ABOUT LYCIAN WAY

The Lycian Way is a long-distance footpath in Turkey. It is 509 km long and stretches from Fethiye to Antalya, around part of the coast of ancient Lycia. It is waymarked with red and white stripes, the Grande Randonnee convention, the impressive achievement of Kate Clow, a British resident in Turkey. The Sunday Times has listed it as one of the world's top ten walks.

The marked trail wanders up and down through ancient Lycia, Mediterranean Turkey's mountainous Tekke Peninsula (the southward "bulge" of land between Antalya and Fethiye).

Among the most popular portions is the westernmost, from Fethiye via Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley and the Tohum Eco-Center southeastward toward Patara.

Lycia

Lycia is the historical name of the Tekke Peninsula, which juts into the Mediterranean on Turkey's southern coast. The mountains rise steeply from the wooded shore and tiny bays, giving beautiful views and varied walking. The Lycians were a democratic but independent people, with a unique art style and a high standard of living. They absorbed Greek culture, and were later conquered by the Romans. Their graves and ruins abound on the peninsula and the walk passes many remote historical sites.

The Route

The Lycian way is a 509 km way-marked footpath around the coast of Lycia in southern Turkey, from Fethiye to Antalya. The route is graded medium to hard; it is not level walking, but has many ascents and descents as it approaches and veers away from the sea. It is easier at the start near Fethiye and gets more difficult as it progresses. We recommend walking the route in spring or autumn; February-May or September-November; summer in Lycia is hot, although you could walk short, shady sections. The route is mainly over footpaths and mule trails; it is mostly over limestone and often hard and stony underfoot.

On the first part of the route, and in Patara, Kalkan, Kas, Myra, Finike, Adrasan, Olympos, Cirali and Tekirova, you can stay in pensions or small hotels. On other nights, you may stay in a village house, or camp out. There are few lodging and dining services along the route. For most of it you must carry your own shelter, food and other supplies, which makes it ideal for those who like to rough it. There are plenty of camping places with nearby water.

Highlights of the Lycian Way are:

Spectacular walks on the slopes of Baba Dagi, beneath the flight path of the paragliders.
Stunning descent to Faralya, above the cliffs of Butterfly Valley.
The 12km long beach at Patara.
Spectacular views over the coast from above Kas and Kalkan.
The castle, harbour and sunken ruins at Ucagiz.
The church of the Angel Gabriel in the hills above Myra.
A fabulous ridge top walk to Finike.
Staying at the lighthouse at Cape Gelidonia.
Climbing Mount Olympos - 2388m.
Splashing in the canyon at Goynuk.
And the ruins of hidden Lycian cities, the friendliness of the villagers, the quaint old houses in deserted corners, the deep forests and white rocks, and the blue Mediterranean.

Season and Weather

The Lycian Way is a coastal walk and mild temperatures mean it can be walked throughout the winter months. But beware - ground over 1000m can be snow-covered from early January to end April! Mid-July – early-September is too hot for comfort.

Best times to walk the Lycian Way
February – mid-March. Usually a clear spell with snow over 1000m and spring flowers at sea level.
Early May – mid-July. Clear weather, the migration by transhumant shepherds with their flocks and plenty of flowers. Warm enough to swim.
September – mid-November. Clear weather, occasional thunderstorms. Good swimming, autumn flowers in the mountains.

The route is mainly over footpaths and mule trails; mostly limestone and often hard and stony underfoot.

Partial list of places on the trail

Olu Deniz, Kabak, Kinik (Xanthos), Akbel, (detour for Gelemis village and ruins of Patara), Kalkan, Kas (Antiphellos), Ucagiz, Kale, Demre (Myra), Kutluca, Zeytin and Alakilise.

Here the trail reaches a height of 1811 meters at Incegeris

Then on to Belos, Finike, Kumluca, Mavikenic, Karaoz, Olympos, Cirali.

Here the trail splits into:

Coastal route: Tekirova, Phaselis, Asagikuzdere (just outside Kemer)

Inland route: Ulupinar, Beycik, Yukari Beycik, Yayla Kuzdere, Gedelme

Hisarcandir.

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About Lycian Way The Lycian Way is a long-distance footpath in Turkey. It is 509 km long and stretches from Fethiye to Antalya, around part of the coast of ancient Lycia. Read More >