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Lycian Way

The Lycian Way: A Legendary Route Where History and Nature Intertwine

Stretching from Fethiye to Antalya and located within the borders of Lycia, historically known as the "Land of Light", the Lycian Way is considered one of the world's top 10 long-distance hiking routes.

As Turkey's first long-distance hiking trail, the Lycian Way was researched, waymarked, and brought to tourism in 1999 by Kate Clow, a British-born Turkish citizen. This unique trail, approximately 540 kilometers long, brings the traces of the ancient Lycian civilization on the Teke Peninsula to the present day. Along the route, hikers embark on a virtual time travel, passing through untouched coves, steep mountain slopes, pine and cedar forests, and countless ancient cities.

Features of the Route and the Waymarking System

The Lycian Way is marked with red and white stripes in accordance with the international "Grande Randonnée" (Great Trek) standards. These marks, painted on natural stones and tree trunks at regular intervals, ensure that hikers can proceed safely without straying from the route. Yellow directional signs are placed at junctions. The trail consists of various stages, including beginner, intermediate, and difficult levels. While passing through sea-level beaches in some areas, the altitude rises to 1,800 meters in other sections, crossing challenging peaks such as Mount Tahtalı (Olympos).

Important Ancient Cities and the Place of Finike

Many ancient cities that are on or nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage List, such as Patara, Xanthos, Letoon, Myra, Olympos, and Phaselis, are on the route of the Lycian Way. Finike (Phoinikos) is one of the most important resting and resupply points of this long and fascinating route. Hikers coming via Demre (Myra) pass through the plains of Finike adorned with orange groves and continue their journey towards the Gelidonya Lighthouse, Adrasan, and Olympos. Ancient cities such as Arykanda and Limyra within the borders of Finike also add cultural richness to the route.

The Best Time to Hike

The most ideal periods to hike on the trail, which bears the characteristic features of the Mediterranean climate, are the Spring (late February - May) and Autumn (September - November) months. While high temperatures and decreasing water sources make hiking difficult in the summer, snowfall and severe storms can be seen in the high-altitude stages during the winter. In the spring, you can witness the awakening of nature and have the opportunity to swim in turquoise waters accompanied by snowy mountain landscapes.

Quick Tips for Hikers:

  • Be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and high-quality sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Choose a waterproof hiking boot with a stiff sole that supports the ankle.
  • Always carry enough water with you, as it can be difficult to find water sources at some points along the route.
  • Make sure to stay on the route by using offline map applications and GPS devices.
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