An alternative, not a numbered stage
This is a waymarked alternative on the Lycian Way, not part of the main numbered sequence. It is a variant of Stage 4, Alınca to Bel — walk one or the other, not both. Signage on the ground is the authority: follow the waymarks and carry the route on your phone.
About this route
An inland alternative to the main Alınca–Gey–Bel leg. It leaves the trail at Bakacak, contours east through the hills past the Hisar locality above Dodurga, then turns south to descend into Bel, where it meets the main route again. A quieter, higher line through sparsely settled country — carry water.
Route highlights
- High traverse through the hills east of the main route
- Hisar locality above the Dodurga plain
- Descent into the farming village of Bel
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.
You'll move between roughly 354 m and 825 m above sea level on this route — 509 m total ascent and 359 m descent over 11.1 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.
Water and shade
Water is scarce on this route. Fill up before you start and carry enough for the whole leg. Shade is patchy, so a hat and sun cover matter outside the cooler months.
Getting there
There is no scheduled bus or dolmuş serving either end of this route. Hikers reach it on foot from the main trail, or by private taxi from Antalya or Fethiye.
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.