Hiking the west coast of Lycia is a journey that will lead you through one of the most beautiful parts of the country. From the uninhabited and natural 12 km long beach in Patara, through the high alpine paths that offer you some of the most fantastic views imaginable, over the coast and the majestic peaks of the Taurus Mountains that touch the sky with their 3000 meters. Walk along the dramatic coastline with pine trees and olive groves to line your path and explore some of the most important ruins of the Lycians.
Highlights:
♦ Patara beach - one of the largest and most beautiful beaches near the ancient Lycian city of Patara
♦ Xanthos - the capital city of ancient Lycia
♦ Ölüdeniz - one of the most photographed beaches on the Mediterranean, also known as the Blue Lagoon.
Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival
Flight to Dalaman. Transfer to Fethiye to your accommodation.
Day 2. Ovacik to Faralya
A short transfer after breakfast takes you to Ovacik to the starting point of your hike. Your hike begins with one of the most beautiful views of the Lycian Way; on one side the 2,000 m high Babadag mountain and on the other the bay of Ölüdeniz. On the way you pass two rustic villages before your hike in the village Faralya ends. 13 km, ascent: 580m, descent: 620m (Walking: 4.5 hours)
Day 3. Faralya to Alinca
Your hike begins at your guesthouse, first it goes through the village of Faralya, then continues with a fantastic view of the Bay of Kabak. Here you have the choice: those who enjoy swimming can go down to the sea, stop off and swim there and continue hiking from there and find the common path. Or you can take the mountain option and walk around the bay without going down to the beach. The hike endsin the mountain village of Alinca. 13 km, ascent: 900m, descent: 500m (Walking 5 hours)
Day 4. Alinca to Bel
As you leave the town, you descend steeply towards Sancakli Bay with breathtaking views until you reach the village of Gey. The village is good for a lunch break. We continue with beautiful views of coastal landscapes to the village of Bel. The overnight stay takes place in Bel or Patara. 14 km, ascent: 660m, descent: 630m (WT: 5 hours)
Day 5. Bel to Karadere
First you hike through fields and pine trees. There is then a steep, rocky descent with a view of the sea until you reach the semi-deserted village of Gavuragili on the plain. The next climb takes you to a pass from which you can enjoy a wonderful view over the long Patara Beach. After descending to the sea, you will pass the ruins of Pydnai, an ancient Lycian base that served as a guard post against enemy attacks. Short transfer to Patara. 14 km, ascent: 340m, descent: 930m (Walking 5 hours)
Day 6. Akbel to Patara
Today's hike takes place on the historical traces of the Lycians. A short transfer takes you to the village of Akbel. Shortly after the start of the hike you come to the historic aqueduct and the hike continues along and partly inside the aqueduct. Then you come to Delikkemer, where the Lycians once transferred water from one hill to another through a pressure pipe system. We then continue to the ancient city of Patara, where St. Nicholas spent part of his life. 12 km, ascent: 190m, descent: 350m (Walking 4 hours)
Day 7. Üzümlü to Cavdir
A short transfer will take you first to the village of Üzümlü to the starting point of the hike. The hike takes you through villages on the edge of the Kinik Plain with historical sights. You hike along the aqueduct of Xanthos, which still carries water today. At the end of the hike you will have the opportunity to visit the ruins of the Lycian capital, Xanthos. 12 km, ascent: 400m, descent: 350m (Walking 4 hours)
Day 8. Departure
Transfer to the airport to Dalaman or Antalya and return flight.