About this stage
A long, hard mountain day from Hisarçandır to Geyikbayırı: up to Çitdibi and the ruins of Tipella, over the Karabel pass (about 1,400 m) and down through cedar forest past the ruins of Trebenna to the climbing crags of Geyikbayırı and the Lycian Way guidepost at Josito Camping.
Stage highlights
- Geyikbayiri climbing crags
- Highland villages
- Agricultural landscapes
- Mountain views
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.
Water is available at intervals along the route, but plan refills carefully. Top up at every village fountain or natural spring you pass; gaps of 2-3 hours between sources are common.
Shade is patchy, and the stage is hot and exposed in summer. The cedar forest on the descent past Trebenna offers relief, but the climb over the Karabel pass requires a sun hat, sunscreen and frequent water breaks.
You'll move between roughly 388 m and 1,400 m above sea level on this stage — 1147 m total ascent and 1648 m descent over 23.7 km.
A challenging stage with sustained climbs and technical terrain. Allow extra time, start at first light, and carry more water than you think you'll need.
Getting there
Hisarçandır is a mountain village about 30 km (about 55 min) by road from Antalya; arrange a taxi or a transfer through your pension. Geyikbayırı, at the end, is about 28 km (about 1 h) by road from Antalya, and city buses run out to the village.
Where this stage fits in the trail
This is stage 25 of 26, 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 connects stage 24 (Göynük to Hisarçandır) to stage 26 (Geyikbayırı to Antalya), and works well as part of a multi-day section walk.
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.