Arch - the beginning of the Lycian Way

There are dozens of options for walking the Lycian Way. You can go from West to East or vice versa, start from the middle, move along alternative paths. However, the original, historically original starting point of the entire Lycian Way is located near Fethiye and is marked by a yellow “triumphal” arch with the inscription “Likya Yolu - Lycian Way”.

There are always many signs and signs around the arch marking the beginning of the Lycian Way. They report that the sponsor of the construction of the arch at one time was the Ölüdeniz Rotary Club, and that there is a 24-hour taxi service (just how to call one?). Opposite there is a large trash can.

Where is the arch?

Türkiye, Muğla district, Fethiye district, Ölüdeniz, Aşağı Yaşdam Cd
GPS coordinates N36.56095500° E29.13787400°
Arch on Google map

How to get to the arch?

Taxi. The easiest way. From the Fethiye bus station to the arch it is about 10 kilometers on good asphalt. All taxi drivers know this place very well. Just tell them Likya Yolu and they will take you where you need to go. There is no need to negotiate the price in advance - taxis in Fethiye are metered.

Dolmush. From Fethiye, take the dolmuş (minibus) to Oludeniz. Pay for travel with a credit card or a special card. Warn the driver in advance that you need Likya Yolu. In most cases, you will be dropped off at the turn off the highway (Ölüdeniz Cd) onto Aşağı Yaşdam Cd. The nearest bus stop in the direction of the sea is located 100 meters further, but most likely they will not take you there, but will drop you off on time. If you go back from the sea to Fethiye, the stop canopy is located right at the turn you need on Aşağı Yaşdam Cd.

On foot. From the highway to the arch itself there are still about 750 meters on asphalt. The standard red and white markings and signage for the Lycian Way are usually lost among the large and bright hotel signs. You can follow the signs to Montana Pine Resort and Garcia Resort&Spa. The arch stands in a pine forest right at the fork - asphalt goes up to the left to Montana Pine and to the right up there is a tiled road to Garcia Resort.

Where to stay overnight?

Hotel. Upper Oludeniz (also known as Ovacik) has many hotels and guesthouses. Prices start at $10 per person per night and go on and on.

Camping. 350 meters from the highway, i.e. Halfway up the arch, there is a tent camp Aydede Kamping & Restaurant. There is a shower (there are interruptions in water supply), a toilet (queues in the mornings), a refrigerator, charging sockets, a washing machine, sinks, and paid parking. Overnight camping costs about $10 for two people (with their own two-person tent).

Tent. Right next to the arch there is a sign prohibiting setting up tents and lighting fires - “Ateş yakmak ve kamp yapmak yasaktır”. But if you act not so straightforwardly and step a little to the side, then in the forest you can quite easily find a flat clearing with an apiary and beehives or a pen for goats. It’s just that there are almost no flat clearings here - it’s too close to the village. If you want privacy, go further along the Lycian Way and look for small meadows among the thorns on the slope:)