The Lycian Way: Chimaera, Kekova & Termessos
Eight-day guided trip on the Lycian coast: the Chimaera flames, Maden Bay, Andriake, Simena, Aperlai, stages around Faralya and Ölüdeniz, and the ancient city of Termessos.
This eight-day guided circuit combines several areas of the Lycian coast. Starting from Çıralı, discover the Chimaera flames and Maden Bay, returning by boat. The itinerary continues to Andriake, Simena and Kekova, then the ancient site of Aperlai. Stages from Alınca, Kirme and Kozağaç lead towards Faralya and Ölüdeniz, before the visit to Termessos. This is a selection of walks, rather than a continuous walk all the way between Çıralı and Ölüdeniz. Rated 3/5, the trip includes substantial descents and a stage classified as difficult between Andriake and Simena. Walking times and elevation ch…
CODE AA-LYC-01
8 days · Level 3/5
Price depends on group size and season: a detailed, no-obligation quote on request.
- The eternal flames of the Chimaera at Çıralı
- The sunken city of Kekova and the village of Simena
- Spectacular coastal trails above the Mediterranean
- The descent to the famous Ölüdeniz lagoon
- The perched ruins of the ancient city of Termessos
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 / Arrival and transfer to Çıralı
Arrival on the Mediterranean coast and transfer to Çıralı. Check-in and overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 2 / Chimaera flames – Maden Bay – boat return to Çıralı
The day has two distinct parts: discovering the Chimaera flames, then descending to the coast at Maden. The return to Çıralı is by boat, so this is not a circular walk. 11.1 km, 4–5 h – +350 m / -570 m. Moderate.
Day 3 / Andriake – Simena – Kekova
The route links Andriake to Simena in the Kekova area. It is the longest advertised walk of the week. Its difficult grading should be taken into account even though the elevation change is smaller than on several other stages. 14.7 km, 4–5 h – +200 m / -200 m. Difficult.
Day 4 / Kılınçlı – Aperlai
Starting from Kılınçlı, this stage leads to the ancient site of Aperlai. It is shorter than the previous day’s walk and has a mainly descending profile. The itinerary combines coastal walking with the discovery of an ancient site. 6.1 km, 3–4 h – +90 m / -360 m. Moderate.
Day 5 / Alınca – Faralya
This stage links the heights of Alınca to Faralya along a balcony trail. There is more descent than ascent, so distance alone does not describe the effort involved. The walk ends at Faralya above Butterfly Valley. 8.7 km, 4–5 h – +170 m / -720 m. Moderate.
Day 6 / Kirme – Faralya
Another walk reaches Faralya, this time starting from Kirme. The route passes through pine forests with views of the sea. Although the destination is the same as the previous day, the starting point and elevation profile are different. 8.7 km, 4–5 h – +400 m / -700 m. Moderate.
Day 7 / Kozağaç – Ölüdeniz & ancient city of Termessos
Descent from Kozağaç to Ölüdeniz lagoon (5.2 km, 2–3 h – +40 m / -480 m), then visit of the ancient city of Termessos (2.8 km, 1h30–2h – +194 m / -187 m). Moderate. These figures describe two separate routes, not a walk linking Ölüdeniz and Termessos.
Day 8 / Return flight
Transfer to the airport for the return flight.
Included / Not included
What’s included
- Accommodation as set out in the itinerary
- Full board (picnic lunch, dinner), except meals on the first and last days
- All luggage transfers throughout the trip
- Transfers as set out in the itinerary
- Entrance fees for the sites listed in the itinerary
- A Turkish hiking guide who speaks your group's language
- A group of 4 to 15 people
- The boat return from Maden Bay to Çıralı (day 2).
What’s not included
- International and domestic flights
- Meals on the first and last days
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Comprehensive travel insurance (cancellation, assistance and repatriation, trip interruption)
- Tips
- Single room supplement
Frequently asked questions
How hard is this Lycian Way trip? Rated 3/5. It includes substantial descents and one stage classified as difficult, between Andriake and Simena. Walking times and elevation changes are given day by day.
Do we walk the whole Lycian Way from Çıralı to Ölüdeniz? No. This is a selection of walks on several areas of the Lycian coast, not a continuous walk all the way between Çıralı and Ölüdeniz.
What will we see on this trip? The Chimaera flames at Çıralı and Maden Bay (return by boat), Andriake, Simena and the sunken city of Kekova, the ancient site of Aperlai, stages towards Faralya and the descent to Ölüdeniz, and the ancient city of Termessos.
How long is the trip? Eight days, including arrival and departure.
When is the best time to go? April to June and September to October.
Related
- The Lycian Way: from Antalya to Kekova
- Lycian Way, self-guided
- Lycian Coast
- All hiking routes in Turkey
- Practical route guide
- The Lycian Way: map, sections and where to start
- The Lycian Way by month: when to walk it
- Guided or self-guided on the Lycian Way? How to choose