
A stroll by the sea: Turkey's Lycian Way is a contender for one of the world's most beautiful hikes thanks to its relentless parade of fabulous beaches.

Sea and sky: The 335-mile trail takes in some incredible vistas along Turkey's southwestern coast. And if hiking isn't enough -- there's always paragliding.

Ölüdeniz: Its name means dead sea, but Ölüdeniz is anything but. Here a crystal sheet of blue lagoon feeds into the Mediterranean, and even in the roughest of weather retains its hues of turquoise and aquamarine.

Butterfly Valley: This intentionally undeveloped beauty spot is home to 105 butterfly species.

Patara beach: Patara is one of the few breeding grounds remaining in the Mediterranean for the loggerhead turtle.

Historical attractions: The beach isn't the only attraction at Patera. It's surrounded by history, including this ancient theater.

Kaputaş: It's an effort to hike down to the beach at Kaputaş, but well worth it. An underground stream of cold mountain water feeds into the sea -- perfect for cooling down on hot Mediterranean days.

Büyükcakıl: This is a classic Turkish seaside town, with a few historical twists, including the Roman-era underground cistern accessible through a bar.

Journey to the past: The Lycian Way typically takes 29 days to complete. It passes through 25 historical sites.

Mount Olimpos: Steeped in legend, Mount OIimpos lies near the eastern end of the trail.

Çıralı: The beach at Çıralı is known for its laid back vibe.


