Trekking & Trails Center

The official starting point of the legendary Lycian Way (marked by stone archways in Ovacık). The trail smoothly traverses the western slopes of Mount Babadağ at 600-800 meters elevation. The first half offers breathtaking vistas of Oludeniz Blue Lagoon and St. Nicholas Island. The stage concludes in the alpine village of Faralya perched right above the dramatic cliffs of Butterfly Valley.

A scenic and relatively moderate section of the Lycian Way connecting high Faralya with the cult-favorite Kabak Bay. The path winds through shaded pine groves around ravines featuring small seasonal waterfalls. The stage concludes with a steep zigzag descent right onto Kabak beach, home to relaxed eco-camps and seaside bungalows.

One of the most spectacular, demanding, and physically taxing stages of the entire Lycian Way. From Kabak beach, the trail climbs straight up a sheer cliff face to the alpine hamlet of Alınca, hanging over the abyss like an eagle's nest. From here you witness the legendary panorama of "Seven Capes" (`Yedi Burunlar`) — an endless sequence of rocky headlands fading into the sea horizon.

The most beloved and rewarding short hike in the Fethiye region. Starting inside the haunting ruins of the Greek ghost town Kayaköy, you ascend past the hilltop chapel to a pine pass (~300m elevation). From the ridge, through the pine boughs, you catch the world-famous panorama of Oludeniz sandspit before zigzagging down to Belcekiz beach for a refreshing swim.

A fantastic alternative day hike from Kayaköy for those seeking quiet seclusion away from Oludeniz crowds. The path leaves the southern edge of the ghost village, descending gently through thyme-scented pine groves directly into Soğuk Su Bay (`Cold Water Cove`). Named after underwater icy freshwater springs that erupt into the Mediterranean, making the swim incredibly invigorating even in August. A rustic family-run restaurant sits on the shore accessible only by foot or boat.

Saklıkent is the second-longest gorge in Europe (18 km long and 300m deep). The hiking trail is a unique river-wading canyoning expedition along the icy Karaçay riverbed. After walking suspended wooden walkways along rushing rapids, hikers cross the freezing river ford (+8°C year-round!). Beyond the crossing lies a surreal limestone cathedral where towering rock walls narrow to just meters apart, leaving only a sliver of sky above.

A dream trek for history enthusiasts. You start in Xanthos (ancient Lycian capital and UNESCO World Heritage site), marveling at the Harpy Tomb, amphitheater, and mosaics. The path follows the magnificent Roman aqueduct that supplied water to the port of Patara 2,000 years ago, crossing olive groves in Çavdır village before revealing the grand Triumphal Arch of Mettius Modestus in ancient Patara and its massive sand dunes.

A challenging alpine stage that transports you from the sun-drenched coastal heat up into the refreshing Lycian highlands. Starting behind Kalkan's top villas, the trail climbs an ancient pack-mule trail (`Goat Stairs`) through a dramatic canyon to the Bezirgân plateau (700m). Here you discover 300-year-old wooden granary barns constructed from cedar without a single iron nail. The route concludes in the peaceful pastoral village of Sarıbelen.

The ultimate coastal day trek from Kaş. Departing from the eastern campgrounds, the path skirts limestone cliffs over Liman Ağzı bay — famous for its crystal-clear water beach clubs and resident Caretta sea turtles. Descending into the cove involves secure metal ladders and safety ropes fixed to the rock. The trail then leads past the monumental Lycian rock-cut tombs of Sebeda into the wild, secluded pebble haven of Ufakdere.

The Carian Trail (800 km) is the wilder, less-travelled sister to the Lycian Way. On the Datça Peninsula, it winds through fragrant almond and olive orchards around pristine coves. Departing from Old Datça (`Eski Datça`) with its bougainvillea-draped stone cottages, the path descends to the smooth pebbles of Kargı Bay before traversing a rocky headland to the completely untouched beach of Domalin. No resort towers — just the whisper of Aegean waves and wild herbs.

The Bozburun Peninsula south of Marmaris is one of the most untouched and authentic sanctuaries in Turkey. The Carian Trail winds across stone terraces past enigmatic Carian step-pyramid tombs near ancient Phoenix (`Feniket`). Rising from Bozburun's shipyards, the path crests ridges overlooking the Greek island of Symi before dropping into the culinary paradise of Söğüt — famed for coastal seafood dining — and onward to the stone hamlet of Taşlıca.

The ultimate sanctuary during summer peak heat and an ideal outing for active families with children. Starting near Toparlar or Pınarköy near Köyceğiz Lake, the trail ascends gently along the rushing Yuvarlakçay river canyon under dense canopies of sycamore and oriental sweetgum trees. Fed by Taurus snowmelt, the water remains freezing cold year-round. The destination features sparkling waterfalls and wooden over-water restaurants where iconic wooden swings let you soar right over the rushing turquoise rapids.