The Lycian Way is a trail which runs from the foothills of Fethiye to reach Antalya after some 500 km. As the trail sticks to coastal tracks it ascends where the mountains meet the sea and descends to follow the sands of the alluvial plains between the mountain ranges, following the routes used by the shepherds. The pace is often slow, but all the better, as the scenery is awesome. The best time of year to walk at least some of the trek is from the end of March onwards. By this time the snow has cleared from the higher sections and water is plentiful. Fritillaries, orchids, tulips and peonies will be in bloom. From the beginning of June, any local shepherd will have left the coast for the ‘Yayla’ higher pastures, his flock having indulged in some of the orchids you were hoping to find...!

To complete the whole trail would take several months. You can sample a day or two following the markings along the trail above Olu continuing through the hills towards Kabak Bay. Alternatively you can spend a few nights at Blacktree from where you can take daily trips with vehicle support.

After June it is too warm to take but short treks along sections of the Way. Autumn is also a good season for walking. The sea is calm and the skies are clear. Botanically the Babadag * area is especially rich in important flora due to its proximity to the sea. Pine forests climb the Babadag range and right round the Lycian coast up to 900 metres, topped by important ancient Cedar forests which continue up to 1200 metres.

Village homes and rustic guesthouses along the route offer a warm welcome and good food. In the walking season the houses may be quite crowded but hosts will never leave you without a bed. The way-marking is good and Kate Clow’s book ‘The Lycian Way’ essential for anyone walking in Turkey for the first time.

THE OLUDENIZ SECTION of the Way …is an exciting mixture of mountainous tracks, meadow paths and sea-scapes.
Below are some highlights:

1. Ovacik District to Kozagac...this starts from near the Montana Pine Resort and rounds the first headland east of Olu, to reach the hamlet of Kozagac. The path is narrow giving fantastic views of the Lagoon which at first resembles a glacial lake. The walk will take up to four hours and you need to take sufficient water for the whole trip. Reaching Kozagac to return to Olu, you should pre-book private transport to bring you back. Probable cost 70 tl.

2. The Kabak Gorge... this starts from the last district of Faralya and from the Kabak beach. There is a dolmus service out of Olu to the start of the walk 3 times a day. Kabak is a fabulous crenelated canyon with flora requiring both damp and dry conditions. You will meet with many a surprise on route! It could be a tomb, an unusual tree and even a waterfall. Stick to the marked trail all the way. Walking time approximately 3 hours. There is some water on route but to be on the safe side take your own.

You can view top ten things to do tours, actvities and daily trips in Fethiye at Oludeniz Activity Centre