Experience Turkey’s immensely beautiful nature while hiking along the west coast of Lycia. 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. You will walk through pine forests and olive groves and over ancient aqueducts, exploring the Lycian ruins.
Highlights:
♦ Mt. Tahtali - also known as Lycian Olympus, home of the gods
♦ Cape Gelidonya - the site of late Bronze Age shipwreck that led to the development of the field of nautical archaeology
♦ Göynük - a town of great historical interest with hundreds of Ottoman period houses, mosques, tombs and Turkish baths
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival
Flight to Antalya and transfer to your accommodation.
Overnight in Antalya
Day 2: Swimming in Chrome Bay
In the morning you will be driven to the start of the hike and from there you will first walk down to Maden Bay, then you will go along a path with a beautiful panorama of the Mediterranean Sea to Cirali to your hotel.
Overnight in Cirali
13km, ascent: 450m, descent: 800m (WT: 5 hours)
Day 3: The Pirate City
Today you will first see the ruins of the ancient coastal city of Olympos. Discover the remains of temples and thermal baths and the Acropolis perched on a coastal rock. The path leads up the side of Musa Dagi through maquis and deciduous forests with strawberry trees. Passing citrus orchards, you reach Adrasan Bay.
Overnight in Adrasan
18km, ascent: 800m, descent: 800m (WT: 6 hours).
Day 4: Hike to the Gelidonya lighthouse
One of the most beautiful hiking stages of the Lycian Way awaits you.
There are wonderful views of the Gelidonya Islands from the Gelidonya lighthouse. Your route takes you through a fantastic view of the sparkling blue sea and pine forests back to Adrasan.
Overnight in Adrasan
16km ascent: 750m descent: 790m (WT: 6 hours)
Day 5: Kekova Coast
Transfer to Kapakli. From here you hike to the ruins of the ancient city of Istlada. Along the beautiful coastal landscape of Kekova and past the castle of Simena (a visit is recommended), the Lycian Way takes you to the small harbor town of Üçağiz.
Overnight stay in Ücagiz
11km, ascent: 200m, descent: 300m (WT: 3-4 hours).
Day 6: Evidence of antiquity
Short transfer to the hiking start above the small village of Kilicli. You hike over slopes covered with oak and carob trees to the remains of the ancient city of Aperlai. Here, in a long bay between two mountain ridges, an arm of the sea reaches up to the ruins - a beautiful swimming spot! You return to Üçağiz on a narrow path along the coast.
Overnight stay in Ücagiz
13km, ascent: 250m, descent: 500m (WT: 5 hours)
Day 7: Myra & Antalya
Today you will first receive a transfer to the ancient city of Myra. The Lycian rock tombs carved into a towering rock face are impressive. Afterwards you can visit the Byzantine Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Demre before returning to Antalya by bus (approx. 3 hours).
Alternatively, booking a transfer is possible. In Antalya, visit the old town, the old harbor, or the beautifully landscaped parks with viewing terraces.
Overnight in Antalya
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to Antalya airport and return flight.