Congratulations! You’ve made the exciting decision to hike the Lycian Way in Turkey! This epic 500 km trek along the turquoise coast of the Mediterranean is bound to become one of your top outdoor experiences. From lush forests and rugged mountains to ancient ruins and charming seaside villages, the Lycian Way offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and cultural encounters. That’s why I’ve put together the most comprehensive guide on how to hike the Lycian Way, based on my personal experiences and extensive research within my hiking network.
I’ve hiked the Lycian Way three times so far, albeit not in one continuous thru-hike. Each of my adventures lasted about a week, exploring different sections of this diverse and scenic route. My goal is to complete the entire trail in April 2023, and I hope to meet some of you out there on the trail! When I first set out to hike the Lycian Way, I found it challenging to gather reliable information. I got lost multiple times—more than I’d care to admit—and found myself in some tricky situations. While the thrill of getting lost and found can be part of the adventure, I realized that there’s a real need for up-to-date, practical guidance for hikers. That’s why I decided to create this guide—to help you navigate the Lycian Way successfully and avoid the pitfalls that I faced, like ending up on a cliff in the middle of the night!
Why You Should Hike the Lycian Way
The Lycian Way isn’t just a hike; it’s an immersive experience that combines natural beauty, historical intrigue, and cultural richness. The trail stretches along the southwestern coast of Turkey, from Fethiye to Antalya, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, rugged mountain landscapes, and verdant pine forests. But what truly sets the Lycian Way apart from other hiking trails is its proximity to ancient ruins and historical sites. This region, known as Lycia in antiquity, was a thriving Greek and Roman city-state during the late Bronze Age. You’ll find yourself walking among remnants of ancient civilizations—ruins of theaters, tombs, and cities, sometimes hidden in forests and other times perched dramatically on coastal cliffs.
Moreover, the Lycian Way takes you through charming Turkish villages where locals welcome hikers with genuine hospitality. These encounters provide a deeper connection to the land and its people, turning a simple hike into a cultural journey. The trail offers a rare chance to experience Turkish village life up close, enjoy traditional home-cooked meals, and learn about local customs.
Planning Your Lycian Way Hike: Thru-hiking or Day Hiking?
The Lycian Way is a flexible trail, suitable for both long-distance thru-hikers and those looking for shorter day hikes. A complete thru-hike from start to finish would typically take around 40 to 45 days, covering the full 500 km. But you don’t need to commit to a month-long trek to enjoy the Lycian Way. I personally prefer tackling the trail in sections, spending about a week at a time exploring different parts of the route. This approach allows you to fully immerse yourself in each section’s unique landscape and cultural offerings without feeling rushed.
Whether you choose to thru-hike or explore the trail in shorter sections, the Lycian Way has options for various fitness levels and interests. There are easier segments ideal for beginners, with gentle slopes and well-marked paths, and more challenging sections that require a higher level of fitness and experience in mountainous terrain. One of the great things about the Lycian Way is that even the more difficult parts are accessible to first-time backpackers with a basic level of fitness. The trail’s non-technical nature, combined with frequent opportunities to restock food and water in nearby villages, makes it a perfect choice for beginners who want to experience a long-distance hike.
Going Solo vs. Hiring a Guide: Pros and Cons
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make when planning your Lycian Way adventure is whether to hike solo or hire a guide or tour company. On my three trips, I opted to hike solo, but I frequently met groups of foreigners accompanied by guides. Here’s what you need to consider:
Hiring a Personal Guide: If you choose to hire a personal guide, you’ll have the benefit of constant companionship from someone who knows the trail well. A guide can provide insights into the historical significance of the sites you’ll encounter, help you navigate tricky parts of the trail, and assist with communication in remote areas where English might not be widely spoken. This option is great for those who prefer not to worry about logistics and would rather focus on enjoying the hike. However, it’s also the most expensive option, and you may sacrifice some of the spontaneity that makes solo hiking so rewarding.
Booking Through a Tour Company: This option provides a middle ground between going solo and hiring a personal guide. Tour companies typically offer services like transporting your luggage between accommodations, arranging your overnight stays, and providing detailed maps and route guidance. This allows you to hike with only a daypack, significantly reducing the weight you carry and enabling faster progress. The downside is the lack of flexibility—you’ll need to reach predetermined destinations each day, which may not suit those who prefer to hike at their own pace and linger in places they find particularly captivating.
Going Solo: Hiking solo on the Lycian Way offers unmatched freedom. You can set your own pace, explore off-trail attractions, and have spontaneous interactions with locals. There’s a unique joy in discovering a secluded beach or a hidden ruin without a fixed schedule. While going solo requires more preparation and self-reliance, the Lycian Way is well-suited for solo hikers. The trail is relatively safe, with frequent encounters with other hikers and locals, making it easier to get help if needed. I’ve always found the Lycian Way community—both locals and fellow hikers—to be incredibly supportive and friendly. Wild camping is legal in Turkey, allowing you to set up camp wherever you find a suitable spot, provided it’s not private property.
Best Time to Hike the Lycian Way
The ideal seasons for hiking the Lycian Way are spring (April-May) and fall (October-November). During these months, the weather is mild and the natural water sources along the trail are more reliable. Summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F), making hiking during the day uncomfortable and potentially dangerous due to heat exhaustion. If you do decide to hike in the summer, plan to walk early in the morning and late in the evening, avoiding the midday heat. Winter, on the other hand, can bring rain and cold temperatures, particularly in the higher elevations, so it’s best to avoid hiking during this time unless you are well-prepared for winter conditions.
I made the mistake of hiking the Lycian Way in July on my first trip. I was absolutely melting under the sun and ended up doing a lot of night hiking to cope with the heat. While this allowed me to enjoy the trail in solitude, it was definitely challenging. However, there was an upside: fewer people on the trail, quieter campsites, and empty restaurants, giving me a sense of having the entire Lycian Way to myself.
Navigation and Helpful Apps
One of the essential tools for navigating the Lycian Way is the TrailSmart app. This app provides detailed maps, GPS tracking, and information on trail conditions, water sources, and camping spots. The free version of TrailSmart is useful, but the paid version is highly recommended as it allows you to download maps for offline use. Trust me, there will be moments when cell signal is non-existent, and having an offline map can be a lifesaver. The trail is marked with red and white paint blazes on rocks and trees, but these can sometimes be faded or missing at crucial junctions. On my hikes, I found myself wandering off the trail more times than I care to remember. TrailSmart has been my reliable guide in these situations, showing the correct path and helping me find my way back.
Another useful app is Maps.me, which also provides offline maps and allows you to plot out your route. Local hikers and long-distance trekkers frequently update it, so the information tends to be reliable. Having both TrailSmart and Maps.me provides an excellent backup system, ensuring you can stay on track and make informed decisions about where to camp or find water.
Food, Water, and Accommodation Options
The Lycian Way offers various options for food, water, and accommodation, catering to different hiking styles and budgets.
Accommodation: You can choose between staying in hotels, guesthouses, and bungalows, or camping along the trail. A combination of both is often the best approach. For example, staying in a bungalow or guesthouse in a village allows you to enjoy a comfortable bed and a home-cooked meal after several days of camping. Bungalows, particularly in places like Kabak, offer a unique experience with their beautiful settings and laid-back vibe. However, these prime locations can fill up quickly, especially during peak hiking seasons, so it’s wise to book in advance if you plan to rely on accommodation. Carrying a tent gives you the freedom to stop and camp wherever you find a picturesque spot or if your planned accommodation is fully booked.
Food: One of the joys of hiking the Lycian Way is sampling local Turkish cuisine. You’ll pass through numerous villages where you can enjoy traditional dishes like gozleme (savory pancakes), fresh bread, olives, cheese, and a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Most of these villages have small grocery stores where you can stock up on essentials. For thru-hikers, it’s a good idea to carry some lightweight, non-perishable foods like nuts, dried fruits, and instant noodles. This way, you have something to eat even if you can’t find a store or restaurant that day. Always be prepared for variability in store
