Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Lycian Way (Turkey), Turkey. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- Turkey
- Biome
- Mediterranean coast (0–1,850 m)
- Best season
- April – May, September – November
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Sea Kayaking
- Beachcombing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Mediterranean coast (0–1,850 m)
- Best season: April – May, September – November
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Lycian Way (Turkey)
Topic summary
A 540-km coastal route in southwest Turkey — ancient ruins, pine forests, and Mediterranean beaches.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: April – May, September – November
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Mediterranean coast (0–1,850 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Lycian Way (Turkey) trip tools
How to get there
Plan the western approach around Fethiye and the trail endpoint at Hisarönü (Ovacık). For the eastern approach, establish whether the intended itinerary ends at Aşağı Karaman in Konyaaltı, about 20 km from Antalya, or at Geyikbayırı in the mountains near Antalya.
- Hisarönü (Ovacık)
Named western endpoint of the Lycian Way, near Fethiye.
- Aşağı Karaman
Eastern endpoint in Konyaaltı, about 20 km from Antalya. Confirm that the chosen trail itinerary uses this endpoint.
- Geyikbayırı
Mountain village and climbing centre near Antalya, also identified as an eastern endpoint of the Lycian Way.
Sources: Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Lycian Way (Turkey)
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Sea Kayaking
Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.
- Beachcombing
Tide-line walking between camps.
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Lycian Way (Turkey)Amazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Lycian Way (Turkey)
Planning to fish Lycian Way (Turkey)? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in Turkey are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Lycian Way (Turkey)?
- A Turkey fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current Turkey fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
We don't have a verified licensing link on file for Turkey yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.
Hunting near Lycian Way (Turkey)
Thinking about hunting Lycian Way (Turkey)? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Turkey are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Lycian Way (Turkey)?
- Confirm the land around Lycian Way (Turkey) is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in Turkey?
- A Turkey hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
We don't have a verified licensing link on file for Turkey yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.
A long-distance walk along ancient Lycia
The Lycian Way, known in Turkish as Likya Yolu, is a marked long-distance hiking trail in southwestern Turkey. It follows part of the coast of ancient Lycia, linking the Fethiye area in the west with the Antalya area in the east. Its name comes from the ancient civilization that once ruled this region, and the route was conceived by Kate Clow. The defining trip here is a journey along the Turkish Mediterranean rather than a stay at a single beach or resort. For planning, think of the Lycian Way as a regional walking route with distinct western and eastern access areas. Choosing which end or portion to walk is a more useful starting point than treating the entire coast as one destination.
Waymarks and the shape of the journey
Red and white stripes mark the Lycian Way using the GR footpath convention. Those markings give the route a recognizable identity, but a long-distance walk still calls for a current map and a clear understanding of the section being followed. The western end is identified with Hisarönü (Ovacık), near Fethiye. Eastern endpoint descriptions vary between Aşağı Karaman in Konyaaltı and Geyikbayırı, a village and climbing centre in the mountains near Antalya. Settle that endpoint before arranging onward travel or deciding what a complete walk means for the trip. A coastal setting should not be read as a promise of continuous beach walking: the eastern mountain setting is an important part of understanding the route's geography.
Choosing the scope of a trip
The main planning choice is whether to undertake a long-distance journey or focus on one end of the trail. A western approach puts the emphasis on the Fethiye area and the named start at Hisarönü (Ovacık). An eastern approach requires more care over the intended endpoint, with both the Konyaaltı area and the mountains around Geyikbayırı relevant to planning. Build the walking itinerary around that choice rather than assuming that arrival in Fethiye or Antalya places a walker directly on the trail. For a route spanning this much of the Mediterranean coast, weather protection, drinking-water planning and a manageable pack deserve attention. Use current local information to establish daily stages and water arrangements rather than relying on the route's broad coastal description.
Route options
- Lycian Way long-distance traverse
Follow the marked route along part of the coast of ancient Lycia from the Fethiye area toward the Antalya area. Confirm the intended eastern endpoint before fixing the itinerary.
- Western-end walking from Hisarönü (Ovacık)
Use the named western endpoint near Fethiye as the starting point for a shorter Lycian Way itinerary. Establish individual stages with current route information.
Sample itineraries
- Western-end sampler near Fethiye · 1 day
Plan a day walk from the Hisarönü (Ovacık) end of the Lycian Way, near Fethiye. Follow the red-and-white waymarks and choose a turnaround that fits daylight, water supplies, and fitness. Confirm the current route and return transport before setting out.
- Eastern-end sampler near Antalya · 1 day
Explore a short section of the eastern Lycian Way near Antalya. Confirm the current alignment and access before choosing between the Aşağı Karaman and Geyikbayırı areas. Keep the day flexible rather than assuming either location has straightforward onward transport.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring
Check local forecasts for the specific coastal or mountain section planned. Do not assume conditions near Fethiye represent the entire route toward Antalya. Adjust daily walking plans to weather and daylight.
Summer
Summer
Use the forecast to assess heat and sun exposure before committing to a long day. Establish water availability for the chosen section; the trail’s coastal setting does not establish where drinking water can be found.
Fall
Fall
Check weather and available daylight when setting daily goals. Build flexibility into a multi-day plan rather than treating the marked route as a guarantee of easy travel in every condition.
Winter
Winter
Check conditions for mountain sections separately from the coast. Confirm that the chosen section is suitable for your equipment and experience; do not assume the whole route remains practical simply because its endpoints are near the Mediterranean.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring | Check local forecasts for the specific coastal or mountain section planned. Do not assume conditions near Fethiye represent the entire route toward Antalya. Adjust daily walking plans to weather and daylight. |
| Summer | Summer | Use the forecast to assess heat and sun exposure before committing to a long day. Establish water availability for the chosen section; the trail’s coastal setting does not establish where drinking water can be found. |
| Fall | Fall | Check weather and available daylight when setting daily goals. Build flexibility into a multi-day plan rather than treating the marked route as a guarantee of easy travel in every condition. |
| Winter | Winter | Check conditions for mountain sections separately from the coast. Confirm that the chosen section is suitable for your equipment and experience; do not assume the whole route remains practical simply because its endpoints are near the Mediterranean. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current access requirements and any permit arrangements with the managing agency before departure.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- Navigation errors: red-and-white waymarks identify the trail, but carry a current route map rather than relying on paint alone.
- Overcommitting to distance: this is a long-distance route, and daily goals should match fitness, daylight, and confirmed access.
- Water uncertainty: establish drinking-water availability before each section and carry enough for the planned walk.
- Changing weather across coastal and mountain terrain: check section-specific forecasts and adjust plans accordingly.
What to pack for Lycian Way (Turkey)
- Current route map
- Offline navigation with backup power
- Confirmed start, finish, and return-transport plan
- Walking footwear suited to long trail days
- Weather-appropriate layers
- Sun protection
- Rain protection matched to the forecast
- Water capacity matched to confirmed supply points
- Food for the planned section
- Basic first-aid kit
- Headlamp
Lycian Way (Turkey) FAQ
- Where is the Lycian Way?
- It follows part of the ancient Lycian coast in southwestern Turkey, linking the Fethiye area with the vicinity of Antalya through coastal and mountain country.
- Where does the trail start and finish?
- The western start is Hisarönü (Ovacık), near Fethiye. Eastern endpoint descriptions differ, naming Aşağı Karaman in Konyaaltı or Geyikbayırı in the mountains near Antalya. Confirm the current alignment before arranging transport.
- How long is the route?
- Published descriptions give approximately 540 to 760 kilometers. Treat the total as dependent on the alignment being followed, and use a current route map to calculate your own itinerary.
- How is the trail marked?
- The Lycian Way uses red-and-white stripes following the GR footpath convention. Carry independent navigation alongside these waymarks.
- Can it be walked in shorter sections?
- A short section can be the focus of a day walk rather than an end-to-end journey. Choose confirmed access points and establish distance, water availability, and return logistics before departure.
- Why is it called the Lycian Way?
- The name comes from Lycia, the ancient civilization associated with this stretch of southwestern Turkey. The trail was conceived by Kate Clow.