Things You Should Know About the Lycian Way
The Lycian Way is a nature hiking route that starts in Fethiye, Muğla and continues to Beldibi, Antalya. Created along the paths of the Teke Peninsula, which stretches between the Antalya and Fethiye bays, the Lycian Way is a popular destination for nature lovers. With its breathtaking natural beauty, the Lycian Way hosts visitors from all over the world, offering travelers the opportunity to embark on an unforgettable journey in the heart of nature. It's not hard to imagine that many travelers wonder about the starting and ending points of the trail before taking their first steps towards this life-changing experience. The starting point of the Lycian Way is located in Ovacık, above Ölüdeniz. Visitors starting from Olympos can complete the route, which consists of 20 sections, by covering 555 kilometers. By walking an average of 25 kilometers per day, it is possible to complete the trail in 21 days. It can be said that the time it takes to complete the Lycian Way adventure can vary depending on factors such as the traveler's experience in nature, weather conditions, and walking speed. The Lycian Way, Turkey's first long-distance hiking trail, is visited by approximately 2000 travelers annually. It would not be wrong to say that the architect of the trail, explorer Kate Clow, dedicated years to the Lycian Way. The Lycian Way, whose construction began in 1992, was opened to the public in 1999 by the British author. Clow published her book, in which she wrote the story of the trail, in the same year. In this way, she illuminated the path for visitors from all over the world and guided them on this journey. The author made a great contribution to the creation of the route through her marking work. The Lycian Way, with contributions from Clow, is listed among the top 10 hiking trails in the world. The history of the Lycian Way has strong roots stretching back to ancient civilizations. In light of the findings discovered by archaeologist Prof. Dr. Sencer Şahin near Patara Harbor in 1994, an inscription called Stadiasmus Patarensis was translated. According to this inscription, the Lycian Way historically encompassed 69 roads and 53 cities. Lycia, which was connected to Persian, Greek, and Byzantine civilizations throughout its history, always managed to maintain its federative structure. As a result, the Lycians created their own unique culture and managed to preserve these values for many years. Walking the Lycian Way is like embarking on a journey of discovery in the magical world of history, following all these traces. When it comes to things to do in Fethiye, the first thing that comes to mind is the Lycian Way adventure. However, you should not forget that this journey is a long-term experience. We recommend bringing Kate Clow's book with you. Your phone may not have reception in all parts of the trail. In this case, a real Lycian Way guide will be more useful than digital maps. If your goal is short trail walks, your job will be somewhat easier. However, if you are planning to walk the entire Lycian Way, we strongly recommend that you train beforehand.
What Will You Discover on the Lycian Way Trip?
In a geography where the Mediterranean climate prevails,there are many stops where the traces of nature and history intertwine. On this route, where you will encounter breathtaking blue and green landscapes, it is possible to come across historical remains belonging to many different civilizations. The Lycian Way is a hiking trail that inspires admiration with its ancient cities. Therefore, it is undeniable that this route is an ideal option for both nature excursions and cultural exploration. The Lycian Way includes the following ancient cities where you can trace the footsteps of thousands of years of history: style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Letoon Ancient City
- Ovacık - Faralya - Kabak
- Alınca - Bel - Gavurdağı
- Xanthos - Kınık - Akbel
- Patara - Kalkan - Sarıbelen
- Gökçeören - Çukurbağ - Kaş
- Limanağzı - Boğazıcık - Üçağız
- Çayağız - Myra - Finike
- Karagöz - Adrasan - Çıralı
- Tekirova - Roman Bridge - Göynük Yayla
- Göynük - Hisarçandır - Çitdibi - Geyikbayırı
The Lycian Way map has been updated over time and new routes have been added. It is known that the road, which previously ended in Hisarçandır Village, has been extended with new routes. The Lycian Way, with the latest updates, ends in Geyikbayırı Village. The Lycian Way trails are divided into sections with different difficulty levels. It's safe to say that the most important factors are your hiking experience and the equipment you bring. If you are an experienced hiker or someone interested in nature walks, you can complete the trail in a shorter time. Some of the most popular Lycian Way trails among travelers are:
- Karagöz - Adrasan - Çıralı:This 47 km long trail is a very enjoyable hiking route.
- Myra (Demre) - Finike:This 41 km long trail is a challenging one as it is 1800 meters above sea level. Travelers with experience in hiking and sports can choose this route.
- Göynük Yayla - Çitdibi (Konyaaltı):This 45-kilometer route is one of the most challenging sections on the Lycian Way.
- Olimpos - Çıralı - Ulupınar (Kemer):Since the section can be completed in approximately 5 hours, it is ideal for those who want to have a short hiking experience. It is an option.
- Olimpos – Adrasan:The trail takes approximately 7 hours. You can witness magnificent views throughout the journey.
When determining your hiking route, you should consider the distance and difficulty levels of the trails as well as your own preferences. Of course, determining the right time is also very important to make this adventurous journey more enjoyable. It can be said that the ideal period to hike the Lycian Way is between April and September. We recommend choosing the spring months as hot weather can increase the difficulty level of the trail.
Equipment Needed for the Lycian Way Hike
Travelers should carefully select the items to pack in their Lycian Way backpacks to make the journey more enjoyable and comfortable. If you plan to camp, you should bring tent equipment. For travelers who want to store the energy needed for hiking, renting a villa in Fethiye is also a very advantageous option. Here are the essential items you should pack for your Lycian Way trip: Hiking shoes and clothing, trekking poles, insect repellent and first aid kit, camping-appropriate kitchen utensils, and hygiene supplies. style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Powerbank
It would be beneficial for travelers planning to walk the Lycian Way from beginning to end to take these materials with them. Items such as a tent, sleeping bag, and flashlight are essential items that hikers planning to camp should definitely take with them. If you wish, you can take a look at villas for rent in Antalya You can enjoy a pleasant accommodation experience near the route you have chosen.
Things to Pay Attention to During the Lycian Way Hike
During your Lycian Way hike, you should make sure to follow the route. There are red and white markers drawn on the stones at certain intervals along the way. To stay on the right path, you must follow these signs. In addition, small towers have been built from stacked stones, considering the possibility that some signs might be overlooked. Signs and painted stones may fade or disappear over time. To follow the signs, you must carefully look around during your walk. If you don't see any signs for a long time, you are likely on the wrong path. In such cases, you should return to the last sign you saw and replan your route.