Lycian way

The Lycian Way is a 555—kilometer pedestrian road around the coast of Lycia in southern Turkey, from Fethiye to Antalya. It takes about 30 to 45 days to go all the way, even for trained athletes. We have made a lightweight route without heavy backpacks, with accommodation in the most cozy places, without tents.

Walking no more than 15 km a day, in just a week we will have time to see the main attractions of the Lycian trail: Mount Takhtaly, the Chimera lights, the ancient city of Olympos, the sarcophagi of the ancient Lycians, the famous lighthouse of Helidonia and much more. Every day we will enjoy the stunning coastline, views of steep cliffs suddenly falling into the sea, secluded beaches, away from the crowds of tourists.

Discover Turkey from the other side. We promise it will be unforgettable!

Day 1. Arrival in Antalya. Our representative will meet you at the airport. Transfer to the hotel. Old town. Dinner at one of the local restaurants with Mediterranean cuisine. A short briefing with a guide. Dinner and instructing the group. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2. Transfer to Goyniuk, track to Goyniuk Yala, transfer to Ovachik. Early in the morning, after breakfast, we will take a transfer to the village of Goynyuk, a place that translates as “a fertile valley at the junction of the sky and the sea” — luxuriantly blooming pomegranate and orange trees and a sparkling gentle sea confirm this name. Overnight in an atmospheric camping in Ovachik.

Day 3. Track in Yala Kuzder. A winding mountain path leads us to the village of Gedelme, near which the ruins of the ancient castle of the same name are located, here we have lunch. After lunch, we continue our way along the Lycian trail to Yala Kuzder, a village at the foot of the Toros Mountains. 13 kilometers, 650 meters of climb.

Day 4. Mount Olympus (Takhtaly). Immediately after breakfast, the transfer will take us to the beginning of the route, from where, after a short climb, we will approach the cable car station on Takhtaly Mountain in 2.5-3 hours, we climb up on the lift. By the way, this mountain in ancient times was considered Olympus – the place of the abode of the gods. There were many legends about the local Olympus in Turkey. According to one of them, a terrible and dangerous monster – a Chimera – settled in the area of the mountain. The fearless Bellerophon managed to overcome the monster and throw it off the top. And since then, the Chimera has settled at the foot of its former abode, splashing out islands of fire from under the ground, as if showing its indignation. From the top there is a magnificent view of the sea coast and hilly land. Snack – picnic in a picturesque place. The descent follows winding goat trails to the village of Basic. Overnight at a campsite with panoramic views of the mountains of the Lycian trail. 6 hours, 300 meters ascent, 1500 meters descent.

Day 5. Chimera lights and Chirala beaches. Having gained strength, we go to the Beidaglary National Park, from where our way lies to the luxurious beaches of Chirala – one of the most cozy places on the Antalya coast, as well as being a breeding area for sea turtles! Evening walk to the Chimera lights — a mystical natural phenomenon where a fire has been burning on the mountain for thousands of years. The flame bursts to the surface from underground in several places, the places of ignition periodically change, the fire then almost fades, then flares up with renewed vigor. We meet the sunset. After that, tired and satisfied, we go to a picturesque hotel on the Mediterranean coast. Overnight at the hotel. 5 hours, descent of 900 meters.

Day 6. Chiraly– Adrasan. In the morning we go to the ruins of the ancient city of Olympos — take incredible photos, wander through the ruins, see ancient frescoes, and feel the atmosphere of antiquity. It is assumed that Olympos, which originated in the III century BC, was founded by pirates who chose a secluded bay next to the river and the mountain where they founded their city. This city developed rapidly and by the II century BC became an important port city in the state of Lycia, which had its own coins, writing and architecture. Then we will continue the transition to Andrasan by climbing Mount Musa, (650 m above sea level). From here there is a gradual descent into the bay, where the village of Adrasan, or, as the locals call it, Chavushkey, stands. It is one of the most picturesque corners of southern Turkey. In ancient times, the village was one of the important trading bays of the Lycian civilization and the Ottoman Empire. Azure water and sandy beaches at sunset will be a worthy end to the day.

Day 7. Adrasan – Cape Helidonia. The trail runs parallel to the picturesque seashore. Cape Helidonia is a real “edge of the world”, on which there is a snow–white lighthouse. TV program plots are often filmed here, which is not surprising, because the view looks like a bright postcard. A couple of islands are visible in the distance. At the end of the walking route — transfer to Kalekey (about 2 hours). There in the IV century BC was the port city of Simena, one of the trading centers of Lycia. In the II century, part of the city went under water due to an earthquake. We will go here at sunset, on the way we will visit the fortress of Simena and the very well-preserved ancient tombs-sarcophagi with lids in the form of inverted boats, because the ancient Lycians believed that after death they would be able to go to sea. Whenever possible, we rent kayaks and take beautiful photos at sunset. Overnight at the hotel. 17 km, 6 hours, hotel accommodation

Day 8. Transfer to Antalya. After driving only 20 kilometers from the place of our overnight stay, we get to the Ancient City of the World, one of the best preserved ancient cities of the Lycian trail. After that, we continue our way to the famous Goynuk Canyon, where we will take a short walk (2 hours) among the steep cliffs. Here we are waiting for a boat trip, canyoning – even the most sophisticated will not remain indifferent!

Day 9. Departure home.

Or you can continue your journey by climbing Ararat, which is located in the very east of Turkey. This is a great option, because easy trekking along the Lycian trail will give you a good “head start” on the ascent!

• Russian-speaking guide for the entire program
• All accommodation according to the program with breakfast
• All transfers according to the program, comfortable
• All necessary permissions and registrations
• Entrance fees
• Canyoning/boats in the Goynuk Gorge
• Group equipment
• First aid kit
• Meeting/seeing off at the airpor

•  Lunches and dinners (on the menu, on average, about $ 150 per tour)
• Kayaks ($20-40)
• Personal expenses, tips and drinks
• Travel insurance
• Any costs caused by the changing of the programs

Documents:

International passport
Plane tickets
Travel insurance
Personal equipment:

Backpack. 40-60l.
Trekking poles
Clothing and shoes:

Trekking boots/sneakers
Trekking pants (optional)
Trekking T-shirt with long sleeves (optional)
Raincoat (the lightest!)
Fleece jacket
Bandana
Shorts
T-shirts/socks/underwear
Headdress from the sun
Various:

Sleeping bag insert
Reusable flask (at least 1 liter!)
Diode flashlight on the head
Sunglasses
Sun cream, hygienic lipstick
Personal first aid kit
Elastic bandage and/or supportive bandage