The Lycian Way (Likya Yolu) is a 540 km trail through the ancient region of Lycia, from Fethiye to Antalya along the Mediterranean’s Turquoise Coast. It follows in the footsteps of the Lycians, who left rock tombs, theatres and whole cities along this shore, and it is often listed among the ten best long-distance walks in the world.
What is the Lycian Way?
The trail winds between coastal villages, the ruins of Lycian cities, unspoilt beaches, pine forests and mountains that plunge into the sea. Walking all of it takes around 29 days, but you don’t need to: choose a section of one to five days to suit your fitness and the time you have, or walk some of the finest stretches as day hikes.
The best sections for beginners
- Ölüdeniz → Faralya (1 day): breathtaking views over the Blue Lagoon and a finish high above Butterfly Valley. The steep path down into the valley has been closed for safety reasons, so plan to see it by boat from Ölüdeniz.
- Kaş → Kekova (2 days): Lycian ruins half swallowed by the sea, kayaking over the sunken city and fishing villages that still feel genuinely local.
- Olympos → Çıralı (1 day): the ruins of Olympos, once a pirate stronghold, the wild beach at Çıralı and the eternal flames of the Chimaera (Yanartaş).
Lycian cities you shouldn’t miss
Xanthos and Letoon (a UNESCO World Heritage Site): the capital of ancient Lycia and its great sanctuary. Patara: the leading city of the Lycian League, a federation of Lycian cities often cited as an early model of representative democracy; you can still see its restored assembly hall (bouleuterion). Beside the ruins lies a beach of about 18 km, often called the longest in Türkiye and a nesting ground for loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). Myra (today’s Demre): spectacular Lycian rock-cut tombs and the Church of St Nicholas, the original Santa Claus.
Highlights of the Turquoise Coast
- Fethiye: the perfect base for exploring the coast, with Lycian tombs carved into the cliffs above the town, the ghost village of Kayaköy (abandoned in 1923) and a huge weekly market on Tuesdays.
- Ölüdeniz: the “Blue Lagoon”, one of the most photographed beaches in the world, with crystal-clear water sheltered by a sand spit. It is also where the paragliders from Mount Babadağ land.
- Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi): a valley with no road in, reached by boat. A waterfall, cliffs some 350 metres high and, in summer, thousands of Jersey tiger moths, the “butterflies” that give it its name.
- Kaş: a charming, bohemian town of cobbled lanes, with an ancient theatre looking out to sea. It faces the Greek island of Meis (Kastellorizo), just across the water.
Things to do on the Turquoise Coast
- Paragliding at Ölüdeniz: a tandem flight from Mount Babadağ (1,969 m), landing on the beach. One of the great experiences in Türkiye, and even the most nervous first-timers rarely regret it.
- Kayaking at Kekova: paddle over a sunken ancient city and see its remains beneath the clear water.
- Diving at Kaş: the best diving on the Turkish coast, with clear water and dive sites for beginners and experienced divers alike.
How to explore the coast
The most authentic way is on a gulet, the traditional Turkish wooden sailing boat. Cruises last three to seven days: you sail from cove to cove, drop anchor off Lycian ruins and dine under the stars. Four-day cruises between Fethiye and Olympos are especially popular. The alternative is a hire car along the D-400 coastal road, one of the most scenic drives in Türkiye.
Best time to go
April to June and September to November are ideal for walking. July and August are perfect for the beach but too hot for hiking.
I can design a tailor-made trip along the Turquoise Coast that combines trekking, beaches, ruins and time on the water.
Further reading
- Fethiye and Ölüdeniz: what to see, when to go and my tours
- Kaş: diving, Kekova and the Lycian coast
- Antalya: what to see and my tours
- The Turquoise Coast in 10 days: a private guided tour
- Kekova: the sunken city by boat
- The Church of St Nicholas in Demre and the ruins of Myra
- Plan your tailor-made trip