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 tour ends at the impressive ruins of Patara, located near one of the finest and whitest beaches of Turkey.
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.
€475 per person. Price based on double/twin room occupancy. Single room supplement on request.
You can start this tour any day.
all transfers (also from/to airport Dalaman) and luggage transfers during the trek (except for optional walk day 1)
all accommodation
all meals: breakfast / lunch (picnic) / dinner
flight
transfer on day 1 between Ölüdeniz and Kayaköy (by bus/taxi) for optional walk
soft or alcoholic drinks during meals
entrance fees to museums and sites
tips and gratuities
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.
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.
On your first night you stay near Kayaköy- a famous abandoned Greek village, about which Louis de Bernières wrote his 2004 book “Birds Without Wings”. The traditional home cooked meals of your host at the small eco-guesthouse are delicious and served under the grapevines near the swimming pool. In Faralya you stay one night in a family-run pension with free-standing cabins grouped around a pool in a garden with many fruit trees. From the breakfast and dining terrace you have amazing views to the sea and Butterfly valley below. In Alınca and Gey you stay in village houses, where the rooms are simple but clean, and the home cooked meals very tasty. In Alınca the house is located on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the sea and the stunning sunsets. The other is right in the hearth of Gey village whre you stay two nights surrounded by an impressive landscape of stone built terraces. Many guests find these nights the most memorable of their trip! On your last night in Patara, the family will make you feel welcome in their pension with garden and pool. You will enjoy dinner with lots of home grown fruits, vegetables and herbs and the Turkish breakfast can be enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the pool.
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.
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Upon your arrival at Dalaman airport you have a transfer to Kayaköy (1,5hrs) for your check-in at the accommodation. If time allows you can do the optional walk Kayaköy-Ölüdeniz (9km / 3hrs). The walk takes you right through the ruined greek 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 and overnight in guesthouse in Kayaköy.
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.
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.
From Alınca village you walk along a spectacular coastline towards a pasture with an old Ottoman cistern. There you have the choice to descend along a stone cobbled trail to the secluded beach of Kalabantia; explore the ruins of the ancient harbour and swim in the crystal clear waters (add another 5km / 2,5km / +400m / - 400m to the walk). After returning to the main trail you continue to Gey village partly along a quiet tarmac road. Dinner and overnight in pension in Gey.
You walk to ancient Sidyma to explore the ruins of this once huge city scattered around an inland valley and two hills. The village houses are constructed using ancient building building blocks; inscriptions, tombs and city walls are visible in the fields. You can have lunch amongst the ruins and walk down to Boğaziçi village from where a transfer takes you back to Gey. Dinner and overnight in same pension in Gey.
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.
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 waterpipes. 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).