Hiking the Lycian Way — A Unique Journey into the Heart of Turkey
Among the majestic Taurus Mountains, along the Mediterranean coast, one of the most legendary routes stretches for hundreds of kilometers – the Lycian Way, or as it is called in Turkey itself – Likya Yolu. The nature here is incredibly picturesque – it is not for nothing that The Sunday Times newspaper placed this hiking route in the top ten in the world. Trekking in this region includes climbing to mountain peaks, diving into deep canyons, passing through wild coves and lost cities, and enjoying the beautiful breeze.
At the same time, the Lycian Peninsula has a long and very eclectic history, due to which it attracts the attention of a wide variety of tourists – both lovers of active recreation and connoisseurs of attractions. Throughout history, these places were part of the Roman Empire, Persia, Byzantium, the Macedonian Empire. Each conquest left its mark on the culture and life of the region, but left its nature almost untouched. Going on a hiking the Lycian Way, you will get a huge number of impressions. Moreover, you can order such a tour with professional guides at ExtremeGuide.
Features of the Lycian Way route
Compared to the simplest routes, which do not require even minimal preparation, hiking along the Lycian Way is a little more difficult. Here tourists can expect numerous and rather long climbs and descents. At the same time, the Lycian Way tour eliminates problems with oxygen, passing dangerous glaciers and other attributes of classic mountaineering – only pleasant fatigue from trekking along the Lycian Way with a backpack on your back. This type of active recreation is suitable for both experienced travelers and novice tourists.
A separate shock will be the variety of panoramas that open up during each stop of the Lycian Way trek. A trip like this in Turkey is an opportunity to touch pristine nature without compromising your comfort. You will not have to drag huge supplies of provisions, water and other things with you. There are plenty of villages scattered along the Lycian Way, where you can always buy something.
Getting to know the western part of the Lycian trail
The most interesting is considered to be the track along the western part of the Lycian Way. An incredible density of ancient ruins and historical monuments, cozy rocky bays and almost deserted beaches, dense pine forests and beautiful fruit gardens – all this awaits tourists who choose this route.
The trek through western Lycia begins with the ancient city of Fethiye. Much of the historical sites here fell into ruins in the 1940s, but this did not stop Fethiye from becoming a first-class and rapidly developing resort. The city’s surroundings will delight you with sand dunes, a cozy promenade, several beautiful beaches, a legendary fish market and preserved artifacts.
Other unforgettable places you will visit during the Lycian trail hike include:
- Faralya Valley — spectacularly adjoining the cliffs above the azure sea, it takes tourists back in time. You can stroll along picturesque alleys, enjoy Turkish music coming from houses, see the abundance of untouched endemic plants, taste cheeses and olives.
- Kabak Beach is a hidden paradise with crystal clear water, lush pine forests, the songs of cicadas – all in the middle of the rocks. At the same time, there is a feeling that time has stopped – nature seems so pristine.
- Xanthos is an ancient city founded on the banks of the river of the same name, known today as the Eshen stream. During the ancient Lycian civilization, it was a religious and administrative center, where pilgrims and tourists flocked. The city still amazes with its historical and natural attractions.
- Demre is another legendary city that contains many secrets and mysteries. Every traveler can get the opportunity to solve them by examining the artifacts of the past: Lycian tombs and sarcophagi, the ruins of the famous Myra, an amphitheater.
- Kekova Islands — these places are deservedly called “the pearl of the Mediterranean”. After all, the route stretches through indescribably beautiful bays and coves. Tourists will also visit the village of Kalekoy, built among the ruins of the ancient city of Simena. And the main attraction is the sunken city of Kekova, located along the turquoise coast.
The list of natural and architectural treasures does not end there. Going on a tour along the western part of the Lycian Way, you can take a radial walk to the top of the fiery mountain Chimera, see the ancient cities of Olympos and Pydnai, and spend the night in tents on the seashore.
Hiking the Lycian Way — practical tips for travelers
Such hikes in Turkey are of medium and easy difficulty, so they do not require intensive preparation. It is enough to keep yourself in good shape – for this, you can take up running and cycling a few months before the trip. In this case, you can view the list of necessary equipment on the page of each individual program.
The mild climate in this region is worth mentioning separately – it is not for nothing that it is called the “Turkish Riviera”. Therefore, almost any season is suitable for hiking the Lycian Way. Although the most favorable conditions, of course, are from the end of February and March to June and from the beginning of September to the very last days of November. If you want to enjoy the warm sea and ripe fruits, then autumn will be the best time for the tour.
Hiking along the Lycian Way with the team of professional guides “Extremeguide”
The team of experienced guides ExtremeGuide has developed several options for hiking along the Lycian Way, including the opportunity to spend the New Year in one of the most picturesque places in Turkey, as well as trekking along the Lycian Way without backpacks. At the same time, each route involves maximum impressions and emotions. We have compiled programs in such a way that you can cover the entire spectrum of attractions and panoramas in just a few days. When you go on a trip with us, you will leave a lot of pleasant memories for life.