The ultimate Lycian Coast road trip itinerary (Fethiye to Antalya)

Stretching across southwestern Turkey, the Lycian Coast road trip combines breathtaking scenery, thousands of years of history, small seaside towns, hidden beaches and some of the country's most remarkable archaeological treasures.

Unlike guided tours, a self-drive adventure gives you complete freedom to discover secluded coves, explore forgotten ruins, linger in fishing villages and experience the region slowly.

For all those visitors who are ready for an unforgettable Mediterranean journey, this blog will help you to plan your itinerary!

Quick Lycian Coast road trip overview

Road trip logistics: Best route, start & end points

Planning your Lycian Coast road trip starts with choosing the right arrival hub and driving route.

The entire region is connected by the scenic D400 highway, one of Turkey's most beautiful coastal roads hugging the Mediterranean Sea.

Where to begin & end your Lycian Coast driving route

Depending on your total travel time and flight availability, there are two primary ways to structure your Turkey coastal road trip:

Option 1: The gateway route (Dalaman to Antalya) - Recommended for first-timers

• Start your journey from: Dalaman Airport (DLM), if you are arriving by air
• End your road trip at: Antalya Airport (AYT)
• Total driving distance (direct without any stops): ~300 km (186 miles)
• Route layout & highway transitions: Exit the DLM Airport from D555 and continue driving North for approximately 8 to 10 km through Dalaman town. Turn right (from the T-junction) and continue your journey on D400.
• Ideal duration: 7 to 10 days
• Why go for this route?

  This route is the most common and easiest way to start your Lycian Coast road trip.

  It minimizes unnecessary highway transit. Dalaman Airport is located just 45 minutes (45 kms) from Fethiye, dropping you straight onto the official start of the Lycian Coast so you spend more time at the beach and less time behind the wheel.

Option 2: The extended turquoise coast route (Bodrum to Antalya) - Best for 10+ day trips

• Start your journey from: Bodrum-Milas Airport (BJV)
• End at: Antalya Airport (AYT)
• Total driving distance (without any stops): ~500 km (310 miles)
• Route layout & highway transitions: From BJV Airport, take the D330 to reach Yatagan and Mugla. From Mugla, head south via D555/D400 down the famous Sakar Pass to get onto the main coastal D400.
• Ideal duration: 10 to 14 days
• Why to opt this route: Perfect if you want to explore the Carian region (Bodrum peninsula, Marmaris and the Dalyan river delta) before continuing onto the Lycian Coast from Fethiye (on highway D400). BJV Airport is 200 kms away from Fethiye, which takes approx. 2.5 hours to reach the official point of the Lycian Coast.
• The drive between Bodrum-Milas Airport and Fethiye is full of popular attractions to stop by:
  • Euromos Ruins: This location is famous because of the Temple of Zeus Lepsinos, one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples in Anatolia.
  • Dalyan: A riverfront town known for the ancient cliffside Kaunos rock tombs and loggerhead sea turtles.
  • Akyaka: Known for waterfront dining and riverboat rides. Also famous for traditional Ottoman-style architecture and pine-forested hills.
  • Koycegiz: A quiet town for enjoying lakeside promenade, citrus orchards and local thermal mud baths (such as Sultaniye).

Key driving conditions along the D400 Highway

The D400 is one of Turkey's best-maintained highways. The roads are paved with well-marked signs for easy navigation.

You can expect modern two-lane/multi-lane sections around larger towns, spectacular coastal cliff drives near Kas and Kalkan and numerous scenic viewpoints along the way.

Tolls, fuel & navigation

Tolls in Turkey are paid via the HGS electronic toll system; however, the best part is that the D400 Highway is mostly toll-free.

Fuel won’t be a major issue as you will find several fuel stations throughout your journey.

For navigation, download offline map regions on Google Maps or Maps.me before your trip. Keep in mind that apps like Waze require active internet for real-time traffic and hazard alerts.

To stay updated & connected on the road, we recommend setting up a Turkish eSIM before departing. If your phone isn't eSIM-compatible, no issues; you can buy a physical local SIM card at the airport or in town (you'll need your passport) or rent a portable pocket Wi-Fi device for your vehicle.

Suggested 10-day Lycian Coast road trip itinerary

Day 1-2: Fethiye & Kayakoy

Your driving route will be: Dalaman Airport → Fethiye

Depart from Dalaman Airport (DLM) to reach Fethiye. The journey will take approx. 50 minutes.

What to see & do

• Amyntas rock tombs: Carved directly into the cliffs above Fethiye, these Lycian tombs provide stunning views across the harbor and surrounding coastline.
• Kayakoy ghost village: One of Turkey's most fascinating abandoned settlements. There are about 500 stone houses with empty churches. You can enjoy the scenic walking trails. It is an area filled with rich Greek-Turkish history.
• Fethiye Harbor: Perfect for sunset walks, boat watching and peaceful waterfront dining.

Where to eat

• Fethiye fish market: You can pick fresh seafood directly from market vendors and have nearby restaurants cook it as per your preference.
• Mozaik Bahce: This place is popular for authentic Turkish and Mediterranean dishes.
• Pasa Kebap: They serve excellent local kebabs like Iskender kebab and Urfa kebab and traditional Turkish cuisine.

Where to stay

• For a luxury stay, choose Yacht Classic Hotel for refined, exclusive marina views near town or Hillside Beach Club for an exclusive, full-service beachfront resort experience.
• Top-rated boutique options include Unique Hotel Fethiye and Casa Margot Hotel.
• Budget-friendly stays include the Downtown Fethiye Hostel and Sakura Hostel and family-run pensions (Pansiyon).

Day 3: Oludeniz, Butterfly Valley & Saklikent Gorge

Your driving route will be: Fethiye → Oludeniz → Saklıkent → Patara

On day 3, you will cover a total distance of 80 kms that will take approx. 2 to 3 hours.

What to see & do

• Oludeniz Blue Lagoon: It is one of Turkey's most famous beaches. According to your preference, you can go for swimming, paddleboarding or just relaxing sunbathing.
• Babadag paragliding: This activity is on the bucket list of many travelers. You get the best experience with panoramic views over the Mediterranean.
• Butterfly Valley: It is reachable either via hiking trail or a water taxi/shuttle boat that takes around 20 to 25 minutes from Oludeniz Beach directly to the shore inside the valley.
• Saklikent Gorge: Enjoy a walk through icy river water beneath towering canyon walls.

Where to eat

• Buzz Beach Bar: Best for enjoying the beachfront dining overlooking Oludeniz.
• Jade Terrace: This restaurant is known for sunset views and seafood.
• At Saklikent Gorge: Enjoy traditional grilled fresh trout (alabalık) served on low wooden seating platforms suspended directly over the rushing, icy river.

Where to stay

• The best luxury accommodation includes Liberty Lykia (for adults only).
• Boutique options include Symbola Oludeniz Beach Hotel.
• You can explore mid-range options at Oyster Residences.
• All budget-friendly travelers can go for Olive Garden Hostel or local guesthouses.

Day 4: Patara & Kaputas Beach

On the fourth day, your driving route will be Patara → Kalkan → Kaputas → Kas

You will cover a total distance of 45 km that takes approx. 1 hour.

What to see & do

• Patara Ancient City: In this beautiful place, you can explore the Roman theater, the Parliament building and spend some time at the ancient harbor.
• Patara Beach: It is an 18-km stretch of golden sand backed by dunes.
• Kaputas Beach: This beach is a must-stop for nature photography lovers. It is one of the most photographed beaches of Turkey.

Where to eat

• St. Nicholas restaurant: It is known for its traditional Turkish dishes near Patara.
• Ayse Pancake House: Here you can enjoy homemade gozleme and some of the local specialties.
• Fish Terrace Kalkan: Try some of the fresh seafood delicacies while enjoying seating by the bay.

Where to stay

• For a premium stay experience, you can opt for some high-end properties like the Patara Prince Hotel.
• Boutique stay options include the Golden Lighthouse Hotel.
• You also get a lot of mid-range stay options like the Flower Pension.
• On the budget-friendly side, opt for Patara Delfin Hotel and local pansiyons.

Day 5-6: Kas & Kekova

These two days are going to be slow; just fully enjoy the nature. Your route is going to start from Patara and end in Kas. The total distance you have to cover is 35 kms which will take you approx. 40 minutes.

What to see & do

• Explore Kas: This place is known for its whitewashed houses, Bougainvillea-lined streets and Lycian sarcophagi (stone tombs). It is also a good spot for boutique shopping.
• Kekova Boat Tour: Depart from Ucagiz to explore the sunken city, some of the hidden bays and have fun while swimming at the best spots.
• Simena Castle: Hands down, this castle has to be one of the best viewpoints on your Lycian Coast road trip.

Where to eat

• Zaika is known for its excellent Turkish grill specialties.
• Oburus Momus is recommended for delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
• Harbor Meyhanes is a great place to enjoy seafood and traditional mezes.

Where to stay

• There are plenty of luxury accommodations in Kas & Kekova and one of the most popular options is Lukka Exclusive Hotel.
• You get plenty of boutique rooms in hotels like Cachet and Hideaway.
• If you are looking for something that falls in the mid-range, Hotel Ekici is a good option.
• On the economical side, you can always go for Artemis Hotel, Pansiyon/Pension and eco-campsites.

Day 7: Demre, Myra, Olympos & Cirali

Follow this route for the seventh day: Kas → Demre → Olympos → Cirali

The total distance that needs to be covered is 120 km with a driving time of around 2.5 hours.

What to see & do

• Myra Rock Tombs: You cannot miss one of the most talked-about Lycian archaeological sites.
• Church of St. Nicholas: It is an important pilgrimage destination that is associated with Saint Nicholas.
• Ancient Olympos: You can explore some of the ancient landmarks in this lush green region.
• Chimaera (Yanartas): This is a must-visit spot to witness a natural miracle. After sunset, you can watch the eternal flames emerging naturally from the mountainside.

Where to eat

• At Yoruk Park restaurant, you can enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine.
• If you want to try some fresh Mediterranean dishes, Lemon Garden is a place you won't regret.
• There are many cute beachfront treehouse cafes for enjoying authentic gozleme and homemade meals.

Where to stay

• For a luxury stay, we recommend the Kimera Lounge in the coastal village of Cirali.
• In the boutique category, you can opt for the Aida Hotel Cirali.
• Mid-range spenders can choose locations like the Simena Pension in the Demre district of Antalya.
• Kadir's tree houses, Bayrams tree houses and beach camping are on the budget-friendly side.

Day 8-10: Phaselis & Antalya

For the final few days of your Lycian Coast road trip, follow this route: Cirali → Phaselis → Antalya

You will drive a total of 95 kms that will take approx. 1.5 to 2 hours.

What to see & do

• Phaselis ancient city: It is one of the rarest places in the world where you are allowed to swim beside Roman archaeological ruins.
• Kaleici (Antalya Old Town): The town is known for its Ottoman mansions and hidden courtyards. You can spend some time exploring the historic harbor and pretty boutique cafes.
• Hadrian's Gate: A great spot to click pictures in the evening at one of Antalya's most iconic Roman three-gate monuments.
• Duden Waterfalls: Enjoy pleasant waterfalls that merge into the Mediterranean.

Where to eat

• Fine dining at Seraser is one of Antalya's best upscale restaurant experiences you can have.
• Vanilla Lounge is known for its Mediterranean fusion cuisine in Kaleici.
• You must try Antalya-style piyaz and kebabs at Piyazci Ahmet.

Where to stay

• There are various premium stay options along the Lycian Coast route; the top-rated option includes a 5-star property, Akra Hotel.
• For boutique stays, you can go for the Alp Pasa and Tuvana Hotel.
• RuinAdalia Hotel is a great option that falls under a mid-range price.
• If you are traveling on a budget, opt for Antalya Gold Hotel, Old town hostels and guesthouses in Antalya.

Must-try food items during your Lycian Coast road trip

• Serpme Kahvalti

  It is the world famous “Turkish Breakfast” that is a perfect combination of local cheeses, olives, honey, homemade jams, eggs and fresh bread. We recommend having this morning feast when you reach Faralya, Kas and Cirali.

• Fresh Seafood & Mezes

  Mezes are almost similar to the Spanish tapas that includes several small dishes to enjoy with wine or any drink. You can enjoy this dish at Kas and Fethiye harbor restaurants. Some of the top-rated mezes that you can try are haydari, fava, saksuka, stuffed vine leaves and grilled octopus.

• Pide and Lahmacun

  When in Turkey, you cannot miss trying these two Turkish stuffed flatbread that are baked. Tourists like to call it “Turkey pizza”. They are a great option for budget-friendly travelers, a yummy snack for your Lycian Coast road trip and best dish for your quick lunches.

• Gozleme

  It is a very popular street food item that is available throughout D400 highway. Basically Gozleme is made out of dough that is rolled out in a paper thin half-moon shape. It is stuffed with different fillings like spinach, cheese, beef or lamb, potatoes and onions.

Helpful tips for your Lycian Coast road trip

• Buy a Turkey Museum Pass:

  Instead of buying several passes for places like Patara, Xanthos, Myra, Phaselis and Olympos, get a single pass. Not only is it economical but also saves you from standing in long lines especially during peak travel seasons.

• Eat at Esnaf Lokantasi restaurants:

  If you are on a tight budget, we recommend eating in local canteens also know as tradesman restaurants. They offer high quality dishes at a lower cost as compared to the “tourist” menu. This is where local workers have their meals every day.

• Stay in Pansiyons:

  Pansiyons are guesthouses that are operated by locals (family-run). By staying in any guesthouse you can easily save 40% to 50% money that you will spend on mid-range or boutique hotels during your Lycian Coast road trip. The best part is that some of the pansiyons also offer complimentary home-cooked breakfast.

• Important packing essentials:

  Lycian Coast way is full of many ancient locations (where you can swim, chill & relax) that will require a little hike to get to that place. So we recommend carrying items like reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, sunglasses, reusable water bottle, power bank, lightweight clothing and sturdy walking shoes.

• Sim card & mobile data:

  We highly advise buying a local SIM card or eSIM from providers like Turkcell or Vodafone Turkey to have a consistent network. Reliable mobile data makes navigating remote beaches, ruins and mountain roads much easier.

Looking to book a rental car for Lycian Coast road trip?

If you are planning to rent a car for a Lycian Coast road trip, always book your vehicle at least 3 to 6 weeks in advance. During April-May and September-October, there is a high rental demand at Dalaman Airport (DLM) and Fethiye city center. By doing this, you can secure your preferred vehicle at a reasonable price.

Key requirements to hire a self-drive car

• A full and complete driving license.
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) for international drivers.
• You must show a passport entry stamp and your travel ticket at the rental office of your selected provider.
• Any identity card proof that is issued by your country’s government.
• The minimum age to hire a car in Turkey is 21 years.
• A credit card that must be in the name of the main driver.

For more details, this blog will surely help you: Can tourists rent a car in Turkey?

Travelers also ask

• Can I hike the Lycian Way during my road trip?

  Yes! While the Lycian Way is a 540 km multi-day trekking trail, your road trip along the coastal D400 highway will run right alongside it. You cannot drive on the trail itself, but you can easily park at coastal towns (like Oludeniz, Faralya, Kas or Cirali) and do short 2 to 4 hour day hikes along the most scenic sections.

• Which is the best town for renting a villa on my Lycian Coast road trip?

  You can rent a villa in towns like Kalkan, Kas, Islamlar and Kayakoy during your road trip.

• Is it a great idea to rent an electric vehicle for Lycian Coast road trip?

  It depends on your itinerary and the places you want to visit during your Lycian Coast road trip. While the D400 highway has many convenient charging stations, remote mountain villages or some hidden spots can be best explored with a hybrid model for peace of mind.

• Can I complete the Lycian Coast road trip within 5 days?

  Yes. In a 5 day itinerary you can cover the key areas like Fethiye, Kas and Cirali. However, if you want to explore more of hidden Roman archaeology sites, remote beaches, beautiful Lycian Way trails, 8 to 10 days itinerary is recommended.