The Lycian Trail - moderny ancient tale

The trail starts from Fethiye, where the sections are easy, and gradually moving eastwards towards Antalya, the difficulty increases slightly. The best period for this trail is spring and autumn. In summer, it is very hot in Turkey, you may also have problems with drinking water, and more or less comfortably will be able to walk only small sections in the shade of trees or mountains. But in a good season, the Lycian Trail will please you with a variety of colors, spectacular scenery, a variety of attractions, gentle sun, warm sea, delicious citrus fruits and pomegranates.

This route is relatively young. It was finally formed and marked only in 1999. But despite this, it is very well-thought-out and designed so that it covers the most interesting and beautiful places of ancient Lycia. That is why sometimes the main trail has small radial branches. For convenience, there are markings all along the route, as well as signs with information about the direction and distance to the next point of interest.

The main route of the Lycian Trail runs through the former state of Lycia (1st millennium BC - 4th century AD). At one time it was a beautiful power located on fertile lands with access to the Mediterranean Sea. More than once the Lycians are mentioned in the works of Homer, where he describes them as a mighty people who came to the aid of Ilion. Many warlike rulers of other states wanted to conquer Lycia, so its territories kept changing hands from one empire to another.

Throughout history, these territories have been part of Persia, the Macedonian Empire, the Roman Empire, and Byzantium. And each conquest brought its own peculiarities to the culture and life of the population. Thus, on the Lycian Trail you can see the monuments of different times and peoples (temples, bridges, cities). In addition to historical sites, Lycium can surprise even the most demanding tourists with its natural beauty and uniqueness - the amazing Harmony Canyon, the mysterious lights of Chimera, fantastic forests, millenary trees, ancient cave towns, undulating mountains, clean beaches and small coves, where Cleopatra herself loved to relax ...

The highest point on the route - Tahtali-Dag, or Olympos, whose height is 2365 meters. Towering among the surrounding mountain hills, it is often wrapped in fluffy clouds, which gives it a kind of mystique and, at the same time, shows its greatness. The summit offers an unforgettable panorama of a mountain range of green slopes with deserted rocky hats, through which huge clubs of white lambs keep trying to break through. On the other side, joining the celestial blue, an azure sea is pouring out. Its edges are now and then cut by the shore into small and cozy coves. Somewhere in the distance, at the very bottom, are the red roofs of Turkish farmhouses, clustered together to form small villages.

You can climb Tahtali-Dag by funicular. It regularly takes curious tourists up every half hour. The road takes only 10-15 minutes. But is it possible during this time to enjoy the scenery, breathe the mountain air on a full chest and feel the taste of freedom and heights? Of course not! For this there is another way, which will require from your patience, endurance and perseverance. But the effort will be rewarded a hundredfold. You have walked for many kilometers along the rocky and winding path, ascending higher and higher, you will see landscapes, stirring your imagination, everything inside is full of admiration, and despite the fatigue, at the very top your legs jump and run with happiness, uncontrollable.

Even after the ascent, continuing your route further in the Kemer area, Olympus will always be watching you. Wherever you turn, wherever you stay overnight, its proud silhouette will sometimes appear at every turn, be seen between the trees, towering in the distance and giving pleasant memories.

A large part of the route is located near the Mediterranean coast. But in spite of this, the Lycian Trail does not pass through popular resort towns, but rather covers small, colorful settlements with kind and helpful locals. Once you get to know them, you will never forget their hospitality and friendliness with which they greet every tourist.

I think you will agree that nowadays there are not many places left that have not been touched by modern civilization, which have retained their primordial appeal since time immemorial. The Lycian Trail has saved a few corners for you. Diving into them, you feel as if you are transported back in time. There is only pristine nature and you. No fuss, no thoughts, no worries, no concerns. In Turkey, you are sure to find peace and tranquility wherever you are - deep in a canyon or high in the mountains, walking the picturesque streets of modern villages or wandering among the ruins of ancient cities, swimming in the gentle waters of the Mediterranean Sea or sitting by a fire somewhere in a forest glade.

Hiking the Lycian Trail will open up a new Turkey for you, after which you will look at this country with completely different eyes. This route perfectly combines nature and civilization, ancient history and modern life. Only here you will truly feel what the best vacation is - swimming in the azure waters of the Mediterranean, enjoying the bright colors of green mountainsides and sky blue, tasting the most delicious sun-soaked fruits, touching the history of the Lycian civilization and admiring the amazing mountain scenery of the Turkish coast.

Kuluar - your life changing mountain experience!