One of the world's great long-distance walks tracing the ancient Lycian coast through ruins, pine forests, and clifftop paths above brilliant turquoise Mediterranean water. The section from Ölüdeniz to Kabak is among the most beautiful. Waymarked with red-white blazes.
The Lycian Way is a 540-kilometre waymarked long-distance trail along Turkey's Turquoise Coast, stretching from Fethiye in the southwest to Antalya in the east. Recognised by National Geographic Traveler as one of the world's top ten walks, the route traces ancient Lycian coastal settlements, pine forests, clifftop paths above the Mediterranean, and rural villages linked by centuries-old mule tracks. The complete traverse requires approximately 29 days, but clear red-and-white waymarking and well-spaced villages make sections of one to five days straightforward as standalone itineraries. The western trailhead near Hisarönü and Ölüdeniz is reached from Dalaman Airport (DLM), approximately 45 km away, with dolmuş (shared minibus) connections to Fethiye bus station and onward transfers to starting villages. Antalya Airport (AYT) serves the eastern end. No permit is required to walk the trail; archaeological site entry fees apply separately at Patara (approximately ₺300) and Myra (approximately ₺250). Parking is available at most village trailheads. Terrain along the 540 km combines rocky coastal cliff paths, ancient Roman cobblestones, pine-shaded dirt tracks, and open limestone scrubland. Sustained elevation changes are demanding — the Kalkan-to-Kaş section climbs above 700 m with little shade at midday. Cumulative elevation gain across the full route exceeds 23,000 m. The trail is entirely non-technical, requiring no ropes or climbing equipment, but loose scree descents and unprotected cliff-edge sections make sure-footing essential; trekking poles are strongly recommended. Key landmarks along the route include the ghost village of Kayaköy, the 2-kilometre protected beach at Patara (turtle nesting site), the ancient rock-cut tombs of Tlos and Myra, Byzantine ruins at Olympos, and the sea cave at Cennet. The most celebrated short section — the coastal cliff path from Ölüdeniz down to Butterfly Valley and Kabak — is walkable in a single day. Water sources exist in villages but are scarce between settlements, especially after June; carrying 2–3 litres per section is essential. Village pensions (pansiyon) provide accommodation roughly every 10–20 km on most sections, with a handful of established campsites near popular beaches. No mountain huts exist on the trail itself.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Fethiye to Antalya, Turquoise Coast
- Best season
- April to May and October to November
Highlights
- Butterfly Valley views
- Xanthos and Patara ruins
- Coastal cliff paths
- Ancient Lycian rock tombs
- Village homestays
Tips for visiting
- Walk in April–May or October–November to avoid coastal temperatures exceeding 40°C on south-facing sections in July and August.
- Carry 2–3 litres of water between villages; springs marked on the official map may run dry by late summer.
- Download the official Lycian Way GPX track before departure — red-and-white blazes fade in more remote sections.
- Trekking poles are essential for rocky descents; lightweight trail-running shoes outperform heavy boots on the coastal paths.
- Book village pensions in advance for peak-season weekends (May–June and September–October) as rooms are limited.
- Entry fees apply at archaeological sites along the route; carry small-denomination Turkish lira as card machines are rare in villages.
When to visit
April to May and October to November offer the most comfortable temperatures and manageable crowds; July and August bring extreme heat on south-facing coastal sections, making sustained hiking hazardous.
Accessibility
The Lycian Way is not wheelchair-accessible or suitable for strollers. The trail traverses rocky cliff paths, steep ascents, and uneven terrain throughout its length with no adapted infrastructure along the route.
Frequently asked questions
Is a permit required to walk the Lycian Way?
No permit is needed for the trail itself. Individual archaeological sites such as Patara and Myra charge separate entry fees, currently around ₺250–400 per site.
Can the Lycian Way be walked independently without a guide?
Yes. The trail is waymarked with red-and-white blazes and covered by several English-language guidebooks. Guided tours are available from Fethiye and Kaş for those who prefer logistics support.
How do I reach the start of the Lycian Way?
The western terminus near Hisarönü and Ölüdeniz is reached via Dalaman Airport (DLM). Regular dolmuş services connect Dalaman to Fethiye, with onward transfers to trailhead villages.
Where can walkers sleep along the route?
Village pensions (pansiyon) appear every 10–20 km on most sections. In peak season, advance booking for May–June and September–October weekends is advisable as room numbers are small.
Is the full Lycian Way suitable for beginners?
Select shorter sections suit moderately fit beginners — the Patara beach section and the Kalkan–Kaş coastal day walk are popular entry points. The full 540-kilometre route demands the fitness and experience of a seasoned long-distance hiker.