A 500-kilometre route that connects mountains and seas, the Lycian Way offers a glimpse into both the natural world and past civilizations. With its turquoise waves, gorgeous seashores, and pristine environment, the Turkish Riviera is a prime example of Mother Nature’s most exquisite creation. And there’s a breathtaking long-distance walk to explore on the Teke peninsula in southwest Turkey: the Lycian Manner.
Possibly the world’s most beautiful long-distance hikes
The 500-kilometre route (760 km if you account for the deviations) connects the gulfs between Fethiye and Antalya. It also derives its identity from the ancient Lycian civilization that formerly ruled the region. Who better to tell us more about it than the person who invented it in the 1990s? Kate Clow is a British expat living in Turkey who is passionate about climbing and history. For what reason did she decide to start this trek? When I first arrived here, I was sitting by the sea in Antalya when I looked up at the mountains and thought, ‘There must be a lot of pathways up there that people don’t know about. Therefore, I had to find them,” she explains.
The Lycian Manner has gained recognition as one of the world’s most important and beautiful long-distance walks.
According to Clow, the author of The Lycian Manner: Turkey’s First Lengthy Distance Strolling Route (now in its fifth iteration), “the Lycian Manner is kind of particular because it is between the mountains and the ocean.” It climbs into the mountains to an altitude so high that it is visible at 1800 metres above sea level. And it continues all the way to the seaside, where you may swim, paddle, and see the coastal communities, among other things. But the ports, towns, and communities that the Lycians built and that the Romans eventually conquered are also the finest places to be found along the coast. These places were a crucial part of the trade route that connected Egypt with Rome.
It should come as no surprise that the path leads to unbelievable destinations. Reminiscent of Kayaköy, a community that dates back to ancient times but was entirely abandoned in 1923 after the conclusion of the Greco-Turkish War, when a people-to-people exchange took place between the two countries. That’s when the city became abandoned. It is now an outdoor museum.
The Turkish Riviera’s turquoise seas
Given that the Turkish Riviera is often referred to as the Lycian approach, it goes via Ölüdeniz, a beach resort on the Turquoise Coast. A few of the most popular things to do here, aside from relaxing on the magnificent beaches, are paragliding from Mount Babadağ, ocean kayaking, or taking a ship from the Blue Lagoon to explore the location where the Aegean Sea and the Japanese Mediterranean Sea converge. From the boat, you may take in views of the pine-covered, stony highlands.
You also shouldn’t miss Butterfly Valley, a pristine area that can only be reached by boat or a strenuous climb. Observe the name of this canyon: Butterfly Valley.
Owner of Information Excursions Ferihan Güzel responds to the question, saying that there are around 80 different species of butterflies in this area at certain times of the year, especially in April. Most likely, one of the hottest is the jersey tiger moth. This location is under the cooperative’s security. less secure nationally. This is hardly a place where many tourists would settle, especially during butterfly season.
In addition, there are several excellent dive sites, or you may visit the Blue Cave, where, if you’re lucky enough, you might be able to see starfish!
Paddling a kayak in an underwater city
The charming town of Kaş is a popular destination for boat-mooring vacationers in Antalya Province. It’s one of several places you can also make by sea or while climbing the Lycian Manner. Its old fishermen’s huts, now converted into shops, resorts, cafés, and restaurants, border its cobblestone lanes, giving the area a sense of several eras. Most importantly, when you find yourself standing in front of a collection of classical ruins,!
You may also rent a ship or a kayak here and paddle among the abandoned city walls. Travellers heading to the northern part of the deserted island of Kekova will see the remains of a once-flourishing city: Dolichiste. It was a historically significant Lycian hamlet built in the fourth century BC. Dolichiste, which had been inhabited for many centuries, was largely drowned due to an earthquake that occurred in the second century and increasing sea levels. Later, after the Arab assaults, it was completely abandoned.
There are the remains of houses, public structures, churches, and wine cellars both above and below the azure seas. In 1990, the Turkish Ministry of Environment and Forestry designated the Kekova region as a protected area. Swimming and diving are forbidden in the area where the submerged city is located.