About this stage
The mountain alternative from Beycik to the Yaylakuzdere pastures, on the waymarked Lyra Yolu paths in a long half-circle round the eastern and northern slopes of Tahtalı Dağı (Mount Olympos). From lower Beycik it passes the remains of ancient Laodikeia and drops below 400 m towards Dört Göz, then climbs for most of the day by Ak Boyun and Kızılalan to a high point of about 1,600 m north of the mountain. At the Çukuryayla pastures it joins the Lycian Way down to Yaylakuzdere. It does not go over Tahtalı's 2,365 m summit. From Yaylakuzdere, the forest route continues to Gedelme.
Stage highlights
- Lyra Yolu paths round the eastern and northern slopes of Tahtalı Dağı
- Remains of ancient Laodikeia above Beycik
- High point of about 1,600 m north of the mountain
- Çukuryayla mountain pastures
- Cedar forest descent
What to expect on the trail
This is a mountain stage with significant ascents and rocky paths. Sturdy boots and trekking poles are strongly recommended, and the descents can be hard on knees.
Shade is patchy. The cedar forest offers relief on the descent, but the long climb to the high point north of Tahtalı requires a sun hat, sunscreen and frequent water breaks in summer.
You'll move between roughly 364 m and 1,599 m above sea level: down from Beycik to below 400 m, then a climb for most of the day to the high point north of Tahtalı — 1,743 m of ascent and 1,475 m of descent over 25.4 km, about 9 hours of walking.
One of the toughest stages on the Lycian Way — sustained ascent, exposed terrain and limited bail-out options. Recommended only for experienced trekkers in good condition.
Getting there
Beycik is a mountain village about 28 km (about 35 min) by road from Kemer, the nearest town, and about 71 km (about 1 h 20 min) from Antalya. Yaylakuzdere, at the end, is about 23 km (about 50 min) by road above Kemer and about 66 km (about 1 h 35 min) from Antalya. At either end, arrange a taxi or a transfer through your pension.
Where this stage fits in the trail
This is stage 21a, an alternative route, part of the Olympos to Antalya Mountains section — the rugged final section over the Beydağları mountains, past Tahtalı's summit and down to Antalya. It continues the inland alternative from Beycik, where stage 19a (Çıralı to Beycik (Inland Alternative)) ends; stage 21b (Beycik to Çukuryayla (High Route)) is the higher, shorter way over Tahtalı and joins this route at Çukuryayla. From Yaylakuzdere, stage 21c (Yaylakuzdere to Gedelme) rejoins the main route at Gedelme, where stage 23 starts.
Best time to walk this stage
The Lycian Way is best walked in spring (mid-March to mid-May) or autumn (mid-September to mid-November). October and April offer the most reliable weather: mild temperatures, clear skies, wildflowers in spring or olive harvest in autumn, and far fewer hikers than the shoulders of those windows. Summer (June-August) is generally too hot for comfortable walking — coastal stages routinely exceed 35°C and water sources dry up. Winter (December-February) brings rain to the coast and snow to mountain passes; the trail is walkable but conditions are unpredictable, especially on the higher inland stages.