Central Lycia :: SRM Travel

Charming coastal towns, narrow streets, ancient settlements, beaches, sunken cities, sea-kayak.

4 days / 3 nights

Itinerary Details

Day 1: LETOON - XANTHOS - PATARA

Meet your guide and private support vehicle at Dalaman Airport, then head to Gavurağlı to begin your journey. The day is an archaeological feast, visiting principal cities of the Lycian civilization. As you warm up to the Lycian Way, use the support vehicle as needed to acclimatize.
The route offers sweeping views of Patara beach and sand dunes, passes through eucalyptus forests and mimosa bushes, and remains gentle with gradual elevations. The opening stretch, popular with birdwatchers, may reward you with sightings including the Smyrna kingfisher.
Along the way, visit ancient Pyndai, once a small naval base securing the western end of the bay — now a silted plain. At Letoon, holy sanctuary of Leto and her children, Apollo and Artemis, hear the myths and dramas of the gods. In Xanthos, capital of Lycia, see the Nereid and Harpy Monuments and the Lycian “Rosetta Stone.” At Patara, the port of Xanthos, explore the Necropolis, City Gate, and Corinthian Temple, then enjoy a revitalizing swim before continuing to Kaş, your base for the next three nights.

Walking distance: It can be from 2.5 to 25 km (decide on the spot)
Altitude change: +167 m / −165 m

Sleep in Kaş.

Day 2: UFAKDERE BAY – LİMANAĞZI – KAŞ

After a delicious breakfast, your support vehicle will drive you to Ufakdere Bay where you will start your hike for the day. Before you shoulder your day bag, you can take a dip in the inviting Mediterranean.

Your hike starts with a gentle climb through low scrub, carob and olive trees, with the air carrying the scent of pine resin and wild thyme. As the path rolls gently over the hills, you will catch glimpses of the sea visible through breaks in the vegetation.

You will have a break at Limanağzı Bay, a favorite swimming spot for locals and visitors, to enjoy a refreshing swim in turquoise water, snorkel over rocky shallows, and have a simple lunch of fresh fish and salad at a family-run beach cafe.

Continuing west, the trail alternates between rock terraces above the water and short ascents. The coastline will continue surprising you with numerous tiny pebble coves, all inviting you for another swim.

The walk ends with sweeping views over the Kaş harbor and the Greek island of Meis (Kastellorizo) across the channel, welcoming you into town.

Walking distance: 11 km.
Altitude change: +246 m / –377 m

Sleep in Kaş.

Day 3: HIKE & KAYAK APERLAE – SIMENA – KEKOVA

After breakfast, drive to Üçağız where you will gear up, get in your kayaks and paddle to the ancient city of Simena hidden among the modern villages of Kale. From here, enjoy a short hike up to the Ottoman castle, with its remarkably well-preserved small Lycian rock-cut theater inside the walls. Take in the panoramic views before returning to the coast. Then, cross the sound to the shores of Kekova island, where you will slowly drift over the sunken ruins of ancient Dolichiste, submerged after a series of earthquakes. In the crystal-clear water, you will see buildings, quays, steps, jetties, foundations of houses and workshops.

Continue kayaking through the Kekova archipelago to Aperlae, an ancient city which is reached only on foot or from the sea. The site, never redeveloped after the Byzantine period, offers a wealth of remains — from city walls and necropolis tombs to a partially submerged harbor and quays. Walking among the ruins and gliding over the stonework beneath the water, you may find the clarity of the sea irresistible for a swim.

Drive back to Kaş.

Walking distance: 3 km.
Paddling: 6 to 13 km (decide on the spot)
Altitude change: +30 m / −30 m

Sleep in Kaş.

Day 4: PHELLOS – ÇUKURBAĞ – KAŞ

After breakfast, drive to the ancient city of Phellos, perched high in the mountains above Kaş. Before setting off, explore the scattered remains of city walls, public buildings, and several well-preserved sarcophagi with carved lids and inscriptions.

The only distraction on the downhill trail through low shrubs and wild herbs will be the sound of goat bells; you may meet a shepherd guiding his small herd.

Before Çukurbağ village, the path softens into earth tracks lined with olive groves and orchards of pomegranate and fig. You may see villagers in action, tending their vegetable gardens or cutting hay in small fields bordered by dry stone walls; and spot painted beehives. You will have a break in the village, have tea and fresh gözleme in a family garden and take in the rhythm of rural life.

After Çukurbağ, descend steadily toward the coast. Terraced gardens of tomatoes, peppers, and herbs give way to open views of the Mediterranean, appearing and disappearing between ridgelines. In Kaş, where the scent of the sea marks the end of your hike.

Transfer to the airport or move on to your next destination.

Walking distance: 14 km.
Altitude change: +969 m / −190 m