Which hike should you choose from Ulupınar?

Choose Ulupınar–Yanartaş–Çıralı to connect inland terrain with the coast and Beycik–Tahtalı for a more athletic climb. Alacasu–Phaselis is a separate coastal outing: it does not start in Ulupınar. Always confirm terrain and return transport.

Can you walk from Ulupınar to Çıralı without a guide?

It can suit walkers who are self-sufficient in navigation and able to manage water, weather and exit decisions. A recent route, the relevant map and a confirmed return are still necessary; choose support if uncertain.

Is the hike towards Yanartaş difficult?

Ulupınar–Yanartaş–Çıralı is approximately 9 km, taking 3.5 to 4 hours, with about 280 m ascent and 550 m descent, plus a stony section requiring care. Direction, heat and current trail condition can change the difficulty.

Can you combine a hike with a visit to Phaselis?

Yes, provided access, visiting hours and return transport are checked in advance. Shorten the walking section if the archaeological visit is the priority.

When is the best time to hike around Çıralı?

Yanartaş–Çıralı can be walked in different seasons, but timing should be adjusted during summer heat. Always check weather, shade, recent rain, fire restrictions and current trail condition.

What should you check before a local Lycian Way hike?

Check the route, elevation, water, resupply, weather, access, exit point and return transport. Also carry offline navigation, a charged phone and an appropriate reserve.

Ulupınar and Çıralı hikes: which route to choose?

Around Ulupınar and Çıralı, choose by elevation, heat and return logistics: Ulupınar–Yanartaş–Çıralı links mountain and coast, Beycik–Tahtalı is a sustained climb, while Alacasu–Phaselis is a separate coastal outing that does not start in Ulupınar.

By Aventures Anatoliennes · Reviewed by Aventures Anatoliennes Editorial Team · Last reviewed 2026-07-31

Which hike should you choose around Ulupınar?

Three profiles make the day hikes easy to compare. Distances and elevation figures are indicative and should be checked against the current route and conditions:

Ulupınar–Yanartaş–Çıralı: 9 km, 3.5 to 4 hours, about 280 m ascent and 550 m descent;
Alacasu–Phaselis: 4 km, about 2 hours and 65 m total elevation change; this coastal outing does not start in Ulupınar;
Beycik–Tahtalı: 6.7 km, about 1,250 m ascent and 30 m descent.

Choose Yanartaş–Çıralı to connect inland terrain with the coast, Beycik–Tahtalı for a much more demanding climb, or Alacasu–Phaselis for a shorter day combining forest and heritage. Confirm the route, access and return before departure. Also read our guide to build a reliable Lycian Way stage.

Yanartaş, Beycik, Tahtalı and Phaselis are distinct landmarks

The official map sheets clearly separate the sectors. At Çıralı, the route divides between a coastal branch continuing towards Phaselis and a western branch climbing through Yanartaş, Ulupınar and Beycik towards the higher ground around Tahtalı. Yanartaş is therefore a passage between the coast and inland terrain, while Beycik marks progress towards greater elevation. Phaselis belongs to a different day plan focused on Tekirova, coastal forest and the archaeological site.

These routes make it possible to stay in the same region while alternating Mediterranean forest, mountain scenery, coastline and ancient heritage. The trail, access and available services should still be checked before every departure.

Plan the start, return and available services

Before departure, confirm the exact trailhead, walking direction, pickup location and latest return time. A linear hike requires a transfer or a transport option that is genuinely available; finishing at Çıralı, Beycik or Phaselis does not automatically guarantee a return. Download a recent route for offline use and carry the official map sheet for the sector.

confirm water and resupply available that day;
check opening conditions for any site you plan to visit;
prepare a shorter option and an exit point;
ask for written confirmation of inclusions when the walk forms part of an organised trip.

Our Lycian Way trip shows how these decisions fit into a longer itinerary.

Heat, navigation and trail condition

The main mistake is choosing a hike from distance alone. A sustained climb towards Beycik or Tahtalı, a long stony descent, limited shade or a late start can change the day completely. Waymarks help, but roadworks, vegetation or local variants can make a junction harder to read. An offline route does not remove the need to observe the terrain.

Check the forecast, recent rain, fire risk and local restrictions before setting out. In severe heat, change the timing or abandon the planned stage. If navigation, water autonomy or return arrangements are uncertain, choose a guided format or a simpler stage among our hikes in Türkiye.