Lycian Way Central Walking Tour | Kaş to Demre & Finike

Description

Walk the Central Lycian Way – Kaş, Kekova, Demre & Finike

The Lycian Way Central continues east from Kaş through the coastal landscapes of Kekova and Demre before reaching the quieter mountain routes towards Finike. Along the way, the trail connects ancient settlements, small villages, Mediterranean coastline and some of the lesser-travelled landscapes of Central Lycia.

OutdoorInTurkey offers the Central 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 Central Lycian Way?

The Central Lycian Way has a different character from the better-known western section. From Kaş, the route follows the coast towards Aperlai, Üçağız and Simena before reaching the landscapes around Demre and continuing into the mountains towards Finike.

This section is particularly interesting for travellers who want to combine coastal walking with archaeology. Alongside Kekova and the better-known ancient sites around Demre, the route can take you through quieter landscapes around Hoyran, Trysa, Alakilise and Belos.

It is also a natural choice for travellers who have already walked from Fethiye to Kaş and want to continue east along the Lycian Way.

Guided or Self-Guided Central Lycian Way

You can walk the Central 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 Western Lycian Way?

Kaş is where our Western and Central Lycian Way programmes naturally connect. If you would like to begin your journey in Fethiye or Ölüdeniz before continuing east, explore our Lycian Way West Walking Tour – Fethiye to Kaş.

You can also compare the West, Central and East sections in our Lycian Way Walking Tour – West, Central & East and discuss combining different sections into a longer journey.

Continue East from Finike

The Lycian Way continues beyond Central Lycia towards Karaöz, Gelidonya, Adrasan, Olympos and the mountain landscapes around Mt. Tahtalı. If you want to continue walking towards the Antalya region, our Eastern Lycian Way can be combined with this programme.

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 and from the Central Lycian Way

You can reach Kaş from either Dalaman or Antalya. For travellers finishing around Finike, Antalya is generally the more practical airport. We can arrange private airport and trail transfers according to your arrival and departure plans.

For journeys beginning or ending on the Antalya side, see our private Antalya Airport transfers for the Lycian Way.

A Central Lycian Way Journey Designed Around You

You do not have to follow the entire Kaş–Finike programme. Some travellers concentrate on Kaş, Kekova and Demre, while others continue through the mountain stages towards Finike or combine Central Lycia with another section 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 Central Lycian Way to walk, adapt the programme to your available time or discuss combining it with the Western or Eastern 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.

Central Lycian Way: Kaş, Kekova, Demre & Finike

This is a sample itinerary for a tailor-made Central 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 central section of the Lycian Way begins in Kaş and continues east through the coastal landscapes of Kekova before moving into quieter and less-travelled sections around Demre and the mountains towards Finike.

This itinerary combines well-known places such as Kaş, Aperlai, Üçağız, Simena and Andriake with lesser-visited ancient settlements and mountain routes around Hoyran, Trysa, Alakilise and Belos.

Throughout the programme, your main luggage is transferred between accommodations, allowing you to walk with a small daypack.

If Central Lycia is part of a longer journey, our guide to choosing the right Lycian Way hiking direction explains how this section fits into a west-to-east or east-to-west itinerary.

Day 1 – Arrival & Transfer to Kaş

Arrive in Kaş and settle into your accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, we can organise a short walk or you can explore Kaş independently, including its waterfront, beaches, ancient theatre and restaurants.

Dinner is not included on the first evening, giving you the flexibility to choose where you would like to eat.

Depending on your arrival point, private transfers or transfer advice can be arranged from Dalaman Airport, Antalya Airport or Kaş Bus Station.

Day 2 – Kaş to Sısla | 15 km

Begin walking directly from your hotel in Kaş.

The route follows the coast through Limanağzı and Ufakdere, with extensive Mediterranean views along the way. Lunch is taken on the trail.

The walk ends around Üzümlü Pier at Sısla, where dinner and accommodation await. Depending on weather and conditions, there may also be an opportunity to swim at a secluded beach.

Day 3 – Kılınçlı and Apollonia to Aperlai & Üçağız | 15 km

After a transfer of approximately half an hour, begin walking from Kılınçlı near the ancient settlement of Apollonia.

The preceding Sısla–Kılınçlı section is approximately 6 km but largely follows a long dirt road. You may choose to walk it or use the included transfer.

Continue from Kılınçlı towards Aperlai and explore its ancient remains before heading towards Üçağız.

There is also an alternative option to join a boat along the way. This can include lunch, a swimming break and views of the Sunken City of Kekova before continuing to Üçağız.

Whether you walk the complete section or choose the boat option, the day ends in Üçağız. Packed lunch is provided when required.

Day 4 – Üçağız to Çayağzı via Simena & Gökkaya | 15 km

Leave Üçağız on foot and follow the coastline towards Çayağzı.

The route passes through the plains behind Kaleköy and ancient Simena, continuing through the Gökkaya area and the outskirts of Kapaklı before reaching Çayağzı.

There are opportunities for swimming along the route, depending on conditions.

Çayağzı was the location of Andriake, one of ancient Lycia’s major ports. Depending on opening times and the day’s schedule, visits to the Lycian Civilisations Museum, Myra and the Church of St. Nicholas may also be arranged.

At the end of the day, transfer to a family-run pension for dinner and accommodation.

Day 5 – Kapaklı to Hoyran, Divle & Davazlar | 12 km

The next two walking days explore sections of the Lycian Way that are absent from many standard itineraries.

Begin from your pension in Kapaklı. The initial ascent towards Hoyran is the most demanding part of today’s route. The ancient path has been cleared, although vegetation can occasionally affect the trail.

Take time to explore the ancient settlement of Hoyran before continuing through village and agricultural landscapes towards Divle.

At Divle, encounter a remarkable natural sinkhole before descending towards Davazlar village.

A vehicle will meet you in Davazlar for the approximately 20-minute transfer back to your accommodation in Kapaklı.

Day 6 – Davazlar to Trysa & Eğridere Valley | 11 km

Return by transfer to Davazlar and continue walking from the Hisar area towards ancient Trysa.

A waymarked path leads towards the summit and the monumental Heroon of Trysa. Its sculpted friezes, depicting subjects ranging from Amazon warriors to the Trojan War, were removed to Vienna by Austrian archaeologists in the nineteenth century.

From Trysa, continue through a quiet old oak forest and the Çakalbayat area before descending into Eğridere Valley.

A transfer vehicle can meet you towards the end of the route according to your arrival time.

Depending on the day’s schedule, there may also be an opportunity to visit the Lycian Civilisations Museum, Myra and the Church of St. Nicholas.

Overnight accommodation is again in Kapaklı.

Day 7 – Belören to Alakilise and Turant | 15 km

After breakfast, transfer via Demre to Belören village and begin walking into one of the less-travelled mountain sections of the Lycian Way.

The route leads from Belören towards Alakilise, where you can stop for your packed lunch.

Continue towards the ancient settlement of Turant, where a particularly large sarcophagus can be seen, before completing the day’s route and returning to Belören.

Your final night in this area is again in Kapaklı.

Day 8 – Alakilise to Yatıkardıç, Belos & Finike | 20 km

This is a long mountain stage and requires an early start.

Transfer back to Alakilise, where the walk begins with a steep ascent towards Kırkmerdiven. Continue along the mountain ridges towards Yatıkardıç, traditionally used by local villagers as a summer settlement.

The route then descends towards Finike via the ancient settlement of Belos, with wide views towards Kekova and the eastern landscapes of Lycia along the way.

Your final night’s accommodation is in Finike.

Day 9 – Departure from Finike

After breakfast, transfer to Antalya or Dalaman Airport according to your flight arrangements.

Antalya Airport is closer to Finike, so one possible arrangement is to arrive through Dalaman for the beginning of the journey and depart through Antalya. If this is not suitable, transfers can be organised according to your actual arrival and departure points.

A Different Side of the Central Lycian Way

This itinerary is not limited to the best-known Kaş and Kekova sections. It continues into quieter archaeological and mountain landscapes around Hoyran, Trysa, Alakilise and Belos, creating a broader journey through Central Lycia.

The programme can be adapted according to your available time, walking preferences and whether you would like a guided or self-guided arrangement.

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.