Seven Capes Trek
This exciting self-guided trek follows the prettiest parts of the Lycian Way, Turkey’s first ever long-distance footpath. The route meanders over bare hillsides and through scented pine forests overlooking the blue Mediterranean. It dips down to wonderful hidden beaches where sparkling waves lap smooth sands. The region south of Fethiye is known as the Seven Capes, a stunning coastline where steep hillsides drop abruptly into the sea. We start in Kayaköy close to the famous Ölüdeniz lagoon and follow well-preserved foot paths that meander along this coast, sometimes staying high above it in Faralya and Alınca; but also passing through tiny, secluded coves such as Kabak with white, sandy beaches that give ample opportunity for a swim. The trek ends at the impressive ruins of Patara, one of the principal cities of ancient Lycia, located near one of the finest and whitest beaches of Turkey.
Book Now
For tours without fixed departure dates you can email us at: info@middleearthtravel.com or you can contact us using the "Contact Us" page. We will provide you with a tailormade itinerary and quotation.
Prices
€745 per person, price based on double/twin room occupancy. €190 single room supplement traveling together. €315 single room supplement traveling alone.
Dates
You can start this tour any day. An additional night at Patara with airport transfer the next morning can be arranged (price on request).
Included
all transfers (also from/to airport Dalaman) and luggage transfers during the trek (except for walk day 2)
all accommodation
6x breakfast
5x lunch (picnic)
5x dinner
Excluded
flights
transfer on day 2 between Ölüdeniz and Kayaköy (by bus/taxi)
1x dinner in Kayaköy
soft or alcoholic drinks during meals
entrance fees to museums and sites
tips and gratuities
Equipment
Customers should have good quality hard soled trekking boots, rain gear, swimwear, sunhat and sunblock, and a 30-40 litre daysack. Walking sticks are recommended.
Transfer
You pack, we take care of the rest! We transfer your luggage between the accommodations while you enjoy your walk. Our aim is to make your holiday more enjoyable. During the walks, you carry your daysack only.
Accommodation
On your first nights you stay near Kayaköy – an abandoned Greek village, beautifully portrayed in the 2004 novel Birds Without Wings by Louis de Bernières. The delicious home cooked meals of your host at the small eco-guesthouse are served under the grapevine covered courtyard near the swimming pool. In Faralya you stay in free-standing wooden cabins set in a lovely garden with fruit trees and pool. From the restaurant terrace stunning views to the sea and Butterfly Valley below can be enjoyed. The village houses in Alınca and Gey offer basic but clean lodging and very tasty traditional Turkish meals. Many guests find these nights the most memorable of their trip! In Alınca the house is situated at the edge of a cliff, overlooking the sea and the stunning sunsets. In Gey you stay right in the heart of the village, surrounded by an impressive landscape of stone built terraces. In Patara you are guest to a very welcoming family in their pension with garden. Dinner is with lots of home grown fruits, vegetables and herbs and the Turkish breakfast can be enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the pool.
Meals
During the tour, you will enjoy natural, regional and rich Turkish food. Evening meals consist of a soup or salads, a main course and fruit or sweet for dessert. Lunches will be picnics provided by the accommodations.
Day 1: Arrival & optional walk
Upon your arrival at Dalaman airport you have a transfer to Kayaköy (1,5hrs) for your check-in at the accommodation. Dinner and overnight in guesthouse in Kayaköy.
Day 2: Kayaköy-Ölüdeniz (9km / 3hrs / +200m / -350m)
The walk takes you right through the ruined village of Kayaköy. Once a thriving Greek village, Kayaköy has over one thousand houses, two churches, fourteen chapels, and two schools. It was completely deserted in 1923 when the orthodox Christian inhabitants had to move to Greece following the Turkish War of Independence. Climbing out of the village the path crosses a green headland to arrive at the famous white beaches of Ölüdeniz. You may enjoy a swimming break before taking the minibus back to Kayaköy (pay locally). Dinner not included. Overnight at guesthouse in Kayaköy.
Day 3: Ovacık - Faralya (14km / 5-6hrs / +660m / -680m)
We transfer you to the beginning of the Lycian Way (15mins) where you start your hike with spectacular views towards the sea and Ölüdeniz lagoon. You ascend the lower slopes of Baba Dağı (Father Mountain) following a paved mule path. After passing the villages of Kozağaç and Kirme on a stretch of road you descend an age-old path to the small village of Faralya on the green slopes above the Butterfly valley. Dinner and overnight in pension in Faralya.
Day 4: Faralya - Alınca (13km / 5-6hrs / +750m / -450m)
You walk from Faralya to Alınca along a forested path passing high above the secluded cove of Kabak. You will climb up a beautiful old mule trail to the small hamlet of Alınca, with impressive views over Yedi Burun (Seven Capes). Dinner and overnight in village house in Alınca.
Day 5: Alınca - Sidyma (11km / 4hrs / +490m / -660m)
You walk along the spectacular Seven Capes coastline towards a pasture with an Ottoman cistern. There you have the choice to descend along a cobble stone trail to the secluded beach of Kalabantia, explore the ruins of the ancient harbour and swim in the crystal clear waters (additional 5km / 2,5hrs / +400m / - 400m). After returning to the main trail you follow and old mule trail inland and uphill to reach ancient Sidyma where you explore the ruins of this once huge city scattered around an inland valley and two hills. The village houses are constructed using ancient building blocks; inscriptions, tombs and city walls are visible. Transfer to Gey (30 mins). Dinner and overnight in pension in Gey.
Day 6: Gey - Gavurağili (14km / 6-7hrs / +500m / -1000m)
You trek along a tiny goat path around the spectacular bay of Gemili to Bel. After a short section of dirt road you start your descent along the last of the Seven Capes following a steep, rocky Roman road down to Gavurağili. You meet your transfer vehicle here for the transfer to Patara. Patara is famous for its very long beach where the giant sea turtles, Caretta Caretta come for laying their eggs. It was also the birthplace of saint Nicholas, who became known as bishop of nearby (Myra) Demre. Dinner and overnight in pension in Patara.
Day 7: Delikkemer - Patara (11km / 3hrs / +225m / -340m) & Departure
After a short transfer you visit the remains of a Roman aqueduct spanning a ravine at Delikkemer. It was part of a system that supplied water from the mountains to ancient Patara on the coast. You walk back from the aquaduct to Patara, partly following the course of the ancient water pipes. After exploring the ruins of this once leading city of the Lycian League, with a theatre, bath complexes and temples, you can relax on the beach. The trek ends with a transfer to Dalaman airport (2hrs).