Finike to Karaöz
Stage 15 of the Lycian Way — Finike to Karaöz, mountain terrain.
About this stage
A mostly road-walking stage from Finike along the coast to the small village of Karaöz. The flat terrain makes this one of the easiest stages but also one of the least scenic. A dolmuş can be used to skip this section. Karaöz is the starting point for the spectacular Cape Gelidonya lighthouse walk.
Stage highlights
- Limyra ancient city nearby
- Karaöz fishing village
- Gateway to Cape Gelidonya
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.
The route runs largely under tree cover, providing welcome shade through most of the walk — comfortable even in late spring or early autumn.
A moderate stage requiring reasonable hill-walking fitness. Most active hikers complete it in the suggested time with a 30-minute lunch break.
Getting there
Public transport access between Finike and Karaöz 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 15 of 27, part of the Demre & Olympos section — the eastern coast around Demre, Finike, Adrasan and the ancient site of Olympos. It connects stage 14 (Demre to Finike) to stage 16 (Karaöz to Adrasan), 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.