Region Five
Karaöz - Olympos (Çıralı)
Day 16: Karaöz - Adrasan
Distance: 21km/13mi
Elevation Gain: 916m
Elevation Loss: 1,028m
Max Elevation: 412m
Day 16 was a very enjoyable hike for me, with easy elevation, sea views and quiet contemplation. It begins in Karaöz, hugging the coastline and passing by a number of really good sunset camping spots in the woods. This section involves a bit of road walking and zigzagging in-between the tress however it's all very enjoyable and peaceful.
Continue the trail until you reach Korsan Koyu, which translates as Pirate Bay. This once beautiful, tiny pebble beach is a very popular camping spot so will undoubtedly be packed with tents, providing a good opportunity to meet with other people. This bay has a tap so water is not a problem.
From here, the path begins to gently incline, passing by a number of make shift cafes, restaurants and camping parks that are most likely rammed in the summer season. There is one final spring further up the road so make sure you fill up as it will be the last one for 14km. Interestingly, quite a few people I met seemed to worry about this section and the lack of water, however it really wasn't a problem. The inclines aren't too bad, it's mostly shady and the distance aren't great so don't worry. That being said, I did bump into people on this section begging for water, as well as a few day hikers who only had a few small bottles between them.
After this spring, you begin the climb up to the lighthouse seen on the Lycian Way book cover. The path is very well way-marked and you will likely bump into other hikers throughout the day. There are some great views up there and the Turkish Navy are known for conducted sea games in these waters however this only happens twice a year I believe.
The path continues through the pines, always staying low and to the right. At first glance it looks like you will be following the ridge-line up to the observatory, however don't worry, the days trail is a lot easier than that. There are a few steep, loose descends that made me pity the people walking in the other direction, but other than this is most enjoyable.
The trail finally leaves the pines where you will be welcomed with a spring about a km out of Adrasan. Join the road and head into town that is packed with accommodation, restaurants and a gorgeous beach. I stayed at On Hotel which I would highly recommend.
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Korsan Koyu has a tap built into one of the cliff sides.
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Further up the road there is one final spring that can't be missed. Make sure to fill up as it's the last one for 14km.
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There is a welcoming spring at the end of the day, about a km before Adrasan.
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There is a small market at the beginning of the day in Karaöz as well as at the end in Adrasan.
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Just after Korsan Koyu there were a number of make shift restaurants and cafes.
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I stayed at On Hotel for 150 Lira a night which included an amazing breakfast. This place was lovely and I highly recommend it.
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There are loads of free camping spots between Karaöz and Korsan Koyu.
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Adrasan north side has lots of camping spots dotted onto the cliff side, similar to Karaöz.
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Adrasan is surprisingly large and follows a stream up to the North with accommodation on both sides of it. You're a little further from the beach but some of these looked interesting.
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Take 5 minutes to plan out your day and know how much water you consume. Make sure you have enough for yourself a little more for others you might come across.
Day 17: Adrasan - Olympos (Çıralı)
Distance: 14km/9mi
Elevation Gain: 1,060m
Elevation Loss: 1,048m
Max Elevation: 722m
Day 17 begins with a lovely morning walk along Adrasan beach and following the small stream inland, passing by a number of waterside restaurants and pensions. For the next 8kms you climb up a steady hill through the pines in relative seclusion. It's a nice easy day with a simple up and down, along a well way-marked path.
At the peak you pass by a couple of stone houses with beautiful views of the forests below and get your first glimpse of Mount Tahtalı in the distance. There are a few good camping spots up here, however there is no water so make sure you come stocked.
The trail heads downhill through the pines all the way to Olympos far below. The path enters the ancient ruins on the western side and due to the short distance today, you should have plenty of time to explore this great place. Just to the North, sits the village of Çıralı which has a magnificent 3.5km beach that provides an excellent opportunity to spend the rest of day sunbathing.
I actually spent two nights here because I loved the chill vibes so much. There are lots of restaurants and hotels to relax at before you begin the next stage of trail.
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The only water I saw today was at the beginning in Adrasan so be sure to carry enough for the entire day.
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There is mini market at the beginning in Adrasan as well as lots of restaurants to grab breakfast.
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Çıralı has loads of restaurants a couple of small markets.
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I stayed at Sunset Pension for 100 Lira including breakfast for one night which was lovely, if a little basic.
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For my second night I stayed at Rosemary Pensiyon for 150 Lira which included breakfast. This place was great and I would highly recommend.
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There are loads of hotels here, with a wide range of prices, so could be an ideal opportunity to treat yourself, especially as you will likely be camping for the next three nights.
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No obvious dangers today.
