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
Arrival to Dalaman. Transfer to Gelemiş, about 2 km from the beach of Patara.
Day 2. Delikkemer and Patara
Transfer to Kalkan. Along the coast, the Lycian Way leads to Fırnaz Bay. Then you will reach the aqueduct of Delikkemer, a true masterpiece of Roman engineering. You walk through pine forests and fields along an aqueduct that supplied the ancient city of Patara with water. Throughout the journey you will be presented with beautiful views of the sea. After visiting the ancient Patara you go down to the beach to have an extensive bathing pause.
Walking time: 5 hours
Day 3. Xanthos
Transfer to Akbel. The walk takes you through original villages, along a mountain slope, as well as through olive groves and shady pine forests over a farmyard. A part of the route runs along and over the aqueduct, which supplied the Lycian capital Xanthos with water. After a little sightseeing there, you transfer back to Gelemiş.
Walking time: 5 hours
Day 4. Karadere beach
Transfer to Bel. First through pine forests, then through a rocky landscape with a fantastic view over the sea you hike down to the small village of Gavurağılı. The next climb will take you to a ridge, where you will have a unique view over Patara Beach. After that you will explore the ancient ruins of Pydnai, a Lycian base, which served as a guard post against enemy attacks. From Karadere beach you will be transferred back to Gelemiş.
Walking time: 5 ½ hours
Day 5. Alınca
Transfer to Bel. From here you will hike through beautiful fields to the village Gey. Ancient trading paths lead you through the plain of Boğazıçı. The last section leads along a nearly 800 m high karstic cliff with views of the Bay of Sancaklı and the coast of Yedi Burun (the "seven noses"). Your destination is the village of Alınca, which is situated on a slope directly above steep cliffs. From here transfer to Faralya, where you stay two nights.
Walking time: 5 ½ hours
Day 6. Faralya
Transfer back to Alınca. On an old path over a mountain crest, you head towards Kabak. There you have two possibilities: you can hike around the beautiful bay of Kabak on a mountain slope or descend to the beach where a bathing pause is worthwhile. Along the mountain slopes, the Lycian Trail leads you to Faralya.
Walking time: 6 hours
Day 7. Ölüdeniz
From your accommodation you go through the "Butterfly Valley", a nature reserve surrounded by mountains. The trail then runs along the slope of the mighty mountain peak Baba Dağı. Enjoy the view over the bay of Ölüdeniz with the famous lagoon. Between stony pastures and field terraces, you pass small villages. From Ovacık you get a transfer to Ölüdeniz (until early May to Fethiye).
Walking time: 4 ½ hours
Day 8. Departure
Transfer to Dalaman and return flight.