Hike the Lycian Way

The Lycian Way is a hiking trail that follows the remnants of the historic Lycian trade route along Turkey's Mediterranean coast. This walkway was created in the 1990s by a woman named Kate Clow from England. Her plan was to build a 509-kilometer-long Lycian Way connecting 18 historic cities from Fethiye to Antalya. She received the financial resources to implement the plan after winning a competition launched by a Turkish bank with this proposal, and she immediately began working on it. It took her two years to finish.

Turkey's first signposted long-distance hiking route that matched international standards opened in 1999. The Lycian Way was named one of the best 10 hiking paths in the world by the famous British Sunday Times. The occasionally difficult path goes along stunning coastal cliffs, through pastoral villages and seaside towns, through ancient ruins, and up into the mountains, and is best travelled in spring or fall. Most portions provide lodging in tiny pensions as well as camping. The isolated valley of Kabak, the long sandy beach of Patara, the gigantic rock tombs of Myra, the remains of Olympos, and the "flaming rock" at ral are all highlights along the road. Extend your vacation and spend some time exploring Turkey's amazing assortment of national parks if you want to explore more of the country's incredible terrain on foot and avoid the busy tourist destinations.