Trekking Route 1: The Lycian Way Classic - From Letoon to Karadere Beach

The Story of the Route

This route is a journey of purification, extending from the spiritual heart of Lycia to the most pristine shores of the Mediterranean. You will follow the paths that the Lycians, who came to Letoon to offer sacrifices to the gods thousands of years ago, likely walked to reach the sea after their rituals. Starting from a sacred UNESCO World Heritage site and ending on a desolate beach adorned with sea daffodils, after passing through fertile fields and citrus groves, this section is the best summary of why the Lycian Way is so legendary. It is a perfect combination of history, agriculture, and the sea.

Practical Information

| Difficulty Level | EASY (No significant ascent or descent) |
| Distance | Approx. 9 km (5.6 miles) |
| Estimated Time | 2.5 - 3 hours (without breaks) |
| Starting Point | Letoon Ancient City Car Park |
| Finishing Point | Karadere (Özlen) Beach |
| Best Season | Spring (March-May), Autumn (September-November) |
| Water Sources | No natural water sources on the route. Take at least 1.5 liters of water. |
| Terrain | Dirt farm tracks, gravel roads, sandy paths. |

Step-by-Step Route

• Leaving Letoon: Start your walk from the car park of the Letoon Ancient Site. With the ancient city behind you, follow the asphalt road briefly towards the center of Kumluova.
  


• Entering the Fields: Soon, the red-and-white markers of the Lycian Way will direct you off the asphalt road to the right, into fertile farmlands. From here, the route generally follows wide and clear dirt tracks.
  


• Greenhouses and Orchards: Along the way, you will pass through tomato and pepper greenhouses and orchards of orange and pomegranate. The scent of citrus blossoms will accompany you, especially in spring.
  


• Approaching the Beach: After about 1.5 - 2 hours of walking, the vegetation will begin to change, and you will transition to sandy ground. You are on the right track when you start to smell the sea and hear the sound of the waves.
  


• Arrival at Karadere Beach: The path will lead you directly to the western end of Karadere Beach (known locally as Özlen Beach). You can end your walk on the endless sand and meet the cool waters of the Mediterranean.
  




Route Highlights





• Historic Start: Beginning the hike from a sacred UNESCO World Heritage site.
  


• Pastoral Landscapes: Witnessing local agricultural life up close in the fertile plain of Lycia.
  


• Flora: The chance to see the rare and protected sea daffodils (sand lilies) near the end of the route during their season (August-September).
  


• Pristine Finale: The unique peace of reaching one of Turkey's longest and most untouched beaches.
  

Tips

Logistical planning for this route is very easy. If you come by car, you can park at Letoon and after completing the hike, take a taxi (or a pre-arranged transfer) from Karadere back to your car. Reward yourself at one of the simple but delicious "gözleme" (Turkish pancake) stalls on Karadere beach after your walk. Definitely do not forget to bring a hat and sunscreen; a large part of the route is unshaded.