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
Price depends on group size and season: a detailed, no-obligation quote on request.
- The finest coastal and mountain sections of the Lycian Way
- The ancient cities of Onobara, Olympos, Aperlai and Limyra
- The Flames of Chimera (Yanartaş), a mythical natural phenomenon
- The Göynük canyon and cedar forests facing Mount Olympos
- Traditional boat cruise over the sunken city of Kekova
- Daily swims in the wild coves and bays of the Mediterranean
Day-by-day itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Day 13: Departure
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
- Sea transport aboard a wooden boat sailed by its captain.
- Accommodation as described, based on a double room in hotels and guesthouses.
- Mineral water for meals taken at the restaurant (approximately 1 bottle for 3 people).
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
- Anything not listed under "The price includes".
- In Antalya: dinners not included (picnic lunch included on walking days)
Frequently asked questions
Who leads this Lycian Way trek? A Turkish hiking guide who speaks your group's language walks with you from Antalya to Kekova. He knows both the mountain sections of the Beydağları and the coastal trails, and explains the ancient sites along the way: Onobara, Olympos, Aperlai and Limyra. For the Kekova Bay sailing, the group boar…
Where do we stay over the thirteen days? In hotels and guesthouses, in double rooms. The first nights are in Antalya, then at a hotel in Göynük, before heading up to the mountain village of Yaylakuzdere. Next come Ulupınar, facing Mount Olympos, then two nights in Çıralı, two in Adrasan and two in Üçağız on Kekova Bay. The last night is i…
How fit do I need to be, and how much do we walk? The trek is rated 3/5, moderate. The ten walking days last 3 to 7 hours, with some significant climbs of up to +1110 m. The first half, in the Beydağları, is the most mountainous; the end, around Kekova, is shorter and coastal, with 100 to 300 m of elevation change. Good fitness and experience on t…
Which stage is the hardest? Day 4. You head up the Göynük canyon between rock walls and streams to the hamlet of Göynük, for +1110 m / −475 m in 5 to 6 hours, followed by a short transfer to Yaylakuzdere. The next day adds +925 m / −980 m over the Mount Olympos pass to Beycik. Days 8 and 9, to Adrasan and then the Gelidonya l…
Do I carry my luggage? Are there many drives? No. Your luggage is moved from one lodging to the next, and you walk with a daypack, swimsuit and towel included. Transfers are short, mostly to reach the trailhead in the morning: Gedeller, the fishing port, Yaylakuzdere, Kapaklı or Kılıçlı. On day 11 you return to Üçağız by boat past the sunken c…
When is the best season? Spring, from April to June, and autumn, from September to November. These are the months when temperatures stay pleasant for the long climbs in the Beydağları and the sea still allows swimming in the coves, from Sarısu to Pirates' Bay. In summer, the heat makes the 6- to 7-hour stages in full sun h…
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