This selfguided challenging trek follows the highest and most rugged section of the Lycian way. The route snakes its way through the Mediterranean’s most dramatic coastline, climbs steep to cedar forests and high pastures around MT Tahtalı ( 2.365 m) and descends on mule track to Göynük canyon where the tour ends with a transfer to Antalya.
Tour highlights
• Lighthouse at Cape Gelidonya
• Ancient Olympos
• The flames of the Chimaera
• Ever changing scenery
• Great beaches at Adrasan and Çıralı
• Cedar forest, Tahtalı mountain ( 2.365 m) and Göynük Canyon.
Grade: Moderate- hard
Generally good paths with some stony sections. Some scrambling.
Distances: 14-20 km per day/ Total 106 km
Elevation: highest point on the route 1800 m
Comfort: 2-3 ***
Comfortable mainly small hotels, family run, wooden cabins at Yayla Kuzdere, small boutique style hotel in Antalya.
Itinerary
Day 1: Upon arrival at Antalya airport transfer to your hotel in Adrasan ( 90 KM)
Overnight: Riverside hotel near the beach (HB)
Day 2: Adrasan to the Lighthouse at cape Gelidonya.Walk along cliffs overlooking sea to lighthouse at tip of Cape Gelidonia. Continue down to Melanippe beach, a small, hidden beach, perfect to rest or swim.Transfer back to Adrasan
Walk: 19 km/ 7-8 hrs/ + 775 m/ 750 m
Overnight: Small riverside hotel near the beach (HB & packed lunch)
Day 3: Adrasan to Çıralı.
Stroll along the river bank before climbing through pine and deciduous woods to high pastures and ‘lost city’ of upper Olympos. The afternoon takes you down through pinewoods and strawberry tree to Olympos and after a beachwalk finally to Çıralı.
Walk: 16 km/ 6-7 hrs/ +795m/-810 m
Overnight: Wooden bungalows near the sea. (HB & packed lunch )
Day 4: Çıralı to Beycik.
Follow the track past the eternal flames of the Chimaera, a second flame field and walk down to the river before reaching Ulupınar where the climb to Beycik starts ( 840 m) From the upper paths spectacular views at forests, sea and Three islands ( üç adalar) spread out below.
Walk: 19 km/ 6-7 hrs/+1125 m/-275m
Overnight: small hotel with good rooms and private bathroom facilities.( HB & packed lunch)
We recommend the lunch at platforms on a stream at Ulupınar after 4hrs walk (10 km)
Day 5: Beycik to Yayla Kuzdere
From Beycik start climbing to the pass of mount Tahtalı ( 2.365 m) Then through Cedar forest and high pastures descend to Yayla Kuzdere for overnight in a village house with wooden cabins. Views on the sea and surrounding mountains.
Walk: 14,5 km/ 6-7 hrs/ + 970 m/-950m
Overnight: Village house with wooden cabins (HB & PL)
Day 6: Yayla Kuzdere to Ovacık
From the village house in Yayla Kuzdere ( 900m) descend to Gedelme. After lunch continue over a low ridge ascend to Gül MT hotel in Ovacık.
Walk: 18 km/ 6-7 hrs/+ 775 m/- 450 m
Overnight : Mountain hotel (HB & PL)
Day 7: (Ovacık) Göynük yaylası to Göynük (Antalya)
After a short transfer to summer pasture Göynük Yaylasi walk down on a mule path through pine forests, crossing the river twice to emerge at Göynük canyon. The Göynük valley is silent, green and beautiful. Transfer to Antalya ( 50 mins)
Walk: 19 km/ 6,5-7,5 hrs/ +614/-1488 m
Overnight: small boutique style hotel, in the old city of Antalya (BB)
Day 8: Onward travel
You will be transferred to Antalya airport.
The price includes:
6 nights breakfast and dinner.
1 night bed and breakfast.
5 x packed lunch
Transfers from Antalya airport to first accommodation. Other transfers and luggage transfers. Transfer from Antalya to the airport on day 8.Lycian way guide book, map, foot notes. I-phone app to download ( € 10)
What else to do
Boattrips in Adrasan or Çıralı.
Extra day in Beycik or Yayla Kuzdere for trek to Summit of Mt Tahtalı ( 2.365 m)
Visits to Antalya museum , Termessos, or Perge & Aspendos whilst in Antalya
