Lycian Way Coastal Trek Turkey

The Lycian Way runs five hundred kilometres along the southwestern coast of Türkiye, and this four-day trek takes in one of its most varied sections — departing from Fethiye and following clifftop paths, ancient stone-paved mule tracks, and pine forest trails that connect ruined Lycian cities with hidden lagoons and working fishing villages. Each day covers between twelve and eighteen kilometres with significant elevation change, the path often passing directly through sites like Pydnai, Sidyma, or the acropolis above Kayaköy, the ghost village abandoned after the 1923 population exchange. Nights are spent at family-run pansiyons or small hotels in villages along the route, with dinners of local produce — olive oil, goat cheese, freshwater trout, and seasonal vegetables. On day three the trail descends to the Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz, where walkers can swim before continuing to camp or a pension above the bay. The section through Butterfly Valley on the final day follows a narrow ledge path above a dramatic canyon. The route is walkable October through May; summers are hot and water sources unreliable. Bring trekking poles, a two-litre water capacity, trail shoes with ankle support, and cash for village accommodation.