Duration | 45–75 minutes running + ~20–30 min briefing/transfer |
Distance | 6.0 km (3.7 mi) — point-to-point, one way |
Elevation Gain | 182 m (597 ft) |
Elevation Loss | 321 m (1,053 ft) |
Max Elevation | 291 m (955 ft) — ridge summit above pine forest |
Recommended Pace | 7–10 min/km — rocky terrain and scree enforce this |
Difficulty | Moderate–Technical: steep grades (18–22%+), loose scree final km |
Group Format | Guided, small-group — pickup, briefing, run, drop-off included |
HIGHLIGHTS :
This short but rewarding trail run packs an impressive variety of scenery and terrain into just 6 km. Starting in the historic ghost village of Kayaköy, the route follows the famous Lycian Way through ancient stone ruins, pine forests, panoramic ridgelines, and open meadows before descending to the stunning Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz. The climb is steep in places and rewards runners with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, coastline, and turquoise waters below. The final section becomes more technical, featuring loose rocky terrain that requires careful footing and controlled pacing. Along the way, runners may encounter grazing livestock, traditional shepherds, and some of the region’s most iconic landscapes. Thanks to its excellent trail marking and diverse scenery, this section is one of the most popular parts of the Lycian Way. Spring and autumn offer the best running conditions, with comfortable temperatures and clear views, while summer heat and winter rains can make the route more challenging. Combining history, nature, and adventure, this is one of the most memorable trail running experiences on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.
DAY 1: HOW THIS GUIDED RUN WORKS
This route is run as a fully guided, small-group experience. Here’s exactly what to expect from pickup to drop-off.
A guide collects you directly from your accommodation in the Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, or Hisaronü area, or you can meet the group at an agreed point — typically the Kayaköy village gate on the main road. Pickup times are scheduled around the season: early starts (by 7:00–7:30 am) from June through September to beat the heat on the exposed ridge; slightly later starts in spring and autumn when temperatures are milder.
Before setting off, your guide runs through the route at the Kayaköy gate: the climb gradient through the ruins, the south-fork junction at 1.5 km, the ridge conditions, and — critically — the scree descent in the final kilometre. This is also when the entry fee (currently 20 TL) is settled and water/hydration levels are checked, since there’s no source anywhere on the route.
Guided at a pace suited to the group, typically 7–10 min/km given the terrain. The guide leads through the ghost town, the pine forest climb, the ridge plateau, and manages the technical scree section at the end, where pacing and footing advice matter most.
At the finish in Ölüdeniz, a service vehicle is waiting. After a chance to cool down, swim, or grab a drink by the Blue Lagoon, the car returns runners either to the original meeting point or directly to their accommodation — whichever was arranged at booking.
* Transfers – * Entrance Fees – * Trail Running Guidance
Recommended Trail Running Equipment
Footwear
Hydration
Nutrition
Sun Protection
Apparel
Weather Protection
Navigation & Safety
Trekking Poles (Optional)
Personal Essentials
Post-Run Comfort
Seasonal Considerations
• Additional cold-weather layers, gloves, buff, thermal hat, or emergency blanket may be required during winter, high-altitude, or early-morning departures. Always check local weather forecasts and trail conditions before setting out.
Let’s make your
Lycian Way Running Experience
UNFORGETTABLE
