimTrek Guides can advise on local norms for service providers like boat crew, waiters or taxis. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek Guides but many groups like to present something to the Guides at the end of the trip.

The local currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira.

Responsible Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

For more information, please visit our Responsible Travel page on the website.

Passports and Visas

Turkey is not part of the European Union. Non-residents of Turkey require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. UK and EU Citizens do not need a visa to enter Turkey and stay for a period of up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries including Australia and New Zealand require a visa to enter Turkey. Most foreign nationals entering Turkey must purchase a visa before entering the country. It is important that you purchase your visa through the official website, www.evisa.gov.tr and avoid purchasing through third-party providers, as these can be considerably more expensive.

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and it is important that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference.

For further information, please visit our Travel Insurance page on the website.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

Here at SwimTrek, we pride ourselves on our focus on safety and the well-being of all our guests. As we operate in some beautiful and remote locations medical facilities are not always easily accessible. SwimTrek Guides, and many staff working for our local partners, are first aid trained. However, we ask that you read our Travel Health page to ensure that you are informed about general Travel and Swim Health precautions.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit www.worldstandards.eu .

An alternative to buying a SIM card when you land, is to purchase an eSIM before you travel. It is important to check whether your device is compatible, and able to accept an eSIM before committing to a provider.

The advantage of having an eSIM is that you can have data, calls and messages, depending on the package you choose, as soon as you land.

Popular providers include Holafly, Nomad eSIM, Saily eSIM, Airalo and Lycamobile.

It is recommended that you install your eSIM on your device 1-2 days prior to travel as you'll need a solid WiFi (or data) connection to complete the eSIM instillation process. Installation instructions will be given by the provider that you choose and depend on the handset you use.

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Lycian Way Long Swims - Turkey

The Lycian Way SwimTrek was a great trip and challenge for me. I didn't expect to be able to swim such distances in the sea. All the suggestions for my swimming really helped me improve my skills. I met fantastic people. It was really a pleasure and great fun!

SwimTrek have put together an amazing location to swim with highly experienced boat crew, exceptional guides and the whole experience was silky smooth, challenging, life changing to some extent. The experience because of the level of detail applied by SwimTrek, far exceeded my expectations. I loved it all!

This trip was truly incredible. The water is so clear and a turtle even lead us on on of our swims one day. Kas is such a cute town and the swims were so enjoyable. Crossing from Greece to Turkey was definitely a highlight. And our lunches on the boat were delicious. I’m looking forward to doing other SwimTreks but I may have to do this one again because it was so great.

The Lycian way is spectacular: swimming with turtles and over ancient ruins was an experience that I will never forget!

I'm three trips in and puzzling over how this company can exceed my expectations so drastically every time. The kind of guests these trips attract are my kind of people...

This was just the most fantastic trip ever - warm clear waters, lots of fish and sights to see, brilliant guides, beautiful food and great people.

SwimTrekkers on the boat

Stopping for a refuel

Flipping in on the Lycian Way

Our guide looks out

Freediving in Turkey

Lunchtime between swims and I get to see the sunken wreck of a plane off the coast of Kas

More 2023 swims!

2023 sunlit trips

Onboard the SwimTrek boat

SwimTrekkers in formation

Emerald shallows

Swimming alongside the cliffs

The blanket octopus

The chalky coastline

Swimmers and distant escort

Swimmers and escort boat at sea

Swimmer out in the big blue

Headed back for lunch!

Lycian Way coastal shot

Guide keeps watch from the RIB

Just look at that coastline!

Swimmer under the strafing sunlight

Swimmers cutting around the headland

Clear water

Stunning photo on the SwimTrek LYcian Way trip in Turkey

SwimTrek boat on Lycian Way

SwimTrekkers enjoying Kas after swimming

Swimmer jumping into the water in Kas

Picturesque

Ampitheatre

Blue waters

Swimming with Turtles

Group collects in a secluded bay

Pre lunch video analysis

another day's adventure

There she goes, having allowed me to spend time with her in her habitat, such a beautiful graceful creature

Bird Island

Here's waving at you all.... can you see the Bird ?

Turtle fun 2 Turkey Lycisn Way 2014

Rock swimmers in Turkey

Coastal swimming in Turkey

Rock face on the Lycian way SwimTrek trip

swimming holiday Lycian Way

Happy swimmers finishing their swims on our Lycian Way trip

SwimTrekker exploring the rocks in Turkey

Boat from the Tombs

Looking from Turkey towards Greece

Related links.

• Swimming Holidays Europe
• Swimming Holidays Turkey
• Swimming Holidays Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim
• Swimming Holidays Bozburun - Turkey
• Swimming Holidays Bozburun Short Swims - Turkey
• Swimming Holidays Hellespont Week Tour
• Swimming Holidays Hellespont and Dardanelles Swim
• Swimming Holidays Lycian Way - Turkey
• Swimming Holidays Lycian Way Long Swims - Turkey
• Swimming Holidays Lycian Way With Teens - Turkey

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Lycian Way hiking and trekking - Cirali Forum

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Here is the info regarding the walks in and around Cirali along the Lycian way..as you can see there is so many and much to do that actually one night in Cirali does not gicve you any time to attempt many of these walks..many walkers that spend at least a week or longer and the best walking time is March / April - end of May..and then mid Sept - Novemeber.

Cirali-Chimaera--Ulupinar-Cirali: 5-6 hours. Starts in Cirali. On the way to the village of Ulupinar on the main road from Antalya , you will pass through Chimaera, pine forests and follow a stream with many watersfalls. This walk can be classified as medium difficult.

Cirali-Olympos-Adrasan-Cirali: 8 hours. This is the longest hike, and you should be fairly fit since it involves considerable climbing up and down the Mount Musa. It starts from the antique city of Olympos located by the beach in Cirali . After a 4-hour climb through the woods with spectacular scenery on all sides, take food and water supplies. Once in Adrasan you can take a taxi back to Cirali or a dolmus back to Olympos and then continue to walk from there back to Cirali.

Cirali-Maden Beach-Tekirova: 7-8 hours. It starts at the far end of the beach near the football field. You see the signs to Tekirova/Lycian way on the right. The path is well-marked. The hike will take you along the shoreline, up hillsides and down to beaches for about 3 to 4 hours until you reach the Maden Beach. Maden is mineral in Turkish. There were chromium mines in the old days. You still see many old mine shafts and buildings. At that point, you may retrace your steps back to Cirali or go on to Tekirova (a major touristic area), another 3 to 4 hours. In Tekirova, you can take a mini-bus (dolmus) back to the Cirali junction on the mai n highway and then from there the mini-buses back into Cirali.

Highland of Beycik-Peak of Mount Tahtali: 5-6 hours. The hike is not done during the winter months when there is snow on Mount Tahtali (January to March), the highest mountain in the region. Arrange for private transportation to the highland of Beycik and start the climb there. The most challenging of all the hikes with the most spectacular scenery of the region and the sea. Recently a restaurant/cafe has been built at the peak and there is an aerial cable car which will take you down to the main road. It is truly a breath taking ride! Once on the main road, you can either take a taxi which would have to be prearranged or use public transportation back to Cirali.

Yaylalar (Highlands): Not far from Cirali are several highlands at altitudes of more than one thousand meters. You can hike to a number of them from Cirali and arrange for transportation to take you back to Cirali. On these hi g hlands you will observe traditional nomadic living as well as now almost extinct cedar trees.

Such hiking/ walking trips are a great opportunity for photography: you can take beautiful shots of spring wildflowers from February to April. Also you can spend hours collecting wild mushrooms in November and December however you need to know which ones are poisonous and the ones that are edible. You can make many of the walks by yourselves however some walks require guides.

there is also guide available for small or individual groups

Çıralı-Gedelme

[edit]Coastal route

[edit]Çıralı-Phaselis

Total distance: 22 km

Phaselis — ruins of Roman city.

[edit]Phaselis-Gedelme

Aşağıkuzdere

Between Aşağıkuzdere and Gedelme, there are some mountain gorges, as well as a Roman bridge over a creek to pass.

[edit]Mountain route

[edit]Çıralı-Beycik

Chimaera (Yanartaş) — the "burning stones", natural bonfires on the side of the mountain caused by a natural gas seep

[edit]Beycik-Gedelme

Total distance: 29 km

Yukarı Beycik

Yayla Kuzdere

Between Yukarı Beycik and Yayla Kuzdere, you'll pass just east of 2,300 mt-high summit of Mt Tahtalı, one of the mountains known as "Olympos" to ancients.

[edit]Gedelme-Göynük Yaylası

Total distance: 24 km

[edit]Göynük Yaylası-Hisarçandır

For the walks along the Lycian way the trails are "way-marked" with red-white paint flashes every 100m or less on trees and rocks. The Lycian Way has yellow and green signposts at the junction of the route with metalled roads. The best months for walking or hiking in Cirali are the months of April, May, early part of June, mid Sept, October and November.

For all walks make sure that you have good hiking shoes as well as a supply of water and or food . And the weather and heat depending on the month of travel can play a factor as well..be advised..

The antique city of Olympos, which was a port city, established in the 2nd century and continued to flourish until the 15th century A.D. This ancient city is situated on both sides of a brook, which dries up in the summer. The site is heavily covered with bushes and trees The ruins here are from the Lycian period up to the Byzantine times.

Olympos was used as a trading base by the Venetians and the Genoese in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, but was abandoned in the fifteenth century, in the wake of Turkish domination of the Mediterranean.

The site of Olympos is located on the banks of a well shaded stream between high cliffs. Here is a good place to study the natural wildlife of the region. The main site lines the banks of this river. The first thing you will notice are the extensive Byzantine-Genoese fortifications overlooking the beach and from each creek bank. At the base of the fort on the north bank are two recently revealed ''harbour tombs'', recognizably Lycian in form, with a epigraph translated for viewers. Further along on the south bank stands part of a quay wall and an arcaded warehouse.

To the east on the same side lie the walls of a Byzantine church. In the river itself is a well preserved pillar from a vanished bridge. Back in the undergrowth is a theatre most of whose seats have vanished. On the north bank of the river are the most striking ruins. On the hill to the east of the path looms a well-preserved marble door frame built into a wall of ashlar masonary. At the foot of the carved doorway is a statue base dedicated by an inscription to Marcus Aurelius, with the dates 172-175. East of the portal is a hidden Byzantine villa with mosaic floors, a mausoleum-style tomb and a Byzantine aqueduct that carried water to the heart of the city. Though paths have been recently cleared the aqueduct trough remains your best path for navigation.

We arrange for transportation up to the car park of the yanartaş every few nights; bus cost is 5 liras per person and the entrance to chimaera is 3.5 liras each

North of Olympos the eternal flame of the Chimaera is about an hour stroll from the Cirali villa ge and it is possible to drive to the bottom of the ascent and walk from the car park. Tracks to the trailhead are well marked and the path ( now part of the Lycian Way ) are well trodden. The climb is most rewarding and coolest as dusk falls, since the fire is best seen at night. The Chimaera, a series of flames issuing ot of cracks in the bare hillside, is one of the most unusual sites in the whole of Lycia. It' s not known what causes the phenomenon but traces of methane in the gas can be detected. The flames can be extinguished temporarily if they are covered over but will spontaneously reignite. What is known is that the fire has been burning since antiquity, and inspired the local worship of Hephaistos ( Vulcan ), generally celebrated in places where fire sprang from the earth. The mountain was also the haunt of a fire-breathing monstor with a lion's head and forelegs, a goat's rear and a snake for a tail known as the Chimaera. The legend as told by Homer in his Ýliad relates how Bellerophon was ordered by the king of Lycia to kill the Chimarea in atonement for the supposed rape of his daughter. On the winged horse Pegasus, Bellerophon succeeded in this mission by killing the monster and dropping it into the mouth of the mountain but the flames were not extinguished. This is said to be the reason there is an eternal flame in Cirali. According to some research historians the Olympic Flame was first brought from the Chimarea and this tradition continued for hundreds of years

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Chimaera

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yanarta%C5%9F

Located in the Cirali, at the north end of the village are the burning flames of the Chimaera. Known by the local inhabitants as the Yanartaş (burning stone).

It is a series of flames issuing out of cracks in the bare mountain face. It's not known what causes the phenomenon but traces of methane in the gas can be detected. The flames can be extinguished temporarily if they are covered over and then can be once again reignited. The climb is most rewarding and coolest as dusk falls, since the fires are best seen at night.

The famous myth of Bellerophontes is said to have taken place here. There is a special romanticism about this place that draws people to climb the mountain and view the natural wonders along with the evening sky.

The climb to the Chimaera is about 1 km and it is a series of wide rock steps to climb and it takes about 30 minutes depending on the individual. Closer to the flames the path will change to the natural terrain of the area.

It is not just for the fit and older people have done it. Also in the off season months of the spring and fall the weather will be much cooler making the walk easier. If one takes it slow and easy it can be done.....plus on the way up there are a few benches along the way for resting.

But if anyone has any major knee, hip or heart problems it can be risky. It can be more difficult to walk down and one MUST have good walking shoes. No flip-flops or high heeled shoes. Wear a small back pack so you can carry up some water as well.

Most important do not forget to bring a FLASHLIGHT as the path is not lit. And the best type of flashlights are the one's that you can wear on your head ( headlamp ) this way your hands are free.

You'll be mostly fine and safe by following the marks and keeping on trail, but there are certain things that one should be wary of.

Do not take shortcuts. Waymarks will lead you where you should be going. In fact, what may seem as a shortcut may take you to a very different direction than you should be heading.

Scorpions thrive in this hot region and stony/rocky areas —especially under the rocks— are their habitats. So never remove a rock unless you absolutely have to. Keep zips of your backpack and tent always locked. Check and shake your shoes before wearing them. Snakes are less of a concern, however be wary of them near streams.

By sweating, you don't only lose water, but you also lose sodium, which is just quite as serious as dehydration - and you will sweat a lot on Lycian Way. Pack along sports drinks (usually available in Turkish supermarkets) or fortified powdered drinks (generally not available in Turkey ). Having a salty soup at the end of the day will also balance some of your sodium loss.

While you may receive a weak signal in some parts of the trail, you'll be mostly out of GSM coverage while hiking in the remote parts.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Lycian_Way

bumping up for the member changemaven49

Can you please advise where to stay when in Gedelme and Ulupinar. Thanks in advance...

hi Rrayrus and welcome to the forums

check out this website for recommended accommodations

http://cultureroutesinturkey.com/c/lycian-way/accommodation/

http://wikitravel.org/en/Lycian_Way#Sleep

Gedelme
: Caner Restaurant, opposite the mosque. Indoor/outdoor restaurant with attached pension, takes groups. Excellent food, beer, can arrange transport. Contact Azem (242) 817 1053, (533) 931 6466.

I can recommend the Olympos Mountain Lodge is east of upper Beycik,

but you can also stay in Cirali and arrange for transportation. there are plenty of places to stay in Cirali

have a read in the reviews

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotels-g311312-Cirali_Turkish_Mediterranean_Coast-Hotels.html

from the map here

http://wikimapia.org/#lang=tr&lat=36.590498&lon=30.451441&z=15&m=b&v=8&tag=46520&search=kuzdere

Thank you, Carrie

hi Kirill198379,

you are most welcome

Thanks for this post canmom. How unbearable do you think it would be to do this in June? I want to walk part of the Lycian Way but don't get holiday until June.

Hi kachika,

I really do think that trying to walk many parts of the lycian way in the month of June is not the best if ideas..however there could be a couple of the routes that are more shaded and if you do a shorter walk like the Ulupinar one and either start early in the day or later in the day they could be done.

dont forget lots of water and perhaps the highland areas would also be good..plus there are other places nearby to walk to..the vast ruins of Olympos are great for trekking around as they are in the very over grown forest so they do provide quite a bit of shade

even Cycling around Cirali in the early morning is wonderful..go down to the beach for sunrise..stunning

We will be hiking from small village Ovacik - Gedelme -Yayla Kuzdere, Cirali to Adrasan in November and would like to camp on the platue of Mt Tahtalı.

How is the camping site on Mt Tahtali and can we put up some fire overnight ?

We would also like to either walk up to the summit and take the cable down or vice versa - how far is the cable from the camping site on Mt Tahtali and any advise on the best option (up with the cable or down with the cable) ?

Thanks in advance...

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Kremlin Warns West Over Providing Long-Range Weapons to Ukraine

FILE PHOTO: A Ukrainian serviceman from an air defence unit of the 93rd Mechanized Brigade rides in an armoured personnel carrier (APC) with an anti-aircraft cannon, at a frontline, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near the town of Bakhmut, Ukraine May 23, 2024. REUTERS/Oleksandr Ratushniak/File Photo

By Dmitry Antonov and Andrew Osborn

MOSCOW (Reuters) -The Kremlin said on Thursday that Western nations supplying Ukraine with weapons to strike Russian territory will have to reckon with Russia, after President Vladimir Putin said he was considering arming the West's enemies in retaliation.

Speaking with senior editors of international news agencies in St Petersburg on Wednesday, the Russian leader said Moscow was thinking about providing advanced long-range weapons - of a similar nature to those the West is giving Ukraine - to the West's adversaries around the world.

Putin in his comments mentioned long-range missiles being supplied to Ukraine by the U.S. and Britain.

"We are thinking that if someone thinks it is possible to supply such weapons to a war zone in order to strike at our territory and create problems for us, then why do we not have the right to supply our weapons of the same class to those regions of the world where there will be strikes on sensitive facilities of those countries that are doing this to Russia?" said Putin.

"So the response could be symmetrical. We will think about this."

Putin's comments suggested that he could supply weapons to U.S. antagonists such as Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria that have periodically launched rockets and drones at U.S. troops. It was not clear, however, to whom Putin would provide weapons in Britain's case.

Asked about Putin's comments, U.S. President Joe Biden told ABC News on Thursday during D-Day commemorations in France that Ukraine was limited in firing U.S.-supplied weapons at targets inside Russia near the countries' border.

"We're not talking about giving them weapons to strike Moscow, to strike the Kremlin," he said. "Just across the border where they're receiving significant fire from conventional weapons used by the Russians to go into Ukraine to kill Ukrainians."

Biden was referring to Russian troops and artillery deployed just inside Russia supporting a Russian offensive against the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, which also has been hit with glide bombs launched by Russian jets from its airspace.

Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, told state TV he believed Putin's warning had been heard in the West where he said he believed it was already being studied.

"They need to reckon with us and our position. We won't compromise out interests," said Peskov.

When asked earlier on Thursday by reporters if the Kremlin would name countries or regions to which Russia might supply arms in this way, he said no.

"...It's a very important statement that is very transparent that the supply of weapons that will be fired at us cannot go without consequences, and those consequences are certain to come."

Washington prohibits Kyiv from striking inside Russia with ATACMS, which have a range of up to 186 miles (300 km), and other long-range U.S.-supplied weapons.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, during a visit to Kyiv on May 3, told Reuters Ukraine had a right to use the weapons provided by Britain to strike targets inside Russia, and it was up to Kyiv whether to do so.

Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council and a former president who has emerged as one of the Kremlin's most outspoken hawks, on Thursday elaborated on what Moscow was considering, saying that Putin's words represented "a very significant change" in Russian foreign policy.

"Let the U.S. and its allies now feel the direct use of Russian weapons by third parties. These persons or regions are intentionally not named, but they could be anyone who considers Pindostan and its comrades to be their enemies," Medvedev wrote on his official Telegram channel, using a derogatory Russian slang word for the United States.

"Regardless of their political beliefs and international recognition. Their enemy is the U.S., so they are our friends."

He spoke of what he called "sensitive facilities" belonging to the US and it allies burning after being struck with Russian missiles fired by "third parties".

"And we will rejoice at their successful strikes with our weapons against our common enemies!" said Medvedev.

(Reporting by Dmitry Antonov in Moscow and Andrew Osborn in London; Additional reporting by Jonathan Landay in Washington; Writing by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Mark Trevelyan, Andrew Heavens and Don Durfee)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

Photos You Should See - May 2024

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‘A Gentleman in Moscow’s’ 20 Emmy Submissions: Ewan McGregor, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Sam Miller’s Directing Episode and More (EXCLUSIVE)

By Clayton Davis

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As Paramount’s British series “ A Gentleman in Moscow ” hopes to break into the highly competitive limited series races, the show has submitted for 20 Primetime Emmys , including lead actor for star Ewan McGregor and supporting actress for Mary Elizabeth Winstead .

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McGregor has garnered five Emmy nominations throughout his career across multiple categories. Along with his lead actor (limited) win in 2021 for “Halston,” he’s been nominated in the same category for the anthology “Fargo” in 2017, in addition to guest drama actor for “ER,” narrator for “Highlands: Scotland’s Wild Heart” and as an executive producer last year for “Obi-Wan Kenobi.”

Speaking to Variety about his prolific career in Hollywood , McGregor said, “I love making movies. I always dreamed of being a movie star. Then I was in movies. Every time I would sit there at the premiere, I couldn’t believe I was up there [on screen]. I still have that, I guess, but I don’t know what it means exactly.”

Winstead, who’s married to McGregor, also spoke candidly regarding the long search for a project for them to work on together after FX’s anthology crime series “Fargo” in 2018, saying, “I really didn’t expect it to be as great of a role as it ended up being. I just felt so lucky.”

The full list of submissions for “A Gentleman in Moscow” is below.

Read : All Primetime Emmy predictions in every category on  Variety’s  Awards Circuit .

• Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series
• Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie — Ewan McGregor
• Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie — Fehinti Balogun, Johnny Harris
• Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie — Mary Elizabeth Winstead
• Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie — 101: “A Master of Circumstance” (Sam Miller)
• Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie — 101: “A Master of Circumstance” (Ben Vanstone)
• Cinematography for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie — 101: “A Master of Circumstance”: (Adam Gillham)
• Casting for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie — Julia Harkin and Nathan Toth
• Picture Editing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie — 101: “A Master of Circumstance” (Tim Murrell, Editor; 102 – “An Invitation”: Sofie Alonzi, Editor)
• Music Composition for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie or Special (Original Dramatic Score) — 108: “Adieu”: (Federico Jusid, Music by)
• Main Title Theme Music — Federico Jusid, Music by
• Main Title Design — Matt Curtis, Designer; Søren Bonke, Animator/Compositor; Stuart Pitcher, Animator/Compositor
• Sound Editing for a Limited or Anthology Series, Movie or Special — 101: “A Master of Circumstance” (Jim Goddard, Supervising Sound Editor, Ian Wilkinson, Dialogue Editor, Sarah Elias, Tom Stewart, Sound Effects Editors, Anna Wright, Foley Artist, Conor Thompson, Foley Editor, Jack Sugden, Music Editor)
• Sound Mixing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie — 101: “A Master of Circumstance” (Stuart Hilliker, Re-Recording Mixer, Jim Mulhearn, Production Mixer)
• Production Design for a Narrative Period or Fantasy Program (One Hour or More) — 105: “An Arrival” (Victor Molero, Production Designer, Ussal Kalyoncu Smithers, Set Decorator, Christopher Guy Evans, Art Director)
• Music Supervision — 101: “A Master of Circumstance” (Zoë Ellen Bryant, Pete Saville, Music Supervisors)
• Period Costumes — 102: “An Invitation” (Sam Perry, Costume Designer, Sarah Harrison, Costume Supervisor, Katie Broome, Assistant Costume Designer)
• Period or Fantasy/Sci-Fi Makeup (Non-Prosthetic) — 102: “An Invitation” (Jacqueline Fowler, Department Head Makeup Artist, Sue Newbould, Co-Department Head Makeup Artist, Laura Hartney, Personal Makeup Artist, Kirstie Lavin, Mark English, Key Makeup Artists)
• Special Visual Effects in a Single Episode — 101: “A Master of Circumstance” (Tim Zaccheo, Max Wright, VFX Supervisors, Joe Cork, 2D Supervisor, Lucy Beavis, VFX Producer, Harry Hamblin, VFX Editor, Alex Jevon, Rasik Gorecha, Gustaf Nilsson, VFX Artists, Rob Rowley, SFX Supervisor)

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