From Fethiye to Antalya, winding past ancient cities, coves and pine forests on the Mediterranean coast, the Lycian Way is Turkey's first and most famous long-distance trail. Walking all of it takes weeks, but you can enjoy it on sections of a few days or even a single day. In this guide you will find the best sections for starting a Lycian Way hike, the best season and how to reach the trailhead by VIP transfer from Dalaman Airport or Fethiye.
What is the Lycian Way?
The Lycian Way links the old footpaths, village tracks and mule trails of ancient Lycia into a single route waymarked with red-and-white paint. Volunteers began marking it in the late 1990s, and it soon came to be counted among the most beautiful long-distance trails in the world.
Along the way, Lycian rock tombs, ancient theatres, abandoned villages, turquoise coves and pine forests follow one another. Some sections are easy coastal paths, others are rocky, steep mountain tracks, so choosing the right section makes all the difference.
The best sections for beginners
The sections below suit a first Lycian Way experience thanks to their views and easy access. Distances and times are approximate and depend on your pace and the weather.
- Ovacık – Faralya: The official start. A full-day section along the slopes above Ölüdeniz with sea views all the way; at the end you look down on Butterfly Valley.
- Faralya – Kabak: A shorter, pleasant section through pine forest down to Kabak Bay.
- Üçağız – Kaleköy (Kekova): Near Kaş, a flat and easy stretch with views of the sunken city and Simena Castle.
- Çıralı – Olympos: Near Antalya; a beach, an ancient city and, in the evening, the eternal flames of the Chimaera (Yanartaş).
If it is your first time, spread Ovacık–Faralya–Kabak over 2–3 days and stay in the guesthouses of Faralya and Kabak.
Butterfly Valley and Kabak
Below the village of Faralya, Butterfly Valley is a small cove opening to the sea between towering cliffs. The view from above is spectacular; the path down into the valley is very steep and dangerous and is not recommended, so visitors reach the valley by boat from Ölüdeniz. Kabak Bay, with its tent camps and quiet beach, is the best rest stop of the section.
When to hike the Lycian Way
Summers on the coast are very hot and much of the route has little shade. Spring and autumn are the best seasons.
- Spring (March–May): Flowers, running streams and mild weather; the most popular season.
- Autumn (October–November): The sea is still warm and the air cool; ideal for hiking.
- Summer (June–September): Midday heat can be dangerous; only short sections early in the morning.
- Winter (December–February): Low coastal sections are walkable, but expect rain and short days.
Tips for the Lycian Way
- Carry plenty of water. Some sections have no water source; take at least 2–3 litres per person.
- Download offline maps. Waymarks are sometimes faded; keep the route and an offline map on your phone.
- Do not hike alone. Especially in the mountains, go at least in pairs and tell someone your route.
- Choose good footwear. On rocky ground you need sturdy hiking shoes that support your ankles.
- Start early. Beat the heat and arrive before dark.
- Emergency number: In Turkey, call 112 for all emergencies.
Guesthouse opening seasons and trail conditions change through the year; check current information with your accommodation before you set off.
How to get to the Lycian Way: VIP transfer options
The nearest airport to the western end is Dalaman Airport (DLM), about an hour from Fethiye and the trailhead at Ovacık. At the eastern end is Antalya Airport (AYT). For hikers the biggest advantage of a transfer is flexibility: it drops you at the start of a section, picks you up a few days later in the village where it ends, and can even take your big suitcase to your final hotel.
VIP transfer to the trailhead from the nearest points
Our VIP vehicles
Mercedes Vito VIPUp to 5 passengers · 5 large suitcases · driver and fuel included
VIP SprinterUp to 7 passengers · 7 large suitcases · for groups and plenty of luggageVIP transfer to the Lycian Way from major cities
Door-to-door VIP transfers to the trailhead at Ovacık are also possible from Antalya, Bodrum, Izmir, Kuşadası, Ankara and Istanbul. On long journeys, flying to Dalaman and taking an airport transfer is usually faster.
| From | Distance | Time | Current price |
|---|---|---|---|
| AntalyaAntalya Airport (AYT) | 215 km | ~3 h 17 min | Get a price → |
| MuğlaMilas-Bodrum Airport (BJV) | 214 km | ~3 h 8 min | Get a price → |
| IzmirIzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) | 326 km | ~4 h 27 min | Get a price → |
| AydınKuşadası cruise port | 289 km | ~4 h 7 min | Get a price → |
| AnkaraAnkara Esenboğa Airport (ESB) | 659 km | ~8 h 42 min | Get a price → |
| IstanbulSabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) | 756 km | ~8 h 37 min | Get a price → |
| IstanbulIstanbul Airport (IST) | 824 km | ~9 h 31 min | Get a price → |
- Antalya Airport (AYT): For those coming from the eastern end; you can finish your hike on the Antalya side and fly home from there.
- Milas-Bodrum Airport (BJV): To combine a Bodrum holiday with a few days on the Lycian Way.
When you click Get a price, a window opens with the route already filled in; you see the current estimated price for Vito VIP and Sprinter and can book without leaving the page. Prices are per vehicle and follow the current fuel price; the licensed carrier taking the transfer confirms the final price. To be dropped at the start of a section and collected at its end, create two separate transfer requests and write your hiking plan in the notes.
Places to see near the start of the Lycian Way
- Ölüdeniz and Babadağ: The turquoise lagoon and a world-famous paragliding launch site.
- Kayaköy: An abandoned village of hundreds of stone houses, emptied after the 1923 population exchange.
- Fethiye rock tombs: Lycian tombs carved into the cliffs above the town; the most famous is the Tomb of Amyntas.
- Saklıkent Gorge: East of Fethiye, with ice-cold water to cool off in summer.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Lycian Way?
The route runs for about 540 km between Fethiye (Ovacık) and Antalya. Walking all of it usually takes 4–5 weeks; most hikers choose sections of a few days.
Where does the Lycian Way start?
The official start is at Ovacık near Fethiye, on the slopes above Ölüdeniz, where the starting sign stands.
Is the Lycian Way suitable for beginners?
Some sections are. Ovacık–Faralya, Faralya–Kabak and Üçağız–Kaleköy suit anyone who walks regularly; the steep mountain sections need experience.
How long does it take from Dalaman Airport to the trailhead?
From Dalaman Airport to the trailhead at Ovacık it is about 64.6 km, around 1 h 16 min.
Can I hike without a guide?
As the route is waymarked, many hikers walk without a guide. Still, do not hike alone, use an offline map and tell someone your route.
Ready to take your first steps on the Lycian Way? Leave the journey from the airport to the trailhead to us. Plan your transfer now.