About this stage
A varied stage from Patara to the charming harbour town of Kalkan. From Gelemiş the trail climbs past the Delikkemer siphon aqueduct to Akbel, then drops to the coast to follow clifftop paths with panoramic Mediterranean views, through olive groves and over rocky headlands, to a steep final descent into town — about 19.9 km, with a short scramble on the coastal variant. Kalkan is an elegant hillside town with whitewashed Ottoman houses now hosting rooftop restaurants with sweeping sea views — an ideal rest day location.
Stage highlights
- Mediterranean clifftop views
- Kalkan harbour town
- Olive groves and wildflowers
- Rooftop restaurant dining
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 4 m and 232 m above sea level — 670 m of ascent and 623 m of descent over 19.9 km, about 6 hours of walking.
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
Patara's village, Gelemiş, is about 40 km (about 40 min) by road from Kaş. The dolmuş along the coast road drops you at the Patara turn-off on the highway, and from there a free shuttle runs every 30 minutes down to Gelemiş and the beach gate. Kalkan, at the end, has a bus station and a dolmuş to Kaş every 30 minutes; Kaş is about 26 km (about 30 min) away by road.
Where this stage fits in the trail
This is stage 8 of 26, 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 7 (Xanthos to Patara) to stage 9 (Kalkan to Kaş), 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.