Turkey is a land of mountains, breathtaking scenery, and vast stretches of unspoiled countryside that serve as natural sanctuaries for its remarkable diversity of wildlife, flora, and fauna.

The rugged landscape has shaped the country’s cultural heritage for centuries. Nomadic and semi-nomadic communities once moved with their herds each year to the fresh mountain pastures, known as yayla. These alpine meadows continue to symbolise a living connection to Turkey’s enduring traditions.

Hiking

Hiking offers the perfect escape from the crowds, opening the door to the real Turkey—where breathtaking landscapes, remote historic sites, traditional villages, and warm, welcoming locals await.

While dedicated hikers may be drawn to the rugged interior and the dramatic mountains of the east, even a short walk inland from the busiest coastal resorts can feel like stepping into another world.

For those seeking a challenge, Turkey boasts three official long-distance trails: the Lycian Way—named by the Sunday Times as one of the world’s top ten walks—the St Paul Trail, and the Carian Trail.

Lycian Way

The Lycian Way is a 540km waymarked trail stretching along the coast from Fethiye to Antalya. It takes its name from the ancient Lycian civilisation, whose legacy is still visible today in the striking rock-carved tombs scattered across the region.

This dramatic stretch of coastline offers walkers a mix of breathtaking scenery and varied terrain. Wooded mountains rise steeply from the sea, providing spectacular views, while the path weaves past some of the area’s most remote historic sites.

The trail is graded medium to hard—not a flat coastal stroll but a route of steady ascents and descents as it approaches and retreats from the shoreline. The first sections near Fethiye are gentler, becoming progressively more challenging further east.

The best times to walk the Lycian Way are spring (February–May) and autumn (September–November). Summers are hot, though shorter, shaded stretches can still be enjoyed. The route follows ancient footpaths and mule tracks, mostly across limestone, which can be hard and stony underfoot.

Highlights of the Lycian Way

Discover more about the beaches along the Lycian Way in Lisa Morrow’s article.

Turkey’s Lycian Way: An epic hike with beautiful beaches at every turn

St Paul Trail

The St Paul Trail is a newer waymarked footpath stretching for around 500km from Perge, 10km east of Antalya, to Yalvaç, northeast of Lake Eğirdir. A second branch begins at Aspendos, 40km east of Antalya, and joins the main route at the Roman city of Adada.

Partly following the path taken by St Paul on his first missionary journey through Asia Minor, the trail begins at sea level and climbs to 2,200m, with two optional peaks reaching around 2,800m.

Wilder and more rugged than the Lycian Way, the St Paul Trail is also higher and cooler during the summer months. Walkers can enjoy a mix of experiences—some days traversing ridges and summits, others winding through forests, farmland, and ancient villages.villages.

Sütcüler

Early on the trail lies the town of Sütcüler, once an important Ottoman administrative centre. In the town centre stands a mosque from that era, while the ruins of a Roman settlement can be found on a nearby hill. The surrounding gorges were once crossed by ancient pilgrimage routes, and the area was known as Bavul, in honour of St Paul.

The second part of the walk leads over the shoulder of Mt Davras (2,635m) and across the İsparta plain, before two rewarding days of trekking in the Barla Mountains. Here, hikers have the option to summit Gelincik Dağı (2,799m) and Mt Kaymaz (2,250m).

An overnight stay in Barla precedes the route’s descent to the lakeside town of Eğirdir, where you can climb Sivri Dağı, relax in a traditional Turkish bath (hamam), or cool off with a swim in the lake.

Highlights of the St Paul Trail

The Carian Trail – Turkey’s Longest Coastal Hiking Trail

The Carian Trail is an 800km long-distance walking route in southwest Turkey, stretching from Bodrum and Karpuzlu on the Aegean coast, around the Gulf of Gökova, and on to Içmeler by the Mediterranean. Officially opened in 2013, it quickly became a rival to the famed Lycian Way as one of Turkey’s most remarkable treks.

Named after the ancient Carian civilisation, the trail winds through a landscape steeped in history. Stone-paved caravan routes and old mule paths link coastal villages with the mountainous interior, leading hikers into an unspoiled region rich in colour, tradition, and timeless charm.

Waymarked to international standards, the Carian Trail welcomes both independent walkers and guided groups to experience its blend of scenic beauty and cultural heritage. Along the way, hikers can swim from deserted turquoise bays, climb through pine-scented forests to hidden ruins, and gaze out across the dramatic Aegean coastline to the Greek islands.

The journey is filled with unexpected discoveries: wild mountain goats roaming the remote Datça Peninsula, traditional boatbuilding in Bozburun, Neolithic cave art near Lake Bafa, and handwoven village carpets crafted on ancient looms. For those seeking both adventure and authenticity, the Carian Trail offers an unforgettable experience.

Carian Trail consists of four main sections:

Bozburun Peninsula

Datça Peninsula

Gulf of Gokova

Carian Hinterland

One alternative section:

Muğla Environs

For more information on these routes, visit:

www.lycianway.com

Culture Routes Society: St Paul Trail

www.cariantrail.com

Sources: Discover Turkey/Culture Routes Society

This article was first published on 15 January 2019 and updated on 18 August 2025.

The post Discover Turkey: hiking the ways and trails appeared first on Fethiye Times.

By KARA GODFREY

Less than two hours from Dalaman Airport lies Fethiye, a beautiful city that is home to some of the best restaurants and activities.

Walking along the natural harbour is the perfect place to try some of the best local food before grabbing a boat and sailing out for a day on the sea on the famous Ölüdeniz beach.

Even paragliding 1800km from Babadağ Mountains is recommended as one of the best ways to see the numerous lagoons and beaches, using Sky Sports (www.skysports-turkey.com) as one of the most reputable firms in the area for even the most nervous of flyers to seem secure.

Yet renting a car and driving through the region is the best way to learn about the history of the country, looking at the ruins and artefacts of the Lycian culture, one with a fascinating past.

Lycia was part of Anatolia, what is now seen as modern-day Türkiye, and has since become the areas of Antalya and Muğla.

Dating back to the 15th century BC, the native language was lost over time, during their defeat during the Persian Wars as well as being infused with Greek after falling to Alexander the Great.

One of the most popular sights of Lycian history is the rock tombs of Fethiye and Dalyan.

Many fallen citizens were buried in these rock tombs that were built into the rocky cliffs.

Depending on the money and status of the departed, rock tombs varied from a simple hole in the wall to an ornate and grandeur door where the dead would be buried with their riches, ready to be resurrected.

Kayaköy

The ghost village of Kayaköy reveals some of the most recent history of the culture.

A large community of Greeks lived in Lycia but were forced to abandon their homes in 1920 following a population exchange with Greece.

While they were told they would return, this never came to fruition and the homes were looted for everything including the wooden beams of the roofs, leaving behind the shell of the house. The stunning empty houses are left to be explored in the open elements as they fall into disrepair.

The ghost village was also the backdrop to the famous Louis de Bernieres novel Birds Without Wings, a 1920s love story.

Xanthos-Letoon

Next, head to Xanthos-Letoon, a UNESCO site that is one of the most important religious areas that dates back to the 6th century BC.

The inscriptions provided historians with an abundance of knowledge surrounding Lycian traditions and Hellenic influence.

Once the capital of Lycia, the Temple of Leto is the main attraction, along with rock tombs of modest design.

Saklıkent Gorge

Saklıkent Gorge is also worth a drive through, albeit rather touristy, as the second largest gorge in Europe and one of the deepest in the world.

The 4km hike is a long and slippery one but is worth the ending with a beautiful waterfall gushing into the river.

Netted hammocks and low tables are perfect for those who want to catch a break, settled into the shallow water to stay cool and dip their toes while eating the local fish.

Tlos

Tlos, an ancient ruin on the hill of Lycia, was one of the six cities in the region and are one to explore along the drive.

It is one of the oldest and largest settlements, before being inhabited by Romans, Byzantines and Ottoman Turks during the defeat of the Lycian culture.

A large Roman theatre within the hillside shows off the backdrop to the majestic ruins, along with two bathhouses just next door. It was also home in Greek Mythology to the winged horse Pegasus, and his owner Bellerophon.

Lycian Way

One of the main attractions of the holiday comes with staying up in the hills, close to the Lycian Way. Stretching from Ölüdeniz beach to Geyikbayırı in Antalya, the 540km walk takes a full three weeks to do in its entirety.

Expect to see campers walking in the sweltering heat with their backpacks and water bottles, but clever holidaymakers can choose to explore just a couple of miles (outside of the midday sun) to explore.

The rocky terrain, while slightly treacherous, opens up to carob trees, pine honey, and an abundance of herbs and fruits such as figs and pistachios throughout offering an assault on the senses of chattering birds and rich sweet smells.

Nestled along the way is Kıdrak beach; there is a charge to enter but the beach is nearly entirely devoid of tourists for an off-the-beaten-track experience.

Where to stay

To avoid the over-tourism that is plaguing the popular cities in Europe, staying at boutique hotel Mandarin & Mango within the hillside is a must.

Coming with a story, the furniture found throughout is the owner’s grandfather’s heirlooms, or is built from the rocks and the wood found within the area.

Private rooms with a balcony and hot tub, spacious and cool bedrooms and ornately build furniture made from scratch, offer no noise but the birds and the morning cockerel.

Winding down near the private pool before dinner, a five-course affair made from scratch is on offer which varies every day, even for travellers who choose to spend a fortnight.

Tango classes, cookery lessons and yoga can even be tried in the hotel throughout the year during certain months.

Dog lovers will enjoy being greeted by Pasha, the old mongrel with arthritis who lazes by the pool.

Getting there

Fly all year round from London to Dalaman with Pegasus Airlines’ daily scheduled flights. Book at www.flypgs.com, on Pegasus App or via usual sales channels.

This article was first published on 19 July 2018.

The post Why a road trip through Muğla offers the best of Lycian history in Türkiye appeared first on Fethiye Times.