Lycian Way East Walk

On arrival in Antalya airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Attalos II, King of Pergamum, founded Antalya in the 2nd century BC. Later the city was overtaken by Roman, Byzantine and Seljuk civilizations before it came under the control of the Ottomans. Today Antalya is an attractive city with its shaded palm-lined boulevards and lively marina. The picturesque old quarter known as Kaleici, with narrow streets and old wooden houses is where our hotel is located. You will need to liaise with your hosts regarding the transfer arrangements for tomorrow. Overnight Antalya.

Transfer time 20mins; distance 15km/9.3mi

This morning you will be transferred by private vehicle to Yukari Beycik, a charming mountain village located at the foot of Mt. Tahtali (Mount Olympos), an impressive peak with a beautiful steep face. Here you start your hike on gravel roads and walking paths through a picturesque valley, with green and fertile pastures and stunning views all the way. Continuing along old mule paths and through pine and conifer forests, you will reach the village of Ulupinar, a small settlement best known for its delightful riverside restaurants and fish farms.

Walking distance: 10km/6mi; ascent: 50m/164ft; descent: 680m/2230ft

Transfer time 1-2 hr; Distance 80km/49.7mi

The Lycian way trek continues to Cirali along the turquoise coast. After transferring to Tekirova (20km/ 20mins), the first stage begins along a disused dirt road which passes by idyllic beaches where local fishermen haul their catches. They may offer to take you by boat to Cirali which is recommended if you are tired. The trip takes only 5-10 minutes and costs 15-20TL. Otherwise the walk to Cirali will take 2 hours along the coastline on an undulating trail past small bays. Cirali is a peaceful village between ancient Olympos and Chimaera. At the end of the walk, you will be picked up and transferred back to your overnight accommodation in Ulupinar village.

Walking distance: 18km/11mi; ascent: 215m/705ft; descent: 205m/672ft

Transfer time 15/20mins; 20km/12.4mi (Ulupinar village to Tekirova)

Transfer time 10/15mins; 15km/9.3mi (Cirali to Ulupinar village)

Today’s walk takes you south along the Lycian Way, through a peaceful valley to Chimaira (or Chimaera). According to legend a monster (part goat, part lion and part snake) blowing fire from its mouth was terrorising the locals. Bellerophon, the hero of Lycia, killed the monster by pouring molten lead into its mouth. Today, situated at 300m above sea level, you can observe flames escaping among the rocks, known in Turkish as Yanartas (flaming rock). The spot consists of some two dozen vents in the ground, grouped in two patches on the hillside. The vents emit methane thought to be of metamorphic origin. In ancient times sailors could navigate by the flames. Afterwards you make a gradual descent to the coast, finally arriving at the beach at Cirali. You will spend the night in Cirali at a small family run hotel/pension.

Walking distance: 7.6km/4.8mi; ascent: 200m/656ft; descent: 320m/1050ft

An early start is required today. First you will pass the Olympos ancient site, situated in a river valley near the coast and founded in the Hellenistic period. Afterwards you trek via Musa Dag (Mount Moses) over the ridges covered with pine woods and up to a shepherd hut where you can have your lunch. From here there are good views of the Adrasan valley. Descend to Adrasan with its 2 km long sandy beach. Overnight in Adrasan.

Walking distance: 16km/10mi; ascent: 720m/2362ft; descent: 720m/2362ft

A superb day of coastal walking awaits you today. After a short transfer to the area of Karaoz you start your walk on a wide trail up through pine forest and ascend to a rocky ridge crest overlooking the peninsula of cape Gelidonia with its two lighthouses. Continue your hike with beautiful views down to hidden coves and across to islands. This is a beautiful walk contouring the range of hills which form the backbone of Gelidonia. Descending close to the sea’s edge, the route twists and turns amongst limestone crags sometimes under pine trees and sometimes high above the sea. Return to Adrasan and your hotel.

Walking distance: 15.7km/9.8mi; ascent: 325m/1066ft; descent: 405m/1328ft

Transfer time 40mins; 30km/18.6mi

In the morning there will be a transfer to the main road where you will take a local bus to Antalya, a journey of 1.5 hours, and a taxi from bus station to your pension in the old city (payable locally). The remainder of the day is free to explore Antalya.

After breakfast there will be a transfer to the airport, trip concludes.

Transfer time 20mins; distance 15km/9.3mi