Trekking the Lycian Way: Exploring One of the World's Best Hiking Trails

İrem Uğur
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The Lycian Way starts from Fethiye and goes all the way to Antalya. This is one of the longest walking routes in the world and thousands of people hike here every year. In fact, it would not be correct to generalize this activity as hiking because those who start their journey here continue to walk for close to a month or even more. There are many ancient cities on the Lycian Way. It is also possible to visit these cities during the walk. The Lycian Way is recognized by various sources as one of the 10 best long-distance walking routes in the world. At the same time, the view of the Gelidonya Lighthouse on it was selected as the most beautiful view of Türkiye in 2007.

Information about the Lycian Way

The Lycian Way is a road stretching from Fethiye to Antalya. This road was created by marking and mapping some of the paths on the Teke peninsula, which was called Lycia in history. Work on the road started in 1992. In 1999, it was opened by Kate Clow.

The Lycian Way is recognized by various sources as one of the 10 best long-distance hiking routes in the world. At the same time, the view of the Gelidonya Lighthouse on it was chosen as the most beautiful view of Türkiye in 2007.

Accommodation is available in settlements on the trail. The entire trail is marked and maintained by sponsoring organizations and volunteers.

The first part of the road includes the following:

  • Uzunyurt (Faralya) Village

  • Dodurga Village

  • Sdyma

  • Pinara - Letoon - Xanthos cities

  • Patara

The second part is as follows:

  • Antiphellos

  • Apollonia

  • Simena

  • Myra

  • Limyra

  • Rhodiapolis

  • Gagai

  • Melanippe

  • Gelidonia

  • Edrassa

  • Olympos

  • Chimera

  • Phaselis

Where is the Lycian Way? How to get there?

The Lycian Way starts from Fethiye and goes all the way to Beldibi in Antalya. 

The closest airport to Fethiye, which is the starting point of the road, is Dalaman Airport, which is about 2 hours away. At the same time, those who want to follow the road in reverse can also choose the airport in Antalya.

How Many Kilometers to Walk on the Lycian Way?

The Lycian Way is also curious in terms of kilometers. This road is about 550 kilometers. It takes more than 30-35 days to walk it in one go.

Hikers generally prefer to walk the trails they have determined, not the entire road. You can start walking on this road, which has more than 20 trails, by planning your route in advance.

Places along the Lycian Way

It is not possible to cross all of these trails if you are not going to walk the whole way, but here is a list of places you can see along the route you have created:

  • Ovacık

  • Faralya

  • Kabak

  • Alınca

  • Bel

  • Gavurdağı

  • Xanthos

  • Kınık

  • Akbel

  • Patara

  • Kalkan

  • Sarıbelen

  • Gökçeören

  • Çukurbağ

  • Kaş

  • Liman Ağızı

  • Boğazıcık

  • Üçağız

  • Çayağız

  • Myra

  • Finike

  • Karaöz

  • Adrasan

  • Çıralı

  • Tekirova

  • Roman Bridge

  • Göynük Plateau

  • Göynük

  • Hisarçandır

  • Çitdibi

  • Geyikbayırı

The Most Famous Trails of the Lycian Way

Olympos-Musa Mountain-Lost City Trail

This is a 5-hour round-trip trail starting from Olympos and ending at the summit of Mount Musa (780m).

Olympos-Çıralı-Ulupınar Trail

It is a very enjoyable trail starting from Olympos and passing through Çıralı and famous for its plane trees, streams and trout restaurants. It takes about 5 hours round trip.

Olympos-Adrasan Trail

This track of the road ends at Adrasan Beach. It takes approximately 7 hours.

Olympos-Cennet Trail

This short trail, which passes through the hidden historical buildings of Olympos and continues along the coast, offers interesting views.

Karaöz-Adrasan Trail

It passes through the famous Gelidonya Lighthouse. 5 Islands and one of the most beautiful trails with sea views and it takes 7 hours.

Places to Stay on the Lycian Way

Since the Lycian Way is spread over a very large area, the number of places to stay here is quite high. You can experience countless accommodation alternatives wherever you pass. You can also camp wherever you want by taking your tent with you.

Must-See Places on the Lycian Way

There are many places to see along the Lycian Way, where you will encounter countless ruins that have survived from ancient times. From a touristic point of view, you can stop off in places such as Fethiye, Kaş, Finike, Kalkan, Adrasan and Kekova on this road; you can enjoy the unique sea views of these places.

Patara, Olympos and Adrasan Bay are also places you should definitely visit. You can draw a road map accordingly by paying attention to where you will encounter along your route. In addition, Gelidonya Lighthouse, which was selected as the 'Best View of 2007', is also one of the places to be seen along the way.

Ancient Cities on the Lycian Way

If you are interested in historical ruins, you should visit the ancient cities you will see along the way.

  • Pinara Ancient City

  • Sidyma Ancient City

  • Xanthos Ancient City

  • Letoon Ancient City

  • Pydnai Ancient City

  • Antiphellos Ancient City

  • Phellos Ancient City

  • Apollonia Ancient City

  • Aperial Ancient City

  • Simena Ancient City

  • Ancient City of Olympos

There are more than twenty ancient cities on the way, including these.

When to Walk the Lycian Way?

Although there is no time limit for walking here, you can choose the best time for you. If you don't want to walk in very hot weather, spring may be ideal for you. Therefore, the most ideal time in terms of heat and cold is spring and fall.

What You Should Take on the Lycian Way Trek?

Lycian Way trekking can be quite long depending on the trail you choose. At the same time, the Mediterranean and Aegean heat can be unbearable. Therefore, it is useful to have some items with you that will make you more comfortable during your journey and help you meet your needs.

  • Tent and sleeping bag for camping

  • Spare clothing

  • Medicines

  • A comfortable shoe

  • Hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Sunscreen

  • Windbreaker/raincoat

  • GPS

  • Powerbank

  • Flashlight

  • Fly repellent

  • Plenty of water

  • Snack