Lycian Way: One of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world! Hike 510 km along the Turkish Mediterranean coast with its ancient ruins, beaches, and mountains. Discover the best stages, tips, and guided tours now!

Discover the most beautiful stages of the Lycian Way: Butterfly Bay, Patara, Mount Olympus & Chimaira. Hike on ancient trails in Turkey, immersing yourself in history, culture, and stunning sea views. Book your trekking tour now!

The Lycian Way (Turkish: Likya Yolu) is Turkey's first and still most popular long-distance hiking trail. Stretching approximately 510 to 540 kilometers, it connects the ancient region of Lycia with the breathtaking Mediterranean coast, the rugged Taurus Mountains, and over 18 historical sites. Marked in 1999 by British author Kate Clow, the trail leads hikers along ancient trade and pilgrimage routes from Fethiye (Ovacık) to Antalya (Konyaaltı/Geyikbayırı).

Those who hike here not only experience unspoiled nature but also immerse themselves in 3,000 years of Lycian, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine history. Lycian rock tombs, ancient theaters, UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Xanthos and Patara, and the eternal "Chimera Fire" make every stage an adventure for body, mind, and soul.

Why the Lycian Way is unique

• Landscape: Turquoise sea, hidden bays, pine forests and steep mountain paths – the route constantly alternates between coast and highlands.
• Culture & History: Sarcophagi, rock tombs, Roman roads, sunken cities and ancient Patara (former capital of Lycia).
• Authenticity: Many stages lead through small mountain villages where hikers stay in simple guesthouses ("pansiyon") and experience genuine Turkish hospitality.
• Difficulty level: Medium to challenging – ideal for experienced hikers, but also for fit beginners with good preparation.

Popular routes for travelers – perfect for 7–14 days

Not everyone has time for the entire 4-6 week tour. The following sections are particularly popular with our guests and can be combined perfectly as a guided or self-guided trekking trip:

1. The dreamlike start: Ölüdeniz – Kabak (Butterfly Valley)
   

   Approx. 25–30 km, 3–4 days, moderate difficulty
   Starts directly at the famous Ölüdeniz beach, descends into the magical Kabak Valley with its turquoise sea, pine forests, and relaxed hippie camps. Highlight: The view from the "Baba Dağı" plateau. Perfect for a first experience of the Lycian Way.

2. The cultural highlight route: Kalkan/Kaş – Demre/Myra
   Approx. 60–70 km, 5–7 days
   Pure ancient cities: the rock tombs of Myra, the amphitheater and St. Nicholas Church in Demre, UNESCO World Heritage Sites Xanthos and Letoon. Interspersed are secluded bays and the charming port town of Kaş. Ideal for culture enthusiasts.
3. The dramatic mountain & fire stage: Finike – Olympos
   Approximately 45 km, 4 days
   Ascent to the eternal Chimera fire (natural gas flames), descent to Olympos with its ancient ruins right on the beach. Here you experience the wild side of Lycia – steep, adventurous, and unforgettable.
4. The relaxed finale: Olympos – Antalya (Phaselis)
   Approx. 50 km, 4–5 days
   Roman theater by the sea, ancient port city of Phaselis, and finally modern Antalya. Perfect as a grand finale or for hikers who prefer less elevation gain.
5. The “Best of” combination (our recommendation for 10–12 days)
   Kabak → Kaş → Olympos
   The most diverse mix of nature, beach and history – ideal for first Lycian Way experiences.

Practical tips for your hike

• Best time to travel: March–May and September–November (mild temperatures, less heat).

• Trail markings: Red and white stripes – always easy to spot.

• Accommodation: Guesthouses, campsites, or hotels in the villages.

• Luggage: Light trekking gear (10–12 kg) – luggage transport available upon request.

• Preparation: Good physical condition, hiking boots, and sun protection are essential.

Hike the Lycian Way with professionals

Whether you're looking for a guided group tour, an individual self-guided hike with GPS and transfers, or a tailor-made private tour – as an experienced trekking travel agency, we take care of everything: transfers, accommodations, luggage service, and local guides. This allows you to fully concentrate on the adventure.

Ready for your Lycian adventure? Contact us today – we'll plan your personalized Lycian Way trip!

Discover our Lycian Way tours

The Lycian Way is a long-distance footpath in Turkey that listed as one of the world's top ten walks. It is approximately 500 km long and locates on the southern coast of Turkey on the Teke Peninsula between Fethiye and Antalya.

Der Lykische Weg ist der erste markierte Weitwanderweg der Türkei. Er geht zurück auf die seit 1989 in der Türkei lebende Engländerin Kate Clow, die bereits in den 1990er-Jahren mit der Erkundung von Wanderwegen in der Türkei begann.

SMOOTH TRAVEL Agency has been established in 2011 and operating upon the issue of an operation license by the Ministry of Tourism and become an Accredited Member of Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB) and certified with an "A" class status.

BOOKING CONDITIONS

Please note, this Booking Information forms part of your contract with SMOOTH TREKKING. The contract is between the Company and the Client, being any person traveling or intending to travel on a tour operated by the Company. The contract, including all matters arising from it, is subject to Turkish Law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Turkish courts.

BOOKING:

To confirm a booking, you should provide us with the information requested on our booking form either verbally, by completing and returning the booking form or in writing by some other means (such as e-mail or using our Online Booking facility). All bookings are subject to our Booking Conditions. The lead passenger must be authorised by all participants or their parent or guardian where the participant is under 18, to make a booking with us on the basis of our Booking Conditions. By making a booking, the lead passenger confirms that he / she and all participants agree to the Booking Conditions. Once we have received the information we need to make the booking and all appropriate payments, we will, subject to availability, confirm your booking by issuing a confirmation invoice. Please check your invoice carefully as soon as you receive it.

SPECIAL REQUESTS AND MEDICAL PROBLEMS:

If you have a special request, you should inform us of it in writing at the time of booking. We will try to meet your wishes. If any participant has any medical problem or disability which may affect your holiday, you must tell us before the lead passenger confirms your booking so that we can advise as to the suitability of the chosen arrangements. In any event, you must give us full details in writing at the time of booking. You must also notify us of any change or deterioration in the disability or medical condition or development of any disability or medical condition after booking. If a client commits an illegal act, they may be excluded from the tour. No refund will be given for any unused services.

INSURANCE:

The lead passenger is responsible for ensuring all participants have adequate and appropriate insurance. The insurance must as a minimum cover personal accident, medical expenses, loss of effects, repatriation costs and all other expenses, which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience. Policy details should be read carefully and taken on holiday with you. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance cover you purchase is suitable and adequate for your particular needs.

PASSPORTS, VISAS, PERMITS:

All participants must be in possession of a valid passport and all visas, permits and certificates, including medical certificates required for the whole of the holiday booked. All information and advice given by us on visas, vaccinations, climate, clothing, baggage, special equipment etc. is given in good faith. The lead passenger must ensure that all participants are in possession of all necessary travel and health documents before departure. All costs incurred in obtaining such documentation must be paid by you. We regret we cannot accept any liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure on your part to carry correct documentation.

PRICES AND MINIMUM NUMBERS:

Some of the holidays featured in this brochure require a minimum number of participants before we can operate them. The applicable minimum number depends on various factors and varies from tour to tour. Our tailor-made prices are based on two people travelling together and sharing a room. If you require a single room, please ask us to quote the appropriate supplement.

CANCELLATION BY THE COMPANY:

The Company reserves the right to cancel any trip before its departure if "force majeure" circumstances occure. Examples include (in all cases whether actual or threatened) war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial disputes, natural or nuclear disaster, epidemics / pandemics, fire, adverse weather conditions, unusual water levels in rivers and seas and closure of airspace or airports. In such a case, the Company will refund all money received, less money transfer expenses. We regret we can not accept liability or pay any compensation for any damage or loss as a result of "force majeure".

CANCELLATION BY THE CLIENT:

If the client wishes to cancel the booking, the effective date of cancellation will be upon our receipt of your notification. If the client needs to cancel for any reason prior to tour departure, the deposit paid before will be refunded to the Client except the bank charges withdrawed.