Lycian Way (Likya Yolu)★★★
The Lycian Way is one of the great long-distance hiking trails in the world — 540 km from Fethiye to Antalya along the Lycian coast. Marked in 2000 by British hiker Kate Clow, it leads through ancient ruins, along deserted beaches, through fragrant pine forests, and along dizzying cliffs. The Sunday Times named it one of the "10 best hikes in the world".
Route Overview
- Fethiye → Ölüdeniz → Butterfly Valley: Spectacular start with cliffs and sea views.
- Kalkan → Kaş → Üçağız/Kekova: Coastal hike with sunken cities and Lycian sarcophagi.
- Demre (Myra) → Finike → Adrasan: Ancient sites and secluded bays.
- Olympos → Çıralı → Phaselis → Antalya: Grand finale with eternal flames of the Chimera.
Practical Information
- Best Time: March–May and September–November. Too hot in summer (35°C+), rain and short days in winter.
- Duration: The entire route: 29 days. Most hike sections (5–10 days).
- Marking: Red-white markings (like the GR in Europe). Download GPS track (Wikiloc, AllTrails).
- Accommodation: Guesthouses and campsites along the route. In some sections, 20–30 km without supplies — bring water and snacks!
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging. Some sections steep and rocky, surefootedness required. No via ferratas, but sturdy footwear is a must.
Best Stages for Casual Hikers
| Stage | Duration | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Ölüdeniz → Kabak | 1 Day | Spectacular cliffs, sea views |
| Kaş → Üçağız | 2 Days | Lycian sarcophagi, Kekova view |
| Çıralı → Olympos → Adrasan | 1 Day | Ancient ruins, beach |
| Chimera → Tekirova | 1 Day | Eternal flames, coastal forest |
💡 Tipp
The section Ölüdeniz → Kabak (12 km, 5–6 hours) is the perfect one-day hike — spectacular cliffs, sea views, and at the end, the hidden Kabak Beach awaits for swimming. From there, take a dolmuş back to Fethiye. Start early (7–8 a.m.), bring at least 3 liters of water, sunscreen is a must!