The Roman province of Lycia was believed to be the first federation in the world that openly embraced democratic principles. These principles would later become the setting stone of the American Constitution. Nowadays the ancient kingdom of light, as Lycia was once known, is a popular holiday destination for visitors that want to make the most of the breathtaking beaches and ancient attractions on a Turkey walking holiday.
The ancient Lycian way starts in the Mediterranean resort of Kas which is known for its rocky coastline and unpolluted waters. On your Turkey walking holiday you will find the beaches of this region perfect for relaxing before you begin your walk along the Lycian trail. However, historically the city offers much more than perfect sandy beaches for sunbathing. Here you can join a glass bottomed boat tour to the ancient sunken cities around Kekova Island where the secrets of ancient civilisations lurk out of reach. Not so out of reach are the ancient archaeological sites of Myra, Demre and the Xanthe Valley which give you the opportunity to walk around Turkey’s ancient past. Myra was the capital of the Lycian Empire and whilst visiting here on your Turkey walking holiday you will spot many ancient tombs cut into the rock face above the old amphitheatre.
The old amphitheatre was the largest in the Empire and is notable for the theatrical masks that decorate the stonework. On your Turkey walking holiday you will also come across the church of St. Nicholas and although his body was taken to be buried in Italy, the site still contains his sarcophagus and is therefore a popular pilgrimage destination with many pilgrims taking the walk to Turkey’s third most important Byzantine Monument.
Leaving Kas your walking holiday in Turkey will take you through rocky coastlines and ancient forests to the town of Finike. Now a popular yachting destination, Finike is the perfect blend of old and new. A modern marina sits alongside the ancient city of Limyra and the wreck of a Phoenician Merchant Ship dated from 1200 BC. The town is best known for its oranges and sea turtles, with the former being the town’s emblem and the latter facing grave extinction.
Although Finike may be popular with the older tourists, the town of Kemer is popular with the young due largely to the tourist infrastructure of the region. The town has a vibrant nightlife with many bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Kemer was formerly the Lycian town of Idyrios, and whilst on your walking holiday in Turkey you can visit a number of notable historical sites. Of all these sites the most fascinating is the Ancient Greek phenomena of Chimaera, a mysterious site on the rocky outcrop of the Cragus Mountains where the rock mysteriously shoots flames with no apparent energy source.
The last stop on your Turkey walking holiday around the Lycian trail is the resort town of Antalya. Now the capital of the Antalya Province the site has a number of historic sites including Hadrian’s Gate and the Kesik Minare. However the numerous sandy beaches of the region provide the perfect place to relax and take in all the incredible sites that you have visited on your Turkey walking holiday.
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