Turkey — Antalya
Walk Turkey's Lycian Way, a 540km ancient coastal route from Fethiye to Geyikbayırı. This demanding trek traverses rugged limestone cliffs, fragrant pine forests, and the azure Mediterranean, offering a chronological journey through historic Lycia over 25-35 days. Expect diverse landscapes and a truly immersive cultural experience.
Distance: 540.0 km
Elevation Gain: 17000 m
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 25-35 days
The Lycian Way (Likya Yolu) is Turkey’s first long-distance trekking route, a 540-kilometre journey that winds through the ancient history and rugged coastal beauty of the Tekke Peninsula. Stretching from Fethiye in the west to Geyikbayırı, near Antalya, in the east, the trail follows the coastline of ancient Lycia. This is not merely a walk; it is a chronological traverse through time, where hikers navigate between limestone crags, fragrant pine forests, and the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The route was meticulously researched and waymarked by Kate Clow in 1999, designed to preserve the ancient footpaths and mule trails that connected the fiercely independent city-states of the Lycian League. Today, it stands as one of the world’s premier thru-hikes, offering a challenging blend of technical terrain, archaeological wonder, and the legendary hospitality of Turkish mountain villages.
The Lycian Way is a masterclass in Mediterranean diversity. It is a trail of two halves: the western section is characterised by dramatic coastal cliffs, hidden beaches like Butterfly Valley, and the vast ruins of Patara and Xanthos. The eastern section moves further inland, ascending into the cedar forests of the Taurus Mountains, where the air is thin and the views extend across the entire turquoise coast. Unlike many European trails that follow well-groomed paths, the Lycian Way is often rocky, steep, and demanding. The terrain consists largely of ancient Roman roads, nomadic migration paths, and goat tracks that require constant attention to foot placement. With a total elevation gain of approximately 17,000 metres, the physical demand is comparable to many Himalayan treks, though the proximity to the sea provides a constant, cooling visual relief.
Culturally, the trail is unparalleled. Lycia was a unique civilisation with its own language, alphabet, and a democratic system of government that famously inspired the writers of the United States Constitution. As you walk, you will encounter the physical remnants of this culture: rock-cut tombs carved into sheer cliff faces, massive amphitheatres overlooking the sea, and sarcophagi standing solitary in the middle of olive groves. The trail does not bypass modern life; it weaves through it. You will share the path with local shepherds, drink tea in village squares where time seems to have slowed, and experience the "pansiyon" culture—small, family-run guesthouses where the food is grown in the garden and the welcome is genuine.
Logistically, the Lycian Way requires careful planning. While the route is waymarked with red and white stripes (the Grande Randonnée style), the markings can be inconsistent in remote areas or where new construction has occurred. Water is the primary concern; the limestone geology means surface water is rare, and hikers must rely on village fountains (çeşme) or ancient cisterns, many of which require treatment. However, for those who prepare, the reward is a profound sense of isolation and beauty. Whether you are standing atop the eternal flames of the Chimaera at night or watching the sunrise over the sunken city of Kekova, the Lycian Way offers a connection to the landscape that is both visceral and spiritual.
The Lycian Way is named after the Lycian people, a fiercely independent and democratic society that inhabited this peninsula from the Bronze Age through the Roman period. The Lycians were known as the "People of the Light," and they formed the Lycian League—the first known democratic union in history. This league consisted of 23 city-states, including major hubs like Xanthos, Patara, Pinara, Tlos, Myra, and Olympos. Their unique funerary architecture, particularly the house-type rock tombs and pillar sarcophagi, remains the most striking feature of the landscape today. These tombs were designed to be visible from afar, reflecting the Lycian belief that the souls of the dead were carried to the afterlife by winged sirens.
The history of the trail itself is a modern story of preservation. Before 1999, many of the ancient paths used by the Lycians and later by Ottoman nomads (Yörüks) were being lost to modern road construction and neglect. Kate Clow, a British expatriate living in Turkey, spent years scouting these routes, interviewing local elders to find the old "yol" (road) between villages. Her efforts resulted in the formalisation of the Lycian Way, which was supported by Garanti Bank to promote sustainable tourism in the region. The trail has since become a vital economic lifeline for remote mountain villages, allowing them to maintain their traditional way of life while hosting international trekkers.
Walking the Lycian Way is an exercise in "living archaeology." In places like Sidyma or Phellos, the ruins are not fenced off or sanitised; they are part of the village fabric. You might see a farmer using an ancient sarcophagus as a water trough or find a Roman milestone acting as a doorstep. This lack of pretension makes the historical aspect of the trail feel immediate and personal. The land also bears the marks of more recent history, including the abandoned Greek village of Kayaköy (Levissi), a haunting reminder of the 1923 population exchange between Greece and Turkey. Every kilometre of the Lycian Way tells a story of migration, conflict, and the enduring resilience of the people who call this rugged coast home.
Want more background? Read extended notes on history and cultural context → Learn more
Timing is the most critical factor for a successful Lycian Way trek. The Mediterranean climate is unforgiving in the summer and surprisingly wet in the winter. The ideal windows are Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October). During these months, the temperature typically ranges from 15°C to 25°C, providing comfortable walking conditions and clear skies.
Spring is arguably the most beautiful time to visit. The Taurus Mountains are still capped with snow, providing a stunning backdrop to the lush, green valleys. The trail is carpeted in wildflowers—anemones, orchids, and rockroses—and the scent of wild thyme and sage fills the air. Water sources are also more reliable in the spring as the snowmelt feeds the springs and cisterns. However, the sea may still be a bit brisk for swimming until late May.
Autumn offers a different appeal. The Mediterranean Sea has been warmed by the summer sun, making it perfect for daily swims at the end of a dusty hike. The intense heat of August begins to break in mid-September, though the landscape is much drier and more barren than in the spring. This is the season of the harvest; you will see villagers picking olives, pomegranates, and grapes, often being offered fresh fruit as you pass through. The days are shorter than in spring, so early starts are essential to reach your destination before dusk.
Winter (November to March) can be a viable option for the coastal sections, but the mountain passes will be blocked by snow. This is also the rainy season, and the limestone paths can become dangerously slippery when wet. Summer (June to August) should be avoided by all but the most heat-hardened hikers. Temperatures regularly exceed 40°C, shade is non-existent on many sections, and the risk of heatstroke and severe dehydration is extremely high. Many village guesthouses close during the peak of summer as it is simply too hot for tourism.
Day 1–5: The Western Coast (Fethiye to Patara)
Day 6–12: The Heart of Lycia (Patara to Kaş)
Day 13–20: The Sunken Cities and Coastal Wonders (Kaş to Finike)
Day 21–30: The High Mountains and The Finish (Adrasan to Geyikbayırı)
Important Notes:
The Lycian Way is a serious undertaking that requires a high level of physical fitness and self-reliance. Unlike the Camino de Santiago, the terrain is often technical, involving loose scree, steep ascents, and narrow ledges. Before departing, ensure you have a solid base of hiking fitness, particularly with a weighted pack. Navigation skills are essential; while the trail is waymarked, markings can be obscured by vegetation or destroyed by weather. Downloading offline maps (such as Gaia GPS or AllTrails) and the official Lycian Way app is mandatory for safety.
Logistically, most hikers fly into Dalaman Airport (DLM) for the western start in Fethiye or Antalya Airport (AYT) for the eastern start. Fethiye is the most common starting point and offers excellent facilities for last-minute supplies. You can buy camping gas (screw-top canisters) at outdoor shops in Fethiye or Antalya, but they are rarely available in the smaller villages along the trail. It is also wise to learn a few basic Turkish phrases; while younger people in tourist hubs speak English, village elders often only speak Turkish, and a "Merhaba" (Hello) or "Teşekkür ederim" (Thank you) goes a long way.
Accommodation on the Lycian Way is a mix of wild camping and village guesthouses known as "pansiyons." This flexibility allows you to tailor the trek to your budget and comfort level.
Pansiyons and Guesthouses:
Wild Camping:
What is NOT provided:
One of the greatest appeals of the Lycian Way is its accessibility. Currently, there is no permit required to walk the trail itself. You do not need to register with any central authority, and there are no daily hiker quotas. This allows for a high degree of spontaneity in your itinerary.
Museum Passes and Site Entry:
Visa Requirements:
Camping Regulations:
Precisely traced GPX for the Lycian Way, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
The Lycian Way passes through some of Turkey’s most popular tourism hubs, offering plenty of opportunities to rest your legs and experience the region from a different perspective:
Water Scarcity: This is the single greatest danger on the Lycian Way. The limestone mountains do not hold water on the surface. While there are village fountains (çeşme), they can run dry in late summer or autumn. Ancient cisterns (sarnıç) are often the only source in remote areas; these are stone-domed structures that collect rainwater. This water MUST be filtered and treated, as it is often shared with livestock. Never pass a reliable water source without topping up your bottles.
Terrain and Footwear: The trail is notoriously "stony." The sharp, jagged limestone can shred thin-soled shoes and lead to significant foot fatigue. Ankle sprains are the most common injury. Take particular care on the descent from Çukurbağ to Kaş and the high pass over Mount Olympos, where the path is narrow and the drop-offs are significant.
Heat and Sun: Heat exhaustion can occur even in the shoulder seasons. Start your walking days at dawn (5:00 AM or 6:00 AM) to complete the bulk of your mileage before the midday sun. Wear a hat that covers your neck and use electrolyte powders in your water to replace salts lost through sweat.
Wildlife:
Emergency Services: The emergency number in Turkey is 112 for all services (Ambulance, Police, Fire). However, mobile signal is non-existent in many deep canyons and high mountain sections. Carrying a satellite messenger (like a Garmin inReach) is highly recommended for solo thru-hikers.
Mount Olympos (Tahtalı Dağı) Summit: While the main trail crosses the saddle at 1,800 metres, many hikers choose to summit the 2,366-metre peak. The views from the top are breathtaking, encompassing the entire coastline from Finike to Antalya. There is a cable car (Olympos Teleferik) that runs to the summit, allowing you to "cheat" the descent if your knees are suffering, or simply to grab a coffee at the summit restaurant.
The Eternal Flames of Chimaera (Yanartaş): Located above the village of Çıralı, these are natural vents where methane gas escapes from the rocks and spontaneously combusts. They have been burning for thousands of years and were used by ancient mariners as a natural lighthouse. Visit at night for the most magical experience—you can even boil a small pot of tea over the flames.
Gelidonya Lighthouse: Perched on a lonely ridge overlooking the "Five Islands," this is one of the most iconic spots on the trail. It was the site of a famous Bronze Age shipwreck excavation. The hike from Adrasan to the lighthouse is challenging but offers what many consider the finest coastal panorama in the Mediterranean.
Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi): A deep, sheer-walled canyon that opens onto a white sand beach. While the main Lycian Way stays on the cliffs above, a steep and technical path (involving fixed ropes) descends into the valley. It is famous for the Jersey Tiger butterflies that congregate here in the summer, though the valley is worth visiting for its sheer geological scale alone.
The Ghost Village of Kayaköy: Located near the start of the trail in Fethiye, this abandoned Greek village consists of hundreds of roofless stone houses and two large churches. It is a somber and beautiful place to explore, providing deep insight into the complex modern history of the region.
The Lycian Way passes through fragile ecosystems and priceless archaeological sites. As the trail grows in popularity, the impact of hikers is becoming more visible. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that this ancient landscape remains pristine for those who follow.
Core Principles for the Lycian Way:
By following these guidelines, you help preserve the "People of the Light's" heritage and ensure that the Lycian Way remains a world-class trekking destination.
