Walk the West Lycian Way Trail (2024)

Woynpoint Hotel, Fethiye

This 3-star hotel is just a skip away from the harbour and Fethiye’s old town. Modern, clean rooms provide a comfortable place to rest your head for the night and a hearty continental breakfast to set you up for the next day. There’s free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, TV, and a kettle in the rooms, too.

Distance: 12km

Ascent: 200m

What was once the ancient city of Telmessos, Fethiye delights with its array of monuments and relics. You’ll head to the old town to see the necropolis, ancient amphitheatre, and the eye-popping rock-carved Tomb of Amyntas, which dates back to 350BC.

Then we’ll visit the ghost town of Kayakoy, a testament of the area’s Greek heritage. Once home to 10,000 people, its inhabitants were sent to Greece in population exchanges. Nowadays, you can walk amongst 800 abandoned, but well-preserved, houses.

Nearby is Oludeniz, also known as the Blue Lagoon, an idyllic resort where pine-clad hills back on to the calmest, sapphire-blue waters (its name means Dead Sea as the waters remain calm even during storms). We’ll then return to Fethiye for the night.

Gunes Hotel, Ovacık

The outdoor pool is the hotel’s main draw, where you’ll be pleased there’s somewhere to take a dip after a long day walking in the sun. Plus, you’re roll-out-of-bed close to Calis beach. It’s a small, friendly 3-star hotel, and as it’s family-run you can enjoy some traditional Turkish hospitality.

Distance: 15km

Ascent: 400m

Today’s route showcases the Turquoise Coast in all its colour as we wind our way along a panoramic path with the Baba Dagi mountain on one side and the sea on the other. Pass through lush pine forests and remote villages before descending to Faralya, perched above the Butterfly Valley. If we’re lucky, we’ll witness hundreds of butterflies fluttering amongst the steep limestone cliffs.

Faralya Misafir Evi

Soak up the mountain views from Faralya Misafir Evi, a 3-star guest house near the village of Faralya. Add gardens filled with citrus trees, a restaurant terrace shaded by vines, and bougainvillea-clad patios, and you’ve got an idyllic spot to spend the night.

Montenegro Motel

You’ll stay in one of Montenegro Motel’s pine bungalows, each nestled around the outdoor pool and gardens. There are mountain views all round, and a glorious spot to watch the sunset from the terrace restaurant. Each bungalow comes with air-conditioning and a patio.

Distance: 19km

Ascent: 600m

Following the Lycian Way, we’ll climb through pine forest to reach a point where you’ll gaze out over villages as well as the sea and islands in the distance. We’ll reach the town of Kabak then continue following the ancient path to Alinca, where we’ll stop for lunch with the villagers. The path eventually leads us to Gey for the night.

Gey Village Trekkers’ Pansiyon

Catering to walkers of the Lycian Way, the rooms at this pension are basic but have everything you need for a restful night, including a hearty Turkish breakfast the next morning.

Distance: 9km

Ascent: 450m

From olive groves to orchards, today’s walk has a picturesque start. There’s plenty to see, too, including the ruins of the ancient city of Sydima and Xanthos, the first capital of Lycia. Between visits, we’ll eat with a family in their home, then learn about the bravery of Lycian warriors in Patara, capital of the Lycian League during the Roman period.

Flower Hotel, Patara

You’re in for a walm welcome at this family-run pansiyon in Patara. Rooms are simple, but bright and clean with air conditioning and an en-suite bathroom. Some have balconies, too. You can also relax by the pool and enjoy homemade Turkish food, made with home-grown ingredients.

Distance: 11km

Ascent: 200m

Step out of the hotel and straight onto the route that takes us along Patara’s ancient aqueducts to Delikkemer and back. Get an insight into the Lycian League as we explore the ruins before kicking back on the beach for a bit. Then we’ll drive to Kas for evening where you’re free to dip in and out of the lively cafés, fish restaurants, and bars.

Kekova Hotel, Kas

With a rooftop restaurant overlooking the bay, the 2-star Kekova Hotel puts you in a prime spot to explore Kas. The rooms are basic in style, but come with air conditioning, TV, and private bathroom. Some rooms also have sea views.

Distance: 9km

Ascent: 100m

After a quick journey to Uçagiz, we’ll hop on a boat to visit the submerged city of Simena. And once we’ve docked on the island of Kekova, we’ll begin our walk to Kapakli, taking in the necropolis along the way. We’ll also be sharing the route with the many goats and sheep that roam freely here.

Distance: 12km

Ascent: 350m

We’ll admire the coastline as we walk to Yanartas where we’ll begin climbing to a place that you have to see to believe - Mount Chimaera. The eternally burning fires are believed to be caused by methane emissions and make for a mind-boggling sight. We’ll continue to a fish farm next to Ulupinar stream for some lunch, then the afternoon’s yours to sink your toes in the sands of Cirali beach or sink your teeth into more history at Olympos, one of the largest cities of the Lycian League.

Distance: 7.5km

Ascent: 150m

For our last walk along the ancient Lycian coast, we’ll make our way to Phaselis, a remarkable historical site with equally remarkable viewpoints. Explore the three ancient harbours, Roman baths, theatres, and canals. A trail also leads us to a hidden cove where we can stop and take it all in.

In the afternoon, we’ll journey to the historic centre of Antalya, Kaleici. Here we’ll have the chance to relax at a typical hammam before our farewell dinner at a restaurant.

Atelya Art Hotel, Antalya (2*)

The 2-star Atelya Art Hotel preserves many of the architectural touches of an 18th century house in old town Antalya. Antique pieces adorn the sun terrace, while the courtyard garden boasts an outdoor pool and restaurant to relax in.