Lycian Way Hike
Hike Facts
| Hike difficulty | Moderate to challenging |
| Hiking days | 8–35 |
| Family-friendly | Shorter hikes are recommended for kids but some longer itineraries include steeper climbs and rocky terrain, not suitable for children |
| Popularity | Very popular as there are several hiking routes of different lengths |
| Accommodation options | A mix of village pensions, guesthouses, small hotels and camping (if allowed) |
| Best season | April to June or September to October |
| Transport to/from hike | Get one of the many mini buses from Fethiye to the trailhead at Oludeniz |
| Required permits | None |
Best Time to Hike the Lycian Way
The best time to hike the Lycian Way is either during spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October). Hot and humid summer months can make a Lycian Way hike downright dangerous and there is also risk of dehydration and sunstroke. During the winter months, there can be heavy rain and temperatures drop. If you want to avoid the crowds, stick to the shoulder season of March or the end of October and the start of November.
Lycian Way Itinerary
Want to join the best hike in Turkey? There are plenty of Lycian Way hiking tours that focus on specific sections rather than the full 35-day route. One of the most popular duration for a Lycian Way hike is an eight-day itinerary that covers the major highlights.
| Day 1 | Start your Lycian Way adventure in the village of Kayakoy, near Fethiye |
| Day 2 | Enjoy sweeping views of Oludeniz Beach and Mediterranean vistas |
| Day 3 | Hike through charming forestlands towards the village of Gey |
| Day 4 | Visit the ancient city of Sidyma |
| Day 5 | Follow aqueducts and swim around the ancient ruins of Patara |
| Day 6 | Make your way to the top of Mount Felen |
| Day 7 | Hop on a boat trip to Kekova Bay |
| Day 8 | Jump on a transfer back to Dalaman Airport |
Budget for Lycian Way Hike
Since no fees are required to hike the Lycian Way, this adventure can be very affordable, more so if you decide to camp. Some budget travelers have completed six days on the trail for as little as *USD 205, but for guided tours with guest house accommodation, you can spend eight days on the trail for between USD 850-980 excluding flights.
*Note: The prices mentioned are of July 2023 and are subject to change.
Trip Highlights
- Explore the most scenic part of the Lycian Way hike at the Gelidonya Lighthouse on a rocky promontory overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
- Be surrounded by nature at the Butterfly Valley. There are over 100 species of butterflies in the valley. Along the Lycian Way trail, you might also encounter various plant species, birds, and occasional glimpses of wildlife like wild goats and tortoises.
- Swim around historical ruins and landmarks in the ancient city of Patara. Lycia was an ancient civilization that thrived during the 1st millennium BC. You can find grand arches, a theater, and the iconic Patara Lighthouse here.
- Enjoy sweeping coastal vistas along the whole length of the Lycian Way, with views as far-reaching as Greece in some places.
Tips for Hiking the Lycian Way
- Be realistic about how far you are going to hike each day if you are not camping. There are fairly long stretches between guesthouses, so ensure you can make it to the next accommodation before sundown.
- Get up early to avoid the worst of the Turkish heat that peaks between noon and around 2 pm. It is better to complete the majority of your miles before this period.
- Bring hiking boots, not trainers, for your hike. Although much of the Lycian Way goes along Roman roads, there are a lot of rocky paths that can be challenging if you are not in the correct footwear.
