Trip's description
Lycian Way (tur. Likya Yolu)
Likya Yolu is a special route in many ways. First of all, it is the first long-distance hiking trail in Turkey. It was open in 1999, and the mother-founder was Englishwoman Kate Clow, naturalized in Turkey, who came to this country ten years earlier on business matters and finally devoted herself entirely to the development of trekking in this beautiful corner of the world. And here we come to the key word - beautiful!
Located on the Teke Peninsula and winding for 500 kilometers along its coast, the Lycian Way is a great combination of gentle mountains with the wonderful blue of the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea, called by the Turks the White Sea (as opposed to the Black Sea in the north). During this journey, we will cover the most picturesque 180 kilometers of this route, with unparalleled views from the peaks, picturesque villages and settlements passed along the way, numerous remains of ancient Greece, and finally typically Mediterranean flora and fauna, such as pomegranates or turtles. Meetings with locals and other walkers will undoubtedly add colour to the whole walk, and with a bit of luck we will also be able to visit Kate Clow herself!
Although it is rightly said that the weather is the least predictable factor, it is worth knowing that in these areas the average number of sunny days a year is around three hundred, and yet the locals know precipitation mainly in winter in the form of snow, which is then an inseparable element of every mountainous area. Therefore in June, this means excellent conditions for overnight stays in tent, and even under the stars, which can be an unforgettable experience. Let's not forget about refreshing baths in the sea. If this sounds tempting to you - let me know by e-mail, via Facebook or by phone.
Dates: 14-28 June 2023
Number of hikers: up to 8 people
Schedule
Stage 1 (western part):
Fethiye – Patara beach (~65 km)
Significant points: abandoned Greek village of Kayaköy, Butterfly Valley, Kabak Beach, ruins of a Greek garrison Pydnai.
Day 1: Fethiye – Ölüdeniz
Approximate length and time of walking: 15 km, 5-6 hours
The first day is the start of the popular seaside town of Fethiye and a very pleasant walk through the forest sheltering from the sun. About halfway through the section, the route will lead us through the ruins of the Greek village of Kayaköy, abandoned in 1923 under the provisions of the Lausanne Treaty. Overnight stay is in the wild in the forest just before Ölüdeniz.
Day 2: Ölüdeniz – Kabak Beach
Approximate length and time of walking: 19 km, 8 hours
Today we will move along the slopes of the coastal mountains with numerous spectacular views. In the initial phase, we will traverse the Babadağ peak measuring 1969 meters high, which offers a paragliding base. In addition, we will pass through several small settlements and the upper outskirts of the Butterfly Valley. The final of this section will be the beach in Kabak, charmingly hidden in a small bay, where after a whole day of walking we will be able to take a refreshing bath in the sea. Overnight stay will be at a campsite located nearby.
Day 3: Kabak Beach – Sidyma
Approximate length and time of walking: 13 km, 7 hours
The first part of this section is an almost continuous eye contact with the sea, which makes it one of the most beautiful parts of the entire Likya Yolu trail. In the next phase, we will have to go a bit deeper into the interior, and finally, after overcoming the final strenuous ascent (nearly 300 meters of elevation gain), we will reach Sidyma, near which we can admire the ancient Lycian tombs. Overnight in the wild in the vicinity of the village or in private accommodation.
Day 4: Sidyma – Patara Beach west
Approximate length and time of walking: 18 km, 8 hours
An interesting and varying part. First, we will approach a flat area intensively sown with beehives, and then go down a little to the village of Bel. From here starts the next ascent, at the culminating point of which we regain the view of the sea. The descent is quite steep at times, but without technical difficulties. Just before reaching the Patara beach area, we pass through the ruins of the Greek garrison of Pydnai. Accommodation among small trees near the beach.
Stage 2 (south-western part):
Akbel – Kalkan (~35 km)
Significant points: Roman aqueduct Delikkemer, Greek ruins in Patara, Patara Beach.
Day 5: Akbel – Patara Beach east
Approximate length and time of walking: 16 km, 5-6 hours
We skip the not-so-fascinating coastal plain, sown with foils and greenhouses, on our way to Akbel. From here we start a 3-day loop leading to the eastern outskirts of Patara Beach, which will be our today's destination. On the way, we pass the well-preserved Delikkemer aqueduct, which is an eye-witness proof of the architectural genius of the ancient Romans. Overnight stay by the beach.
Day 6: Patara Beach east – Delikkemer aqueduct
Approximate length and time of walking: 14 km, 5 hours
Today we start our return towards Kalkan, but for a change this time we will be walking on the slopes from the seaside. We reach the aqueduct already known to us from yesterday, where we will stay for the night.
Day 7: Delikkemer aqueduct – Kalkan
Approximate length and time of walking: 6,5 km, 3-4 hours
The last phase of the march to Kalkan may not be the longest, but quite demanding due to the rough terrain dominated by stones and dense, typically Mediterranean, prickly bushes. After reaching Kalkan, we will have a bit of relaxation, then we catch a bus to the east, where tomorrow we will start the final phase of the trip. We camp in the trees in Corsairs Bay.
Stage 3 (eastern part):
Karaöz – Kemer (~80 km)
Significant points: Gelidonya Feneri lighthouse, Greek ruins of Olympos, eternal flames on the slopes of the Chimaera mountain, Tahtalı mountain (Olympos) [2365 metres].
Day 8: Karaöz – a forest before Adrasan
Approximate length and time of walking: 18 km, 7 hours
This episode is one of the most iconic on Likya Yolu. First of all, because in the early phase of the walk we will reach the characteristic Gelidonya Feneri lighthouse, from which there are spectacular views of the so-called Five Islands, which, together with pirates lurking in Corsairs Bay, effectively made life difficult for traders heading towards Finike and further towns on the coast. In turn, the section stretching from the lighthouse to the north is one of the wildest on the entire route. Dense forest, no signs of civilization and no water make it a challenge.
Day 9: A forest before Adrasan – Çıralı
Approximate length and time of walking: 18 km, 7 hours
In the morning we will cross Adrasan, which is actually one long beach. Public showers are available here. Then we will have to climb to a height of 700 meters, and then return this trophy by descending to Çıralı. We enter the town through the ruins of Olympos. Overnight will be at one of the campsites in the town.
Day 10: Çıralı – a forest before Beycik
Approximate length and time of walking: 15 km, 6 hours
The main attraction of this day awaits us at the beginning, and it is the so-called eternal flames burning on the slopes of Chimaera Peak. This phenomenon, of course, takes place as a result of the presence of natural gases in this place. In the further part, the march will take place mainly in pleasant shade with moderate elevation gains. We will camp in the forest, a bit before the village of Beycik, from where we will start our charge on Tahtalı Peak tomorrow.
Day 11: A forest before Beycik – Tahtalı Dağı slopes [2365 metres]
Approximate length and time of walking: 13 km, 6 hours
Due to the fact of conquering the Tahtalı peak, this will be the most physically demanding section of the trip. After reaching the top in peace and quiet, a collision with a different reality awaits us. Because a cable car gets to here, it is a place that is visited quite often, but also offers beautiful views in all directions. We will use this cable car to transport ourselves to the lower parts near the peaks, where we will set up a camp in the forest.
Day 12: Tahtalı Dağı slopes – Kemer
Approximate length and time of walking: 14 km, 4-5 hours
The last day of the walk is a simple descent to the coastal town of Kemer. From here we will return by bus to Antalya.
If you feel like facing Turkey's first ever long-distance trail - let us know via phone, email (contact details top-right), contact form or by sending us a Facebook message (icon at the bottom of the website).
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Trekking tours in Turkey
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