While it is still unexplored compared to its more well-known counterparts like Spain’s Camino de Santiago, the Lycian Way hiking has been named one of the most beautiful walks in the world. Getting off the usual path—quite literally—and learning what the Lycian Trail was all about thrilled us.
Hikers have panoramic views of the Mediterranean, visit historic sites, and friendly welcome in Turkish towns. The Lycian Way hiking is best done in spring or fall when the temperature is moderate and the scenery is most vivid.
Besides, the Lycian Way studies Turkey’s varied history and fascinating landscape entwined with its dynamic cultural tapestry, not only a walking route. Comprising 500 kilometers, this path was opened in 1999 as Turkey’s first long-distance route. Hikers on this gorgeous path across the breathtaking Turquoise Coast will pass by charming towns trapped in Lycian antiquity. The Lycian culture, renowned for its democratic values and magnificent rock-carved tombs that offer a mesmerizing combination of history and thrill, is honored on the walk.
Plan Your Lycian Way Hiking
A successful trek along the Lycian Way requires careful planning ahead of time. Pack important items like good hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothes, a dependable map, and lots of water. While no permissions are necessary, it is crucial to follow local restrictions and stay on designated trails. Camping beneath the stars is one alternative, but pleasant guesthouses and motels are also available. To reach the trailhead, fly into Dalaman or Antalya and then take a bus or cab to the starting point.
Lycian Way Hiking: A Stage-by-Stage Guide
Today, it provides a stunning backdrop for a long-distance trek. Passing through 25 historical sites, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites and ancient towns, with breathtaking coastline vistas of southern Turkey along the route. Best of all, after a hard day of trekking, you may take a refreshing bath in the magnificent Mediterranean Sea and unwind in calm seaside communities.
The first Lycian Way hiking had the following stages Hisarönü (Ovacık)-Faralya, Faralya-Kabak Bay, Kabak Bay-Alınca, Alınca-Yediburunlar, Yediburunlar-Gavurağılı, Gavurağılı-Patara, Patara-Kalkan, Kalkan-Sarıbelen–Gökçeören, Gökçeören-Kaş, Kaş-Kekova, Kekova-Demre, Demre-Alakilise–Finike, Karaöz-Cape Gelidonya–Adrasan, Adrasan-Olimpos–Çıralı, Çıralı-Beycik, Çıralı-Tekirova, Tekirova-Phaselis-Gedelme, Beycik-Tahtalı Dağı-Gedelme, Gedelme-Göynük, Göynük-Hisarçandır, and Hisarçandır-Geyikbayırı
Stage 1: Ölüdeniz – Fethiye
Lycian Way hiking begins with stunning views of Butterfly Valley and concludes in the lively Fethiye Marina. Don’t overlook the beautiful Faralya Beach on the way.
Distance: About 15 kilometers.
Highlights: Start in one of Turkey’s most recognized locations known for its paragliding possibilities and blue lagoon.
Comprising hundreds of butterfly species and a secret beach ideal for a short swim, Butterfly Valley is a stunning gorge reachable via a difficult climb.
Faralya: This little community presents an opportunity for traditional Turkish hospitality in charming guesthouses together with amazing views over the Mediterranean.End the stage at this energetic port city renowned for its ancient rock tombs cut into the cliffs, the colorful Fethiye Marina, and a little old town dotted with stores, cafés, and active nightlife.
Stage 2: Fethiye to Kayaköy.
Explore ancient Lycian ruins and meander around the eerily beautiful ghost town of Kayaköy, an abandoned settlement from the early twentieth century.
Distance: Almost 10 kilometers
Highlights: The path runs past several archeological sites, including old tombs and ruins providing a window into the Lycian culture.
A moving reflection of the complicated history of the area, Kayaköy Ghost Town is an abandoned Greek town left vacant following the population exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1923. Discover the hundreds of stone buildings, churches, and hillside chapels with shockingly amazing picture possibilities.
This stage provides a more laid-back schedule with chances to engage with residents, savor homemade Turkish cuisine, and learn about the rich history of the area from those who live there.
Stage 3: Kayaköy to Kaş.
This gorgeous stretch includes Kaputaş Beach, Patara Beach, and the historic city of Patara, which was once a significant Lycian harbor.
Distance: About 55 kilometers
One of Turkey’s most well-known beaches, Kaputaş Beach boasts a spectacular canyon background and strikingly blue sea.
Not simply a lovely place for a rest, Patara Beach is home to the remnants of Patara, an ancient Lycian city formerly an important naval and trade port. It is a long stretch of sandy coast.
Travelers love Kaş, a little seaside town with its laid-back vibe, small bougainvillea-lined alleys, historic amphitheater, and lots of diving sites. It’s a fantastic spot to relax, see nearby markets, and have dinner with a sea view.
Stage 4: Kaş to Kalkan.
Discover the underwater city of Kekova and the ancient remains of Simena, which are only accessible by boat—a really unique trekking experience.
Distance: About 27 km
Highlights: Kekova Island is a stunning location well-known for its glistening clean seas and sunken ruins of Dolchiste, an old Lycian city largely buried by an earthquake in the second century AD. One can tour the remains by sea kayak or boat.
Simena (Kaleköy) is a lovely village with a medieval castle providing expansive views over the turquoise shoreline and a necropolis dotted with rock-cut graves.
The small yet elegant resort town of Kalkan boasts beachfront restaurants, whitewashed homes, and a bustling harbor. Kalkan is renowned for its vivid local arts and crafts scene as well as for its sunsets.
Stage 5: Kalkan to Antalya.
The final phase of the Lycian Way hiking is the voyage includes sights such as Adrasan Bay and the ancient city of Olympos, where history and nature coexist perfectly.
Distance: 80 kilometers
Highlights: Adrasan Bay is a calm, broad bay ideal for a cool dip with its long beach. Surrounded by pine-covered hills and a glistening blue sea, Adrasan is a fantastic place to unwind and enjoy the local natural beauty.
Olympos Old City: Tucked down in a verdant valley, Olympos’s remains lie among the trees and near the river. Few other locations combine old ruins with the environment in the way this stage provides a magical experience.
Antalya: The Lycian Way culminates in an energetic metropolis that masterfully combines modern conveniences with the historical past. Discover the old town (Kaleiçi) with its historic sites like the Hidirlik Tower and Hadrian’s Gate as well as its little alleyways and old harbor.
Tips For A Successful Lycian Way Hiking
Acclimatize to the Mediterranean climate by taking it slowly during the first few days. Manage your water and food supplies carefully, as certain parts of the path have limited resources. Respect the local customs and traditions, especially while going through villages. Be aware of animals and always take steps to ensure a safe and pleasurable walk.
Cultural Events Traveling With You
The Lycian Way provides a trip throughout Turkey’s rich cultural tapestry rather than only breathtaking scenery. Eat fresh fish and local cuisine like gözleme, savory Turkish pancakes. Visit classic Turkish villages where you may meet residents and discover their way of life. Your trip will be enhanced in historical depth by the ancient ruins and historical landmarks you will come across along the path, which chronicle the Lycian culture.
Lycian Way Hiking: Final Thought
To sum up, It is an amazing experience combining rich history, great natural beauty, and energetic culture in hiking the Lycian Way. You will make lasting memories as you negotiate this famous path. So tie your hiking boots, welcome the journey, and permit the Lycian Way to stamp your spirit. Happy trekking.
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