Lycian Way East Walking Tour | Karaöz to Hisarçandır

Description

Walk the Eastern Lycian Way – From the Coast to the Mountains

The Lycian Way East begins near Karaöz and follows the Mediterranean landscapes around Gelidonya, Adrasan, Olympos and Çıralı before leaving the coast and climbing towards Beycik and the high mountain country around Mt. Tahtalı.

OutdoorInTurkey offers the Eastern Lycian Way as both a guided and self-guided walking tour. We adapt each journey to your travel dates and available walking days. Your preferred pace and required level of support also help us shape the final itinerary.

You can find the detailed day-by-day route in the Program tab.

Why Walk the Lycian Way East?

The Lycian Way East has a noticeably different character from the western and central sections. The journey begins close to the Mediterranean, passing through Gelidonya, Adrasan, Olympos and Çıralı, before gradually leaving the coastal landscape and entering the mountains of the Western Taurus.

This transition from coast to high country is one of the defining features of the eastern section. Around Beycik and Mt. Tahtalı, the trail reaches a very different environment from the coastal stages, before continuing through the mountain landscapes towards the Antalya region.

The Eastern Lycian Way is generally better suited to walkers with some previous hiking experience. This does not mean that the route is inherently dangerous or designed around exposed, high-risk walking. The challenge comes mainly from longer ascents and descents, mountainous terrain and greater distances between services. Some stages also feel considerably more remote than those in the West. Good preparation, appropriate equipment and realistic daily distances therefore become more important on this part of the trail.

We particularly recommend this section to walkers who are interested in experiencing both the Mediterranean coast and the higher mountain character of the Lycian Way within the same journey.

Guided or Self-Guided Lycian Way East

You can walk the Eastern Lycian Way with a professional guide or travel independently with a self-guided arrangement.

For self-guided Lycian Way walks, we provide detailed day-by-day information and GPS tracks. We can also organise the logistical services included in your agreed programme.

For a guided Lycian Way tour, a professional licensed guide can accompany you throughout the journey, subject to availability and your final itinerary.

You do not have to follow a standard number of walking days. We can adjust the programme to your available time, walking preferences and travel plans.

Coming from the Central Lycian Way?

The Eastern Lycian Way can form the continuation of a longer journey through Lycia. If you are approaching from Kaş, Kekova and Demre, explore our Lycian Way Central Walking Tour – Kaş to Demre & Finike.

If you would like to compare all three sections before deciding where to walk, see our Lycian Way Walking Tour – West, Central & East.

Explore the Western Lycian Way

If this will be your first experience of the Lycian Way and you would prefer to begin around Fethiye and Ölüdeniz, you can also explore our Lycian Way West Walking Tour – Fethiye to Kaş.

The West, Central and East programmes can be travelled independently or used as building blocks for a longer journey along the Lycian Way.

Walk with a Daypack – We Take Care of the Logistics

Walking the Lycian Way does not mean carrying all of your belongings every day. On programmes that include luggage transfers, we transport your main luggage between selected accommodations. You can walk each stage with a small daypack.

We arrange the services according to your chosen programme. These can include accommodation, meals, luggage transfers, route information, GPS tracks and local transport. For guided journeys, we can also provide professional licensed guiding.

If you are organising your own walk and only need luggage transportation, see our Lycian Way Luggage Transfer Service.

Getting to the Eastern Lycian Way

Antalya is the main arrival and departure airport for the Eastern Lycian Way. We can arrange private transfers between Antalya Airport and selected trail access points. The exact transfer depends on the route and programme you choose.

For airport and trail access arrangements, see our private Antalya Airport transfers for the Lycian Way.

An Eastern Lycian Way Journey Designed Around You

You do not have to follow one fixed itinerary. The programme can concentrate on the coastal stages around Gelidonya, Adrasan, Olympos and Çıralı, continue into the mountains around Mt. Tahtalı, or form part of a longer journey combining different sections of the Lycian Way.

We shape the final programme around your travel dates, group size and preferred walking pace. You can choose to travel independently or with a guide.

Local Knowledge, Professional Organisation

Our Lycian Way programmes are designed around walking, local accommodation, regional food, archaeological landscapes and the practical realities of travelling along a long-distance trail.

Professional licensed guides lead our guided programmes. Globe Outdoors Travel, a TÜRSAB-certified travel agency (Document No. A-17542), organises the travel arrangements.

Participants also receive the “Step by Step Lycian Way” guidebook by Altuğ Şenel as part of the applicable programme.

Questions? We Are Happy to Help

You do not need to decide everything before contacting us. Tell us your proposed travel dates, number of walking days, number of participants and whether you prefer a guided or self-guided journey.

We can help you decide how much of the Eastern Lycian Way to walk, adapt the programme to your available time or discuss combining it with the Central or Western sections.

Fill in the enquiry form, send us a message, or contact us via WhatsApp or e-mail. We will be happy to answer your questions and help you plan your Lycian Way journey.

Eastern Lycian Way: Karaöz, Olympos, Mt. Tahtalı & Göynük

This is a sample itinerary for a tailor-made Eastern Lycian Way walking holiday. Accommodation, meals, luggage transfers, local and airport transfers, and guiding are arranged according to your preferences. The services described below illustrate this sample programme; your personalised quotation will confirm exactly what is included and excluded.

The eastern Lycian Way offers a very different landscape from the western and central sections of the trail. Beginning near Karaöz, the route passes Gelidonya Lighthouse, Adrasan, Olympos and Çıralı before climbing from the Mediterranean coast into the high country around Mt. Tahtalı. From the mountains, the journey continues through Yayla Kuzdere, Gedelme and Göynük before reaching Hisarçandır above Antalya. Throughout the programme, your main luggage is transferred between accommodations, allowing you to hike with a small daypack.

If this walk is part of a longer Lycian Way journey, read our guide to choosing the best Lycian Way hiking direction before planning the stages before and after this section.

Day 1 – Arrival in Antalya & Transfer to Karaöz

Your journey begins with a transfer from Antalya Airport or Antalya city centre to Karaöz. If you arrive by around midday and the day’s schedule allows, there may be an opportunity to stop at the ancient city of Phaselis on the way. Continue to Karaöz for dinner and overnight accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, you may also have time for a swim.

Day 2 – Karaöz to Gelidonya Lighthouse & Adrasan | 23 km

Begin walking from Karaöz towards one of the iconic landmarks of the Lycian Way: Gelidonya Lighthouse. This remote coastal stage offers extensive sea and mountain views before continuing towards Adrasan. There are no settlements along the walking route, so a packed lunch is prepared by your guesthouse. Your luggage is transferred ahead to Adrasan, where dinner and accommodation are arranged. If time permits, you may also have an opportunity to swim.

Day 3 – Adrasan to Olympos & Çıralı | 19 km

Leave Adrasan and walk via Mt. Musa before descending towards the ancient city of Olympos. After exploring the Olympos area, continue with a flatter coastal section towards Çıralı. Overnight accommodation is in a family-run guesthouse close to the beach. This is the final coastal day before the route begins climbing towards the higher mountains.

Day 4 – Çıralı to Chimaera, Ulupınar & Beycik | 16 km

Today’s route leaves Çıralı and passes the eternal flames of Chimaera, known locally as Yanartaş. The site is closely associated with the ancient myth of the fire-breathing Chimaera and Bellerophon. Continue towards Ulupınar for a lunch break before climbing towards Beycik at approximately 900 metres above sea level. Dinner and accommodation are in Beycik.

Day 5 – Beycik to Mt. Tahtalı & Yayla Kuzdere | 18 km

This is one of the high mountain stages of the eastern Lycian Way. Begin from Beycik and climb through the mountain landscape and cedar forests towards Erenkolu Pass at approximately 1,750 metres. An optional ascent of Mt. Tahtalı, reaching 2,365 metres, can be considered instead of continuing directly towards Yayla Kuzdere. The summit option requires different transfer arrangements and should therefore be discussed in advance. In either case, dinner and overnight accommodation are planned in Yayla Kuzdere.

Day 6 – Yayla Kuzdere to Gedelme & Göynük Yayla | 15 km

Continue from Yayla Kuzdere through the mountain landscapes towards Gedelme. Stop for lunch before following the trail onwards towards Göynük Yayla. Dinner and overnight accommodation are in Göynük Yayla.

Day 7 – Göynük Yayla to Göynük Canyon | 14 km

Follow the route down towards Göynük through the canyon landscape. Part of the walk follows the streambed through Göynük Canyon. No specialist equipment is required according to the draft itinerary, although there may be a couple of places where you need to remove your shoes to cross the water. Dinner and accommodation are in a family-run guesthouse in Göynük.

Day 8 – Göynük to Hisarçandır | 24 km

The final major walking stage climbs from Göynük towards Hisarçandır. As you gain elevation, the route opens towards extensive views over Antalya. A break around Elmayanı Plateau provides a natural pause before continuing towards Hisarçandır. At the end of the walk, you can either transfer to Antalya for your final night’s accommodation or, depending on availability, stay locally in Hisarçandır.

Day 9 – Departure from Antalya

After breakfast, transfer to Antalya Airport according to your flight schedule. If your flight departs later in the day, you may have time to explore Antalya, visit the museum, walk through the old town or simply relax before departure. Your stay can also be extended if you would like to spend additional time in Antalya or explore walking possibilities on sections of the St. Paul Trail.

From the Mediterranean Coast to the High Mountains

The Eastern Lycian Way combines long coastal stages with a gradual transition into a very different mountain environment around Beycik, Mt. Tahtalı, Yayla Kuzdere and Göynük. The itinerary can be adjusted according to your available time and walking preferences. The optional Mt. Tahtalı summit requires a different logistical arrangement and should be requested in advance.

Questions? We Are Happy to Help

If you have any questions about this itinerary, your walking plans or travelling on the Lycian Way, please feel free to contact us. You do not need to have your entire journey planned before getting in touch. Tell us your proposed dates, number of days, number of participants and whether you are considering a guided or self-guided journey, and we will be happy to answer your questions and discuss the most suitable option. Fill in the enquiry form, send us a message, or contact us via WhatsApp or e-mail. We will be happy to answer your questions and hear about your Lycian Way plans.

Guidelines & Important Notes

Our journeys are carefully planned, but outdoor travel is naturally affected by weather, trail conditions, local circumstances and the abilities of the group. The following guidelines apply to our programmes unless different conditions are specifically stated in your final itinerary. Please read these notes before booking. They are intended to help us provide a safe, well-organised and enjoyable journey for everyone involved.

Small Groups & Participation

We intentionally keep our groups limited in size. Smaller groups allow us to manage transfers, accommodation, guiding and daily logistics more effectively while maintaining a more personal experience. Availability may therefore be limited, particularly on programmes using small local guesthouses or accommodation in remote areas. Early booking is recommended when your travel dates are fixed.

Before & After Your Tour

If you plan to arrive before the programme begins or stay longer after it ends, please let us know. Where possible, we can assist with additional accommodation, transfers and other travel arrangements. These services are separate from the standard programme unless specifically included in your proposal.

Arrival & Departure Information

Please provide your confirmed arrival and departure details as early as possible, including dates, times, flight numbers where applicable and your arrival or departure point. This information allows us to coordinate airport, bus station, hotel and other programme-related transfers correctly. Changes to previously supplied travel details should be communicated to us as soon as possible.

Walking Distances & Leaving a Route Early

Walking distances, elevation and terrain vary considerably between programmes and from day to day. Please read the individual itinerary carefully and contact us before booking if you are uncertain whether a particular route is suitable for you. If you decide to stop walking during a stage, we will assist where reasonably possible. However, many walking routes pass through remote areas without immediate vehicle access. A transfer can only be arranged from a suitable and accessible meeting point. Additional transfers that are not part of the original programme may involve an extra charge.

Clothing & Equipment

Appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear are essential. A detailed list of required and recommended equipment will be provided according to the destination, season and nature of the programme. Participants are responsible for arriving with the mandatory personal equipment specified for their journey.

Health, Fitness & Personal Responsibility

Outdoor programmes may involve long walking days, uneven ground, ascents and descents, heat, cold, altitude or locations that are some distance from immediate medical assistance. Participants are responsible for assessing whether their general health and physical condition are appropriate for the programme they have chosen. Please inform us before the journey of any relevant medical condition, allergy, medication requirement, dietary restriction or other circumstance that could affect your participation or become important in an emergency. If you have any doubt about your ability to participate safely, we recommend discussing the itinerary with us before booking and, where appropriate, seeking advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare professional.

Weather, Trail Conditions & Route Changes

Safety takes priority over following an itinerary exactly as written. Weather, heavy rain, strong winds, storms, wildfire risk, trail damage, road conditions, local restrictions, sea conditions or other circumstances may require changes to a walking route, transfer, boat journey, activity or daily schedule. When a change is necessary for operational or safety reasons, the final decision during a guided programme rests with the guide and/or tour organisation. Participants are expected to respect these decisions. Such changes do not mean that the quality of the journey has been reduced; they are part of responsible outdoor travel and are made with the safety and practical interests of the group in mind.

Local Accommodation & Services

Many of our journeys use small hotels, pensions, family-run guesthouses and locally operated services rather than large international establishments. This is an important part of the experience, but it also means that room availability, facilities and service arrangements can differ from one destination to another. Where a specific property or local service becomes unavailable, we reserve the right to arrange a suitable alternative while maintaining the overall character and standard of the programme as closely as reasonably possible.

Deposits, Cancellation & Refunds

A deposit is required to confirm a booking. This allows us to secure accommodation, guides, transfers and other services required for the programme. Many of the local businesses we work with are small operations with limited capacity, and some services require advance payment. For this reason, deposits and cancellation conditions will apply according to the terms provided with your booking. Please review the cancellation and refund conditions supplied with your proposal before making payment. Where a programme is cancelled by us, refunds will be handled according to the applicable booking conditions and any services already committed or refunded by suppliers.

Your Final Itinerary

The programme shown on the website should be considered the framework of the journey. Your confirmed proposal and final itinerary will specify the services, accommodation, transfers, meals, guiding arrangements and other inclusions applicable to your booking. Please read your final itinerary carefully before travelling and contact us if anything is unclear.

Professional Organisation & Licensed Guiding

Outdoor travel requires more than simply following a route. Behind each programme are accommodation arrangements, transfers, local suppliers, route planning, communication and decisions that may need to be made while the journey is underway. Our programmes are organised by Globe Outdoors Travel, a TÜRSAB-certified travel agency (Document No. A-17542). Guided programmes are conducted by appropriately licensed professional guides where guiding services are included. We take the organisation of our journeys seriously and expect participants to approach the programme with the same respect for safety, local conditions, the environment and the other members of the group.