Likya Yolu

The place

hiking trail in Turkey

Why go

Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon and Butterfly Valley. Ruins of Letoon (UNESCO), Xanthos (UNESCO), Patara beach (longest in Turkey, loggerhead turtle nesting). Chimera (Yanartaş) — eternal natural flames. St Nicholas church in Myra (Demre). Rock tombs carved into cliff faces above Dalyan and Kas.

A bit of history

Researched, mapped and promoted by Kate Clow, a British expat in Turkey, the Lycian Way was opened in 1999 as Turkey's first waymarked long-distance trail. Kate Clow's 2000 guidebook established the definitive route. The trail is named after ancient Lycia, a Bronze Age civilisation that flourished along this coast from the 6th century BC.

Getting there

Fethiye: domestic airport (Dalaman, 45 min). Antalya: international airport. Both cities have regular bus connections from Istanbul (10–12h) or Izmir (5–8h).

Recommended gear

Lightweight hiking boots. Sun hat and sunscreen (essential — very exposed coastline). Water (some sections with no springs for hours). Snakebite awareness. Light sleeping bag for basic pansiyons.

Best season

October to April. Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) ideal. July–August unbearably hot on coastal sections (35–40°C).