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That Turkey is so much more than an all-inclusive vacation destination, as the Lycian Way proves. This long-distance hike between Fethiye and Antalya is one full of surprises. You will be immersed in ancient Lycian culture and natural beauty on the Lycian Way. The colorful flora and authentic Lycian mountain villages will keep you from getting bored. And a plus of hiking over steep hills and along rugged coastal cliffs: the vantage points with unparalleled views of the sea!
The Lycian Way in Turkey
The Lycian Way is also known as the Lycian Way and is a long-distance hiking trail of over 500 kilometers. The hike is considered one of the world's top 10 long distance hikes. It is therefore a true hiking spectacle! You tread in ancient footsteps and discover the real authentic Turkey. You walk past ruins and impressive tombs from times long gone. But you will also regularly encounter local shepherds in the cozy mountain villages and you will be invited for a cup of tea.
How to reach the Lycian Way in Turkey?
To get to the Lycia region, you can fly to two different airports: Antalya Airport (AYT) and Dalaman Airport (DLM). Antalya Airport is located east of the Lycian Way and Dalaman Airport is located west. To Antalya, direct flights depart daily from Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Eindhoven. Then keep in mind about 4-5 hours of flight time. If you choose to land at Dalaman, then you have a transfer at Istanbul airport.
The rich history of the Lycian Way: the most beautiful ancient towns and villages
A walk along that Lycian Way takes you through Mediterranean history. In Greek and Roman times, Lycia was one of the richest and most populous areas of Turkey. In the centuries before Christ, it was the home of the prosperous Lycians, a Greek-speaking community with a rich culture. Now Lycia is mainly an unspoiled mountain area with untouched nature, in which the Lycians clearly left their mark. You can see here imposing rock tombs carved into the steep cliffs, ruins of villages and temples and theaters of which surprisingly much is still preserved. The area reflects hundreds of kilometers of historical heritage. You feel like you are literally walking into another century here, following in the footsteps of the Lycians: the Lycian Way!
Kayaköy
One of the first villages you encounter on the Lycian Way is Kayaköy. This village is also called a ghost town, making it one of the highlights along the Lycian Way. Indeed, after the Greeks left Kayaköy in 1,900, it was completely abandoned. Kayaköy reflects the rich past of the region. The beautiful remains on the hill were once a fertile village. Today, it is mainly a beautiful piece of nature on the route to Ölüdeniz, where one impressive ruin after another looms up during the hike.
Patara
Another highlight on the Lycian Way is Patara. This is not just any old city in Lycia. It is, in fact, the birthplace of St. Nicholas. Patara had a lot of prestige in ancient times as an important port. This is reflected in the special monuments in Patara, such as the theater and the temple. Inside the city walls you can spot remains of sculptures, altars, ancient roads and pedestals. Outside the city you can still see many sarcophagi.
Myra
The most impressive place on the Lycian Way, if you ask us, is Myra. Here you admire gigantic carved stone tombs in the rocks. The most important is the tomb of St. Nicholas. Want to know more about Myra? You can read more about it in our article on the city of St. Nicholas.
Sidyma/ Dodurga
The old city Sidyma has merged with the modern-day village of Dodurga. The village was built among the remains of the city. Creatively, pillars and other old pieces for the villagers' houses and other structures have been reused here, amid the remaining ruins of the archaeological site Sidyma.
The beautiful nature on the Lycian Way
During a vacation on the Lycian coast, nature lovers can indulge themselves. On the Lycian Way you actually encounter everything. Rugged mountains, gigantic cliffs, shady forests and of course the wonderful sandy beaches and azure sea. The untouched landscape of the Lycian Way is stunning. The region is also famed for its rich biodiversity.
Combining the Lycian Way with a beach vacation: where to stay?
The Lycian Way can be very well combined with a fine beach vacation. Because the Lycian Way extends over the area between Fethiye and Antalya, there are many resorts on the Turkish Riviera where you can stay.
Antalya
Antalya is one of the most popular coastal towns in Turkey and is also very touristy because of this. The range of hotels, stores and restaurants here is enormous. The advantage of staying in Antalya is that there are daily direct flights to Antalya airport from the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. However, you are at the end of the Lycian Way in Antalya, so this destination is especially attractive if you are looking for a beach vacation and want to take a day trip to sample the Lycian Way, for example. For example, you can take a day tour from Antalya to Demre, Myra and Kekova: some of the most beautiful highlights of the Lycian Way.
Fethiye and Ölüdeniz
Fethiye is more authentic than Antalya. This fine seaside resort is tucked away in a large bay on the Lycian coast. You will find plenty of cozy terraces, restaurants and beautiful boutique hotels. Fethiye is located at the beginning of the Lycian Way, near the resort of Ölüdeniz, about 8 kilometers away. Both Fethiye and Ölüdeniz are ideal places to stay the first night(s) if you want to hike part of the Lycian Way with a backpack and visit other accommodations along the way. It is recommended that you fly into Dalaman, though.
We stayed in Fethiye at the beautiful bohemian boutique hotel Yacht Bohome Hotel. A beautiful design hotel, centrally located in the city.
Smaller coastal towns along the way
Along the Lycian Way you will come across many picturesque villages and peaceful seaside resorts. Highly recommended are the villages of Kaş, Kalkan and Fenike. You will enjoy the lovely calm Mediterranean atmosphere in these whitewashed coastal towns surrounded by the nature of the Lycian Way.
Want to experience a truly authentic village? Kaleüçağız is a hidden gem you must visit then. The idyllic harbor town exudes one and all peace and tranquility. This is also the ideal base to take a day trip to the uninhabited island Kekova.
The best accommodations around the Lycian Way in Turkey
How challenging and adventurous is the Lycian Way?
If you ask us, hiking the Lycian Way is adventurous, but doable. You walk on fine footpaths as well as rugged and steep mountain terrain with forested slopes. We would recommend not going in high season, though. We went in the month of April and found this to be a pleasant month in terms of heat. The highest point of the Lycian Way is at 2,300 meters. This is at Tahtalı Dağı. So in terms of altimeters it can be quite tough. Descending is also quite an adventure, but once down, the view over the coastline makes up for everything. What a sea, what rocks and what beautiful views!
Customized trip to the Lycian Way
Would you like to discover the Lycian Way, one of the most beautiful long-distance hikes in the world? Let us put together your dream trip, completely customized. During this unique round trip you will hike through the heart of ancient Lycian culture, along rugged coastal cliffs and through charming mountain villages. We provide the flights, comfortable accommodations, transportation to and from the hiking trails, and helpful tips for the most beautiful stages.
Naomi van Hagen
Curious, creative and passionate about travel, I’m always on the lookout for unique destinations where culture, gastronomy and adventure come together. As a travel blogger, I share personal stories and insider tips from countries like Brazil, Greece, Indonesia, Thailand and Peru, from hidden gems and rich traditions to unforgettable culinary experiences. My blogs are based on real travel experiences and in-depth local knowledge. Ready to plan your own adventure? As a personal travel consultant, I’ll help you create a tailor-made trip that perfectly suits your travel dreams.
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