The Lycian Way, Turkey's first long distance trail, is the most significant ecotourism project in Turkey. It is a new initiative designed to bring adventurous minded tourists to Turkey. It’s a long distance walk – 530 km of footpath following the coast of Lycia from Fethiye to Antalya. The Lycian way is sign-posted with green and yellow signs, and you are recommended to have a certified guide if you are not experienced.

The challenging trek was researched by Kate Clow who currently leads a number of treks in the area: "... The Lycian Way, is a 30-day, 500 km walk around the coast and mountains of Lycia, starting from Fethiye and finishing near Antalya. It gets progressively more difficult as it winds around the coast, into the mountain ranges and finishes at a height of 1500m with spectacular view over the tourist beaches."

The route is also clearly marked every 100m with red and white stripes, but you may want to buy "The Lycian Way" guidebook by Kate Clow for reference... The route is graded medium to hard; it is not level walking, but has many ascents and descents as it approaches and veers away from the sea. It is easier at the start near Fethiye and gets more difficult as it progresses. Recommended time for the route is either between late February and late May in the spring or between mid September to mid November. The route is mainly over footpaths and mule trails; it is mostly over limestone and often hard and stony underfoot.

Satelite photo of Lycia (Teke Peninsula)

If you would like to contact Kate for solo trekking in the Lycian Way or about obtaining her book, visit her site at www.trekkinginturkey.com. She also runs other treks in the area including St. Paul Trail.

For group trekking, visit: www.middleearthtravel.com (Mr Atil Ulas Cuce)

The Lycian Way Guide Book