Traveling along the Lycian Trail: how to prepare and what to see

The Lycian Trail is a famous hiking route along the southwestern coast of Turkey. The Lycian Trail is more than 500 kilometers long, connecting ancient Lycian cities, hidden bays, mountain passes and picturesque beaches. The route was officially opened in 1999 and has since attracted tourists from all over the world.

Lycia, which gave the trail its name, was an ancient region with a rich history and culture. The ruins of ancient cities that were once centers of trade and culture have been preserved here. A hike along the Lycian Trail is not just a walk, but a real journey through time, where every step reveals the secrets of the past.

The ideal time to hike the Lycian Trail is spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). During these months the weather is most favorable: not too hot, but not cold either. In summer, it can be too hot, especially on the open sections of the trail, and in winter, some parts of the trail can be difficult due to rain.

For a successful hike on the Lycian Trail, you need to prepare thoroughly. Here is a list of essentials:

• Comfortable trekking shoes
• Light clothing that dries quickly
• Headgear and sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Portable water filter
• A few days' supply of food and water
• Tent and sleeping bag (if you plan to spend the night outdoors)
• Map of the route and GPS-navigator

Clothing should be comfortable and suitable for the weather conditions. The best choice is layered clothing that will allow you to regulate your body temperature. It is recommended to wear pants and long-sleeved shirts to protect yourself from the sun and insects.

For beginners, the easy sections of the Lycian Trail, such as the one from Fethiye to Oludeniz, are suitable. Here you can enjoy stunning views of the sea and mountains while hiking the Lycian Trail without much physical exertion.

For those who are already experienced hikers, they can take the Lycian Trail along sections of moderate difficulty. For example, the route from Kash to Demre. This section requires more physical preparation, but rewards travelers with breathtaking views and historical monuments!

Experienced hikers should try their hand at the challenging sections of the Lycian trail, such as from Antalya to Finike. There are steep ascents and descents, but the views and the experience will be unforgettable.

While hiking the Lycian Trail, you'll encounter many attractions, each with its own unique history and charm. Here are some of the most significant and interesting places on the trail:

The ancient town of Oludeniz, which translates to "Dead Sea," is one of Turkey's most picturesque and famous beaches. The town is located at the foot of Mount Babadağ and its beach, surrounded by mountains, creates a unique landscape. Oludeniz beach is famous for its lagoon with crystal clear water, which has an emerald hue. Here you can not only enjoy swimming and sunbathing on the sandy beaches, but also go paragliding, taking off from the mountain and admiring the stunning views from a bird's eye view.

Patara is one of the oldest and largest cities in Lycia, founded around 2000 years ago. It was an important port and trading center, as well as the birthplace of St. Nicholas, known as Santa Claus. In Patara you will find well-preserved ruins of an amphitheater, a temple of Apollo and an ancient marketplace. Patara is also famous for its long sandy beach, which is one of the largest in Turkey and the perfect place to relax after a long day of hiking.

Saklikent Canyon is a natural wonder located on the border between Muğla and Antalya provinces. The canyon, about 18 kilometers long, is one of the deepest in Turkey. Walking through the narrow passages and rushing rivers of the canyon is a real adventure. The water in the river is icy even in summer, refreshing in hot weather. Visitors can rent special equipment and hike through the canyon, enjoying the stunning sights and sounds of nature.

The ancient Lycian city of Myra is famous for its rock tombs and amphitheater. The rock tombs, carved into steep mountainsides, are unique architectural monuments that marvel at their monumentality and craftsmanship. These tombs were built for the noble inhabitants of the city and adorn the mountain slopes with magnificent reliefs and columns. The Peace Amphitheater, one of the largest in Lycia, is also noteworthy and is a great place to relax and explore the surrounding area.

Apart from the aforementioned places, the Lycian Trail is replete with other interesting attractions.

Among them:

• Xanthos, an ancient city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with unique architectural and artistic monuments.
• Kekova is a sunken city that can be seen on a boat tour. Here are the ruins of houses, staircases and amphorae submerged in crystal clear waters.
• Leton is the cult center of ancient Lycia, where temples dedicated to the goddess Leto and her children, Apollo and Artemis, have been preserved.
• Kalkan and Kash are picturesque coastal towns where you can relax, enjoy local cuisine and go diving in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Traveling the Lycian Trail on your own can be exciting but requires caution. The main dangers include:

• Abrupt changes in weather
• Difficult sections of the trail with steep ascents and descents
• Wildlife, including snakes and scorpions
• Possible water and food problems in remote areas

It is therefore important to plan your route carefully, carry the necessary equipment and, if possible, travel with a companion or group.

The Lycian Trail is an unforgettable adventure that requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Walking the Lycian Trail on your own or with friends is a challenge that will give you not only a physically toughening experience, but also a rich spiritual experience. With each mile traveled, you will discover more and more facets of this amazing trail full of history and beauty.