Faralya to Alınca
Stage 3 of the Lycian Way — Faralya to Alınca, mixed terrain.
About this stage
From Faralya the trail descends steeply to the remote Kabak Beach before climbing through dense maquis scrubland to the quiet farming hamlet of Alınca. This is a short but steep stage with dramatic elevation changes as the path weaves between deep valleys and exposed ridges. Kabak Beach offers a wild swimming stop halfway through.
Stage highlights
- Kabak Beach wild swimming
- Terraced hillside gardens
- Remote mountain village of Alınca
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.
Water is available at intervals along the route, but plan refills carefully. Top up at every village fountain or natural spring you pass; gaps of 2-3 hours between sources are common.
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 10 m and 700 m above sea level on this stage — 850 m total ascent and 550 m descent over 13 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 Faralya and Alınca 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 3 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 2 (Ovacık to Faralya) to stage 4 (Alınca to Gavurağılı), 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.