Stroll
Lycian Way
Turkey

Lycian Way

Walk one of the Mediterranean's great coastal trails along the turquoise shores of southern Turkey, through ancient ruins, clifftop villages and landscapes that have changed little in a thousand years.

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Overview

The Lycian Way traces the dramatic coastline of southern Turkey between Ölüdeniz and Antalya, winding along clifftops high above the Mediterranean, through pine forests, ancient ruins and charming villages that most visitors to this part of the world never find. The trails deliver breathtaking views over some of the most vivid blue water in the world, and the Lycian ruins scattered throughout the landscape add an extraordinary layer of history to every day on the trail. Each evening, handpicked guesthouses run by locals and freshly prepared Turkish cuisine are waiting at the end of the path.

Available Strolls

Lighthouse Lycian Way view over sea
Self-Guided

Lycian Way West - 7 Days

Duration7 days
Walking Grade
3
From£1,310
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East Lycian Way-LIGHTHOUSE
Self-Guided

Lycian Way East - 7 Days

Duration7 days
Walking Grade
3
From£1,310
View Stroll

The Lycian Way experience

Wonder
Walk the Lycian Way above the brilliant blue Oludeniz lagoon and along the Turquoise Coast
Discover the UNESCO-listed ruins of Xanthos, one of the great cities of the ancient Lycian civilisation
Walk in the footsteps of ancient Greeks and Romans through sites that have stood for over two thousand years
Wellness
Stay in small family-run accommodations in authentic Turkish villages away from the tourist trail
The Western Lycian Way is considered the most scenic section of Turkey's first long-distance trail
Walking pace allows genuine engagement with the coast, the culture, and the communities along the route
Nature
Pine-scented forests, rugged coastal cliffs, and hidden beaches along the Mediterranean Turquoise Coast
The route passes through the Butterfly Valley and above the famous blue lagoon at Oludeniz
The Bay of Oludeniz, enclosed by mountains on three sides, is one of the most photographed bays in the world
Coming soon
Local recommendations are coming soon.

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Frequently Asked Questions

For the Lycian Way (both East and West), the walks run February to May and September to October. Summer is simply too hot for coastal walking. For Cappadocia, the trip runs April to November, with spring and autumn the most comfortable windows. Across all three walks, April to May and September to October are the sweet spots.

Your main luggage is transferred between accommodations each day on all three walks. Have it at reception by 8:00am each morning and it will be waiting at your next stop by evening. You walk with just a daypack.

All three walks stay in small, family-run guesthouses and pensions well away from the tourist crowds — this is one of the things that sets these trips apart from a standard Turkey holiday. On the Lycian Way most properties have swimming pools and in-house restaurants. In Cappadocia, you'll sleep in cave hotels carved into the volcanic rock, genuinely unlike anywhere else. The hospitality across all three is warm and the settings are beautiful.

Breakfast is included every morning across all three walks, along with several dinners served as a set menu at your accommodation. Dinner service runs until 20:30–21:00. Lunch is not included — villages along all three routes have cafes and local eateries. Let the team know about any dietary requirements at booking.

A daypack with water, snacks, sun protection and your walk notes. On both Lycian Way walks, the terrain is rocky and uneven, so walking poles and boots with good ankle support are strongly recommended — the East section is particularly mountainous. Cappadocia's trails are gentler and flatter, where good walking shoes with cushioning are sufficient.

It depends on the walk. Both Lycian Way itineraries are graded moderate, with above-average elevation — the East in particular involves more sustained climbing through mountain and forested terrain. Building hill fitness before you go makes a real difference. Cappadocia is graded easy to moderate on flatter terrain and suits a wider range of walkers.

Solo walkers are not accepted on either Lycian Way walk. Some sections are remote with limited mobile coverage, and the safety risk of walking alone in those areas is genuine. The Cappadocia walk does not have the same restriction.

Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country and modest dress is appreciated when visiting mosques and religious sites — shoulders and knees covered. Remove your shoes before entering a mosque. Outside of religious sites the dress code is relaxed, though in the smaller villages conservative dress is respectful. Turks are famously warm and hospitable — a simple greeting in Turkish goes a long way.

Yes, and it's a condition of booking for all three walks. Your policy must cover injury, trip cancellation, luggage loss and medical evacuation. Never pack your passport in your main luggage.

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