Lycian Way – east or west?

The Lycian Way is one of Pete’s all-time favourite walks, which, for a route finder who’s out and about nearly every month of the year, is a big accolade! He spent his childhood summers on this section of the Turkish coastline, so it holds some nostalgia for him, and after returning this year to re-walk both routes, we wondered if his impressions had changed…

Can you tell us more about the differences between the two routes?

Well, Lycian Way east is the original one, the first one that Inntravel launched. It’s absolutely packed with history – pretty much every day you see ancient Lycian sites, most of which you can wander through free of charge.

It’s great for history buffs, but, it’s harder walking. We’ve graded it 2-3 (moderate to challenging) where there are longer days and the terrain is rough and ready underfoot.

The west, however, provides easier walking. There are no long days, and the terrain – except for a few instances – is easier underfoot, so we’ve graded it a 2.

There’s not as much history – you pass by Kayakoy ghost village on day six and some Lycian history in Simena, but it’s the walking that’s spectacular on this route. You walk high above the coast, so the views are all-encompassing, whereas on the east you walk lower down on the beaches and coves.

What’s the accommodation like?
Lycian Way east

In Çirali you stay at the Azur Hotel, near a protected beach for nesting turtles. Because of this, there’s hardly a boat in sight – it’s really quiet and pristine, all very chilled with lots of trees and buildings dotted about.

In Adrasan it’s a busier beach, but you stay set back from it. It’s a short walk to the lighthouse and back again. There’s only 16 or so rooms and I think we’ll start recommending extra nights here to break up the longer walking days.

The guesthouse in Hoyran is run by a lovely couple who put an emphasis on local produce. Breakfast is a highlight with pots of homemade jams, including sandalwood berry jam – delicious! You can also see right down to the sea from the pool area.

The Ankh Pansiyon in Simena is simple – hardly changed since the 1990s – and located right on the water’s edge. There’s a bathing platform where you can go snorkelling and take boat trips to see the Sunken City. I love Simena, I could spend days there.

Lycian Way west

The west route offers simpler accommodation. The first place is almost a homestay with outdoor kitchens from where they produce lovingly homemade food. It’s a nice atmosphere seated by the poolside as the sun sets.

Friendly hosts at the Hotel Montenegro welcome you in. You stay in wooden chalets and the views down to the sea are mesmerising.

Again, the views from your final stay at the Lighthouse Hotel are the pinnacle of your holiday – gazing out over the Seven Capes is particularly poignant at sunset.

One final thought…
The advantage of walking the west route is that the walking’s a bit easier so you can enjoy the moments a bit more, plus you look out over where you’ve walked at the end – an amazing sense of achievement.

Lycian Way – east or west?

The same view, 30 years apart

Can you tell us more about the differences between the two routes?

History on the eastern Lycian Way

Dramatic views on the western Lycian Way

Walk the Lycian Way - luggage transfers included