Main Info
Self-guided Lycian Way
On this trek you will experience the more extreme, dramatic and challenging section of the Lycian Way as the trail nears its end in Antalya’s Old Town. Basically, it is the Grand Finale with soaring peaks, deep river gorges and sheer cliffs…but we feature this section in reverse and with a rearrangement of the walks to ease the difficulty. You will experience the shaded tranquillity of deep river gorges crossing crystal clear waters, bathing in natural pools formed by natural erosion in the riverbeds. There are serene green valley’s filled with lush pastures and grazing cows. Start with a superb coastal walk from Tekirova to Cirali and from here transfer to the pretty green village of Beycik. If a day relaxing by the pool with a book is appealing then do just that, or walk up towards Tahtali Dagi (Mt Olympos at 1750m). We offer the walk up to the ‘shoulder’ which is a challenging climb. For an easier option, walk half way up to a grassy plateau and enjoy a picnic overlooking Beycik and the sea beyond. As the week progresses, marvel at the Eternal Flames of Chimaera, explore the ruined city of Olympos and enjoy further coastal walking towards the trek’s end. All complimented by the exceptionally warm welcome offered by your Turkish hosts. Self-guided Lycian Way.
The Walking
Start this section of the Lycian Way with a superb coastal walk offering options to swim along the way. It’s a long walk but an easy start loosens the legs ready for more variations in the gradient as you approach the long expanse of Cirali’s beach. You return here later in the week, but for now head into the hills to pretty Beycik and several choices are available for the next day. After a stay in Beycik, it’s down to the coast through deep ravines filled with wild flowers, butterflies and interesting reptiles – passing the eternal flames of Chimaera before arriving in Cirali. With two nights here you have a free day to relax, swim or visit nearby archaeological sites. Leaving Cirali – with immense regret, continue past the ancient city of Olympos to the coastal village of Adrasan. The final day offers a spectacular coastal walk before transferring to the delightful old town of Antalya for your final night. On this reasonably demanding section of the Lycian Way, a good level of fitness and stamina is required although there is the option to take two rest days within the trek. This said, the rewards are immense and offer an untouched side of Turkey with outstanding geology, scenery and contrasts. The route is generally well marked, however there are numerous sections where markers have faded or are missing due to a reroute or simply paint has faded away and not been replaced. Paths vary from wide forest tracks to narrow, steep and rocky mountain trails. There are no vertiginous sections.
Trip grading
The walking is moderate (3) grade with daily walks of around 3-7 hours per day. There are some step sections over loose trails during the walk and such sections of the trail require care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.
Itinerary
On arrival in Antalya airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Attalos II, King of Pergamum, founded Antalya in the 2nd century BC. Later the city was overtaken by Roman, Byzantine and Seljuk civilizations before it came under the control of the Ottomans. Today Antalya is an attractive city with its shaded palm-lined boulevards and lively marina. The picturesque old quarter known as Kaleici, with narrow streets and old wooden houses is where our hotel is located. You will need to liaise with your hosts regarding the transfer arrangements for tomorrow. Overnight Antalya.
This morning you will be transferred by private vehicle to Camyuva (1 hour) where the walk begins. The route to the ancient city of Phaselis is waymarked with red and white stripes. The route is through pine forests with an opportunity to swim in the ancient city. An entrance fee of 10PTL is payable for Phaselis. Dominated by the Tahtali mount, the three ports of Phaselis testify to its role of historical shopping centre. Discover the theatre, the Hadrian gate, the acropolis and many ruins of aqueducts, agoras and baths, which are perfectly integrated into the natural vegetation. After visiting the site, continue to the nearby village of Tekirova. Overnight in Tekirova. Y ou will need to liaise with your hosts regarding the transfer arrangements for tomorrow.
Lycian way trek continues to Cirali along the turquoise coast. A short transfer takes you to the beginning of the walk. The first stage is along a disused dirt road which passes by idyllic beaches where local fishermen haul their catches. They may offer to take you by boat to Cirali which is recommended if you are tired. The trip takes only
5-10 minutes and costs 15-20 Y TL. Otherwise the walk to Cirali will take 2 hours along the coastline on an undulating trail past small bays. Cirali is a peaceful village between ancient Olympos and Chimaera. There are two nights in the village, which is a major nesting site for the endangered loggerhead turtle (Caretta Caretta). During September you may witness the baby turtles entering the sea before sunrise.
Today’s walk takes you to the fascinating ancient city of Olympos just inland from a pretty beach. The 30 minute walk to the ruins is either along the road or via the beach. The actual ruins are scattered along a small mostly dry stream which runs through a rocky gorge. Y ou can spend the whole day exploring the ruins and relaxing in this
peaceful valley or continue on a circuit walk to Chimaera. According to legend Chimerae; the monster blowing fire its mouth was killed by the Lycian hero “Belle heron”. Today, situated at 300m above sea level, you can observe flames escaping among the rocks. The circuit walk then takes you back to your pension in Cirali.
This is a long day, albeit a great trek encompassing so much that is memorable about Turkey. After an hour meandering around the ancient site of Olympos (if not visited the day before), you climb steeply and continually to 650 metres and the top of Musa Dag (Moses Mountain). The serenity of your surroundings is very special. After lunch close to an old shepherd’s hut you start the gradual descent back to sea level through shady pine trees following the course of the canyon until you wander past the greenhouses of Adrasan then to the beach and a swim! Overnight Adrasan. 13 miles Ascent 950m Descent 950m
This is a fitting end to the week’s trek. Starting from your accommodation you wind your way up through the forest to 500 metres with wonderful views out towards Bes Adakar (Five Islands). After a strenuous climb you are rewarded with your first glimpse of the lighthouse at Cape Gelidonia. Thereafter it’s a gentle amble down to view the Cape and onwards for your final swim before being picked up at a tiny hidden cove, for the afternoon transfer (2 hours) to Antalya. We do not provide dinner on the last night so you are free to choose from one of the many restaurants in the city now that you are familiar with the cuisine. Overnight in Adrasan. 10 miles Ascent 770m Descent 770m. 7 / 8 hours.
In the morning we return to Antalya by bus. With its shaded boulevards, and an old town of narrow streets bordered by wood-framed Ottoman mansions, a marina, a port laid out in Hadrian’s time (around 130 AD), mosques (notably the Fluted Minaret built in the 13th century by the Seljuk sultan Alaadin Keykubat) Antalya is considered the pearl of the Turkish Riviera.… The Archaeological Museum has excellent collections from both paleolithic and Roman eras. Or you could try the relaxing experience of a Turkish Bath.
But we have one final memorable short walk for you when we visit the site of ancient TERMESSOS, some 35km from the centre of Antalya. We will spend around one and a half hours walking gaining some 150m of elevation. This site with its important Greek and Roman remains on the side and top of a truncated peak has echoes of Machu Pichu, and will surely rate high on the list of your memories of this holiday. The influence of the Lycians can be seen here, although the site formed part of the ancient kingdom of Pisidia, bordered by Lycia and Pamphylia, until the arrival of Alexander the Great in 333 AD. After this visit and lunch you check into your hotel for the final night. Dinner at restaurant of your choice in Antalya.
After breakfast there will be a transfer to the airport, trip concludes.
