Beycik to Gedelme via Tahtalı (Mountain Alternative)
Stage 21 of the Lycian Way — Beycik to Gedelme, mountain terrain.
About this stage
The highest point of the Lycian Way at 2365m. From Beycik, climb steeply through pine and cedar forest to the summit of Tahtalı Dağı (Mount Olympos) for 360-degree panoramas of the Mediterranean coast and Taurus mountains, then descend through Yayla Kuzdere to Gedelme.
Stage highlights
- Tahtalı Dağı summit (2365m)
- 360-degree coast and mountain panorama
- Alpine meadows above treeline
- Cedar forest descent
- Cable car option for descent
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.
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 800 m and 2365 m above sea level on this stage — 1400 m total ascent and 1550 m descent over 16 km.
One of the toughest stages on the Lycian Way — sustained ascent, exposed terrain and limited bail-out options. Recommended only for experienced trekkers in good condition.
Getting there
Public transport access between Beycik and Gedelme 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 21 of 27, part of the Olympos to Antalya Mountains section — the rugged final section over the Beydağları mountains, past Tahtalı's summit and down to Antalya. It connects stage 21 (Tekirova to Phaselis) to stage 22 (Phaselis to Gedelme), 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.