The Lycian Way Hiking Trail in Turkey

The Lycian Way is a world-renowned hiking trail spanning Turkey's breathtaking Mediterranean coast. The trail bears the name of the ancient Lycian people, a powerful and highly civilized society that once ruled the area and founded magnificent city-states such as Patara, Olympos, Myra, Pinara, Tlos, Xanthos, and Phaselis.

These independent city-states formed the mighty Lycian League, stretching from modern-day Antalya to Mugla across the rugged Taurus Mountains of Anatolia.

History and Map of the Lycian Way

Conceived by Kate Clow, a British expat living in Turkey, the Lycian Way (Likya Yolu in Turkish) was officially opened as Turkey's first long-distance trekking route in 1999. Clow later wrote a comprehensive guidebook detailing the path's characteristics, including walking and biking alternatives, inland and coastal routes, and distances.

Starting from Fethiye and stretching to Konyaalti, the trail covers approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles). The entire path is officially way-marked with painted red and white stripes to keep hikers on track. Along the way, hikers encounter incredible rock-cut tombs on steep cliffs and massive stone sarcophagi stunning examples of the Lycian civilization dating back to the Late Bronze Age.

What Will You See on the Trail?

While mountain biking is possible in certain sections, the entire path is not fully cyclable, so cycling enthusiasts may need to use alternative modern roads in steeper areas. For hikers, accommodation is highly flexible. You can find boutique hotels, cozy hostels, and Airbnb rentals in almost every village along the Lycian Way, or you can pitch a tent in the designated campgrounds mentioned in the official guidebook.

Butterfly Valley, the sprawling sands of Patara, the ancient Amphitheater in Myra (modern-day Demre), Ucagiz, Kale, Finike, Telmessos, the ancient city of Olympos, and the bohemian beach town of Cirali are just a few of the famous sites to see on this magical trail.

How to Get to the Lycian Way

International and domestic visitors can easily access the starting point of the trail via Dalaman Airport (DLM) for the Fethiye side. If you plan to start from the opposite direction (east to west), Antalya Airport (AYT) is your best option. Local shuttle buses and minibuses (dolmuş) are available every hour to transport hikers directly to the official starting points.

Which Seasons Are Best to Hike the Lycian Way?

Hikers should be prepared for the intensely hot and dry climate of the Mediterranean during the peak summer months (July and August), which is generally not recommended for strenuous trekking. Conversely, if you prefer visiting the Lycian Way in winter, heavy rains and low temperatures will decrease the comfort of your hike and make camping difficult. You might even see snow on the peaks of the nearby mountains.

The "shoulder seasons" (Spring and Autumn) are undeniably the best times for trekking in Turkey. A fresh, warm breeze and sunny, clear days will perfect your experience on the Lycian Way trail without the risk of overheating.

How Difficult is the Lycian Way?

The trekking difficulty depends entirely on your pace and how much gear you carry. If you prefer to hike lightly and stay in local hotels or guesthouses in the villages each night, a small daypack with basic equipment will be enough, making the hike moderate and highly enjoyable.

However, if you prefer independent camping and sleeping under the stars like the historical Yörüks (local nomadic people living in these hills), the trek becomes significantly more challenging due to the heavy backpack and steep ascents.

How Long Does It Take to Walk the Lycian Way?

Because the total walking distance between Fethiye and Konyaalti is approximately 500 km, hiking the entire trail typically takes between 25 and 30 days. If you do not have a month to spare, you can choose to hike only specific, highly scenic sections. With good guidance, 6 to 10 days is more than enough to experience the most beautiful parts of the region.

Interestingly, since 2010, an ultra-marathon event has been held on this route, where elite athletes complete the grueling run from west to east in just 6 days!

Is the Lycian Way Safe for Walking?

Despite the fact that incidents can happen anywhere in the world, the Lycian Trail is exceptionally safe. The local villagers possess a strong culture of hospitality and are very accustomed to hosting international hikers. Violent incidents are incredibly rare, making this route highly safe, even for solo female travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the best time to hike the Lycian Way?
A: The optimal times to hike are the shoulder seasons: Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October). The summer months are generally too hot for strenuous hiking.

Q: Do I have to hike the entire 500km Lycian Way?
A: No! Most visitors choose to hike specific 4 to 7-day sections of the trail (such as the Fethiye to Kas segment or the Olympos route) rather than completing the entire 30-day journey.

Q: Is the Lycian Way suitable for beginners?
A: Certain sections are relatively flat and suitable for beginners, while other parts require steep climbing over rocky terrain. If you are a beginner, it is highly recommended to hire a local guide or stick to the coastal routes.