From time to time, we all need to unplug and reconnect with nature. Sometimes, simply “touching grass” isn’t enough — you need to climb a mountain where there’s no signal and embrace the slow life. And if you’re going to do it, you might as well do it properly. That’s exactly what Türkiye’s Lycian Way offers: a perfect blend of nature, history, and culture.
Recently, the UK-based magazine Time Out named the Lycian Way the most beautiful hiking trail in the world. Stretching approximately 540 kilometers from Ölüdeniz to Geyikbayırı, the route takes around 30 to 40 days to complete in full. For travelers short on time, smaller sections are clearly marked, making it accessible to all levels of hikers.
Türkiye’s First Long-Distance Trail with Deep Historical Roots
The Lycian Way isn’t just long — it’s meaningful. As Time Out travel writer India-Jayne Trainor explains, “It was once an old trade route connecting settlements in Lycia, but today it attracts visitors eager to explore the ruins of temples and towns left behind by ancient civilizations.” This makes the route a living museum of cultural tourism, where travelers can literally walk through thousands of years of history.
Where Culture Tourism Meets Nature Tourism
Beyond its archaeological charm, the Lycian Way offers some of Türkiye’s most breathtaking scenery. The trail winds past dramatic cliffs, tranquil bays, and secluded beaches, and a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz is considered one of its highlights. For tourism guides, the route represents an exceptional opportunity to combine storytelling, local culture, and sustainable travel in a single experience.
Among the World’s Top Three Trails
Following the Lycian Way, Patagonia’s O Circuit ranked second, while the Tour du Mont Blanc through the Alps placed third. Yet with its unique fusion of nature, heritage, and hospitality, the Lycian Way continues to elevate Türkiye’s reputation in tourism, cultural tourism, and tourism guiding worldwide.
You may reach to the original source via here.
