The Lycian Way offers visitors much more than a walking route with the endless blue of the Mediterranean, ancient cities that shed light on history, and natural, historical and cultural beauties.
Starting from Muğla's Fethiye district Hisarönü (Ovacık) location and covering nearly thirty different tracks, the route ends in Geyikbayırı Village of Antalya's Konyaaltı district, as a result of the 535-kilometre path.
The walking route, which was created by marking and mapping the paths on the Teke Peninsula, known as Lycia in history, witnessing the countless beauties of the Mediterranean, is counted among the top 10 long-distance hiking routes globally. The road, started in 1992 and opened in 1999 by the British-born Turkish citizen amateur historian and writer Kate Clow, can be walked in 25 to 40 days, depending on the performance. Experts recommend walking between January - May or September - November due to ideal climatic conditions.
The maintenance of the track, which is wholly marked with the Grande Randonnee system and guides the walkers with yellow signposts, is carried out by sponsoring organizations and volunteers. There are accommodation facilities in the settlements on the track.
The walking route, as well as more than twenty ancient cities, is 12 km. Patara Beach, one of the longest natural beaches in the world, Kalkan, Kaş, Kekova, Demre, Finike, Korsan Bay, Gelidonya Lighthouse, chosen as the most beautiful lighthouse in Turkey, Adrasan Bay, Musa (Olympos) Mountain, Çıralı Beach, Europe and Turkey. Tahtalı Mountain, the highest peak on the coast, stretches along the Mediterranean coastline, passing through countless natural beauties such as Tekirova and Göynük Canyon.
The route also includes the ancient cities of Kalabantia, Sidyma, Pydnai, Letoon, Xanthos, Patara, Phellos, Antiphellos, Sebada, Apllania, Aperlai, Teimussa, Simena, Sura, Andriake, Myra, Belos, Gagai, Melanippe, Olympos, Chimera (Yanartaş), Phaselis. It also visits historical sites such as St Nicholas (Santa Claus) Church, Alakilise, Priest's Rock, Gedelme Castle, Delikkemer and aqueducts that take water to Xanthos. Work on improving and enlarging the road continues regularly, especially for new routes passing through villages.
Offering an unforgettable adventure in the heart of nature, this unique experience, which is full of challenges and enjoyable, adorns the dreams of thousands of adventurers.
