Everything you need to know before setting foot on the Lycian Way. Plan smart, pack right, and arrive ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
The Lycian Way is a rewarding but physically demanding trail. Following this progressive training plan will help you arrive fit, confident, and ready to enjoy every step. Start at least 8 weeks before your departure.
Manageable for anyone with moderate fitness. 4 weeks of walking preparation should be sufficient. Expect 3–4 hours of walking per day on mostly clear paths.
Requires good general fitness. Complete the full 8-week plan. You will cover 15–20 km per day on mixed terrain with significant elevation changes.
Demands sustained endurance over multiple weeks. Extend your training to 12 weeks if possible. You must be comfortable hiking 6–8 hours daily with a pack.
Supplement your hiking with these activities to build well-rounded fitness and reduce injury risk.
No visa required for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry.
No visa required for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. National ID card or passport accepted for most EU countries.
e-Visa required before travel. Apply online at evisa.gov.tr (approx. $50 USD). Processing is usually instant. Allows 90 days within 180 days.
Fly to Dalaman Airport (DLM) for the western sections of the trail, or Antalya Airport (AYT) for the eastern sections. Both airports have regular flights from major UK and European cities.
Airport transfers are included with all our guided tours. For independent travellers, options include private taxi, shared shuttle services, and public dolmus buses.
The Lycian coast enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Understanding seasonal conditions is key to timing your trip for the best experience.
These months offer the ideal combination of comfortable temperatures (20–26°C), minimal rainfall, long daylight hours, and wildflowers in spring or autumn colours in October. Most of our guided departures run during these windows.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rain Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March | 17°C | 8°C | 8 | Spring flowers, cool mornings |
| April | 21°C | 11°C | 5 | Ideal hiking, wildflowers peak |
| May | 26°C | 15°C | 3 | Warm, long days |
| June–August | 32–35°C | 20–23°C | 0–1 | Too hot for most, coastal sections only |
| September | 31°C | 19°C | 1 | Still warm, quieter trails |
| October | 25°C | 14°C | 4 | Ideal, autumn colours |
| November | 19°C | 10°C | 7 | Shoulder season, occasional rain |
| December–February | 14–16°C | 5–7°C | 10–12 | Cool and wet, snow in mountains |
UV levels along the Lycian coast are very high from May to September, regularly reaching 9–11. Always wear sunscreen (SPF 50+), a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses. Seek shade between 12:00 and 15:00 during summer months.
Temperatures can vary dramatically between sea level and mountain passes (up to 15°C difference). Use a three-layer system: moisture-wicking base, insulating mid-layer, and waterproof shell. Even in spring and autumn, evenings can be cool at higher elevations.
Your safety is our top priority. Being well-prepared means you can focus on enjoying the trail. Here is everything you need to know about staying safe on the Lycian Way.
Travel insurance is mandatory for all participants. Your policy must specifically cover hiking and trekking activities, emergency evacuation, and medical treatment abroad. We recommend policies that also cover trip cancellation and personal belongings.
Drink at least 2–3 litres of water per day, more in warm weather. Carry a minimum of 1.5 litres at all times. Refill points are available at villages along the trail but can be far apart on some sections. Consider water purification tablets as backup.
Wear a hat and apply sunscreen regularly. Rest in the shade between 12:00 and 15:00 during warmer months. Heat exhaustion is the most common health issue on the trail and is entirely preventable.
Our team monitors this address daily during trip season. For guided tour participants, your guide will carry a local mobile phone with our emergency line.
All our guided tours include a comprehensive first aid kit carried by the guide. If travelling independently, pack the following:
The Lycian Way reaches a maximum altitude of approximately 1,800 metres. This is well below the level at which altitude sickness typically occurs (above 2,500 m), so altitude is generally not a concern. However, the ascents and descents can be steep, so good physical fitness is important.