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…
  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…
  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 t…
  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 des…
  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…
  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 creatu…
  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 beg…
  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)…
  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 Ka…
  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 t…
  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 spr…
  13. Day 13: Departure — Transfer to the airport for the return flight.

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