“Hike the Lycian Way” is the motto — but not every day has to be spent on the trail. When your Lycian Way journey reaches Kekova, taking a day away from walking can add a completely different perspective to the route. A boat excursion from Üçağız allows you to explore the Kekova coastline, swim in quiet bays and see the archaeological landscape from the sea before continuing your walk. The excursion can be included naturally in a tailor-made Lycian Way itinerary. You arrive in Üçağız as part of your walking programme, stay locally, spend the following day on the water and then return to Üçağız. From there, you can continue walking towards Kaleköy, Çayağzı and Demre.

How to Add a Kekova Boat Trip to Your Lycian Way Walk

There is no need to turn your walking holiday into a separate organised tour. The boat excursion can simply become one day within your existing Lycian Way journey. Here is an example of how it can fit into a Central Lycian Way itinerary:

Day 1: Aperlai to Üçağız

  • Walk from the archaeological landscape of Aperlai towards Üçağız.
  • Follow the coastal paths of the Lycian Way and enjoy views across the Kekova region.
  • Arrive in Üçağız and stay overnight in the village.

Day 2: Kekova Boat Excursion from Üçağız

  • Leave your hiking boots behind for the day and depart from Üçağız by boat.
  • Explore the coastline and archaeological landscape around Kekova.
  • See the remains of the ancient settlement on Kekova Island from the boat.
  • Stop in suitable bays for swimming and time by the sea.
  • Depending on the excursion, lunch can be enjoyed during the day.
  • Return to Üçağız and spend another night in the village.
The important point is that you return to Üçağız. Your boat day becomes part of the walking itinerary rather than taking you away from your Lycian Way journey.

Day 3: Üçağız to Kaleköy, Çayağzı or Demre

  • Put your hiking boots back on and continue along the Lycian Way.
  • Walk through the coastal and archaeological landscapes around Kekova.
  • Depending on your chosen itinerary, continue towards Kaleköy, Çayağzı or Demre.
  • Walking distances and the final overnight point can be adjusted to suit your overall programme.

Why Add a Boat Day in Kekova?

Kekova is one of the places where the relationship between landscape, archaeology and the sea is particularly easy to understand. Walking gives you one perspective; seeing the same coastline from the water gives you another. It also provides a natural break between walking stages. Instead of moving immediately from one accommodation to the next, you can stay two nights in Üçağız and explore the surrounding coast without carrying your walking programme forward that day. For travellers with more time, the boat excursion can also be combined with additional walking around Kaleköy, Çayağzı and Demre.

Boat or Sea Kayak in Kekova?

If you prefer a more active day on the water, a guided sea-kayaking excursion may be an alternative to the boat trip. The exact programme depends on local operating conditions, availability and your travel dates. Tell us what kind of experience you prefer, and we can look at how it fits into the walking itinerary.

A Tailor-Made Lycian Way Journey

You do not need to follow this example day by day. It is simply one way to combine walking and the sea around Kekova. OutdoorInTurkey can arrange the boat excursion as part of a wider tailor-made journey. We can also coordinate accommodation, luggage transfers, private transportation and the walking stages before and after Kekova. If you are travelling independently, you can also ask us only for the services you need. Your walking journey remains your own. Already have your walking itinerary and accommodation arranged? Explore our Kekova excursions for Lycian Way hikers to enquire about a separate boat excursion or local experience without booking a complete walking holiday. You walk the trail. Take a day for the sea. Then put your boots back on and keep going. You can include a Kekova boat excursion in a tailor-made walking itinerary. Explore our Lycian Way walking programmes to plan your journey through Central Lycia.