AntalyaMetropolitanMunicipality

   The Lycian Way, chosen by various magazines as one of the world's 10 best and 50 most scenic walking routes, offers a wonderful experience for nature lovers who want to feel the mystery of the Land of Light Lycia, the endless blue of the Mediterranean, the summit of Tahtalı Mountain, the Yoruks of the mountains collecting thyme, the acrid taste of carob, as well as loneliness, nature and serenity.

   The Lycians, who called themselves "Trmmili", were famous for their fondness for freedom and their warrior traditions. The Lycians established numerous cities that could be described as eagles' nests in this region with a harsh geography and a hot climate. They had a unique culture with the rock-sarcophagus tombs in the form of houses and temples, which they created by processing local limestone. The Lycian League, whose capital is Patara, has set an example for many today's state models with its self-government understanding. The Lycians, who were engaged in maritime, piracy and mercenary service, had a matriarchal society structure.

   The walking route, named after the Lycians, stretches along the Mediterranean coastline, passing through natural beauties such as Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley, Kabak Bay, Yediburunlar, Patara Beach which is one of the longest natural beaches in the world with 18 kilometers, Kalkan, Kas, Kekova, Demre, Finike, Korsan Bay, Gelidonya Lighthouse (Taşlık Burnu) chosen as Turkey's most beautiful lighthouse, Adrasan Bay, Mountain of Moses (Olympos), Çıralı Beach, Tahtalı Mountain (2366) the highest peak on the coast of Europe and Turkey, Tekirova, Kesme Boğaz, Göynük Canyon and Göynük. The route does not just follow the coast, it goes up steep slopes in places and descends to beaches and ports. The route, which also passes through plateaus and forested areas, reaches its highest point above the cedar forests at 1800 meters on Tahtalı Mountain. Offering alternatives for those who want to rest, swim or sunbathe, the Lycian Way passes through or near many coastal villages where you can benefit from pensions, restaurants and beach facilities.

   The route also includes historic cities such as below: Kalabantia, Sidyma, Pydnai, Letoon, Xanthos, Patara, Phellos, Antiphellos, Sebada, Apllania, Aperlai, Teimussa, Simena, Sura, Andriake, Myra, Belos and others historical places like Gagai, Melanippe, Olympos, Chimera (Yanartaş), Phaselis, as well as St Nicholas (Santa Claus) church, Alakilise, Papazın Kayası, Gedelme Castle, Delikkemer and aqueducts that bring water to Xanthos. The ruins of Xanthos and Letoon are on the UNESCO world heritage list.

   Anyone who loves nature and hiking can easily walk on the Lycian Way, which is marked with the French Grande Randonnee system and yellow signposts are placed at the junction points. The red-white lines, which are marked every 50 m on the pathway and if every 200 m on the dirt roads, make the work of nature lovers easier. The 'cross' signs drawn with red paint say that you have deviated from the path, and that you should not enter the road where the signboard is located. The red and white markings draw by overlapping also remind you that you have come to a fork in the road. These signs renewed periodically by volunteers.

   If you want to walk the 555 km long Lycian Way, you can plan by dividing the route into different stages. If you want to walk all at once, you need to allocate a time period of 25-40 days, depending on performance and condition. We can also state that the Lycian Way is suitable for walking at any time of the year.