The Lycian Way is a waymarked long-distance trail of more than 500 km between Fethiye and Antalya, following old paths, mule tracks and Roman roads along the coast and through the mountains of ancient Lycia. You do not need weeks to enjoy it: many of its finest stages lie within easy reach of Antalya and make excellent day walks or short hiking holidays.
When to hike: spring and autumn
| Season | Conditions | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| March - May | Mild days, green hills, wild flowers, springs full of water | The best season |
| June - August | Very hot, little shade on many stages, dry springs | Only early mornings or short walks |
| September - November | Warm sea, stable weather, cooler from late October | The second best season |
| December - February | Mild on the coast, rain spells, snow on the high passes | Possible on low coastal stages |
Stages near Antalya
- Göynük - Kemer area: forest paths and canyon views close to the Kemer resorts.
- Çıralı and Olympos: a coastal stage between the ruins of Olympos and the eternal flames of the Chimaera.
- Adrasan - Olympos: one of the most dramatic sections, with cliffs, coves and long views over the sea.
- Around Kaş: coastal paths with Lycian tombs, small bays and the Greek island of Meis offshore.
- Phaselis: shorter walks around the ancient city and its three harbours, ideal for a first taste.
Planning your walk
The trail is waymarked in red and white, but some sections are rough, rocky and steep, and signage can be patchy. Use a good map or a GPS track, walk in pairs where possible and tell someone your route. Many stages have no shops or water between villages, so start early and carry more water than you think you need.
What to pack
- Hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes - the limestone is sharp and loose in places.
- At least two litres of water per person, plus snacks.
- Sun hat, sunscreen and a light long-sleeved layer, even in spring.
- A windproof or rain jacket for mountain sections and changeable spring weather.
- A small first-aid kit and a charged phone with an offline map.
Getting to and from the trail
Most stages begin and end in villages that are hard to reach by public transport, and a one-way walk means you finish somewhere other than where you started. A private transfer takes you from Antalya Airport or your hotel to the start of your stage and can collect you at the end. The price is fixed per vehicle, so it works well for groups of walkers; tell us your start and end points, the date and the number of people and we will quote it in advance.