7-day Lycian Way kayaking from Fethiye: Ancient ruins and beaches

Seven days on foot through Lycian ruins and coastal villages, ending at a beach older than empires

A 7-day guided hike along the Lycian Way from Fethiye, visiting the ghost village of Kayaköy, swimming at Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon and Patara Beach, and exploring ancient sites including Sidyma and Patara city. Six nights in hotel accommodation with breakfast, dinner and packed lunches included. Airport pickup and luggage transfer between stops are arranged. A moderate to challenging trek requiring reasonable fitness. Minimum age 18.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Kayakoypassing by
2. Ölüdeniz Beach and Blue Lagoon1h
3. Patara Beach1h

Hike Lycian Way and swim breaks

• Visit Kayaköy deserted town
• Arrive at Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon
• Swimming break at Ölüdeniz
• Hike from Ovacık to Faralya
• Arrive at Faralya Butterfly Valley
• Hike to Kabak Beach
• Swimming break at Kabak Beach
• Hike from Gey village to Sidyma ancient city
• Visit Sidyma ancient city
• Walk from ancient aqueduct to Patara ancient city and beach
• Visit Patara ancient city
• Swimming break at Patara Beach

The experience

You arrive in Fethiye and the guide meets you at the airport for transfer to your first hotel. The Lycian Way itself is an ancient trade route that hugs the Turkish coast, and this seven-day version strings together the most walkable and historically rich sections. Each morning you set out on foot. Each afternoon you reach a new village or beach where you stop for the night. The route passes through Kayaköy, a Greek village abandoned in 1924 during the population exchange between Turkey and Greece: the houses still stand, and the central church marks where the community once gathered. From there the trail descends to Ölüdeniz, where the Blue Lagoon sits between forested cliffs and you swim in water so shallow and clear it looks painted on.

The middle days take you inland and up. You walk from Ovacık toward Faralya, which sits at the top of Butterfly Valley, then drop down to Kabak Beach for another swim. A later section starts from Gey village and climbs to Sidyma, an ancient Lycian city carved into the hillside, before the route turns south toward Patara. The final stretch follows an old aqueduct toward Patara ancient city: one of the largest ports of the Lycian federation, now half-buried in sand. You walk through the ruins, then swim at Patara Beach, where the sand is wide and the water runs shallow for a long way out.

Six nights you sleep in standard hotel rooms or bungalows with breakfast and dinner provided. During the day the guide carries sandwiches for lunch eaten on the trail. Trekking sticks are supplied. Luggage moves ahead of you each day so you carry only water and a light pack. The guide speaks English and knows the history of each stop: the names of the villages, why Kayaköy was burned, which Lycian cities stood where. Airport transfers and all luggage movement between hotels are included in the price.

What’s included

• Six nights in standard hotel rooms or bungalows.
• breakfast and dinner each night.
• packed sandwiches for lunch during the walk.
• trekking sticks.
• airport pickup and transfer to the first hotel.
• luggage transfer between all accommodation stops.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesdayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 14 Nov

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Tatil Sihirbazı Travel Agency

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a week to walk the full Lycian Way trail from Fethiye through villages and ruins. You'll cover Kayaköy, Ölüdeniz, Faralya, and Kabak Beach on foot over multiple days rather than day trips from one base.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Kayaköy and why do we stop there?

Kayaköy is a Greek village that was abandoned in 1924 during the population exchange between Turkey and Greece. The houses remain standing and the central church is still visible. The village was deliberately burned as the Greek residents left. The site is also known as the filming location for the movie "The Water Diviner." You walk through the village on the first day of the hike.

Can I swim during the hike, or is it just walking?

Swimming breaks are built into the route. You stop at Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon on day one, Kabak Beach in the middle section, and Patara Beach at the end. These are not optional detours. They are part of the planned daily route and the reason many sections end where they do.

What are Sidyma and Patara, and how much time do we spend at each?

Sidyma and Patara are ancient Lycian cities. Sidyma sits on a hillside and you visit it after hiking from Gey village. Patara was one of the largest ports of the Lycian federation and now stands partly buried in sand near the beach. You walk through both sites as part of the day's hike rather than stopping for a separate tour.

How fit do I need to be for this hike?

The operator requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The hike spans seven days with daily walking over varied terrain: some flat sections along the coast, some steep climbs inland. You should be comfortable walking for several hours each day and climbing hillsides. The trek is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What meals are included, and what do I need to buy?

Breakfast and dinner are provided at your hotel each night. Lunch is a packed sandwich eaten during the walk. Water and any drinks beyond what you bring are not included. Entry fees to ancient sites like Patara (15 euros) are also separate.

Does the guide carry my luggage, or do I walk with a full backpack?

Your luggage is transferred to the next hotel each day, so you carry only a light day pack with water and personal items. Trekking sticks are supplied to ease the walking.