The Lycian Way is a popular tourist route in southern Turkey, stretching 540 km along the coast of ancient Lycia. The trail is well marked and suitable for all people leading an active lifestyle.
Lycian Way: where is it and how to get there
It is not necessary to go through it entirely – all the most picturesque sections are concentrated in two parts of the route. The eastern one originates from Antalya and runs through the mountains, and the western one starts near the town of Fethiye and stretches along the coast.
Dalaman Airport is closest to the western part. Airplanes fly from Moscow to Dalaman with transfers all year round, and with the beginning of the summer season, direct flights open. We recommend making a stop in Fethiye and purchasing the necessary food and hygiene products. Next, you need to catch a local minibus to the village of Oludeniz, where the Lycian Way begins. Transport runs frequently, fare is $1–1.5.
The airport closest to the eastern part of the trail is Antalya – there are direct flights from many Russian cities all year round. From the airport you can get to the city by comfortable train. If you intend to go straight from the plane to the starting point of the route, to the village of Goynuk, then you must first get to the bus station by bus No. 600 or 600a and make a transfer there. Buses to Goynuk depart every 20 minutes, the journey will take about an hour and a half. Payment for travel is made in cash to the driver.
Specifics of the western and eastern parts of the trail
The eastern part consists of crossings through mountain forests, climbing the majestic Takhtaly-Dag and magnificent views of the coast. Western – archaeological sites of Ancient Lycia and overnight stays on the seashore.
East
The route starts in the village of Goynuk, in the Harmony Canyon. From the suspension bridge you will have views of the turquoise waters of the river and the white sheer cliffs of the canyon. Further, the trail will lead you to the village of Gedelme, where, in addition to the ancient fortress, there is a store where you can buy freshly baked bread, sweet bars, nuts and other necessary supplies. By the way, nearby there is a gazebo with sockets where you can recharge your gadgets.
From Gedelme, the white and red markings of the Lycian Way lead through pine forests to Mount Tahtali (Olympos). The ascent usually takes 4-5 hours. Tourists leave their heavy backpacks at the foot and lightly climb to the 2,365-meter peak. The climb is quite gentle, so if the weather is good, you should definitely try your hand at it. Incredible panoramas of mountains and coast open from the top.
Through the villages of Beychik and Ulupinar the trail descends to the sea, to Ciraly – the end point of our route. The place is famous for its long pebble beach and quaint trees growing along the coast. Stay a few days at a campsite or hotel to easily explore nearby attractions. You can visit the ancient city of Olympos, where the ruins of an amphitheater are preserved, or climb to the lights of the Chimera, which shoot right out of the ground. Fry sausages, bread, marshmallows over the fire – you will remember this picnic for a long time.
To return to Antalya, go to nearby Mavikent by minibus or taxi, from there there is a bus to the bus station. You can also take a taxi and go to Antalya directly from Cirali.
West
The official start of the Lycian Trail is located in the suburbs of Oludeniz, in the village of Ovacik. There is an arch with the inscription Lycian Way, which officially opens the route. At the beginning of the journey you will have to climb a dirt road up the slopes of the Babadag mountain range. Gradually the road will turn into a thin forest path, and from the tops you will see views of the stunning Oludeniz Bay.
Next you will visit the Valley of Butterflies – a secluded bay among steep cliffs, where more than a hundred species of these beautiful insects live. Dozens of tourists descend the stone steps to swim in the Mediterranean Sea and admire the winged inhabitants of this place.
Kabak beach is suitable for an overnight stay – you can set up a camp in the shade of the trees, and then swim in the sea after a busy day. It is also worth visiting Patara – the largest sandy beach in Turkey, stretching 18 km along the sea.
After admiring the natural beauty, you can begin to study ancient architecture. Not far from Patara is the largest city of ancient Lycia – Xanthos (Xanthos). Here you will find an acropolis, a Roman theater, a royal palace and other historical monuments.
You can return from Patara to Fethiye or Dalaman by minibus.
What to take with you
There may still be snow in the mountains in the spring, and even by the sea at night it can chilly. Therefore, it is important to pack your backpack correctly – take warm clothes, don’t forget about the tent and choose a sleeping bag according to the weather.
Correct backpack
It should be roomy and have a strong waist belt. A high-quality belt will provide relief from your back – with its help you can avoid overload and chafing of your shoulders with straps.
Alternatively, you can use the Red Fox Nanda Devi 65L model. The roomy backpack is sewn according to the principle of a bag – it has no internal partitions. Such backpacks are not loaded with unnecessary gadgets, and therefore weigh only 2.2 kg. The model has a convenient compartment at the bottom: there you can put things that are usually needed first upon arrival at the parking lot – a tent, woolen socks, a change of shoes.
Tent
When choosing a tent, be sure to take into account the number of “tenants”: if you are going to spend the night alone, do not take a two-, much less a three-person model. Naturehike offers lightweight options – a one-person tent packs into a compact bag and weighs only 1.5 kg. The company has a good price-quality ratio and offers tents with space for one, two or three travelers. You can view and order products in specialized stores or on AliExpress.
Sleeping bag
The same principle applies here – it should be light, but at the same time warm enough if the weather is chilly. When hiking along the Lycian Way in March, we recommend taking sleeping bags with a comfort level of 0°.
Household items
You will need a pot, mug, spoon, bowl, knife, matches/lighter, flashlight. Coffee lovers can take a Turk with them – brewing and drinking a cup of coffee on a hike is a special pleasure. Don’t forget to take personal hygiene products: small soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, a roll of toilet paper, and wet wipes.
First Aid Kit
Take a band-aid and antiseptic wipes. Thorns, cuts, splinters are minor troubles for which it is better to be prepared. To avoid getting sunburned, stock up on a tube of sun protection cream with a protection level of at least 30 SPF. Bring the medications you usually use in everyday life.
Personal belongings
In your backpack you should send a fleece jacket, a couple of T-shirts, sets of underwear and socks, shorts, any trousers or leggings that are comfortable for walking, and thermal underwear. At night in the forest, it’s nice to throw a down jacket over your shoulders, and a membrane jacket will save you from the rain. Panama hat and buff will help you out from the sun and wind. For daily treks, comfortable trekking boots or sneakers are suitable, and in the camp it is convenient to move around in sandals or Crocs. Bring a swimsuit if you’re ready to start the swimming season in March.
Food
It’s definitely not worth bringing dry rations from Russia! The route passes through villages where you can refresh yourself and replenish your supplies. But take care in advance about basic things that last a long time (olive oil, milk powder, coffee, honey, etc.) – it’s cheaper to buy them in Fethiye or Antalya.
Congratulations – you’re now ready to go hiking!
Where to stay in Antalya
After completing the trail, be sure to stop for a few days in the old district of the city – Kaleici. Here you can get acquainted with its architecture, stroll along the promenade by the sea, and have lunch in one of the many cafes.
Popular housing options: specifySearchParams=true
Sabah Pension – from 1,600 rubles. for a single room with private bathroom*
Patio Hotel — from 1,800 rub. for a room with a double bed and city view*
La Paloma Hotel — from 2,800 rub. for a comfortable double room*
Delight Deluxe Hotel & Spa – from 2,200 rub. per night*
Hotels in Dalaman
We recommend relaxing after the trail in one of the following hotels:
Ozalp Han Hotel — from 1,400 rub. for a standard room with private bathroom*
Dalaman Airport Lykia Resort Hotel — from 2,100 rub. for a double room with garden view*
Karacan Park Hotel — from 4,100 rub. for a room with a double bed and city view*
* Price valid at time of publication
