When Is the Best Time to Walk the Lycian Way? The Fethiye–Kaş Route in Autumn

The Lycian Way may first bring to mind a long trekking route. Yet this trail is about much more than walking mile after mile. Pine forests on one side, the blue of the Mediterranean on the other; in between, ancient cities, small villages, coves, stone paths and seaside towns where you can rest at the end of the day.

That is why you don't have to walk the Lycian Way in one go. Starting from Fethiye, you can hike the stages you choose along Faralya, Kabak, Patara, Kalkan and Kaş, staying overnight in some places and driving through other sections to create a route that suits your own rhythm.

Autumn in particular is one of the most enjoyable times on this trail. As the summer heat fades, the beaches grow quieter and walking becomes more comfortable, the Fethiye–Kaş stretch takes on a completely different atmosphere.

So when should you walk the Lycian Way? Which stages are most enjoyable in autumn? Where should you stop, and where should you stay?

Here is an autumn route from Fethiye to Kaş that combines hiking with the sea, history and a proper holiday.

What Makes the Lycian Way So Special?

What sets the Lycian Way apart from a classic nature walk is how constantly the scenery changes along the way.

For a while you gaze down at the sea from high above, then you head in among the pine trees. A few kilometres later you may come across old stone roads, ancient ruins or a small village.

This route is a little bit of hiking, a little bit of history, a little bit of sea and a little bit of discovery.

That is exactly why it can suit so many different styles of travel.

Those used to long-distance hiking can tackle several stages on consecutive days. Those who prefer a gentler trip can take a short walk in the morning and spend the afternoon in a cove.

The beauty of the Lycian Way is that it doesn't force a single kind of holiday on you.

When Should You Walk the Lycian Way?

Choosing the right season matters a great deal on this route.

In summer, especially in July and August, the heat can make long walks difficult. On unshaded sections, the sun feels even stronger.

Autumn, just like spring, is a lovely time for the Lycian Way.

In September the sea still keeps that holiday feeling. Although it stays warm during the day, walking early in the morning becomes much more pleasant.

In October, hiking starts to take centre stage. The weather cools a little, long stages become easier to manage and the summer crowds are largely gone.

November can offer a quieter, cooler period, but since the days are shorter and the weather is more changeable, your hiking plan should be made more carefully.

In short, if you want to combine the sea with hiking, September is a good choice; if you are planning a more trekking-focused holiday, October may suit you better.

Fethiye: Set Aside a Day Before You Start

Before setting off on the Lycian Way, it's a good idea to begin with a short stay in Fethiye.

Here you can pick up anything you're missing before the hike, rest and set out more comfortably the next day.

Fethiye's biggest advantage is that both nature and the sea are within very easy reach.

The Ölüdeniz area is a great starting point for getting a feel for the route before you start walking.

The next day, town life gradually falls behind and the scenery along the trail begins to change.

Faralya: The First Big Views

The area around Faralya is one of the most impressive sections of the Lycian Way.

This is where you begin looking down on the Mediterranean from above. The slopes, the forests and the coves visible below completely change the mood of the walk.

Faralya is not just a place to pass through.

Spending a night here, breaking up the hike and enjoying the view at the end of the day is a real pleasure.

The calm of the area becomes even more noticeable as sunset approaches.

If this is your first time hiking the Lycian Way, Faralya can be a good stop for getting used to the pace of the trail.

Kabak: A Sea Break After the Hike

After Faralya, one of the route's finest rewards is Kabak.

Forest and sea views accompany you all the way. As you get closer to the cove, the feeling of the sea waiting for you at the end of the walk grows stronger.

Once you reach Kabak, it's a good idea to slow down a little.

If you walked in the morning, you can devote the afternoon to resting and swimming.

Staying a night here also makes the route more enjoyable, because on the Lycian Way you don't have to walk as far as possible every single day.

Sometimes the best decision is to spend the rest of the day right where you are, without going anywhere.

Patara: An Ancient City and the Sea on the Same Route

As you head from Fethiye towards Kaş, the historical side of the Lycian Way becomes increasingly apparent.

In this respect, Patara is one of the most special stops on the route.

Here you are not just walking; you are passing through the traces of the past.

The vast site of the ancient city, its old buildings and the long beach right next to it turn Patara into much more than a typical hiking stop.

You can explore the ancient site in the morning and head to the beach in the afternoon.

That's why setting aside at least a day for Patara, rather than a stop of just a few hours, can be far more rewarding.

In autumn, once the summer crowds thin out, the area takes on a calmer atmosphere.

Kalkan: A Short Break from Walking

After a few days of hiking, it's perfectly natural to want a bit of comfort.

Kalkan is a great place to take a break at this point.

With its houses spread across the hillsides, its coastal views and its peaceful evenings, it lets you briefly step away from the hiking pace.

You can stay a night, enjoy a long dinner and get back on the trail the next morning.

For those who want to experience the Lycian Way not only as a trek but also as a holiday, stops like this are an important part of the route.

Just as you don't have to walk the entire journey, you don't have to choose the same style of accommodation every night either.

Kaş: The Place Where You'll Want to Linger at the End of the Trail

For a route that starts in Fethiye, Kaş makes a wonderful finale.

Once you get here, you may want to forget about hiking for a while.

A long breakfast in the morning, the sea in the afternoon, a short stroll around the centre in the evening...

After several days on stony paths, the relaxed pace of Kaş feels wonderful.

Coming across traces of antiquity in the town centre also keeps the character of the journey alive.

Rather than heading straight back after arriving in Kaş, staying another day or two is a good way to round off the hike with a holiday.

Do You Have to Walk the Entire Lycian Way?

No.

In fact, for someone experiencing the Lycian Way for the first time, choosing specific stages may make more sense than trying to walk the whole thing.

On a one-week holiday, you can hike for a few days and spend the rest on the beach and sightseeing.

For example, you can walk from Fethiye to Faralya, stay in Kabak and then drive on to Patara.

Or you can base yourself in Kaş and try the short hiking trails in the surrounding area.

This way, the Lycian Way becomes a route that not only seasoned trekkers but a much wider range of travellers can enjoy.

How to Plan the Fethiye–Kaş Route in Autumn

For a seven-day trip, the route can be planned at a very relaxed pace.

You can dedicate the first day to Fethiye and Ölüdeniz.

On the second day, you can hike around Faralya and stay the night there.

On the third day, you can move on to Kabak and spend the rest of the day by the sea.

On the fourth day, you can continue towards Patara and take time to see the historical sites in the area.

It's a good idea to devote the fifth day to Patara and its surroundings.

On the sixth day, you can rest in Kalkan.

And on the last day, you can end your trip in Kaş.

Of course, this route isn't set in stone.

Depending on the weather, your fitness and how much you want to walk, you can lengthen or shorten some of the stages.

On the Lycian Way, the best plan is the one that lets you enjoy the trail without wearing yourself out.

Where to Stay on the Lycian Way

One of the great things about the Fethiye–Kaş stretch is the variety of accommodation options within reach.

Hubs like Fethiye and Kaş offer the widest choice.

Around Faralya and Kabak, properties set in the heart of nature stand out.

Patara offers a quieter, more rural atmosphere, while Kalkan can be a good option for those who want a slightly more comfortable break in the middle of the hike.

When choosing where to stay, it's important to look not only at the property itself but also at its distance from the start and end points of each walk.

Some stages may require a transfer.

That's why finding out about transport options in advance when booking can make your hiking plan easier.

On Butikotels.com, you can browse a range of accommodation options around Fethiye, Faralya, Kabak, Patara, Kalkan and Kaş and put together stops that suit your own route.

What to Keep in Mind Before Setting Off on the Lycian Way

While some stages of the Lycian Way are fairly easy, others can involve steep descents, rocky ground and long distances.

That's why it's important to set out well prepared.

Hiking shoes with good soles, enough water, sun protection and clothing suited to the season are among the essentials.

You should also bear in mind that your phone may not have signal everywhere.

Before you start walking, it's wise to check the length of that day's trail, the water points and the weather forecast.

Walking in the early hours of the day can be more comfortable, especially in September.

It's also important to plan so that you reach your accommodation before sunset.

Being spontaneous may be the best part of the Lycian Way, but when it comes to safety, planning ahead is always the wiser choice.

The Lycian Way Has a Special Beauty in Autumn

Starting in Fethiye, gazing at the sea from the slopes of Faralya, taking a dip after the hike in Kabak, wandering among the ancient ruins of Patara, resting a little in Kalkan and finally arriving in Kaş...

This route can turn a week into a completely different kind of holiday.

You don't have to walk the entire Lycian Way.

Perhaps you'll only see a few stages.

But even those few stages can let you see the Mediterranean from a whole new perspective.

Because here, what matters isn't only where you end up.

The views you see along the way, the breaks you take, the coves you swim in and the paths you walk are the holiday itself.

If this autumn you'd like to discover the Mediterranean not from a car but partly on foot, the Lycian Way could be a great place to start.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Lycian Way

When should you walk the Lycian Way?

The most comfortable times for the Lycian Way are generally spring and autumn. In autumn, late September and October in particular can be more enjoyable for hiking as temperatures drop.

Can you walk the Lycian Way in autumn?

Yes. Autumn is a great time thanks to cooler hiking conditions and thinner summer crowds. In September, breaks by the sea can also be part of the holiday.

Do you need to walk the entire Lycian Way?

No. You can walk the route by splitting it into day-long or multi-day stages.

Is the Lycian Way suitable for beginners?

Some stages can be suitable for beginners, but the level of difficulty varies along the route. First-time hikers are better off choosing shorter stages.

Which stops are worth seeing between Fethiye and Kaş?

Faralya, Kabak, Patara, Kalkan and Kaş are among the most enjoyable stops on this stretch.

Is there accommodation on the Lycian Way?

Yes. Along the Fethiye–Kaş stretch you'll find hotels, guesthouses, bungalows, campsites and other types of accommodation.

Can you swim in the sea in autumn?

Especially in September, it can be possible to combine hiking with a beach holiday along the Fethiye–Kaş stretch. As weather conditions can change, it's worth checking the latest forecast before you travel.

How many days does it take to walk the Lycian Way?

The full route requires a long hike, but it can also be planned in stages of a few days or a week. For the Fethiye–Kaş section, a 5–7 day itinerary combining a holiday with hiking can be very enjoyable.