Bel to Letoon/Xanthos
Stage 6 of the Lycian Way — Bel to Xanthos, mixed terrain.
About this stage
A historically rich stage descending from Bel to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Letoon and Xanthos in the Xanthos River valley. The trail passes through pine forest and open farmland before reaching the ancient capital of the Lycian League. Letoon's three temples and Xanthos's Harpy Tomb are among the finest archaeological sites on the entire trail.
Stage highlights
- Letoon UNESCO temple complex
- Xanthos ancient capital
- Harpy Tomb and Nereid Monument
- Xanthos River valley views
What to expect on the trail
The terrain mixes coastal cliffs, forest paths and open ridges, often with archaeological sites along the way. Varied underfoot and visually rewarding.
Shade is patchy. Pine forest sections offer relief, but exposed coastal stretches and ridge walks require a sun hat, sunscreen and frequent water breaks in summer.
You'll move between roughly 19 m and 636 m above sea level on this stage — 531 m total ascent and 1063 m descent over 15 km.
This is an easy stage suitable for hikers of any fitness level. A good choice for a warm-up day, a recovery day after a tougher section, or as a half-day walk if you start late.
Getting there
Public transport access between Bel and Xanthos 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 6 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 5 (Gavurağılı to Bel) to stage 7 (Xanthos to Patara), 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.