Current as of: July 24, 2026 - 11:04
Hike Turkey’s Lycian Way Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group
- Destination: Turkey
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: TTH
Trip Overview
Join a local insider to hike handpicked sections of one of the world’s most beautiful coastal trails
The Lycian Way is regularly named among the world’s most beautiful coastal trails, tracing the mountains and coves of southwest Turkey. On this adventure, we’ve handpicked its most scenic sections, taking you along ancient paths above turquoise bays and through pine-clad hills. Walk Roman roads and mule tracks through olive groves, forests and coastal hills, while your local tour leader reveals the best viewpoints and brings the region’s history to life. There’s also time to visit the ghost town of Kayaköy, cruise above Kekova’s sunken ruins and visit the ever-burning Chimaera flames. It ends in the beach resort of Antalya, the perfect spot to unwind after a week of glorious hiking.
Is This Trip for You?
This trip has been rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Suitability: This trip is designed for active travellers who enjoy hiking and want to explore the Mediterranean Coast beyond the usual tourist routes. You’ll spend six days hiking, covering between 8km (5mi) and 18km (11mi) a day, with some long days of up to seven hours and ascents of up to 2,460ft (750m). Trails are generally well-defined but can be rocky, uneven and occasionally steep, so a good level of fitness and some previous hiking experience are recommended.
Terrain: We walk along marked trails, mule tracks and old Roman roads often stony underfoot. Some paths cross scree falls. Routes are occasionally steep, narrow trails that have rocky terrain. People who suffer with vertigo should avoid this trip.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Fethiye
- End City: Antalya
Land Only Itinerary
Begin the adventure in Fethiye
Begin your adventure in the harbour town of Fethiye, built on the site of ancient Telmessos and set between a sheltered bay and forested mountains. Offshore islands dot the Gulf of Fethiye, while the waterfront curves around a marina filled with sailing boats.
Our welcome briefing takes place tomorrow morning. We recommend arriving a day or two early, giving you time to enjoy the waterfront, visit the Lycian tombs or settle into the slower pace of the coast before the adventure begins. Alternatively, extend your time in Turkey by pairing this adventure with our Discover Istanbul trip on selected departures – check Dates & Prices to find the combinations that work together.
Want more time in Fethiye? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Accommodation: Güneş Hotel or Yeniceri City Hotel (or similar)
Step into the ghost town of Kayaköy • Hike to Faralya with views of Ölüdeniz lagoon
We have our welcome briefing this morning, when we meet our tour leader and gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
It’s our first day of hiking today, but first we visit the ghost town of Kayaköy, where roofless stone houses and churches cover the hillside. The predominantly Greek Orthodox settlement was abandoned following the population exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1923, and our tour leader helps us understand the human history behind the ruins rather than simply passing through them.
We then drive (30 minutes) to Ovacık and the official start of the Lycian Way. The trail climbs the western slopes of Babadağ through pine woodland, opening onto views across the blue waters of Ölüdeniz lagoon and the Mediterranean.
Continuing through small upland settlements, we cross the mountainside before descending to Faralya, on the plateau above Butterfly Valley.
This evening, your tour leader ensures a big Turkish welcome by arranging a group dinner.
Accommodation: Montenegro Motel (or similar)
Follow the coast to Kabak • Climb through Alınca to Gey
Leaving Faralya on foot, we climb through pine woodland with the Mediterranean appearing between the trees. The trail leads towards Kabak, a small coastal settlement reached through a steep-sided valley, before turning inland and ascending towards Alınca.
This is one of the more challenging stages, but our tour leader knows where to pause and where the terrain requires extra care. Near Alınca, we stop for tea at a viewpoint above the coast before continuing through the hills towards Gey.
Tonight, we stay in a traditional village house, where our host family will welcome us and serve a home-cooked dinner of traditional Turkish cuisine, including fresh vegetables, meat, salads, and other local dishes. It’s a warm and relaxing way to settle in after the longest walk of the trip.
Accommodation: Traditional village house (or similar)
Cross the rural Lycian Way • Continue to Kaş
Today’s trail replaces the higher mountain terrain with cultivated fields, olive groves and small agricultural settlements. We follow a rural section of the Lycian Way through Dodurga and towards Gavurağılı, with sections overlooking the Mediterranean and the coastal plain around Patara.
Along the way, our tour leader can provide context on farming and village life in this less-developed stretch of the route, while also guiding us through a mixture of tracks, paths and uneven ground.
After completing the walk, we transfer (1hr 20min) to Kaş for the night.
Accommodation: Kayahan Hotel or Kekova Hotel (or similar)
Trace the Roman-built Delikkemer Aqueduct • Uncover ancient Patara
Transfer (45 minutes) to Delikkemer, where our hike begins beside one of the Lycian coast’s most impressive pieces of Roman engineering, the Delikkemer Aqueduct. The water system carried fresh water towards Patara and included a rare, pressurised siphon constructed from precisely carved stone blocks.
Following the aqueduct, we hike towards ancient Patara. Once an important harbour and a leading city of the Lycian League, Patara contains the restored assembly building where representatives met to conduct civic business.
Our tour leader brings the scattered remains into focus as we visit the site, helping us picture the city when ships entered its now-silted harbour. We then return to Kaş.
Accommodation: Kayahan Hotel or Kekova Hotel (or similar)
Walk to ancient Aperlai • Cruise above the sunken ruins of Kekova
A transfer (45 minutes) takes us to the start of our hike. We descend towards Aperlai, an ancient Lycian port occupying both sides of a narrow peninsula.
Sarcophagi, building foundations and harbour remains provide clues to the settlement’s maritime past and its reported involvement in producing purple dye from marine snails.
Reaching the shore, we board a boat for lunch and a cruise among the sunken city ruins of Kekova. From the deck, we can see walls, steps and foundations partly submerged beside Kekova Island. Protected status means boats pass slowly through the archaeological zone and swimming is not permitted directly above the ruins.
We also pass Simena, now known as Kaleköy, before continuing by road (two hours) to Çıralı.
Accommodation: Kıyı Pansiyon (or similar)
Climb to the Chimaera flames • Continue to Antalya’s old town
Set out on foot from our accommodation towards the eternal flames of Chimaera. Here, natural gas escaping through the rock fuels clusters of small flames, a geological phenomenon associated in antiquity with the fire-breathing creature of Greek mythology.
The remains of a sanctuary dedicated to Hephaistos, god of fire and metalworking, stand nearby.
Our route continues uphill towards Ulupınar, reaching approximately 1,739ft (530m) before descending. With our tour leader setting a comfortable pace, we negotiate the rocky paths and pause to examine the flames and archaeological remains.
We finish with time for lunch at a local restaurant, then transfer (approximately 1hr 30min) to the old quarter of Antalya, Kaleiçi. Its lanes preserve architecture from several periods, while the Roman-era Hadrian’s Gate and old harbour reveal the city’s long Mediterranean history.
Accommodation: Classic beach hotel
Adventure ends in Antalya
You’ve walked the coastal slopes of the Lycian Way, followed an ancient aqueduct into Patara and cruised above the submerged remains of Kekova, but now it’s time to begin your return journey home.
Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options.
Accommodation
Enjoy Turkish hospitality
We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines.
Worth knowing
- Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.
- Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.
- Traditional village house: On night 3, rooms have private bathrooms and may accommodate between two and four people, depending on the group size.
Single supplement from USD 570
Food & Drink
Turkish cuisine is varied and flavoursome, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy fresh meze, grilled meats, seafood and vegetable-based dishes. A typical Turkish breakfast includes bread, cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumber, eggs, jams and tea. Vegetarian options are widely available, while vegan and gluten-free travellers can usually be accommodated with advance notice, although choices may be more limited in remote villages.
Weather & Seasonality
The Lycian Coast has a Mediterranean climate, making spring and autumn the ideal seasons for walking. Departures are timed to avoid the intense summer heat, when temperatures can regularly exceed 35°C.
March-May: Expect mild to warm temperatures, typically ranging from 15–28°C. Spring brings green landscapes, wildflowers and comfortable walking conditions, although occasional rain showers are possible, particularly in March.
September-November: Temperatures are generally between 18–32°C, with warm sea temperatures and plenty of sunshine. September can still feel hot on exposed trails, while October and November offer cooler conditions that are often ideal for walking.
As much of the route follows coastal and mountainous terrain, temperatures can vary throughout the day. Walkers should be prepared for strong sunshine, cooler mornings and evenings, and the possibility of rain, particularly in early spring and late autumn.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Hotel: Güneş Hotel or Yeniceri City Hotel
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time on Day 1. There is a welcome briefing on the morning of Day 2
Airport: Dalaman Airport (DLM)
Getting to the hotel
The start hotel is just over an hour’s drive from the airport. We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Catching your return flight
There’s one group transfer to the airport, which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Fethiye
Location end: Antalya
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Lightweight clothing
- Waterproofs
- Water bottle
- Boots with good ankle support
- Backpack for the walks
Optional Equipment
- Walking poles
Practical Info & Visa
Visa
Turkey
Travellers from the UK, US, Canada and most EU states normally do not need a visa to enter Turkey. Visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/turkey
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/turkiye
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Turkey.html
Vaccinations and Health
Turkey
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
The risk of malaria on this trip is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice.
Local Time
Turkey's time zone: Europe/Istanbul (UTC +03:00)
Electricity
Turkey's electricity:
Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Turkey's currency: Turkish lira (TRY)
ATM Availability
Turkey has a good network of cash machines in built-up areas, which can be used to get advances in Turkish lira. It is best to bring some cash to exchange and to use ATMs. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in shops for larger purchases.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
You should allow 250-500 lira for each dinner not included. Local Turkish restaurants can be cheap and very good; tourist restaurants are good but more expensive. Please allow extra for drinks.
Tipping
If you would like to leave a tip, we suggest you budget the equivalent of around £60/US$80. This, of course, is in no way compulsory and depends on the service received.
This could be broken down as follows:
- Tour leader: £40/US$53
- Driver: £20/US$27
As the lira’s exchange rate can fluctuate, we have provided the amounts in pounds sterling and US dollars. However, tips are best given in lira.
Sustainability and Impact
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Important Information
Your Safe Participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
Travel Safety
For additional information please have a look at the travel safety advice page on our website.
This trip goes near an area deemed unsafe to visit by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whose advice we follow when operating our trips. While our itinerary doesn’t go to these areas, you should familiarise yourself with your local government’s advice if you are planning any pre- or post-trip travel. Any independent travel to areas currently against your local government advice is entirely at your own risk and unlikely to be covered by your travel insurance.
How To Book
Speak to our friendly team of experts to plan your adventure:
- Check availability: our website shows real-time availability of our guided group tours, or contact our team by phone, email or live chat.
- Hold a space: You can provisionally hold a space on any guided group tour to give you time to finalise your travel plans.
- Confirm your booking: Payment of a deposit will complete your booking and secure your place on the trip.
After booking
You will receive a confirmation document and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements. Our dedicated Customer Operations team will help you with any pre-travel questions or arrangements and can easily add extensions or extra accommodation to your booking. Final Joining Instructions will usually be sent out two to three weeks prior to departure.
Adding transfers to your booking
If you have arranged your own flights and would like to add transfers to your booking, please provide your arrival and departure details to our Customer Operations team around four to six weeks before departure.
- Where complimentary transfers are included, they are available for any flight but can only be added to your booking once we have received your flight schedule.
- Where group arrival and departure transfers are available, these operate at fixed times. You will need to arrive in time to meet the scheduled transfer. If the timings don’t align with your travel plans, our team can arrange private transfers once they receive your flight schedule.
Trip Note validity
Trip notes may be updated after booking; if any updates significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary you will be advised in writing. A link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes will be sent out with your Final Joining Instructions before departure.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes, and occasionally it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
