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 13, Üçağız to Andriake/Demre — 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
The upper, inland alternative on the way to Demre. It leaves the main route at Davazlar, keeps to the higher ground north of the coastal path, and comes down to Alakent on the edge of the Demre plain. A drier, faster line than the shoreline route, handy when you want to shorten the Kekova stage.
Route highlights
- Higher ground above the Kekova shoreline
- Farmland approach to the Demre plain
- Ends at Alakent, a short walk from Demre
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.
You'll move between roughly 18 m and 762 m above sea level on this route — 27 m total ascent and 765 m descent over 11.3 km.
A moderate stage requiring reasonable hill-walking fitness. Most active hikers complete it in the suggested time with a 30-minute lunch break.
Water and shade
Water is available in places along this route, but sources are seasonal — treat anything you take from a spring and start with a full bottle. 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.