The Lycian Way – Everything You Need to Know

07/02/2025

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The Lycian Way runs through southwestern Turkey, between Fethiye and Antalya. The route features a mix of coastal scenery, pine forests, mountain passes, ancient cities, and small villages.

It is not necessary to hike the entire trail. Most travelers choose a specific section to explore over a few days rather than attempting to complete the whole route in a single vacation.

Where is the Lycian Way located?

The route runs along the Mediterranean coast across the provinces of Muğla and Antalya. Its western section begins near Ölüdeniz, close to Fethiye, while the eastern stretches lead toward Antalya.

Along the way, you will encounter beaches, coniferous forests, arid rocky plateaus, mountain villages, and the ruins of ancient settlements. In some sections, the trail runs right by the sea, while in others, it climbs into the Taurus Mountains.

The nearest major cities for starting the journey are Fethiye and Antalya. They are easily accessible by air, with local transport available for the onward journey.

If you are planning a hike, decide on your starting and ending points in advance. The route is well-served by dolmuşes—local shared minibuses—which make it easy to leave the trail and reach a nearby village or resort town.

What is the length of the Lycian Way?

The total length of the Lycian Way is approximately 540 km. The modern route was developed by the British traveler Kate Clow in 1999, based on ancient roads used by the inhabitants of Lycia.

Completing the entire trail in a single trip is challenging. It can take about a month, depending on your pace, the number of rest days, and any side trips you choose to take. Hikers much more frequently opt to cover individual sections lasting three to seven days. This is the format usually chosen for the Lycian Way, allowing one to combine mountain trekking, ancient ruins, and seaside relaxation over the course of a few days.

There are villages, guesthouses, campsites, and small shops along the route, but they are unevenly distributed. Some stretches of the trail take you far from populated areas, so you need to plan your water and food supplies in advance.

Route history

The Lycian Way runs through the territory of ancient Lycia—a state that existed in the southwest of modern-day Turkey. Local roads once connected cities, ports, and mountain settlements.

Today, along the route, one can see the remains of ancient theaters, sarcophagi, rock-cut tombs, old stone roads, and city ruins. Among the most famous historical sites are Xanthos, Myra, Olympos, and Patara.

Not all attractions are located directly on the main trail; reaching some of them requires a detour or arranging separate transport.

What to see on the Lycian Way

Ölüdeniz and the Blue Lagoon

Ölüdeniz is one of the most famous resorts at the western end of the trail. Its main attraction is the Blue Lagoon, featuring turquoise waters and a long beach.

It is a convenient place to spend the day before the hike or to rest after completing the first section.

Xanthos

Xanthos was one of the important cities of ancient Lycia. Ruins of a theater, tombs, and other ancient structures have been preserved there.

It is best to set aside specific time for sightseeing, rather than rushing through the sites while traveling between locations.

Mira

Myra is known for its rock-cut tombs and ancient theater. The city is located near modern-day Demre.

It is one of the most interesting historical stops on the eastern part of the route.

Patara

Patara combines ancient ruins with a long sandy beach. Here, you can explore the remains of the ancient city and then relax by the sea. It is also home to the reconstructed lighthouse of Julius Caesar (or Nero)—the oldest in the world.

Olympos and Cirali

Olympos is situated amidst the forest, not far from the coast. Nearby lies Çıralı, a resort village that makes for a convenient stop to take a break, restock supplies, or spend the night.

Also close by is the Chimaera—a section of the hillside where natural gas escapes to the surface and burns directly from the rocks. The Chimaera flames (Yanartaş) have been burning continuously for over 2,500 years.

Saklıkent Canyon

Saklıkent is a deep canyon near Fethiye. It is often included in trips along the Lycian Way, although it is not a mandatory part of the main route.

There may be water in the canyon, so you need footwear that you don’t mind getting wet. Access to certain sections may be restricted after heavy rains.

When to hike the Lycian Way

The best months for hiking are April, May, September, and October.

In spring, the coast is already warm, though snow may still linger in the mountains—particularly in early March and at higher elevations. In July and August, temperatures often reach 40°C, and there is almost no shade on the arid plateaus. During this time, daytime treks become grueling and require a very early start.

Autumn temperatures are generally more comfortable, though daylight hours are shorter. For long hikes, it is best to set out early to avoid finishing the route in the dark.

Water is the main issue of the route.

On the Lycian Way, you cannot rely on water sources the way you can in the Carpathians. On many sections—especially the arid Teke Plateau—water sources are scarce or may dry up.

Before setting out, you need to check:

where the next water source is located;
whether it has water during the current season;
whether it is possible to get water in the village;
how many liters will be needed for the hot weather;
whether it is possible to replenish supplies at a guesthouse or shop.

You shouldn’t rely solely on markers from old tracks. A spring that was full-flowing in the spring might turn out to be dry in September.

Labeling and navigation

The Lycian Way features standard red-and-white GR trail markers. You will see painted markings on rocks, trees, and walls, though they are not present at every turn.

For navigation, it is convenient to download the route in advance using Maps.me, Wikiloc, or another offline map app. Since mobile service may not always be available, it is best to save the track before setting out.

In some sections, the trail passes through villages, olive groves, and along dirt roads. It is easy to take a wrong turn here, especially if the markers have faded or are obscured by vegetation.

What footwear to bring

The Lycian Way is not a continuous path with soft ground. The route features plenty of sharp limestone rocks, loose scree slopes, and uneven descents.

Standard city sneakers would quickly wear out, and your feet would slip on the rocks. For the hike, it is best to bring trekking footwear with stiff soles and good traction.

You will also need:

headwear;
sunscreen;
lightweight long-sleeved shirt;
water supply;
electrolytes or salty snacks;
headlamp;
first aid kit;
portable charger;
offline map.

How to organize a hiking trip

The simplest option is to choose a single section of the trail for a 3–5 day trip and plan your overnight stops in advance. You can hike part of the route with a tent and spend other nights in village guesthouses. For those who prefer not to carry camping gear, it is possible to hike the Lycian Way without a tent by staying in hotels or guesthouses along the way.

If you run out of energy or the weather turns bad, you can often exit the trail via a nearby village and catch a dolmuş (minibus) to a resort town. However, you should check this beforehand, as transport does not run around the clock and is not available on every road.

The Lycian Way is well-suited for independent travel, provided you pay proper attention to navigation, water supplies, and weather conditions. Here, it is more important to plan your daily mileage sensibly than to chase after the maximum number of kilometers.