Hisarçandır to Geyikbayırı
Stage 25 of the Lycian Way — Hisarçandır to Geyikbayırı, mountain terrain.
About this stage
A moderate walk through the highlands from the mountain village of Hisarcandir to the rock climbing mecca of Geyikbayiri. Rolling terrain through open forest and agricultural land.
Stage highlights
- Geyikbayiri climbing crags
- Highland villages
- Agricultural landscapes
- Mountain views
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.
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 500 m and 1000 m above sea level on this stage — 400 m total ascent and 800 m descent over 18 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 Hisarçandır and Geyikbayırı 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 25 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 24 (Göynük to Hisarçandır) to stage 26 (Geyikbayırı to Antalya), 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.