The Lycian Way: from Antalya to Kekova

A 13-day trek along the Lycian Way, between pine and cedar forests, forgotten ancient cities, canyons, secret coves and a cruise in the bay of Kekova. From the city of Onobara to the Flames of Chimera, from Mount Olympos to the Gelidonia lighthouse, a full immersion in the hinterland and coastline of Lycia.

This journey takes you along the finest sections of the Lycian Way, between sea and mountains. Each day combines hiking, ancient heritage and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean. You will cross Mediterranean forests of pine, cedar and juniper, discover little-known ancient cities (Onobara, Olympos, Aperlai, Limyra), follow the Göynük canyon, cross the passes of the Beydağları range facing Mount Olympos (Tahtalı, 2,365 m), and finish with a traditional boat cruise over the sunken city of Kekova.

CODE AA-LYC-03

13 days · Level 3/5

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Day 1: Antalya — Arrival in Antalya and check-in at the hotel. Depending on arrival time, free time to explore the city. Overnight in Antalya.
  2. Day 2: Gedeller village – Ruins of Onobara – Sarısu beach — After a short transfer to Gedeller village, we follow an old forest trail to the little-known ruins of the ancient city of Onobara, hidden in Mediterranean vegetation: chapel, sarcophagi, ancient inscriptions and traces of old farmland. The hike continues along the heights overlooking the coast, through pine forests and fragrant maquis, then descends to Sarısu beach for a swim (weather permitting). Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Elevation: +300 / -515. 4 to 5 hours of walking.
  3. Day 3: Fishing harbour – Beldibi – Göynük canyon — Short transfer to the fishing harbour, then a hike on one of the finest trails of the Beydağları range: pine forest, Mediterranean scrubland and old mule paths, with magnificent views over the sea and mountains. In the late afternoon, check-in at the hotel in Göynük; option to enjoy the beach or explore the Göynük canyon. Elevation: +450 / -450. 4 to 5 hours of walking.
  4. Day 4: Göynük canyon – Yaylakuzdere — After breakfast, we reach the Göynük canyon and gradually climb the valley through pine forests, rocky walls and streams, up to the peaceful Göynük hamlet. Short vehicle transfer to Yaylakuzdere, a mountain village in the heights above the coast. Check-in and a quiet mountain evening. Elevation: +1110 / -475. 5 to 6 hours of walking.
  5. Day 5: Yaylakuzdere – Mount Olympos pass – Ulupınar — A superb hike on one of the finest sections of the Lycian Way, through forests of pine, cedar and juniper, with splendid views over the Beydağları and the Mediterranean. The trail follows old transhumance paths; the descent leads to the village of Beycik, on the slopes of Mount Tahtalı (2,365 m). Short bus ride to Ulupınar, where the pool offers stunning views of Mount Olympos. Overnight in Ulupınar. Elevation: +925 / -980. 5 to 6 hours of walking.
  6. Day 6: Ulupınar – Maden bay – Çıralı — Short morning transfer, then a magnificent hike in the heart of the Olympos Beydağları National Park. The trail crosses a Mediterranean pine forest before reaching the ridges above the coast, then descends to Maden bay and the secluded Boncuk bay. The stage ends on Çıralı beach, renowned for its protected environment and Caretta caretta turtles. Overnight in Çıralı. Elevation: +300 / -760. 5 to 6 hours of walking.
  7. Day 7: Flames of Chimera — Free morning in Çıralı to enjoy the beach. In the afternoon, walk to Yanartaş, the ancient Chimera, a natural phenomenon known since antiquity for its flames rising from the rock, associated in mythology with the creature defeated by Bellerophon. The site holds the remains of a sanctuary dedicated to Hephaestus. Discovery of the flames at the end of the day, then return to Çıralı. Elevation: +400 / -400. 3 to 4 hours of walking.
  8. Day 8: Ancient city of Olympos – Adrasan bay — Early in the morning, discovery of the ancient city of Olympos, one of Lycia's most emblematic archaeological sites: theatre, baths, necropolis and sarcophagi under lush vegetation, crossed by a river. The hike then begins towards Mount Musa, through pines and strawberry trees, up to the ridges overlooking the coast, with magnificent views over the wild coves. After the pass, descent to Adrasan, a charming coastal village at the bottom of a bay. Overnight in Adrasan. Elevation: +730 / -730. 6 to 7 hours of walking.
  9. Day 9: Adrasan – Gelidonia lighthouse – Pirates' bay — Short transfer from Adrasan, then a climb through pines and maquis with magnificent views over the wild coast. Along the way, remains of Melanippe, an ancient Lycian city. We reach the famous Gelidonia lighthouse (1936), with views over the Beş Adalar islets, then descend to Korsan Koyu, the 'Pirates' Bay', with crystal-clear waters ideal for a swim. Return to Adrasan. Elevation: +700 / -830. 6 to 7 hours of walking.
  10. Day 10: Kapaklı – Simena castle – Üçağız — Short transfer to Kapaklı village, then a magnificent hike on one of the finest coastal sections of the Lycian Way, between limestone hills, maquis and views over the bay of Kekova, its coves and islets. Discovery of Kaleköy, the ancient Simena, dominated by its medieval fortress. We continue to the peaceful village of Üçağız, the former port of Teimiussa, facing Kekova island. Check-in at the hotel and evening by the sea. Elevation: +100 / -175. 4 to 5 hours of walking.
  11. Day 11: Ancient city of Aperlai – Bay of Kekova — Short transfer to Kılıçlı, then a downhill hike through the maquis to Aperlai, one of Lycia's most isolated cities, once prosperous from the purple dye trade: ramparts, Lycian tombs, cisterns and harbour remains. Walk to Sıcak bay where we board a traditional boat. After lunch on board and a swim, we cruise along the Sunken City and stop at Tersane bay, a former Byzantine shipyard. Return to Üçağız by sea. Elevation: +20 / -300. 4 to 5 hours of walking.
  12. Day 12: Üçağız – Limyra – Antalya — After breakfast, departure towards Antalya. Along the way, visit of Limyra, an important city of ancient Lycia (5th century BC), capital of the dynast Pericles: theatre, tombs, colonnaded street and numerous natural springs. Continue to Antalya, check-in and free time on Konyaaltı beach facing the Taurus. In the evening, stroll through Kaleiçi, the old town, with its Ottoman houses, Hadrian's Gate and the old harbour. Overnight in Antalya.
  13. Day 13: Departure — Transfer to the airport for the return flight.

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