Day one of our trek on the Lycian Way in Turkey saw us travel by car for 45 minutes to the south of Antalya for the start of the trek. This avoided walking through the sprawl of the city and gave us the chance to enjoy the wooded paths and coastal sections. The dropoff point in Camyuva was unceremonious, at the side of a dual carriageway. The footpath was marked on the other side of the road, and off we went after stopping for a sunblock application. The weather was hot and sunny – about 35 degrees Celsius, and it was to continue that way for the whole week. After five minutes we came to a split in the path and we saw another walker. This did not seem remarkable, but in fact we only encountered six others in five days of trekking. That is a definite plus point: if you are thinking of following this route, go soon before it becomes overpopulated with walkers.

Today the walk was only 6km long. At first we walked through pine forests on level ground to a small deserted bay. At the other side of the bay the path was signposted up the hill, where we reached the lost city of Phaselis. This was an important port right up until the 15th century, with three harbours. Now the harbours are derelict and you can paddle among the fallen stones. Further on there is an amphitheatre, the original main street and the town baths. The site is not very well interpreted but there is plenbty of atmosphere because it has not been beautified.

from Phaselis we could hear loud music coming from the other side of the hill in the next bay. this was to be our destination, but we expected to be going to a very small village. Once we crested the hill we discovered the noise was coming from a Gulet that was moored in the bay so the trippers could swim and sunbathe. These boats are really a nuisance in the way they arrived into idyllic deserted bays making such a din. At least they were not staying all night!

At the other end of the second bay was our second hotel, the Sundance. It is situated on a private beach with no other buildings nearby, in total peace and seclusion – Gulet trips notwithstanding. Tranquility is the name of the game at this hotel, and generally they do a good job. Our room was very basic, with a dodgy looking undermount sink and – shock – no aircon! In these areas at the beginning of June, airconditioning is essential. We were told the hotel was full and a fan was supplied instead. the fan was adequate but took up vital space in the tiny bedroom.

Tags: Lycian Way Trekking, Turkey holidays, walking holidays

Our first and last nights in Turkey were spent in Antalya, at the Pension Mavi and Ani, which is run by Harun Selcuk. This is a basic Turkish Pansiyon with eight rooms, well situated in the Kaleici (Old Town). Rooms are airconditioned and some have TVs. The breakfast room is an inside/outside area, so you can eat in the beautiful old garden when the weather is good. Harun is a helpful and well-informed host, who is happy to advise you on the attractions in the area.

We also checked out some other places to stay in case we ever return to Antalya. There are several Boutique Hotels in the Old Town, we looked at a few of them. Villa Perla is a mid-priced hotel, in a 300-year-old building with a delightful small swimming pool in the courtyard. There are also some elderly resident tortoises who wander around munching on their favourite leaves – see the picture, taken with compact flash.

Another beautiful hotel in Antalya is the Ninova Pension. It has 19 bedrooms with private bathrooms, direct phone and hairdryer. Rooms are air-conditioned. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available i the restaurant. This hotel has been lovingly restored by the owners fgrom two historic houses and has an exceptional courtyard.

The Otantik Hotel is immaculate, with six luxury airconditioned rooms above the courtyard restaurant/wine bar. Three of the rooms have jacuzzis and balconies and there is free Wifi Internet access.

Tags: Lycian Way Trekking, Turkey holidays