The Lycian Way is Turkey’s first long-distance walking route, running along the mountainous coast of ancient Lycia from Ölüdeniz, near Fethiye, to Geyikbayırı, near Antalya. It follows old Roman roads, footpaths and mule trails past remote villages, beaches and some 25 ancient sites.
Few people walk it all in one go. Most hike a few days or a single stage, and the section above Ölüdeniz, Faralya and Kabak near Fethiye is one of the most popular.
Plan your visit to Lycian Way
- Entry: free (ancient sites charge separately)
- Best Feb–May and Sep–Nov; avoid midsummer heat
- One day for a stage, about 5 weeks for the whole route
History of Lycian Way
The route was researched, designed and waymarked by Kate Clow and opened in 1999, using paths that local people and their ancestors had walked for centuries. The original main route was about 500–540 km long; with later extensions and linked variants, the waymarked network is now promoted as around 760 km, about 35 days of walking.
It passes through the heartland of the Lycians, an ancient people known for their rock-cut tombs and federation of cities, including Xanthos and Letoon, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Attractions at Lycian Way
- Ölüdeniz to Faralya: the first stages climb above the Blue Lagoon with views down to Butterfly Valley.
- Kabak and Alınca: quiet villages high above the sea, with demanding but spectacular walking.
- Patara: the ancient city and long sandy beach; see our Patara Beach guide.
- Xanthos and Letoon: the former Lycian capital and its sanctuary, a joint UNESCO site.
- Kaş, Kekova and Olympos: coastal towns, sunken ruins and the ancient city in a wooded valley further east.
Things to Do at Lycian Way
- Day hikes: walk a single stage, for example from Ovacık or Ölüdeniz up to Faralya, and return by dolmuş or taxi.
- Multi-day treks: hike village to village, staying in pensions and village houses, either independently or with a guided or self-guided tour company.
- Combine with sightseeing: many stages pass ancient sites that charge their own entry fees.
Trail tips: the route is waymarked with red and white stripes, but terrain is rough and stony, with steep climbs. Carry plenty of water, a map or GPS track, sun protection and good boots. Avoid midsummer, when the heat is dangerous.
Lycian Way – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
- Entry: free; there is no permit or trail fee. Archaeological sites along the way charge separately.
- Best seasons: spring (roughly February to May) and autumn (September to November). Summer is generally too hot for hiking.
How Long to Spend at Lycian Way
- Day hike: 4–7 hours for one stage.
- Short trek: 3–7 days for a highlights section, such as Ölüdeniz to Kabak or Patara.
- Whole route: about 5 weeks.
How to Get There
- Fethiye end: fly into Dalaman Airport (DLM), about an hour by car from Fethiye. Frequent dolmuş minibuses link Fethiye with Ovacık and Ölüdeniz, where the trail begins.
- Antalya end: the route finishes at Geyikbayırı, which has bus connections to Antalya.
- Between stages: coastal buses and minibuses on the main road let you skip sections or return to your base.
Starting from the Fethiye end? Arriving at Dalaman Airport? Book a fixed-price airport transfer straight to your hotel.
Eateries Nearby Lycian Way
Along the trail you will mostly eat in village pensions, small family restaurants and roadside cafés, often with home-cooked dinners and breakfasts for hikers. Shops can be far apart, so stock up on water and snacks in larger villages. In Fethiye and Ölüdeniz there are many restaurants, and the Fethiye fish market is a popular evening outing.
Other Attractions Nearby Lycian Way
- Butterfly Valley: the cliff-lined beach below Faralya, best reached by boat; see our Butterfly Valley guide.
- Saklıkent Gorge: a dramatic canyon inland from Fethiye; see our Saklıkent guide.
- Kayaköy: the abandoned Greek village between Fethiye and Ölüdeniz.
- Çalış Beach: Fethiye’s sunset beach; see our Çalış Beach guide.
Before your trip
- Find hotels in Fethiye: Ölüdeniz and Ovacık are the closest bases to the start of the trail.
- Get a Turkey eSIM before you land, for maps, GPS tracks and ride-hailing apps.
The Lycian Way is a waymarked long-distance trail along Turkey’s Lycian coast, from Ölüdeniz near Fethiye to Geyikbayırı near Antalya, linking villages, beaches and ancient cities. Walk it in spring or autumn, as a single day stage or a multi-day trek.
Plan rest days at Patara Beach or Butterfly Valley.
