Trekking Ancient Lycia

The Lycian Way is a 555-kilometer pedestrian road around the coast of Lycia in southern Turkey, from Fethiye to Antalya. To go all the way, it takes about 30 to 45 days even for trained athletes. We made a lightweight route without heavy backpacks, with accommodation in the most cozy places, without tents.

Walking no more than 15 km a day, in just a week we will have time to see the main sights of the Lycian trail: Mount Tahtaly, the lights of the Chimera, the ancient city of Olympos, the sarcophagi of the ancient Lycians, the famous lighthouse Helidonia and much more. Every day we will enjoy the stunning coastline, views of steep cliffs suddenly falling into the sea, secluded beaches, away from the crowds of tourists.

Discover Turkey from the other side. We promise it will be unforgettable!

The Lycian Trail trekking programme

Day 1. Arrival in Antalya. Our representative will meet you at the airport. Transfer to the hotel. Old town. Dinner at a local restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine. Short briefing with guide, briefing. Hotel night.

Day 2. Moving to Heinuk, track to Heinuk Yala, transfer to Ovachik. Early in the morning after breakfast on transfer we will go to the village of Heinyuk, a place that translates as “fertile valley at the junction of sky and sea” – lushly flowering pomegranate and orange trees and sparkling gentle sea confirm this name. Overnight in an atmospheric campground in Ovachik.

Day 3. Track at Yala Kuzder. The winding mountain path leads us to the village of Gedelme, next to which are the ruins of the ancient castle of the same name, here we dine. After lunch, we continue our journey along the Lycian trail in Yala Kuzder, a village at the foot of the Toros Mountains. 13 kilometers, 650 meters of climb.

Day 4: Mount Olympus (Tahtali). Immediately after breakfast, the transfer will take us to the beginning of the route, from where, after a short climb, we will walk to the cable car station on Mount Takhtaly in 2.5-3 hours, on the lift we climb up. By the way, this mountain in ancient times was considered Olympus – the place of the abode of the gods. There are many legends about the local Olympus in Turkey. According to one of them, in the area of the mountain settled a terrible and dangerous monster – the Chimera. The fearless Bellerophon managed to defeat the monster and throw it from the top. And since then, Chimera has settled at the foot of her former abode, splashing islands of fire out of the ground as if showing her indignation. From the top there is a magnificent view of the sea coast and hilly land. Snack - picnic in a picturesque place. The descent follows winding goat trails to the village of Basik. Night at the campground with panoramic views of the mountains of the Lycian trail. 6 hours, 300 meters climb, 1500 meters descent.

Day 5. Chimera lights and Chirala beaches. Having gained strength, we go to the Beidaglara National Park, from where our path lies to the luxurious beaches of Chirala - one of the most cozy places of the Antalya coast, as well as the breeding zone of sea turtles! An evening walk to the lights of the Chimera, a mystical natural phenomenon where a fire has been burning on the mountain for thousands of years. The flame bursts to the surface from the ground in several places, the places of fire periodically change, the fire then almost dies out, then flares up with new force. We meet the sunset. Then, tired and satisfied, we go to a picturesque hotel on the Mediterranean coast. Hotel night. 5 hours, down 900 meters.

Day 6. Chirali-Adrasan. In the morning we go to the ruins of the ancient city of Olympos – take incredible photos, wander through the ruins, see ancient frescoes, and feel the atmosphere of antiquity. Olympos, which originated in the third century BC, is believed to have been founded by pirates who chose a secluded bay next to the river and mountain where they founded their city. This city developed rapidly and by the second century BC became an important port city in the state of Lycia, which had its own coins, writing and architecture. Then we will continue the transition to Andrasan by climbing Mount Musa, (650 m above sea level). From here there is a gradual descent to the bay, where the village of Adrasan stands, or, as it is called by the locals, Cavushkoy. It is one of the most picturesque corners of southern Turkey. In ancient times, the village was one of the important trading bays of the Lycian civilization and the Ottoman Empire. Azure water and sandy beaches at sunset will be a worthy end to the day.

Day 7. Adrasan, Cape Helidonia. The trail runs parallel to the picturesque sea shore. Cape Helidonia is a real “edge of the world”, on which there is a snow-white lighthouse. Often there are filmed plots of TV programs, which is not surprising, because the opening view resembles a bright postcard. A couple of islands are visible in the distance. At the end of the hiking route - transfer to Kalekiy (about 2 hours). There in the IV century BC was the port city of Simena, one of the shopping centers of Lycia. In the second century, part of the city went under water due to an earthquake. Here we will go at sunset, on the way we will visit the fortress of Simena and very well-preserved ancient tombs-sarcophagi with caps in the form of inverted boats, because the ancient Lycians believed that after death they will be able to go to sea. Whenever possible, we rent kayaks and take beautiful photos at sunset. Night at the hotel. 17 km, 6 hours, hotel accommodation

Day 8. Moving to Antalya. Moving only 20 kilometers from the place of our overnight stay, we get to the Ancient City of the World, one of the most preserved ancient cities of the Lycian Trail. After that, we continue our way to the famous Heinuk Canyon, where we will take a short walk (2 hours) among the steep cliffs. Here we are waiting for a boat trip, canyoning - even the most sophisticated will not remain indifferent!

Day 9. Flight home.

Or you can continue the journey by climbing Ararat, which is in the very east of Turkey. This is a great option, because an easy trekking along the Lycian Trail will give you a good head start on the climb!

Tour dates:

27 April 2024 - 5 May 2024

October 5, 2024 - October 13, 2024

26 April 2025 - 4 May 2025

4 October 2025 - 12 October 2025

• Russian language guide for the entire program
• All accommodation on the program with breakfast
• All transfers under the program, comfortable
• All necessary permits and registrations
• Entrance fees
• Canyoning/boats in the Gorge of Heynuk
• Group equipment
• First aid kit.
• Meeting/conference at the airport