Lycian Way Faralya to Kabak: A Short Coastal Walk Above Butterfly Valley

Would you like to try the Lycian Way without committing to a whole month of hiking? Then this short stage is the perfect taster. It links two little villages high above the Mediterranean, south of Ölüdeniz and Fethiye. You start in Faralya, perched on the rim of the famous Butterfly Valley, and walk through pine forest and olive groves to Kabak. There a green valley runs down to a pebbly beach with some of the most relaxed bungalow camps on the Turkish coast.

We haven't hiked this one yet, but it's high on our bucket list, so I've researched every detail for you. The Lycian Way was the first long-distance walking route in Turkey. The British writer Kate Clow came up with it and waymarked it in the late 1990s, and it opened in 1999. It runs for more than 500 km along the coast from near Fethiye to Antalya, marked with red and white paint stripes.

The official path from Faralya to Kabak is only about 5 km long. So you can walk it in a morning and spend the afternoon on the beach. If you want a bigger day, there is also a longer coastal alternative via the hamlet of Uzunyurt. Below I describe both, plus the dolmuş from Fethiye, water stops and the best season.

At a glance

• Distance: about 4.8 km on the official Lycian Way. The coastal alternative via Uzunyurt is about 9.8 km
• Elevation: around 280 m of ascent and 355 m of descent towards Kabak (the alternative has about 560 m up and 880 m down)
• Allow 2–2.5 hours for the official path, or about 5 hours for the coastal alternative
• Difficulty: Moderate. The path is rocky and uneven, with one short, steep hill and a steep descent into Kabak
• Route type: Point to point (Faralya → Kabak)
• Start: Faralya village, above Butterfly Valley. Finish: Kabak village and Kabak beach
• Best season: March–May and September–November. Summer is very hot
• Prices: free to walk. You only pay for the dolmuş, and for the boat if you visit Butterfly Valley
• Toilets: none on the trail. There are toilets at the mosque in Kabak, plus cafés in both villages
• Water: fountains in Faralya and Kabak. There is one tap with a concrete basin in between, but don't rely on it
• Suitable for children: yes, for kids who are used to walking on rough paths. Not suitable for pushchairs

Route description

Faralya and the Butterfly Valley viewpoints

Faralya is a small, spread-out village on the cliffs high above Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi). Before you set off, fill your bottles at the fountain by the mosque. There is no reliable water until Kabak.

The first highlight comes almost straight away. From the edge of the village there are spectacular views down into Butterfly Valley. It is a deep, narrow gorge with steep rock walls that ends at a little beach and turquoise water. You can see why so many people call it one of the most beautiful spots on the Turkish coast.

You may notice a path heading down the cliff towards the valley floor. Please don't take it! It is extremely steep and dangerous. Several guides report many injuries on it, and some say it has been closed. Butterfly Valley is much better visited by boat from Ölüdeniz.

Through the pine forest

From Faralya there is a short section on the road before the path heads south into the hills. Follow the red and white waymarks. Most of this middle section runs through shady pine forest and is fairly level. However, just north of the halfway point there is a short but steep hill, with a gradient of over 20%. The path is rocky and uneven in many places, so watch your step.

The trail is generally easy to follow, but there are a few junctions. I suggest having an offline map or GPS track on your phone. Along the way there are occasional little roadside stalls selling fruit or tea, which are a lovely surprise on a hot day.

Olive groves and the descent to Kabak

Towards the southern end, the forest opens up into olive groves and you get your first views of the Kabak valley. The final part is a moderately steep descent, around 17.5% in places, with some road walking at the end. Kabak village sits on the hillside, and its campsites, bungalows and restaurants are spread all the way down the valley to Kabak beach. This is a small pebble beach backed by green slopes, and it feels like a real hidden gem. After a hot walk, jumping into the sea here must be so refreshing.

The coastal alternative via Uzunyurt

If 5 km feels too short, you can take the longer coastal route from Faralya to Kabak beach. It is about 9.8 km with around 560 m of ascent and 880 m of descent, and takes about 5 hours. It passes the hamlet of Uzunyurt halfway, has excellent sea views and some beach access points. However, it is not part of the official Lycian Way, so it is marked with red-orange paint instead of red and white. It also has a steep descent along Butterfly Valley from Faralya and an incline with a rope for help. The markings near Aktaş beach have been reported as confusing because of building work, so look out for cairns left by other hikers.

How to get there

Getting to Fethiye

Fethiye is the main town for this part of the coast. The nearest airport is Dalaman, and there are airport buses and transfers to Fethiye. Fethiye also has long-distance bus connections with the rest of Turkey.

By dolmuş

Local minibuses (dolmuş) leave from the lane behind the main bus station (otogar) in Fethiye. The dolmuş to Faralya and Kabak follows the Ölüdeniz route and then continues up the mountain road along the coast. The trip to Faralya takes around 75 minutes. Both Faralya and Kabak have a dolmuş service, so you can walk one way and ride back. Departures are less frequent than on the busy Ölüdeniz route, so check the times locally or ask your accommodation before you set off.

By car and parking

The road from Ölüdeniz to Faralya and Kabak is narrow and winding. Parking: I couldn't find any official hikers' car parks in Faralya or Kabak. As this is a one-way walk, I definitely recommend the dolmuş, so you don't have to go back for the car.

By boat to Butterfly Valley

Butterfly Valley has no road access. Water taxis run from Belcekız beach in Ölüdeniz and take about 20–30 minutes. Fares change often, so check the current price at the water taxi kiosk on the beach. Many day boat trips from Fethiye and Ölüdeniz also stop here.

Permits, fees & opening times

• You don't need a permit to walk the Lycian Way, and there is no fee for this stage.
• Butterfly Valley: there is a small entrance fee for the valley. It is usually collected by the boat operators or included in the price of boat trips.
• Boats to Butterfly Valley: they run from late morning until late afternoon in the main season, but the times change with the month and the weather.
• Wild camping: some hikers camp along the trail, but in Kabak there are lots of campsites with pitches and bungalows, which I think is the better option.

When to go

The best times to walk the Lycian Way are spring and autumn. From March to May the hills are green and full of wildflowers. From September to November the sea is still warm and the heat has eased. Many hikers say October and November are their favourite months.

July and August are very hot, even in the forest. If you walk in summer, start at sunrise and finish by late morning. Then spend the hottest part of the day in the shade or in the sea at Kabak.

For Butterfly Valley, the best times to see butterflies are April–May and September–October. The famous Jersey tiger moths gather near the waterfall, but sightings are never guaranteed.

Hiking with kids

Suitable for children: the official 4.8 km path is a good choice for kids who are used to walking. It is short, partly shaded and ends at a beach, which is a great motivation! I think children from around 7 should manage it with breaks. Younger kids are best in a back carrier.

• Pushchairs: not suitable. The path is rocky and uneven.
• Skip the coastal alternative with young children, as it is long, steep and has a rope section.
• Butterfly Valley by boat is a fun family outing on another day. Kids will love the boat ride and the beach.
• Bring lots of water and sun protection. Little ones overheat quickly on the exposed sections.

What to pack

• Trail shoes or light hiking boots with good grip
• At least 1.5–2 litres of water per person, more in hot weather
• Sun hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen
• Swimsuit and a small towel for Kabak beach
• Snacks and some cash for roadside stalls and the dolmuş
• An offline map or GPS track

Water is the main issue on the Lycian Way, as fountains and cisterns can be unreliable. A filter means you can safely top up from taps and springs. The Sawyer Mini is the one I recommend in my wild camping kit list.

If this stage gives you a taste for more and you plan a longer walk with a tent, you will need a comfortable backpack. We are big fans of Osprey packs, and the one I recommend in my wild camping kit list is linked below.

Safety tips

• Don't take the cliff path into Butterfly Valley. It is extremely steep and has caused many injuries.
• Beat the heat. Start early, rest in the shade and drink before you feel thirsty.
• Watch your footing on the loose, rocky sections, especially on the steep descent into Kabak.
• Follow the waymarks carefully at junctions, and keep an offline map handy.
• Be careful in the sea. Only swim when it is calm, and keep a close eye on children.
• In an emergency in Turkey, call 112.

Leave no trace & sustainable tips

• Take all your rubbish with you. There are no bins on the trail, and plastic easily ends up in the sea.
• Refill instead of buying bottles. Use the village fountains and a filter.
• Never light fires. The pine forests here are very dry in summer, and wildfires are a real risk.
• Stay on the path and don't build new cairns where the trail is already marked.
• Take the dolmuş and support the small family-run pensions, cafés and roadside stalls along the way.

Where to stay & eat nearby

• Faralya has several small pensions and motels, such as Gül Pension, Melisa Pansiyon and Faralya Misafir Evi. It is a great base if you want to start walking early.
• Kabak is famous for its laid-back camps and bungalows, spread down the valley to the beach. Options include Olive Garden Kabak, Pedro Mama's guesthouse, Sultan Camping and Sea Valley Camping, right by the beach.
• Butterfly Valley itself has simple camping and bungalows, but book ahead in summer.
• Fethiye and Ölüdeniz have the widest choice of hotels if you prefer to visit as a day trip.
• Food: there are cafés, restaurants and small shops in both Faralya and Kabak.

More to explore nearby

• Butterfly Valley by boat: visit the beach and walk up the valley to the waterfall.
• Ölüdeniz: the famous lagoon and beach, and the start of the boats to Butterfly Valley.
• The next stage of the Lycian Way: from Kabak the trail climbs high into the mountains towards the village of Alınca, with huge views over the coast.
• Ovacık to Faralya: the stage before, which starts near the official beginning of the Lycian Way above Ölüdeniz.
• Fethiye: a lively harbour town with boat trips, markets and rock-cut Lycian tombs.

FAQ

How long is the walk from Faralya to Kabak?

The official Lycian Way path is about 4.8 km and takes 2–2.5 hours. The unofficial coastal route via Uzunyurt is about 9.8 km and takes around 5 hours.

Is the Faralya to Kabak walk difficult?

It is a moderate walk. The path is rocky, with one short, steep hill and a steep descent into Kabak. Anyone with reasonable fitness and good shoes should be fine, but avoid the midday heat in summer.

Can I walk down to Butterfly Valley from Faralya?

There is a cliff path, but it is extremely steep and dangerous, and some sources say it has been closed. I strongly recommend taking the boat from Ölüdeniz instead.

How do I get to Faralya without a car?

Take the dolmuş from the minibus area behind the Fethiye bus station. It runs via Ölüdeniz and takes around 75 minutes to Faralya. It also serves Kabak, so you can ride back after your walk.

When is the best time to walk the Lycian Way?

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Summer is very hot.

Have you walked any part of the Lycian Way? Which stage was your favourite? Let me know in the comments!