The Lycian Way, extending over 500 km along the coastal area of the ancient land of Lycia between Fethiye and Antalya, has become recognized as one of the best long distance walks in the world. The route is formed of old village paths and tracks that used to link rural settlements in the days before motorized transport.

One of the main attractions is the incredible amount of history in this region – almost every day you pass some reminder past civilisations, much of it over two thousand years old – and in the most spectacular and remote of settings. For example. the path passes through the ancient Lycian city of Sidyma, high on a windy hillside, where monumental tombs are scattered among the fields of crops, and the village mosque includes pieces of ancient columns and inscriptions: and at Deliklikemer an astounding Roman aqueduct still spans the valley high above the city of Patara.

But even without the history this is a wonderful route. The region is rich is flora and fauna, particularly in the Baba Mountain area south of Fethiye, and the path takes you through hidden corners of Turkey that you would never otherwise find on your own – peaceful forests sprinkled with cyclamens, villages that seem virtually untouched by the modern world, high cliffs with dramatic sea views.

The best times to go are spring (March to May) and autumn (mid September to November).

Written by  Vedat Vural.

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