Walk the West Lycian Way Trail

Distance: 12km 

Ascent: 200m 

What was once the ancient city of Telmessos, Fethiye delights with its array of monuments and relics. You’ll head to the old town to see the necropolis, ancient amphitheatre, and the eye-popping rock-carved Tomb of Amyntas, which dates back to 350BC. 

Then we’ll visit the ghost town of Kayakoy, a testament of the area’s Greek heritage. Once home to 10,000 people, its inhabitants were sent to Greece in population exchanges. Nowadays, you can walk amongst 800 abandoned, but well-preserved, houses. 

Nearby is Oludeniz, also known as the Blue Lagoon, an idyllic resort where pine-clad hills back on to the calmest, sapphire-blue waters (its name means Dead Sea as the waters remain calm even during storms). We’ll then return to Fethiye for the night.  

Distance: 15km 

Ascent: 400m 

Today’s route showcases the Turquoise Coast in all its colour as we wind our way along a panoramic path with the Baba Dagi mountain on one side and the sea on the other. Pass through lush pine forests and remote villages before descending to Faralya, perched above the Butterfly Valley. If we’re lucky, we’ll witness hundreds of butterflies fluttering amongst the steep limestone cliffs.  

Distance: 19km 

Ascent: 600m 

Following the Lycian Way, we’ll climb through pine forest to reach a point where you’ll gaze out over villages as well as the sea and islands in the distance. We’ll reach the town of Kabak then continue following the ancient path to Alinca, where we’ll stop for lunch with the villagers. The path eventually leads us to Gey for the night.

Distance: 9km 

Ascent: 450m 

From olive groves to orchards, today’s walk has a picturesque start. There’s plenty to see, too, including the ruins of the ancient city of Sydima and Xanthos, the first capital of Lycia. Between visits, we’ll eat with a family in their home, then learn about the bravery of Lycian warriors in Patara, capital of the Lycian League during the Roman period.   

Distance: 11km 

Ascent: 200m 

Step out of the hotel and straight onto the route that takes us along Patara’s ancient aqueducts to Delikkemer and back. Get an insight into the Lycian League as we explore the ruins before kicking back on the beach for a bit. Then we’ll drive to Kas for evening where you’re free to dip in and out of the lively cafés, fish restaurants, and bars.  

Distance: 9km 

Ascent: 100m 

After a quick journey to Uçagiz, we’ll hop on a boat to visit the submerged city of Simena. And once we’ve docked on the island of Kekova, we’ll begin our walk to Kapakli, taking in the necropolis along the way. We’ll also be sharing the route with the many goats and sheep that roam freely here.  

Distance: 12km 

Ascent: 350m 

We’ll admire the coastline as we walk to Yanartas where we’ll begin climbing to a place that you have to see to believe - Mount Chimaera. The eternally burning fires are believed to be caused by methane emissions and make for a mind-boggling sight. We’ll continue to a fish farm next to Ulupinar stream for some lunch, then the afternoon’s yours to sink your toes in the sands of Cirali beach or sink your teeth into more history at Olympos, one of the largest cities of the Lycian League. 

Distance: 7.5km 

Ascent: 150m 

For our last walk along the ancient Lycian coast, we’ll make our way to Phaselis, a remarkable historical site with equally remarkable viewpoints. Explore the three ancient harbours, Roman baths, theatres, and canals. A trail also leads us to a hidden cove where we can stop and take it all in.  

In the afternoon, we’ll journey to the historic centre of Antalya, Kaleici. Here we’ll have the chance to relax at a typical hammam before our farewell dinner at a restaurant.  

Time to say farewell to your fellow guests before a group transfer to Antalya airport for your journey home.