Journey report by BestHike editor Rick McCharles
Lycian Approach is the most well-known lengthy path in a nation well-known for lengthy trails.
- roughly 760 km (470 mi) in size
- the first way-marked long-distance footpath
- initially conceived by Briton Kate Clow, it takes its title from the historic civilization that after dominated the area
- Lycia was very rich starting no less than 500 BC. There are historic ruins all over the place.
- I’d name this path fairly secure. However Friederike Elisabeth Newrzella was discovered lifeless on October 30, 2026 in a rocky space close to Üçağız on my route. Most likely killed from a fall.
It’s incredible. I extremely advocate Kaş to Demre if you happen to get to Türkiye.
Click on PLAY or watch my 3 day hike on YouTube.
I’d executed per week on one other part of the Lycian in 2017 and was completely happy to return in 2026.
Immediately Turkish Tourism promotes the Lycian coast as a part of the Turkish Riviera or the Turquoise Coast. It’s very talked-about with guests from Russia, Germany, and the U.Okay. I’ve seen many Ukrainians on the path, even in 2026.
Although probably the most well-known ruins are on the western finish, the BEST SECTION of the Lycian Approach for many hikers is Kaş to Demre.
Day 1
I didn’t go away my personal room in Kaş till midday, leaving me solely about 6 mountaineering hours earlier than nightfall. Days are brief in November.
There are just a few seaside resorts west of city.
For a lot of the three days, I noticed no individuals — not even native farmers. November is a terrific month for mountaineering, nevertheless it’s late within the 12 months for everybody else. Many tourism firms, eating places, and accommodations are closed.
I did see some pleasure boats alongside the coast.
The surroundings stunning.
I used AllTrails Lycian Approach: Kaş – Limanağzı – Üzümlü. And it was very correct for this section 17 of the total path.
In 2017 I navigated one other part of the Lycian with the Kate Clow guidebook — and was continuously misplaced. GPS telephone apps are far, much better. Obtain for offline use as there are locations with no telephone service.
I significantly appreciated the marked doable tenting spots in AllTrails. In reality, I rushed to get to this one — establishing nearly in the dead of night.
A number of mosquitoes. In any other case excellent climate. I didn’t placed on the fly.
Day 2
A terrific tenting spot just isn’t all that straightforward to seek out on this rugged shore. The AllTrails app actually helped.
Wild tenting is broadly tolerated alongside the Lycian Approach on public, non-protected hillsides, seashores, and pine forests away from villages.
Whereas Turkey doesn’t have a proper “proper to roam” regulation, dispersed tenting is normal apply for thru-hikers so long as you apply strict Go away No Hint ideas and respect restricted zones.
I did attempt to arrange camp late within the day. Pack up early. And keep out of sight as a lot as I might.
A greater concern for hikers on this part is WATER. There’s not a lot free operating water right here, particularly in November.
First prime of dialog with hikers passing the opposite path is the following water supply.
Of us hike in each instructions — however west is best as you may have the solar extra typically in your again, and never in your face.
I resupplied with bottled water each probability I had, beginning with 2 – 4 litres more often than not.
Surprisingly, I didn’t see a lot wildlife. Loads of lizards. Dragonflies consuming mosquitoes. And a few birds.
Most of the trails are overgrown with thorny assault bushes. Lengthy protecting pants are a good suggestion.
The plant I most appreciated is the sea squill. Broad, wavy, vibrant inexperienced leaves emerge within the autumn or winter.
All components thought of poisonous if ingested or dealt with straight!
The spotlight of the day was scrambling these ruins relationship again no less than to 400 BC.
I had extra time at this time to discover a good campsite off the principle path. And arrange in daylight.
It did appear to be it would rain, so I ultimately placed on the fly.
One other pretty evening.
Day 3
I did get a little bit of rain through the evening. However the WindQuester Horizon Lite 2 Professional stored me safe and dry.
Kordon Market (also referred to as Twine Market) is the one actual store on the path between Kaş and Demre.
I chatted with some hikers right here who had a feral canine comply with them the day gone by. I feared it would comply with ME — so took a special means again to the Lycian.
In November I noticed many alternative boats in dry dock present process upkeep.
Spotlight of day 3 was visiting Simena Citadel (Kaleköy Citadel or Kale Citadel) simply above the car-free coastal village of Kaleköy.
It’s recognized for the smallest Lycian rock-cut amphitheatre seen above.
Right here’s the vista from the highest.
Although it dates again to no less than 400 BC, it had been improved by many over the centuries.
Many vacationers mix a go to to this fort with a glass backside boat tour of a close-by partially sunken historic metropolis. It sunk on account of earthquakes within the 2nd century AD.
I’d really signed up for a kayak tour — nevertheless it received cancelled on account of too few vacationers.
That fort was one of many few place I noticed common vacationers. Again on the path, I used to be alone.
The one river.
There have been loads of doable campsites, however I assumed I’d anticipate the seaside once more.
This appeared to be a bunch on a kayak tour taking one final stroll at sundown.
Day 4
Early morning I packed up my tent.
I walked again to the solely river of the hike to wash off among the sand.
I used to be only some kms street stroll from right here to Demre, the top of my hike.
Timing was excellent. This just the start of some days of overcast. Time to depart.
The one flamingos.
I assumed I would do some sightseeing in Demre, … nevertheless it’s not a lot of a vacationer city.
I caught the following bus again to Kaş. That IS a terrific vacationer city. I ended up staying 4 nights.