About this stage
A remote and atmospheric stage from Limanağzı beach to the partially sunken ancient city of Aperlae. The trail climbs away from the bay to the village of Üzümlü, continues to Boğazcık and then runs out along the dry peninsula, passing the ruins of Apollonia before descending to the coast where Lycian walls and sarcophagi slip beneath the turquoise sea. At 23 km it is a full day, and the stretch beyond Boğazcık is one of the most isolated on the trail — leave the village carrying all the food and water you need.
Stage highlights
- Aperlae sunken city ruins
- Apollonia ancient ruins
- Completely remote coastal walking
- Underwater archaeology visible
What to expect on the trail
The path leaves the coast almost at once and stays inland for most of the day: stony mule paths and farm tracks through olive terraces to Üzümlü and Boğazcık, then rough limestone across the peninsula, with the sea returning only for the descent to Aperlae. Expect uneven rock underfoot and little shade.
You'll move between roughly 4 m and 363 m above sea level — 759 m of ascent and 734 m of descent over 23.4 km, about 7 hours of walking.
A moderate stage, long rather than steep. The Boğazcık village fountain is the last reliable water; from there carry 3 litres or more, because the boat skippers at Aperlae sell water only when boats are running.
Getting there
Public transport access between Limanağzı and Aperlae 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 11 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 10 (Kaş to Limanağzı) to stage 12 (Aperlae to Üçağız), 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.