Editing Lycian Way

{{Short description|Long-distance trail in Turkey}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Infobox trail
| name        = Lycian Way
| photo       = The_Lycian_Way_-_2014.10_-_panoramio.jpg
| caption     = Lycian Way near the start at [[Fethiye]]
| designation = 
| location    = [[Teke Peninsula]], southwestern [[Turkey]]
| established = {{start date and age|1999}}
| length      = Approx. {{cvt|520|km}}
| map         = 
| map_size    =
| map_caption =
| trailheads  = [[Hisarönü]] ([[Ovacık, Fethiye]]), [[Muğla Province]]<br>[[Geyikbayırı, Konyaaltı]], [[Antalya Province]]
| use         = [[Hiking]]
| website     = [http://www.cultureroutesinturkey.com http://www.cultureroutesinturkey.com]
| highest_name=
| highest_m   =
| lowest_name = 
| lowest_m    =
| difficulty  = sac = mountain hiking
| season      = [[Spring (season)|Spring]] and [[autumn]]
| sights      = Historic [[Lycia]]n ruins; views over coast and sea
| hazards     = 
}}

The '''Lycian Way''' ({{langx|tr|Likya Yolu}}) is a marked [[Long-distance trail|long-distance hiking trail]] in southwestern Turkey around part of the coast of ancient [[Lycia]].<ref name="Cul"/> It is approximately {{cvt|760|km}} in length and stretches from [[Hisarönü]] ([[Ovacık, Fethiye|Ovacık]]), near [[Fethiye]], to [[Aşağı Karaman]] in [[Konyaaltı]], about {{cvt|20|km}} from [[Antalya]]. It is [[waymarking|waymarked]] with red and white stripes of the [[GR footpath]] convention. 

The trail, which was conceived by Briton Kate Clow, takes its name from the ancient civilization that once ruled the region.<ref name="ds1"/>

==History of the region==
[[Lycia]] was a region on the Western [[Taurus Mountains]] in [[Teke Peninsula]] at southwestern [[Anatolia]] on the [[Mediterranean Sea]] coast, located in what are today the provinces of [[Muğla Province|Muğla]] and [[Antalya Province|Antalya]]. The Lycian people lived in the area from the prehistoric period until they were absorbed into [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] culture [[Prehistory of Anatolia#Lycia|Late Bronze Age]].  They built [[city-state]]s along the Mediterranean Sea coast, such as [[Xanthos]], [[Patara (Lycia)|Patara]], [[Myra]], [[Pinara]], [[Tlos]], [[Olympos (Lycia)|Olympos]], and [[Phaselis]], and formed the [[Lycia#Lycian League|Lycian League]]. Thanks to their strategic location, they had best opportunities for sea trade and even piracy.<ref name="ds2"/> The Lycians had developed their own art style as well as had independent democratic governance.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Lycian Way |url=https://cultureroutesinturkey.com/the-lycian-way/ |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=Culture Routes Society |language=en-US}}</ref> In later times, the region of Lycia was occupied by the [[Persian Empire]], [[Ancient Greece]], and then controlled by Ancient Rome, the [[Byzantine Empire]], the [[Seljuk Empire]], and the [[Ottoman Empire]].<ref name="ds2"/> [[Rock-cut tomb]]s on cliff walls and [[sarcophagus|sarcophagi]] in the region testify to the ancient Lycian civilization.<ref name="ds1"/>

==Conception and opening==
The Lycian Way, parts of which were used by the Lycians as routes between their cities and ports, was conceived by Kate Clow, a British expatriate. The trail was opened in 1999.<ref name="ds2"/><ref name="ds1"/> The [[Garanti BBVA|Garanti Bank]] sponsored the [[trail blazing|waymarking]], which was carried out by volunteers, organized by Clow.<ref name="ds1"/>

==Trail==
[[File:Lyciawaymap.png|thumb|left|upright=2.5 |Map of the Lycian Way]]
The Lycian Way, named after the Lycian civilization that ruled in this region,<ref name="ds1"/> is over {{cvt|760|km}} in length, stretching from [[Hisarönü]] ([[Ovacık, Fethiye|Ovacık]]) in the [[Fethiye]] district of Muğla in the west to [[Geyikbayırı, Konyaaltı|Geyikbayırı]] in the [[Konyaaltı]] district of Antalya Province in the east. The [[long-distance trail]] is waymarked after the French [[GR footpath|Grande Randonnée]] special system, and the intersections are marked with yellow [[Direction, position, or indication sign|directional signs]].<ref name="Cul"/><ref name="m"/> The trails are marked on both sides of rocks and tree trunks at every {{cvt|50|m}}, and the dirt roads at about {{cvt|100|m}} along the route, especially at places like forks or crossroads, with signs of a white stripe above a red stripe. Red-cross marks indicate that the cross-marked route should not be entered. The signs are periodically renewed by volunteers.<ref name="m"/>
Some parts of the Lycian Way are suitable for [[Mountain biking#Trail riding|trail riding]]  with [[mountain bike]]s. In some places, experienced [[downhill mountain biking|downhill]] and [[single track (mountain biking)|single-track]] enthusiasts can pass the entire track by carrying the bike on the back. However, it is also possible to try the bicycle route, which is partly on the Lycian Way and on parallel side roads, by using alternative forest and village roads.<ref name="m"/>

Clow wrote a guidebook<ref name="ds2"/> in which the characteristics of the trail, such as the width of the path, the kinds of waymarks, and the distance and hiking time of the stages, are described. The history and natural surroundings are also described. The book also has detailed trail maps, descriptions of the sections and information about villages en-route The latest edition (2022) includes several extensions to the trail, including the St Nicholas Ways route network in the hills above Demre, and an alternative route, the Lyra Way, around Mt Olympos.<ref name="ds1"/>

The trail is characterized by a mixture of different views and walking experiences as the trail travels through the mountainous coast.<ref name=":0" /> The region is characterized by strawberry trees, pine trees and carobs in lower regions.<ref name=":0" />  The higher regions have cedars and junipers.<ref name=":0" />

==Climate==
[[File:Lician Way5.jpg|thumb|The Lycian Way during the summer]]
The region has hot, dry summers and mild winters with low annual rainfall due to the prevailing [[Mediterranean climate]]. The hiking season is long; however, the best time is the [[spring (season)|spring season]], when the hills are still snow covered and the landscape is covered with flowers. The months of October and November in the autumn season also offer enjoyable hiking as the heat and humidity decrease gradually. At higher elevations and on the mountain peaks, weather reminiscent of all four seasons can be experienced in one day.<ref name="m" /> Low-elevation areas are quite hot for hiking activity in mid-May and mid-September. Rain and storms can be experienced in December and January. From January to early April, there is usually snow at elevations over {{cvt|1500|m}}. Between November and February, downpours can occur.<ref name="m"/>

==Equipment==
The recommended equipment required for hiking in the Lycian Way consists of soft-soled, ankle-grasping, breathable [[hiking boot]]s, quick-drying pants and socks, [[Sportswear#Moisture-wicking fabrics|moisture-wicking fabric]] shirts, headgear, [[cheesecloth]] for covering the neck, raincoat, spare clothes and underwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a [[backpack]]. It is also useful to have a swimsuit and towel.<ref name="m"/>

Other useful equipment includes compass, trail map, whistle, pocket knife, headlight, camera, lighter, spare battery, a small first-aid kit, and a mobile phone.<ref name="m"/>

== Stages ==
[[File:Butterfly_Valley,_Fethiye.jpg|thumb|The Lycian Way passes above [[Butterfly Valley, Fethiye|Butterfly Valley]]]]
[[File:Patara City Gate 2019.jpg|thumb|The restored city gate of [[Patara (Lycia)|Patara]]]]

The first Lycian Way had the following stages Hisarönü (Ovacık)-Faralya, Faralya-Kabak Bay, Kabak Bay-Alınca, Alınca-Yediburunlar, Yediburunlar-Gavurağılı, Gavurağılı-Patara, Patara-[[Kalkan]], Kalkan-[[Sarıbelen, Kaş|Sarıbelen]]-[[Gökçeören, Kaş|Gökçeören]], Gökçeören-[[Kaş]], Kaş-[[Kekova]], Kekova-[[Demre]], Demre-[[Alakilise]]-[[Finike]], Karaöz-[[Cape Gelidonya]]-[[Adrasan, Kumluca|Adrasan]], Adrasan-[[Olimpos, Kumluca|Olimpos]]-[[Çıralı, Kemer|Çıralı]], Çıralı-[[Beycik, Kemer|Beycik]], Çıralı-[[Tekirova]], Tekirova-Phaselis-Gedelme, Beycik-[[Tahtalı Dağı]]-Gedelme, Gedelme-[[Göynük, Kemer|Göynük]], Göynük-[[Hisarçandır, Konyaaltı|Hisarçandır]], and Hisarçandır-Geyikbayırı.<ref name="m"/>

The trail splits into:<ref name=clow2022>Kate Clow – The Lycian way, Oct 2022</ref>
* coastal and inland options between Kabak and Yediburunlar
* a direct route from Sidyma to Xanthos
* The St Nicholas Ways - a selection of 6 routes in the Alacadağ foothills above Demre, which link the Byzantine churches of the area to the Lycian Way.
* Coastal route – [[Tekirova]], [[Phaselis]], Asagikuzdere, Goynuk Yaylasi, Hısarçandır, Çitdibi, [[Geyikbayırı]]
* Inland route – [[Ulupınar, Kemer|Ulupınar]], [[Beycik, Kemer|Beycik]], Yukari Beycik, pass over [[Tahtalı Dağı]] at 1800m, Çukuryayla, Yayla Kuzdere, Gedelme, Goynuk Yaylasi, where it joins the coastal trail.
* the Lyra Way - a difficult variation on the inland route - which leaves the route above at Beycik, circles Tahtalı on the north side, and rejoins the route at Çukuryayla.

==Places of interest==
[[File:Myra theatre 717.jpg|thumb|left |The [[amphitheatre]] at [[Myra]] ([[Demre]])]]
Places of interest along the trail include: [[Ölüdeniz]], [[Butterfly Valley, Fethiye|Butterfly Valley]], Faralya, Kabak Bay, Cennet Bay, Korsan Bay, [[Letoon]] (historical capital of the Lycian region, a [[World Heritage Site|UNESCO World Heritage Site]] in [[Seydikemer]]), [[Sidyma]], Bel, Gavurağılı, Letoon, [[Kınık, Kaş|Kınık]] (Xanthos), Akbel, [[Gelemiş, Kaş|Gelemiş]] village and ruins of [[Patara, Lycia|Patara]] (the Lycian capital), Kalkan, Sarıbelen, Gökçeören, Kaş ([[Antiphellos]]), Üçağız, Kale, Demre (Myra), [[Kumluca]], [[Belören, Demre|Belören]], Zeytin and Alakilise, İncegeriş Hill ({{cvt|1811|m}} [[Height above sea level|AMSL]]), Belos, Finike, Kumluca, [[Mavikent]], Karaöz,  the lighthouse of Cape Gelidonya (the southernmost point of Lycia), Adrasan, Olympos, [[Çıralı]] and [[Yanartaş]] (Chimaera).<ref name="ds2"/><ref name=clow2014>Kate Clow – The Lycian Way 4th edition, June 2014</ref>

Further, the ancient cities [[Pydnae]], Apelia, [[Telmessos]], [[Idyros]], [[Antiphellus]], [[Apollonia (Lycia)|Apollonia]], and [[Simena]] can be found between Xanthos and Patara.<ref name="ds2"/>

==Access and lodging==
The starting points of the Lycian Way can be reached from abroad from [[Dalaman Airport]] or [[Antalya Airport]]. Intercity coaches and local buses are available for transportation to the starting points.<ref name="ds1"/><ref name="m"/>

Lodging is offered in hotels, motels, and [[bed and breakfast]] suitable for all budgets in locations<ref name="ds1"/> such as Fethiye, [[Ölüdeniz,]] Faralya, Kabak Bay, Patara, Kalkan, Kaş, Kekova, Demre, Finike, Adrasan, Olympos, Çıralı, Tekirova, [[Çamyuva]], Kemer, and Göynük. In  some villages along the route, additional accommodation options have emerged in recent years by using traditional village houses as B&B. Natural camping sites and camping facilities are also available on the route. Campsites in Kabak Bay, Patara, Özlen Çay, Sıcak Adası, Andriake (Çayağzı Port), Olympos, Çıralı, and Göynük are recommended.<ref name="m"/>

==Plans==
As of 2022, the Antalya Provincial Tourism Directorate has agreed with the Culture Routes Society to renew the signposts. The guidebook was reissued in English in late 2022, and will be reissued in Turkish in 2023. The complete route has been updated on OSM (OpenStreetMap), so any wayfinding application which uses OSMmaps shows the course of the route, water and accommodation points and other useful information. Suitable applications include Gaia, Locus, Maps.me.

==Ultramarathon==
[[File:Blue_Lagoon_-_2014.10_-_panoramio.jpg|thumb| [[Ölüdeniz]], from where the International [[Lycian Way Ultramarathon]] begins]]
Since 2010, an international [[multiday race|multiday]] [[trail running]] [[ultramarathon]], the [[Lycian Way Ultramarathon]], has been held along the trail. The event, which runs eastwards on a route of around {{convert|220|-|240|km|mi|abbr=on}} from Ölüdeniz to [[Antalya]], is completed in around six days.<ref name="m"/><ref name="lyum1"/><ref name="lyum2"/>

==See also==
*[[Turkish Riviera]]
*[[List of long-distance footpaths]]

==References==
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="m">{{cite web |url=https://www.momondo.com.tr/discover/likya-yolu-yuruyusu |publisher=momondo |title=Likya Yolu yürüyüşü – Dünyanın en güzel yürüyüş rotası |trans-title=Lycian Way walk – The most beautiful walking route in the world |date=4 January 2019 |language=tr |access-date=16 May 2020 }}</ref>
<ref name="lyum1">{{cite web |url=http://www.likyayoluultramaratonu.com/TR/?page=rota-100 |publisher=Likya Yolu Ultramaratonu |title=Rota |trans-title=Route |language=tr |access-date=27 November 2013 }}</ref>
<ref name="lyum2">{{cite web |url=http://www.likyayoluultramaratonu.com/TR/?page=hakkinda-97 |publisher=Likya Yolu Ultramaratonu |title=Hakkında |trans-title=About |language=tr |access-date=27 November 2013 }}</ref>
<ref name="ds1">{{cite news |url=https://www.dailysabah.com/travel/2017/07/08/lycian-way-hike-through-the-best-trekking-route-in-turkey |newspaper=[[Daily Sabah]] |title=Lycian Way: Hike through the best trekking route in Turkey  |author=Whitman Piper, Ernest   |date=8 July 2017 |access-date=17 May 2020 }}</ref>
<ref name="ds2">{{cite news |url=https://www.dailysabah.com/travel/2018/05/05/following-the-path-of-the-ancients-the-lycian-way-offers-history-adventure-and-more |newspaper=[[Daily Sabah]] |title=Following the path of the ancients, the Lycian Way offers history, adventure and more |date=5 May 2018 |access-date=17 May 2020 }}</ref>
<ref name="Cul">{{cite web |url=https://cultureroutesinturkey.com/the-lycian-way/ |publisher=Culture Routes Society |title=Lycian Way |access-date=18 June 2020 }}</ref>
}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikivoyage}}
*[http://trekopedia.com/trail-lycian-way-1/ Detailed information about the Lycian Way] from Trekopedia
*{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20120204045045/http://www.lycianturkey.com/ Lycian Turkey - Discover the Beauty of Ancient Lycia]}} from lycianturkey.com
*[https://www.likyayoluultramaratonu.com/EN/ Official website] for the Lycian Way Ultramarathon

{{Long-distance trails in Turkey}}
{{Coord missing|Turkey}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1999 establishments in Turkey]]
[[Category:Hiking trails in Turkey]]
[[Category:Fethiye District]]
[[Category:Kaş District]]
[[Category:Demre District]]
[[Category:Finike District]]
[[Category:Kumluca District]]
[[Category:Kemer District]]
[[Category:Konyaaltı District]]
[[Category:Tourism in Muğla Province]]
[[Category:Tourism in Antalya Province]]