Itinerary Summary
A one-hour flight to Dalaman brings you to Fethiye for the first Lycian Way stage - the 8 km, six-hour descent from Oludeniz cliffs to Kabak Bay. From Faralya a transfer takes you along the D400 coast…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Landing in Istanbul and Flying Down to Dalaman
09:00
1.5h
Connection through Istanbul to Dalaman
Change planes at IST for the 75-minute hop south, then collect bags at the small Dalaman terminal. Domestic connections need at least 90 minutes at IST, so book a mid-morning onward flight.
📍 Istanbul to Dalaman (DLM)
13:00
1.5h
Shuttle transfer to Fethiye
Take a shared shuttle or taxi from Dalaman to Fethiye, about an hour along the coast road. The bus station in Fethiye is central, and dolmus services to Oludeniz leave from beside it.
📍 Dalaman to Fethiye
17:00
1.5h
Harbour walk and trail gear check
Walk the promenade past the gulets and check boots, water bladder and layers before an early start. The market street behind the harbour sells gas canisters and trekking poles.
📍 Fethiye
💡 Pro Tip: Dalaman (DLM) is the closest airport to Fethiye, about 50 km east, and direct flights from Istanbul take 75 minutes. The Turkish coast runs on UTC+3. Guesthouses and village pensions often take cash only, so withdraw lira before heading to the trail. Entry rules depend on your passport; check the Turkiye visa section.
Days 2-8 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$47035%
Mountain guesthouses and cave hotels, 7 nights
Food & DiningUS$27020%
Gozleme, grilled trout, Meyhane meze and Pide
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fit do you need to be for the Lycian Way and Ihlara Gorge hikes?+
The Oludeniz to Kabak stage is about 8 km with a long descent and takes roughly six hours, so steady footing and basic fitness matter more than speed. The Cappadocia Red Route is around 10 km on rolling paths, and Ihlara Gorge about 14 km with steps. This is a hard-rated route, so train on hills before you go.
What footwear and gear do you need for the Oludeniz to Kabak Bay trail?+
Wear broken-in hiking shoes with grip, since the path is rocky, dusty and exposed in places. Carry at least two litres of water, sun protection and a light layer for wind on the cliffs. Trekking poles help on the descent. A small daypack is enough if your luggage is transferred between hotels.
Is there phone signal on the Lycian Way and should you carry a paper map?+
Coverage is patchy on several cliff sections between Oludeniz, Faralya and Kabak, and some stretches have no signal at all. Download offline maps before setting out and carry a paper map or guidebook as backup. Tell your hotel your route and expected arrival time, and avoid walking alone on remote stages.
When is the best season for hiking the Lycian Way and Cappadocia valleys?+
April to June and September to October are best, with coastal temperatures around 20-25 C and cool Cappadocia mornings. July and August bring 35 C heat and little shade on the cliffs. December to February can be icy on Cappadocia trails, and some guesthouses in Kabak close for the winter.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 8 days
- Budget: Outdoor Comfort · approx. $1,050–1,640 (≈ €910–1,430), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: hard
- Best for: Outdoor Hiking
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