Lycian Accommodation Guide: Where to Stay in the Land of Light
This Lycian Accommodation Guide is here to help you decide where to stay in the Land of Light. Choosing a place to stay in this region is really choosing what kind of journey you want. A village guesthouse within walking distance of an ancient city, a stone house overlooking the sea, a wooden bungalow in an orange grove or a village house in the cool highlands each show you Lycia from a different angle.
On this page you will find accommodation options region by region, which area suits whom, where to stay on the Lycian Way and what to look for when choosing. To plan your route, see our Lycian Travel Guide as well.
📌 Contents
Where to Stay, Region by Region
Western Lycia: Fethiye, Faralya, Kayaköy, Patara and Kalkan
Fethiye is the region’s largest centre, with good transport, shops and options for every budget. It is the most practical base for exploring Western Lycia.
Kayaköy offers a quiet alternative, with guesthouses and stone houses around the village famous for its abandoned stone homes.
Faralya and Kabak, on the slopes above Butterfly Valley, suit those who want to stay close to nature in eco-bungalows and small boutique places. The roads are steep and winding, and access without a car is limited.
Patara (Gelemiş village) offers simple, uncrowded stays in family guesthouses right next to the ancient city and its long sandy beach.
Kalkan, with its sea-view villas and boutique hotels, suits those seeking privacy and comfort, as well as larger families.
Central Lycia: Kaş, Çukurbağ and Kekova
Kaş town centre has stone guesthouses and boutique hotels in bougainvillea-lined lanes, within walking distance of the harbour, restaurants and dive centres. It is the best base for Central Lycia.
The Çukurbağ Peninsula offers a quieter side of Kaş, with calm hotels and sea platforms facing the island of Meis (Kastellorizo).
Üçağız and Kaleköy (Simena) let you stay in small guesthouses on the shores of Kekova. Kaleköy has no road access and is reached by boat or on foot. Once the day boats leave in the evening, you have Kekova almost to yourself.
Eastern Lycia: Olympos, Çıralı and Adrasan
Olympos, with wooden bungalows and tree houses in the forest, has long been a favourite of travellers and walkers.
Çıralı, with family guesthouses tucked among orange and pomegranate groves, is one of the calmest villages in Lycia. Its beach is a Caretta caretta nesting site, and the village has kept development limited to protect this balance.
Adrasan offers a quiet stay by the sea and in nature, with a sheltered bay and small hotels.
Inland Lycia: Elmalı and the Highlands
Elmalı and its highland villages have a small number of hotels, village houses and vineyard stays. It is a quiet choice for escaping the summer heat of the coast, or for seeing the grape and apple harvests in autumn.
Types of Accommodation
- Family guesthouses (pansiyon): The most characteristic way to stay in Lycia, with home-made breakfasts, local knowledge and a warm atmosphere.
- Boutique hotels: From restored stone houses to modern design hotels, especially around Kaş, Kalkan and Fethiye.
- Bungalows and tree houses: Simple, close to nature and often budget-friendly, in Faralya, Kabak, Olympos and Çıralı.
- Villas: For larger families and longer stays, especially around Kalkan and Kaş.
- Village houses: In the Elmalı highlands and some Lycian Way villages, a stay within local life.
- Campsites: Licensed campsites along the coast, especially in Western Lycia and around Olympos.
Staying and Camping on the Lycian Way
Many stages of the Lycian Way have village guesthouses. Some walkers go from guesthouse to guesthouse, and some guesthouses can help with luggage transfers. On some stages, however, villages are few and far between, and you will need to camp.
- Plan ahead: Work out where to stay on each stage using the Culture Routes Society’s current route information and walking guides.
- Camping rules: Do not camp at archaeological sites, on Caretta caretta nesting beaches or on private land. Use licensed campsites where possible.
- Fire: Because of the risk of forest fires, do not light open fires, especially in summer.
For more on the route, see our Lycian Way guide.
What to Look For
- Choose by route: Rather than moving every night, it is easier to stay 2–3 nights in one area and take day trips from there.
- Getting around: If you will not have a car, stay in town centres or near bus routes. Roads are steep in places such as Faralya, Kabak and upper Kalkan.
- Season: July and August are very hot and busy. Prices and weather are both kinder in spring and autumn. Some guesthouses close in winter, so check in advance.
- Licences: Check that the property holds a tourism licence from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism or an operating licence from the municipality.
- Sustainability: Look for properties certified under TGA’s Sustainable Tourism Programme or carrying the Green Key label.
Responsible Stays
- Water: Summers in Lycia are dry. Use water and energy sparingly.
- Light: At properties facing nesting beaches, keep lights low at night. Artificial light stops hatchling turtles from finding their way to the sea.
- Stay local: Staying in family-run guesthouses and eating in village restaurants keeps tourism income in the region.
For more tips, see our Sustainable Travel and Ethics Guide.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find budget-friendly accommodation in Lycia?
Family guesthouses, bungalows and campsites in Olympos, Çıralı, Adrasan and Patara are generally more affordable. Prices are lower in spring and autumn than in summer.
Where should I stay for a honeymoon or a quiet break?
For privacy, the villas of Kalkan and the hotels of Çukurbağ in Kaş stand out. If you want peace close to nature, consider Kaleköy, Faralya or Çıralı.
Is there accommodation on every stage of the Lycian Way?
Most stages have village guesthouses, but on some sections camping is the only option. Check current route information before you set out.
Are there pet-friendly places to stay?
Some bungalows and guesthouses accept pets. Rules vary from place to place, so always confirm before booking.