The Lycian Way is a 540 km, 29-day way-marked footpath around the coast of Lycia in southern Turkey, from Fethiye to Antalya. The trail consists mainly of Roman roads, old footpaths and mule trails, often hard and stony underfoot, not suitable for mountain bikes. Lying between the coast and mountains, it often has steep gradients. It was researched, designed and waymarked by Kate Clow, a British/Turkish amateur historian, in 1999. Turkey’s first long-distance walking route, it was made in order to identify and protect some of Turkey’s old roads.
The start point, at Oludeniz, is 2 hours from Dalaman airport and the end point is near the international airport at Antalya. There is good public transport all along the trail and opportunities to swim, canoe or paraglide.
Trekking is best in spring or autumn – February-May or September-November – summer in Lycia is too hot for long walks. Except for 3 high-level sections, every night you can find accommodation in village houses, pensions or small hotels. Independent trekkers will find plenty of wild camping places with nearby water.