Kayaköy – Ölüdeniz [8]

Optional Path

Kayaköy – Ölüdeniz

Unofficial but appealing alternative path

ID:

939

This off-route variant ascends and descends a modest-sized hill, with very nice views down on Ölüdeniz’s famous lagoon during the descent (for eastbound walkers). Passes through Kayaköy’s intriguing ‘ghost town’ ruins.

Looking ahead to lagoon on way to Ölüdeniz

Image credit:

Stu Hackett

Essentials

Kayaköy (town)

Ölüdeniz (resort town)

NW–SE section with Kayaköy to the NW.

Mostly ascending and descending one large hill, with a shorter but steep slope on the Kayaköy side (averaging about 18% with portions 22%+) and a longer, generally less steep slope on the Ölüdeniz side (albeit still with some steep stretches, averaging about 15% with stretches 20%+). The one-third of the section at the SE (Ölüdeniz) end is essentially flat.

The NW end in the Kayaköy ghost town is along concrete footpaths (albeit broken / decaying in many places), and the SE third is alongside rural roads. The rest of the section is along rugged (rocky) but otherwise good-quality mountain / woodland trails.

Not part of the Lycian Way but still marked. The way to go is generally clear.

Metrics

Select the tab below corresponding to the direction you plan to walk.

Towards Ölüdeniz:

Towards Kayaköy:

5.1 km / 3.2 mi

Distance

210 m / 689 ft

Ascent

365 m / 1,198 ft

Descent

~2.25 hrs

Duration

5.1 km / 3.2 mi

Distance

365 m / 1,198 ft

Ascent

210 m / 689 ft

Descent

~2.25 hrs

Duration

Handy Things to Know

The following notes are gathered from our own experiences and from feedback sent to us by other hikers. Let us know how we can improve these notes – and thanks!

Wayfinding

If heading towards Ölüdeniz, depart the Kayaköy ruins via the south-oriented path (not the east-oriented path, which goes directly to Ovacık).

Water

We’re not aware of any water sources along this section. Stock up in the communities on either end.

Highlights

There are several excellent viewpoints looking out over the coastline. From the NW you’ll have good sight-lines down to Kalevezi Koyu (a bay). Towards the SE you’ll have excellent views of Ölüdeniz, its nice lagoon, and, of course, its world-famous beach. For the lagoon and beach, there are much better sight-lines available from the Ovacık – Kirme / Faralya section of the Lycian Way, but these are fantastic nevertheless.
Passes through the Kayaköy ruins (access fee required).

Route Planning

This is one of two alternative branches between Kayaköy and the Lycian Way trailhead in Ovacık. This one goes via Ölüdeniz. The other one is more direct though the views are not as nice. The two options merge / split at a signposted junction on the hillside in Kayaköy’s ghost town.
This is a bit more challenging then the option heading directly towards Ovacık, though neither are particularly difficult.

Accommodations

Accommodations available at both endpoints. There are also some resorts along the path on the Ölüdeniz end as it follows alongside the lagoon.

Camping

There are several good camping spots along this section, with perhaps the best being on the plateau near the highpoint. There are fantastic views from the site, though it can sometimes be windy.

Amenities

Full range of amenities at both ends.

Transport

Dolmuş service is available from both endpoints.

Attractions & Highlights

Notable highlights along the trail and at either endpoint include:

Historical Site

Kayaköy ‘Ghost Town’

In Kayaköy

Accommodations

Here’s what we’re currently tracking for this trail section:

Guesthouse

Selçuk Pension

In Kayaköy
Guesthouse

Han Camping & Pension

In Kayaköy
Guesthouse

Misafir Evi

In Kayaköy
Hotel

Blue Star Hotel

In Ölüdeniz
Hotel

Lemon Tree Hotel

In Ölüdeniz

Wild Camping Locations

Here are the wild camping locations that we’re currently tracking along this trail section:

Wild Campsite

Camping spot

Between Kayaköy & Ölüdeniz

Water Sources

Here are the water sources that we’re currently tracking along this trail section or at either endpoint:

Water Source

Water Fountain

In Kayaköy
Water Source

Water Fountain

in Kayaköy
Water Source

Water Fountain

In Kayaköy

Where to Next?

From Ölüdeniz:

Unofficial Alternative

Ölüdeniz – Ovacık

Distance

2.8 km / 1.7 mi

Ascent

300 m / 984 ft

Descent

8 m / 26 ft

Est. Duration

1.2

Unappealing connector section between Ölüdeniz and the Lycian Way’s official start / finish point at the edge of Ovacık. Entirely alongside a busy, steep road. Many people just take a dolmuş.

From Kayaköy:

Main Path (extended)

Fethiye – Kayaköy

Distance

8.8 km / 5.5 mi

Ascent

445 m / 1,460 ft

Descent

320 m / 1,050 ft

Est. Duration

3.6

Optional extended section of the Lycian Way (which technically starts / ends in Ovacık), typically part of a stage connecting Fethiye with Ovacık and/or Ölüdeniz. While there are certainly nicer, more memorable sections elsewhere along the trail, this makes for a pleasant, easy ‘warm-up’ for those just starting their hike or a gentle conclusion for those ending their adventure in Fethiye.
Main Path (Extended Trail)

Kayaköy – Ovacık

Distance

5.5 km / 3.4 mi

Ascent

360 m / 1,181 ft

Descent

220 m / 722 ft

Est. Duration

2.5

This is the direct option between Kayaköy and the official Lycian Way start / finish point in Ovacık, typically part of a single stage between Fethiye and Ovacık.

Pretty Pictures

Sometimes nothing beats a good photo. Or even a bad photo! If you’d like to share some or all of your photo collection with the Trekopedia community, contact us at photos@trekopedia.com and we can arrange a transfer of them. And thanks!

All photos are copyright by their respective owners and are used with permission.

Looking ahead to lagoon on way to Ölüdeniz

Photo by
Stu Hackett

–
Apr 2016

How You Can Help

Trail research is never actually done. Here’s some of what we’re looking for:

✅ More photos! Ideally with geo-location information in the metadata. In addition to using some photos on Trekopedia, we add them to our internal reference database which significantly helps us with trail research. The more photos, the better! If you are willing to share your collection with us, we’d be incredibly grateful. Let us know and we’ll arrange a transfer.

✅ Points of interest. Help us identify (and geo-locate) accommodations, attractions, restaurants, markets, trail waypoints, confusing or problematic junctions, difficult or hazardous places, water sources, and so on.

✅ Tips & recommendations. Share your thoughts with other hikers.

In addition to the above, please see this article for information on more general ways you can help. Thanks!