recommended route
Faralya to Ovacik
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The best view in Turkey?Photo: Jack Cunliffe, Macs Adventure
From Faralya, ascend up a steep valley to the traditional village of Kirme with its terraced wheat fields and where locals harvest olives and keep goats and cattle. Continue over the Baba Dag mountain range, through fields of boulders and crisp pine forests. The path opens up and descends a steep mountain path, with paragliders above and goats surrounding you before finally descending down to Ovacik, the turquoise bay unbelievably bright, iridescent in the sunshine.
A short transfer will take you from Ovacik to the small village of Kayakoy where you will overnight.
Author’s recommendation
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
The heat and dehydration are the main risks on the Lycian Way, ensure you have at least two, preferably three litres of water per person per day, wear light and loose fitting clothing and a suitable sun hat. Factor 30 sun cream is recommended, particularly from May until the end of August.
There are some road crossings, always be aware of traffic and be sure to use a pavement/sidewalk where possible. Where it isn’t, walk on the right-hand side of the road in the direction of oncoming traffic.
Some of the ground can be uneven, with rocky/pebbly paths. Ensure you have suitable footwear and step cautiously when needed.
Much of the path is on clifftops and there has been some erosion, for this reason, the path is sometimes unclear, be careful of the drop and of loose rocks and edges to the cliffs.
Tips and hints
Food and Drink
The village of Kirme has a couple of cafes, but should not be relied on. Bring a packed lunch and plenty of liquids.
Points of Interest
Kirme
Kirme is a small mountain village almost 1000 metres up. it has a friendly bustle about it, and is unexpectedly nestled into the mountain scenery.
View down to Ovacik
As you begin the long descent into Ovacik, you will be treated to one of the best views in Turkey, and one of the best coastal views in the whole of Europe. The azure bay of Ovacik and Olu Deniz is impossibly blue, and the steep mountain path cuts through the green shrubbery, framing the vista with bleached stone or vibrant green,
Ovacik
A big town for the area, full of shops, bars, restaurants and even some nightclubs. If there is anything you need to pick up, or if the quiet of the trail has been with you for too long perhaps you can stop here for a bit of urban life.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
0.00 km - Start at the gates to Montenegro Hotel, TURN RIGHT, and then BEAR RIGHT to descend and join a track that runs below the hotel
0.63 km - The track reaches the main road, cross the road and ascend up the track, Signed for Kirme four km
0.84 km -The track runs out and you reach a walled hotel, pass to the left of the hotel and then BEAR RIGHT to join a small ascending trail that crosses over a stream
0.96 km - You come to a fork with a signpost, ignore the sign for Alinca and BEAR LEFT
1.40 km - The path leads onto a dirt track, TURN RIGHT onto the dirt track, ascending
1.80 km - You come to a large junction, TURN LEFT taking the larger turn that is at 90 degrees
2.00 km - After a big blue sign, the road forks, BEAR RIGHT ascending up the smaller vehicle track
2.30 km - Cross over the stream that comes from a well, continue straight on as the path ascends past a farm
2.60 km - The track runs out and turns into a narrow path BEAR LEFT to ascend steeply, then BEAR RIGHT to join a larger track
2.80 km - STRAIGHT ON through the crossroads, then BEAR LEFT off the track up a smaller path that us waymarked, and after 30 metres TURN LEFT again to ascend to a sign for the Lemon Cafe, TURN LEFT again following this sign
3.20 km - You arrive into the village of Kirme, the surface is paved, follow the road as it winds through the houses and then joins a larger road, TURN LEFT onto this road and then BEAR RIGHT when this road meets another and you leave Kirme
4.70 km - Come off the road and descend a smaller path, signed for Ovacik, by a concrete pole
5.20 km - The path drops to a vehicle track, BEAR RIGHT until the track meets the main road and then TURN LEFT following the road
6.00 km - TURN LEFT off the main road, down a small gravel descending path, the path then turns to a pine forest path that ascends as you BEAR RIGHT
6.40 km - TURN RIGHT sharply off the path, it is not very clear (if you see a red cross on the rocks you have gone ten paces too far), you then join a smaller path over some rocks, and BEAR RIGHT ascending a stone path
6.50 km - TURN LEFT at the T Junction and you will come to a fenced piece of land, pass to the left of the fenced off area, following the fence as you skirt the land
6.60 km - As the fence turns away to the right, you enter a clearing, BEAR RIGHT ascending out of the clearing to rejoin the path as the path then goes diagonally to the right and then you BEAR LEFT on to the vehicle track
7.30 km - BEAR LEFT off the path onto a smaller path
8.00 km - Continue STRAIGHT ON as you come off the track onto a smaller path, this path continues on all the way to the pick up point, keep an eye on the red and white way markers
12.10 km - When you reach the main road, wait here for the taxi to Kayakoy. Once you have checked in at your accommodation you can head off to explore the abandoned ghost village.
Coordinates
Equipment
Sturdy boots for uneven ground
A sun hat
Walking poles
Water purifying tablets in case of emergency
Questions and answers
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