The Best Sections of the Lycian Way — Most Beautiful Stages, Ranked (2026)
The full Lycian Way is 540 km and 25–30 walking days — and almost nobody does it in one go. The trail is built to be walked in sections, so the real question isn't "can I do it all?" but "which stretch is worth my week?". Here are the most beautiful sections, ranked, with how many days each needs and who they suit.
The ranking at a glance
| # | Section | Days | Famous for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ovacık → Faralya → Kabak | 2–3 | Butterfly Valley, cliff paths, paragliders |
| 2 | Kaş → Üçağız (Kekova) | 2–3 | Sunken city, sea-kayaking, island views |
| 3 | Olympos → Çıralı → Chimaera | 1–2 | Seaside ruins, eternal flames |
| 4 | Patara → Kalkan | 1–2 | Turkey's longest beach, Patara ruins |
| 5 | Gey → Alakilise → Belos (high route) | 2–3 | Cedar forest, remote ridges, big views |
| 6 | Tahtalı (Mt Olympos) approach | 1–2 | 2,365 m summit, cable car descent option |
1. Ovacık → Faralya → Kabak — the iconic opener
If you walk one section, walk this. The trail climbs out of Ölüdeniz and Ovacık onto a high coastal path with the Mediterranean dropping away beneath your feet. You pass the rim of Butterfly Valley, the cliff-edge hamlet of Faralya, and finish at Kabak's pine-backed cove. Paragliders from Babadağ drift overhead the whole way — and you can swap your boots for a tandem flight at Ölüdeniz before or after. Spectacular, well-marked, and the natural first taste of the trail.
2. Kaş → Üçağız & Kekova — ruins under the sea
From the lovely harbour town of Kaş, the trail threads a quiet coast to Üçağız and the Kekova sound, where a Lycian city slid into the sea after ancient earthquakes — house walls and steps now visible beneath clear water. Walk it, then kayak over the sunken city. This is the best section for combining hiking with history and swimming.
3. Olympos → Çıralı → the Chimaera — fire on the mountain
In the east, the trail reaches the seaside ruins of Olympos, scattered romantically through the trees behind a long pebble beach, and neighbouring Çıralı. Above them burn the Chimaera (Yanartaş) — natural flames that have flickered from the mountainside for millennia. Hike up after dark to see them at their most dramatic. A short, unforgettable section, easy to reach from Antalya.
4. Patara → Kalkan — the long beach
Patara has Turkey's longest beach (18 km) and the substantial ruins of an ancient Lycian capital — birthplace, by legend, of St Nicholas. The walk on to pretty Kalkan pairs archaeology, sand and a charming harbour town. Gentle and rewarding; good for a relaxed couple of days.
5. Gey → Alakilise → the high route — for the remote-minded
Inland and up, this is where the Lycian Way trades sea views for cedar forest, lonely ridges and Byzantine ruins like Alakilise. Fewer hikers, bigger silence, more demanding terrain. The section that rewards walkers who want wildness over postcards.
6. Tahtalı (Mount Olympos) — the summit option
Near the eastern end, the trail passes beneath Tahtalı Dağı (2,365 m). Strong walkers climb it for an enormous coastal panorama; a cable car offers an easier way up or a knee-saving way down. Best in late spring to early autumn — and check your insurance covers altitude.
"If you only have…" — pick by time
1 day
Walk Ovacık → Faralya (or a day hike from Fethiye/Ölüdeniz). Maximum scenery, zero logistics.
5–8 days
The western coast, Fethiye/Ovacık → Kaş. The classic taster — see our 7-day beginner itinerary.
2 weeks
Western + central coast to Demre, blending beaches, ruins and Kekova. Build it with the full itinerary planner.
Best section for…
- First-timers & easy logistics — the western coast, Ovacık to Kaş.
- Swimming & sea — Kabak, Patara, Kekova, Çıralı.
- Ruins & history — Kekova, Patara, Xanthos & Letoon, Olympos.
- Solitude & mountains — the Gey/Alakilise high route and Tahtalı.
- One spectacular day — Butterfly Valley rim and Faralya.
How to actually walk a section
Sections are reachable by dolmuş, taxi and transfer from Fethiye, Kaş and Antalya. Pick your stretch, then:
- Sort transport with our getting there guide and local transfers.
- Choose the right month — see best time to hike.
- Navigate confidently with the Lycian Way app (offline GPS, all 26 stages) — set-up tips in our navigation guide.
- Want it organised end-to-end? Browse guided tours or message a local guide.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most beautiful section?
The cliff path from Ölüdeniz/Ovacık over Butterfly Valley to Faralya and Kabak, with Kekova and Olympos–Chimaera close behind.
Which section if I only have a few days?
The western coast, Fethiye/Ovacık to Kaş — best marked, most famous scenery, easiest logistics.
Best section for ruins?
Kekova's sunken city, Patara and Xanthos in the west, and Olympos beneath the Chimaera in the east.
Do I have to walk the whole trail?
No — almost nobody does. The Lycian Way is designed for sections; pick one stretch that fits your dates.
Plan your section
Map your chosen stretch in the Lycian Way app, then read the 2026 planning guide for timing, budget and logistics — or message a local guide to walk it with you.
Keep reading
- Day hikes — the best sections you can walk in a single day from the resorts.
- 7-day beginner itinerary — the western coast, day by day.
- Navigation & waymarking — follow the trail with confidence.
- Best time to hike — when each section is at its best.