Kalkan to Kaş
Stage 9 of the Lycian Way — Kalkan to Kaş, coastal terrain.
About this stage
The longest and most demanding stage on the western Lycian Way, traversing rocky coastal terrain from Kalkan to the bohemian diving town of Kaş. The trail follows the ancient route between two of Lycia's most important coastal cities. Kaş has a spectacular Hellenistic theatre overlooking the Greek island of Kastellorizo and is the best resupply point on the entire trail.
Stage highlights
- Antiphellos ancient theatre in Kaş
- Views of Kastellorizo (Meis) island
- King's Tomb Lycian sarcophagus
- Best resupply town on the trail
What to expect on the trail
The path follows the Mediterranean coastline with sea views, hidden coves and rocky headlands. Expect uneven limestone underfoot and a few short scrambles.
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.
You'll move between roughly 7 m and 1025 m above sea level on this stage — 1677 m total ascent and 1895 m descent over 20 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 Kalkan and Kaş 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 9 of 27, part of the Central Coast & Kekova section — the central section linking the harbour towns of Kalkan, Kaş and Üçağız with the sunken city of Kekova. It connects stage 8 (Patara to Kalkan) to stage 10 (Kaş to Limanağzı), 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.