Ovacık to Faralya
Stage 2 of the Lycian Way — Ovacık to Faralya, coastal terrain.
About this stage
A spectacular and demanding coastal stage from Ovacık, passing the world-famous Ölüdeniz lagoon and climbing the relentless 4km switchbacks of Babadağ mountain. The trail traverses high plateau farmland dotted with beehives before descending through Butterfly Valley viewpoints to the bohemian cliffside village of Faralya. Paragliders spiral above Ölüdeniz throughout the day, adding to the surreal scenery.
Stage highlights
- Ölüdeniz lagoon from above
- Butterfly Valley cliff viewpoint
- Babadağ paragliders overhead
- Faralya cliffside village
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.
You'll move between roughly 300 m and 850 m above sea level on this stage — 665 m total ascent and 660 m descent over 14 km.
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 Ovacık and Faralya 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 2 of 27, part of the Western Lycian Coast section — the western coastal section running from Fethiye through Ölüdeniz, Faralya and the Patara dunes towards Kalkan. It connects stage 1 (Fethiye to Ovacık) to stage 3 (Faralya to Alınca), 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.