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Lycian Way Map and Sections
The Lycian Way runs along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast from Fethiye to Antalya, through the ancient land of Lycia. It was waymarked in 1999 by Kate Clow and is the oldest of Turkey’s Culture Routes. The original route is about 540 km; newer inland extensions bring the full way-marked network to around 760 km.
Few people walk it all in one go. Most choose one section and walk it in a week, with luggage carried between villages. Below is the route from west to east, with what makes each part special and the tours that walk it.
West: Fethiye, Ölüdeniz and Butterfly Valley
Our tours start with a walk from the ghost town of Kayaköy down to the lagoon of Ölüdeniz. The official start of the Lycian Way is at Ovacık, just above Ölüdeniz. From there the path climbs around the slopes of Mt Babadağ to the cliff-top village of Faralya above Butterfly Valley, and drops to Kabak. This is the most dramatic and steepest part of the coast.
Highlights: Kayaköy, Ölüdeniz lagoon, Butterfly Valley, Kabak beach.
West: Alınca, Gey and Sidyma to Patara
From Kabak the path climbs to Alınca, with one of the finest views on the whole route over Yediburunlar, the Seven Capes. It continues through the remote village of Gey to the ancient city of Sidyma, still lived in today. From Sidyma we transfer you by road to Patara, the capital of ancient Lycia, beside a 16 km beach. Here you walk the Roman aqueduct trail from Delikkemer back to Patara.
Highlights: Alınca viewpoint, Sidyma, Delikkemer Roman aqueduct, Patara ruins and beach.
Walk it with us: West Lycian Way self-guided, 8 days, from 684€ · Guided group tour, 8 days, from 895€
Middle: Kalkan, Kaş and Kekova
East of Patara the route passes Kalkan and Kaş, our home town. Beyond Kaş it follows the coast to Kekova, with the sunken city, the castle of Simena and the rock tombs of Myra near Demre.
Highlights: Kaş, Simena castle, Kekova, Myra and the Church of St Nicholas in Demre.
East: Gelidonya Lighthouse, Adrasan and Olympos
The eastern coast is gentler, with longer walks closer to the sea and more chances to swim. The path rounds Cape Gelidonya and its lighthouse, crosses to Adrasan, then climbs over Mt Moses (Musa Dağ) to Olympos and Çıralı. Above Çıralı are the eternal flames of the Chimaera.
Highlights: Gelidonya Lighthouse, Adrasan bay, Olympos ancient city, the Chimaera flames.
East: Tekirova to Antalya
The final stretch passes untouched bays and old chrome mines to Tekirova and Phaselis, under the peak of Mt Olympos (Tahtalı). The route ends in the hills above Antalya.
Walk it with us: East Lycian Way self-guided, 8 days, from 765€
Waymarking
The route is marked with red and white paint stripes and yellow signposts at junctions. Our self-guided clients also get detailed route notes and GPS points for every day.
More about the Lycian Way: Best time to hike · How difficult is it? · Lycian Way FAQ