Guide: Lycian Way
The Lycian Way, also known as Likya Yolu, is one of the most scenic and historically significant hiking routes in Turkey.
Stretching for about 540 kilometres, it runs along the Mediterranean coast of ancient Lycia, connecting the city of Fethiye with Geyikbayiri, near Antalya.
In our guide you will find:
- Benefits of the Lycian Way
- main routes of the Lycian Way
- what to see on each route
- what to take on the lycian way hike
- how to get
WHY WE LOVE LYCIAN:
Historical heritage: The Lycian Way passes through the territory of the ancient Lycian Kingdom, where dozens of cities and fortresses shrouded in the mysteries of the past have been preserved.
Natural beauty: The route leads through pine forests, steep cliffs and offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, making every step of the hike a true feast for the eyes.
For those who love rock climbing, our tour program includes a Rock Climbing Camp in Turkey.
Climate: Thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate, hiking is possible almost all year round, although the best times are spring and autumn, when the weather is ideal for long walks.
Accessibility: The Lycian Way is well suited to hikers, with clearly marked routes and accessibility for a variety of skill levels.
Route Flexibility: The trail's length allows for both short and long hikes, and allows for easier or more challenging sections to suit personal preference and fitness.
LYCIAN WAY ROUTES
The Lycian Way is divided into 3 sections:
- West
- Central
- Oriental
We offer a variety of hikes across all areas. We'll explore each route in more detail. And for those who enjoy something a little more challenging, our Climbing Camp in Geikbayri is perfect.
Western Lycian Way
The Western Lycian Way, which runs from west to east in Turkey, begins in the picturesque village of Oludeniz, located on the outskirts of Fethiye. Known for its accessibility and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, the route offers travelers a unique combination of historical heritage and natural beauty.
The western section of the trail, in particular, is known for its gentle terrain, making it a great option for beginner hikers and those looking to try less demanding routes.
What to see on the route:
- Xanthos, an ancient Lycian city, together with the sanctuary of Letoon, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the early 1st millennium BC, these sites reflect the rich history of the region, including the period of the Roman Empire.
- Babadag Peak, famous for its panoramic views, attracts paragliding enthusiasts from all over the world.
- The city of Patara, located on the southwest coast of Turkey, is famous not only for its ancient ruins, but also for its magnificent beaches.
- Accessible only by sea, Butterfly Valley offers a unique experience of encountering numerous species of butterflies, including the rare Tiger Butterfly, making a visit an unforgettable adventure.
You can see even more interesting places on our Western Lycian Way tour.
We also recommend our Lycian Way Signature Tour , where you'll see the best of the route in a week.
Central Lycian Way
The central section, stretching between the towns of Kaş and Finike, is one of the most picturesque and less explored sections of Turkey. This section of the trail offers a unique blend of ancient history and natural beauty, including ancient cultural monuments and stunning beaches with clear waters and spectacular sunsets.
However, the route can be challenging due to the lack of guesthouses for 40 kilometers and the need to overcome significant elevation changes. Therefore, many tourists prefer to travel the section from Demre to Finike by transport, especially if they do not plan to spend the night in a tent.
What to see on the route:
- Kekova Island is a true pearl of the Mediterranean. This small island attracts tourists with its archaeological finds and ruins of ancient cities such as Dolichiste, Aperlai, Teimoussa and Simena.
- The ancient city of Myra, located near Kekova, also attracts attention with its impressive ruins and Roman-style theatre.
- Beaches around Kas. Among the most popular beaches is Kaputaş, known for its crystal clear waters and picturesque views. Pebble beaches such as Seyrek Çakıl and Akçagerme offer unique conditions for relaxation and swimming. The water in the sea off the coast of Kas is clean, making it an ideal place for diving and snorkeling.
Our route along the Central Part of the Lycian Way Ancient Cities will show you the best of it.
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Eastern Lycian Way
The Eastern Lycian Way begins in the resort village of Göynük and passes through Geyikbayırı, a famous climbing destination, ending in the village of Karaoz. We also offer a Geyikbayırı tour: a week-long climbing camp with professional instructors.
The East Trail offers numerous mountain sections suitable for those with moderate fitness, and offers the opportunity to enjoy canyon swimming, mountain pass climbing, and magnificent sea views from an altitude of 2000 meters.
What to see on the route:
- The Chimera Fires, located on Mount Yanartash, are natural flames that have not died out for centuries and are the result of natural gas escaping from the ground.
- Goynuk Canyon is a picturesque place in Turkey, famous for its crystal clear waters and amazing mountain scenery.
- Mount Tahtalı, also known as Olympos, is shrouded in legends and history. At an altitude of up to 1900 meters, you can find groves of rare Lebanese cedar, which makes this area especially valuable in terms of natural diversity.
- The lighthouse at Cape Gelidonya is a popular place to visit, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.
By choosing our Mountain Coolness tour and hiking along the Lycian Way, you will see even more picturesque places.
We also offer a unique , tailor-made tour – The Best Routes of the Lycian Way , in comfort for a week.
WHAT TO TAKE ON A LYCIAN TRAIL HIKING
Clothing and footwear
Walking kit: Choose long sleeves and lightweight, breathable trousers to protect your skin from sunburn and scratches from vegetation.
Hiking boots: For rocky and stony trails, choose shoes with good ankle support and a thick sole.
Headwear, raincoat or membrane clothing.
Equipment and accessories
A reliable tent is your home away from home, so choose a model that can withstand local weather conditions.
Convenient, roomy backpack.
Trekking poles: These will help relieve the load on your back and improve your balance on difficult sections.
Headlamp, sleeping bag, mat.
Sun protection
A hat, sunscreen and sunglasses will protect you from UV rays, especially in exposed and sunny areas of the trail.
Navigation
A map or GPS navigator will help you avoid getting lost. Don't forget to take spare batteries or a portable charger to keep your devices in working order.
Medicine chest
A first aid kit is a must-have item in your gear. Also, prepare for the physical exertion by choosing a trail that suits your fitness level.
Wildlife
Mosquito and other insect repellents will help you avoid unpleasant encounters with local inhabitants. Also be prepared for encounters with wild animals, especially if the trail passes through remote areas.
Water and Food
It is important to remember about enough water - during the season there is enough of it on the trail, and many springs marked on offline maps will provide you with fresh and clean water. Do not forget to take a bottle or flask with you so that you always have water with you during the trip.
It is important to remember that some national parks along the trail prohibit fires, so a portable stove and propane canister will be essential pieces of equipment.
It is also worth considering that from June to October, locals drive their cattle to distant pastures, which can lead to contamination of water sources. Therefore, it is important to always boil and filter water before drinking. You can ask for water from locals or at a mosque, but do not forget about the need to purify it.
On the route, it is not necessary to carry all the food with you, because along the way you will come across shops and guesthouses, cafes and restaurants. Therefore, you can replenish supplies in the process: every 2-3 days.
HOW TO GET THERE
The easiest and most affordable way to get to Turkey is by plane. There are direct flights to Istanbul from Russia, Belarus and Georgia from various airlines.
Istanbul to Antalya is also accessible by plane and you can choose from a number of daily flights. The flight takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes and ticket prices start at 21 euros. Once you arrive in Antalya, the Lycian Way is accessible via various means of transport, including buses and taxis, which can take you to the starting point of the route.
