About this stage
The longest single-day stage on the Lycian Way. From the Göynük seafront the first 6 km are road and track up to the mouth of Göynük canyon; only there does the waymarked trail begin, climbing about 21 km through forest and over the shoulder of the Beydağları to the mountain village of Hisarçandır. Remote mountain walking with spectacular views back towards Antalya and the Beydağları peaks — 28 km with over 1,700 m of ascent, which most walkers split, or shorten by starting at the canyon mouth (a short taxi ride from Göynük).
Stage highlights
- Remote mountain wilderness
- Beydaglari mountain views
- Ancient nomad paths
- Wildflower meadows in spring
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 sea level and roughly 1,476 m — 1,728 m of ascent and 891 m of descent over 28.1 km, about 10 hours of walking.
A challenging stage with sustained climbs and technical terrain, and no facilities once you leave the canyon. Carry a full day's food and water, start at first light, and consider splitting the stage rather than finishing in the dark.
Getting there
Public transport access between Göynük and Hisarçandır 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 24 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 23 (Gedelme to Göynük) to stage 25 (Hisarçandır to Geyikbayırı), 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.