Alınca to Gavurağılı
Stage 4 of the Lycian Way — Alınca to Gavurağılı, mountain terrain.
About this stage
A remote and challenging forest stage from Alınca through dense pine woodland and past the scattered ruins of ancient Sidyma. The trail follows old mule paths through a landscape virtually unchanged for centuries. Water and supplies are scarce — carry at least 3 litres. The ancient Lycian sarcophagi at Sidyma are interspersed with modern village houses.
Stage highlights
- Sidyma ancient city ruins
- Lycian sarcophagi among village houses
- Remote pine forest walking
What to expect on the trail
This is a mountain stage with significant ascents and rocky paths. Sturdy boots and trekking poles are strongly recommended, and the descents can be hard on knees.
The route runs largely under tree cover, providing welcome shade through most of the walk — comfortable even in late spring or early autumn.
You'll move between roughly 400 m and 660 m above sea level on this stage — 400 m total ascent and 270 m descent over 12 km.
A challenging stage with sustained climbs and technical terrain. Allow extra time, start at first light, and carry more water than you think you'll need.
Getting there
Public transport access between Alınca and Gavurağılı is limited. Most hikers reach this stage by walking from a neighbouring section, or by private taxi from Antalya or Fethiye (a 1-2 hour drive depending on the trailhead).
Where this stage fits in the trail
This is stage 4 of 27, part of the Western Lycian Coast section — the western coastal section running from Fethiye through Ölüdeniz, Faralya and the Patara dunes towards Kalkan. It connects stage 3 (Faralya to Alınca) to stage 5 (Gavurağılı to Bel), and works well as part of a multi-day section walk.
Best time to walk this stage
The Lycian Way is best walked in spring (mid-March to mid-May) or autumn (mid-September to mid-November). October and April offer the most reliable weather: mild temperatures, clear skies, wildflowers in spring or olive harvest in autumn, and far fewer hikers than the shoulders of those windows. Summer (June-August) is generally too hot for comfortable walking — coastal stages routinely exceed 35°C and water sources dry up. Winter (December-February) brings rain to the coast and snow to mountain passes; the trail is walkable but conditions are unpredictable, especially on the higher inland stages.