An alternative, not a numbered stage
This is a branch of the Lycian Way, not part of the main numbered sequence. It leaves stage 24 at Üçsöğüt Yaylası, about 3 km east of Hisarçandır, and goes down the Çandır valley to Çandır, where stage 25b continues to the coast near Sarısu. It does not rejoin the main route. Its waymarking is not confirmed: carry the route on your phone.
About this route
An eastern branch of the Lycian Way (section 13.11). It leaves stage 24 at Üçsöğüt Yaylası, about 3 km east of Hisarçandır and some 5 km before stage 24 ends there, and goes down the Çandır valley to Çandır. It does not rejoin the main route: the end is beside the Altınyaka road (07-50) in Çandır, and the branch continues beyond it towards Sarısu on the coast. A steep walk, with 877 m of descent and a rocky scramble above Çandır.
Route highlights
- Çandır valley scenery
- Quiet branch from Üçsöğüt Yaylası down to Çandır
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.
You'll move between roughly 619 m and 1329 m above sea level on this route — 167 m total ascent and 877 m descent over 5.6 km.
A short but hard route: 877 m of steep, rocky descent, with a scramble about 0.8 km before Çandır. Allow extra time on the way down.
Water and shade
Water is available in places along this route, but sources are seasonal — treat anything you take from a spring and start with a full bottle. Shade is patchy, so a hat and sun cover matter outside the cooler months.
Getting there
Its start, Üçsöğüt Yaylası, is on stage 24: you reach it on foot along stage 24. The route does not rejoin the trail; it ends beside the Altınyaka road (07-50) in Çandır, between Hisarçandır and Antalya. For a road transfer from Çandır, ask your pension to arrange a taxi.
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.