About this stage
A challenging mountain stage climbing from the ancient ruins of Phaselis through dense forest and over high ridges to the mountain village of Gedelme. One of the most strenuous days on the eastern Lycian Way.
Stage highlights
- Mountain ridge walking
- Remote forest trails
- Traditional mountain village
- Panoramic summit 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.
Shade is patchy. The dense forest offers relief, but the high ridges require a sun hat, sunscreen and frequent water breaks in summer.
You'll move between roughly 0 m and 972 m above sea level on this stage — 1395 m total ascent and 724 m descent over 33.6 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
Phaselis is about 57 km (about 1 h 5 min) by road from Antalya; buses and dolmuş on the Antalya–Kumluca corridor stop at the junction on the coast road, about a kilometre's walk from the ruins. Gedelme, at the end, is a mountain village about 16 km (about 30 min) by road above Kemer and about 59 km (about 1 h 20 min) from Antalya; arrange a taxi or a transfer through your pension.
Where this stage fits in the trail
This is stage 22 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 21 (Tekirova to Phaselis) to stage 23 (Gedelme to Göynük), and works well as part of a multi-day section walk. At Gedelme the inland alternative from Çıralı (stages 19a, 21a or 21b, and 21c) rejoins the main route.
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.