DAY 1 Arrival in Turkey
Fly to Dalaman International Airport (approx 5 hours from the UK) which has excellent flight links to UK and European destinations. You will be transferred from the airport to your first night’s accommodation in Kakakoy.
Walk: Optional walk around town
Overnight: Misafir Evi Hotel - Kayakoy
A small charming hotel in the peaceful village of Kayakoy. You will be guaranteed a warm Turkish welcome. Facilities include a refreshing swimming pool and a lovely restaurant serving local specialities such as delicious Mezes and Baklava. The perfect start to your holiday!
DAY 2 Walk via Kayakoy and Oludeniz to Ovacik
Start your day off with a morning walk to the remains of Kayakoy Village. This “ghost town” is an abandoned Greek village and is a fascinating place to explore and not to be missed. After admiring the basilica, the ruins at Kayakoy and the stunning views over the sea, you will then walk towards the official start of the Lycian Way at Ovacik. A mountain path will lead you from Kayakoy to one of the most photographed lagoons in Turkey in Olu Deniz. From here you may choose to get the minibus (dolmus) on to Ovacik or carry on the walk from Oludeniz to Ovacik.
Walk: 2hrs from Kayakoy to Oludeniz and 3 hours from Oludeniz to Ovacik
Altitude: 170m-sealevel from Kayakoy to Oludeniz, sealevel -285m from Oludeniz to Ovacik
Overnight: Sultan Motel - Ovacik
Located at the start of the Lycian Way, the Sultan is a bright modern hotel with facilities including a swimming pool and cool, spacious rooms and a restaurant.
DAY 3 Walk from Ovacik to Faralya
Today’s walk starts with a steep climb over the extreme western end of the Baba Dag mountain range. The path rises steeply from just above sea level to the traditional village of Kirme with its sloping terraced fields, where locals harvest olives and keep goats and cattle. From Kirme, head down a deep valley carrying a millstream to Faralya village. Faralya Village lies at the top of the deep valley know as Butterfly Valley and the views down to the beach and the deep indigo sea from here are quite something.
Walk: 5.5 Hours
Altitude: 285m-725m-295m
Overnight: The Montenegro Motel - Faralya
The Montenegro Motel was built in 2006 and offers bungalow style accommodation and a warm welcome from the local Turkish family who run it. Enjoy relaxing on the restaurant’s outdoor terrace which has beautiful views over the bay, or take a dip in the swimming pool to refresh. You may even spot some of the butterflies unique to the Valley.
DAY 4 Walk from Faralya to Kabak
A nice short easy walk today along the flank of Baba Dagi to Kabak. It is also a day of contrasts with pine trees on your left and views of the glittering sea to the right. In the afternoon, a circular walk around the Kabak valley will take you to the beach where you can enjoy wonderful swimming in the warm blue sea.
Walk: 2.5 Hours from Faralya to Kabak, 4 Hours Kabak-Kabak Beach-Kabak
Altitude: 295m-450m-220m from Faralya to Kabak, 220m-sealevel-440m-220m from Kabak to Kabak Beach to Kabak
Overnight: Olive Garden Kabak - Kabak
This tranquil accommodation offers bungalow style accommodation which is surrounded by nature. People come from all over the area to enjoy their delicious food here.
DAY 5 Walk from Kabak to Alinca/Transfer to Patara
Another fabulous day of walking. A steep route this morning follows a beautiful old mule path, which climbs the slops of Kabak Valley to Alinca. Take in spectacular views over the seven capes. Alinca sits perched on the slopes above sheer cliffs which descend in pink steps to the sea and the views back along the coast to Olu Deniz are beautiful.
Walk: 5 Hours
Altitude: 220m-340m-720m
Overnight:Patara Flower Pension - Patara
A delightful family run pension where Mustafa and Ayse will do everything possible to make your stay enjoyable. Ayse is famous for her delicious Turkish cooking, so meals here will be a real treat!
DAY 6 Circular walk from Gelemis Village to Yali Burun
An easy scenic walk today takes you round a wild and rocky section of the coastline. Follow a dirt road to Yali Burun, an area of rolling farmland. From here follow coastal paths above low rocky cliffs with lovely views down to small beaches before reaching the ancient aquaduct of Delikkemer and heading back to Gelemis again.
Walk: 7 hours
Altitude: 10m-210m-10m
Overnight: Patara Flower Pension
DAY 7 Circular walk from Gelemis Village to Patara ruins
A nice short walk today to finish your holiday. From Gelemis village follow a path to the fascinating Patara ruins. Take time to explore the many interesting ruins including the Necropolis, Basilica, theatre and lighthouse. Before returning to Gelemis village you can also relax at one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey. The 12km sandy beach at Patara is the perfect place to dip your toes in to the sea before getting the walking boots back on.
Walk: 2 Hours to and from Patara Ruins and as long as you need to explore the Ruins.
Overnight: Patara Flower Pension
DAY 8 Transfer to Dalaman Airport
Grade & Fitness
This walking tour is graded Moderate. Walks of between 2 to 7 hrs a day with some steep ascents and descents. Not suitable for those who have a fear of heights. The walks follow rural tracks, both surfaced and unsurfaced, footpaths and animal trails. You may encounter some loose rock, or muddy / slippery sections in wet weather.
You should be a regular walker and have a good level of walking fitness to get the most from this holiday.
Navigation
Most of the route is way marked in red-and-white and signposted in green and yellow. With the guidebook and the route notes provided you should have no trouble following the route, but we recommend carrying a map and compass and knowing how to use them.
Availability
This holiday is available to start on any day between April and June and then from September to November.
Accommodation
Your accommodation will be in a variety of small, traditional hotels and pensions. All are good, family run hotels with an authentic atmosphere and great home cooked food. The rooms are simply but comfortably decorated and have ensuite bathrooms.
Alternate Accommodation
During high season, you might be booked into a different accommodation which is not listed in the description. Any alternative accommodation will be of the same standard as those described.
Extra Nights Accommodation
We can add on additional nights accommodation anywhere along the route for you. As many of the flights into Turkey arrive in the early hours of morning, it is possible to arrange an extra nights accommodation in Kayakoy which will give you more time to explore the area.
Single Rooms
If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.
Solo Walkers
This holiday is not available to solo walkers.
Meals
A delicious breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included. Most accommodations are happy to provide a packed lunch - this should be requested on arrival. Or you can pick up lunch in the village or stop along the trail. Your route notes have details for each day. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby bars, cafes and restaurants.
Baggage Transfer
Your bags will be transferred between your accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
Equipment
Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.
We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further queries.
How fit do I need to be?
The walking is graded moderate so you will enjoy the holiday more if you already enjoy an active lifestyle. It involves walking between 2-7 hours each day with some sections of steep ascent and descent. The walks follow rural tracks, both surfaced and unsurfaced and you may encounter some loose rock or muddy/slippery sections.
Which is the best airport to fly to?
Dalaman Airport is the best airport to fly into. You will be transferred from Dalaman Airport to your first night's accommodation and then transferred back again after your trip.
How far in advance do I need to book?
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as this holiday is very popular. You will find up to date availability on our website and we will always try and accommodate your plans.
What personal equipment do I need?
You will need good walking shoes/boots, comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack, warm clothing in the early/late part of the year and hats etc during the summer. We supply a detailed packing list with your information pack.
When is the best time of year?
The Lycian Way is nice walked anytime between April and June and then from September to November. July and August are generally too hot for walking. My personal favourite time to walk is in spring when the flowers are blooming and the birds are singing but it is also nice in October and November when it has really started to cool down.
