A Beginner’s Guide to Hiking the Lycian Way

Hiking the Lycian Way for the first time is a unique and unforgettable experience. Set along Turkey’s southwestern coast, this 500+ km long-distance trail combines dramatic Mediterranean scenery, remote villages, and ancient Lycian ruins into one epic journey. But if you’re a beginner, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the logistics, physical demands, and sheer scale of the trail.

This guide, prepared by goglobalexplore.com, explains everything you need to know as a first-time hiker, from choosing the right route to avoiding the most common mistakes.

Choosing the Right Section for First-Time Hikers

The Lycian Way is long and varied. It includes steep ascents, rocky descents, forest paths, coastal trails, and sometimes even goat tracks. That’s why choosing the right segment is crucial for beginners.

Here are a few recommended sections:

1. Fethiye to Faralya (Butterfly Valley)

This is one of the most popular beginner-friendly segments. Starting from the coastal town of Fethiye, the trail heads up to the ancient city of Kayaköy and down to the cliffside village of Faralya. It offers breathtaking sea views, manageable distances, and access to accommodation in each village. Be cautious around the Butterfly Valley viewpoint—it’s stunning, but some parts are exposed.

Fethiye to Faralya is scenic, relatively easy, and offers a variety of accommodations

2. Kaş to Patara

This portion is slightly longer but less strenuous than the mountainous sections. The trail passes through olive groves, ancient aqueducts, and sleepy villages. You'll end up at Patara Beach, one of the longest sandy beaches in Turkey, right next to the ruins of an ancient Lycian capital.

Kaş to Patara features well-marked paths, breathtaking sea views, and ancient ruins.

3. Çıralı to Olympos

This short segment connects the picturesque village of Çıralı to the ancient ruins of Olympos and beyond. It's scenic, historic, and flat—perfect for a taste of the Lycian Way without committing to a multi-day trek.

Pro Tip: For your first experience, consider starting with a 3- to 5-day section rather than attempting the full trail. You can always come back for more!

Trail Navigation for Beginners

Although the Lycian Way is one of Turkey’s best-marked trails, don’t expect perfection. The markings (red and white stripes) are consistent but sometimes faded or missing, especially in forested or urban areas. Here’s how to stay on track:

1. Use GPS and Offline Maps

Download trail maps in advance. Apps like Maps.me, AllTrails, and Gaia GPS offer downloadable versions of the Lycian Way. These tools are essential in more remote areas where signage can be unclear or missing altogether.

2. Carry a Printed Map or Guidebook

While digital tools are great, they’re no substitute for a physical backup. A printed map or English-language guidebook like “The Lycian Way” by Kate Clow provides trail descriptions, cultural context, and practical advice.

3. Understand the Terrain

The trail isn't flat—expect rocky, uneven surfaces and loose gravel. What looks like a short distance on the map may take hours due to elevation gain or poor path conditions. Always factor in extra time and don’t rely solely on kilometers.

4. Start Early in the Day

Especially in warmer months, starting early helps you avoid peak sun and gives you flexibility if you lose the trail or take longer breaks.

Common Mistakes First-Timers Make

Everyone makes mistakes, but here’s how you can avoid the most common ones and make your first Lycian hike a success:

1. Overpacking

One of the biggest beginner mistakes is carrying too much gear. The terrain is challenging enough without a heavy load. Stick to essentials: one set of clothes for hiking, one for sleeping, a light rain jacket, first aid kit, sunscreen, water filter or purification tablets, and a basic food stash.

2. Underestimating the Heat and Sun

The Mediterranean sun can be relentless, even in spring or fall. Wear a hat, apply sunscreen often, and drink water regularly—even before you feel thirsty. Many hikers suffer heat exhaustion on this trail simply due to poor hydration.

3. Poor Planning Around Accommodation

Although many villages offer pensions or guesthouses, some stretches require wild camping or pre-booking. Beginners often assume they'll "figure it out along the way," but that can backfire. Research your route ahead of time and make basic plans—even if you prefer flexibility.

4. Not Carrying Enough Water

Some segments of the trail have limited water sources, especially in late summer or early fall. Always carry at least 2 liters per person, and consider a water filter or iodine tablets for stream water.

5. Skipping Physical Preparation

Even “easy” parts of the Lycian Way involve climbs and descents. Some days you might walk 15–20 km with elevation gain. If you’re not used to hiking, do several practice hikes before your trip.

Hiking the Lycian Way as a beginner is absolutely doable—and immensely rewarding. With the right preparation, realistic expectations, and a sense of adventure, you’ll experience one of the most beautiful trails in the world. From turquoise waters and pine forests to ancient cities and welcoming locals, the Lycian Way is more than a hike—it’s a journey through time and nature.

So lace up your boots, pack light, and start your Lycian adventure the smart way. 

Before you start planning your route, it's a good idea to study a detailed Lycian Way map to understand the layout of the trail, elevation changes, and nearby towns or accommodation options.