Embark on an unforgettable journey with the Hiking Turkey's Lycian Way tour, a thrilling 8-day adventure that starts in Kayakoy and concludes in Dalaman. This hiking and trekking experience will lead you through some of Turkey's most breathtaking landscapes, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration. The tour includes accommodation in hotels, expert guidance from your knowledgeable guide, meals, transportation, and more. Get ready to trek along the Lycian Way, immersing yourself in the stunning scenery and rich history of this captivating region.
Day 2: Ovacik to Faralya
On the second day, you have another opportunity for a short walk around Kayakoy before breakfast. Following breakfast, the hike commences from Ovacik village, perched on the hillside with views overlooking Oludeniz. The trail leads south, ascending the outflung shoulders of Baba Dagi (1989 m / 6524 feet). The journey offers splendid views back over Oludeniz, known for Turkey's most photographed beach.
Passing through pine forests and remote villages, the descent takes you to the village of Faralya, situated on a small plateau above the fjord-like Butterfly Valley, where steep limestone cliffs plunge into the sea. Accommodation for the night is in a family-run hotel graded as simple. While the rooms are modestly furnished, they provide comfort and cleanliness, each with a private bathroom (room sizes may vary). Montenegro Motel, where you'll be staying, cultivates much of its own produce and features a small seasonal swimming pool. The location offers a perfect spot for enjoying the sunset, overlooking the stunning Butterfly Valley and coastline.
The day's walk covers approximately 13 kilometers (8.1 miles) and is expected to take around 5 hours. The morning involves mostly uphill sections, but the gradient is never too severe, with an ascent of around 600 meters (1968 feet).
The third day of your trek begins with a gentle uphill start through pine forests, leading to farmland with open fields that gradually transform into breathtaking terraces offering views of distant villages and the sea beyond. The descent takes you toward the beach and village of Kabak. Skirting the higher slopes of the village, you'll follow an ancient path into a blind valley before ascending through pine forest to the small village of Alinca. Positioned high above the sea, a well-earned tea break may be enjoyed with the villagers before continuing.
In the afternoon, the trail passes high above the stunning bays of the coastline, leading toward the village of Gey, where you'll spend the night. Accommodation will be in single-sex en-suite rooms, accommodating up to six people, depending on the group's size. Gey, a typical rural Turkish village, offers wonderful food and hospitality, providing a warm welcome after a long day of walking.
The day's walk covers approximately 21 kilometers (13 miles) and is expected to take around 7 hours. There's an ascent of 850 meters (2788 feet), with a relatively steep section lasting about 1 hour and 30 minutes before lunch.
Departing from Gey, the Lycian Way unfolds through breathtaking coastal scenery, maintaining a high elevation until reaching Bel. The trail then ascends further through expansive plains and pine forests before a gradual descent to the ancient city of Sidyma (Dodurga Village). This historical site features well-preserved and unique tombs dating back to the Roman and Byzantine periods, with the village integrated into the site. A tea stop can be enjoyed at the house opposite the mosque.
Following the visit to Sidyma, a transfer (approximately 30 minutes) will take you to the village of Patara, where you'll spend the next two nights. The day's walk covers approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) and is expected to take around 5 hours. There's an ascent of 260 meters (853 feet) and a descent of 640 meters (2100 feet).
Today's trek traces the path of the aqueduct from Delikkemer to Patara. You'll hike across fertile rolling fields and through pine forests, relishing the stunning coastal views. The route leads to the southern end of Patara Beach, where you'll have the opportunity to swim and explore the extensive ruins of ancient Patara, known as the birthplace of Saint Nicholas.
The walk covers approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and is expected to take around 3 hours and 30 minutes, with an ascent of 400 meters (1312 feet). Additional time will be allocated for exploring the ruins and enjoying the beach
Today's trek takes a route across streams and through villages that seem almost untouched by modern life. As you ascend to the ridge of Mount Felen, you'll be treated to views of the higher mountains inland and the coast below, offering an unsurpassed panorama. After the climb, you'll descend by vehicle to Kas, known as one of the most beautiful ports on the Turkish Riviera. Kas features a dramatic backdrop of limestone cliffs, and you can enjoy its relaxed atmosphere with cafes and restaurants lining cobbled streets.
You'll be accommodated at the Club Phellos Hotel, ideally located a few minutes' walk uphill from the center of Kas. The hotel boasts an excellent outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers, a breakfast terrace with views to the sea, and Wi-Fi in public areas. Rooms are equipped with balconies and offer either a hillside or sea view, allocated on a run-of-house basis. All rooms feature simple decor, air conditioning, and an en suite bathroom with a toilet, shower, and hairdryer.
Today's walk covers approximately 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) and is expected to take around 5 hours and 30 minutes, with an ascent of 400 meters (1312 feet).
This morning we hike to the hamlet and ancient port of Aperlae and from there by boat to the castle-topped village of Simena, possibly one of the most beautiful settings on the Mediterranean. A tiny village accessible only on foot or by boat (it has no roads), its harbour is dotted with ancient sarcophagi (tombs), Roman baths and houses that cling to a hillside beneath a medieval castle. Hiking up to the castle we find within its walls a tiny ancient theatre (the smallest in Lycia, with a seating capacity for about 300 people). Carved from the solid rock it is a wonderful place to sit and soak up the beautiful surroundings and layers of history. En-route to Simena we visit the sunken city of Kekova by boat where you can enjoy a BBQ lunch on board. The results of various earthquakes, the partly submerged streets and buildings are visible in the crystal clear waters and there are visible mosaic pavements, terracotta amphorae, walls and staircases that once formed part of this remote island community. Then we return to Kas for our final evening. Today's 10 kilometre / 6.2 miles walk is expected to take around 3 hours with 100 metres / 328 feet of ascent.
Day 8: Departure
The hiking tour comes to an end, and today you'll be transferred to Dalaman Airport for your departure. There are two transfer options available:
1. **Morning Transfer:** Departure at 7 am to arrive at the airport by 9:45 am.
2. **Afternoon Transfer:** Departure at 4:30 pm to arrive at the airport around 7 pm.
Please note that the earliest your flight can depart is at 11:15 am or 9 pm.
This concludes your hiking adventure along Turkey's Lycian Way. Safe travels!
