What is the Lycian Way? Does the Lycian Way Pass Through Antalya?

Gelidonya Lighthouse is located along the Lycian Way, a route that attracts many adventurous tourists today. The Lycian Way is one of Turkey’s longest trekking routes and historically connected the major cities of the ancient Lycian civilization with neighboring states.

This trail spans approximately 540 kilometers and still carries traces of the ancient Lycian civilization. Along the journey, hikers encounter lush forests, mountains, and breathtaking coastal views. The Lycian Way starts from the western part of Antalya (Kemer) and extends through Kumluca, Finike, Kaş, and Fethiye in Muğla. While completing the entire trail is not common, many hikers prefer short or medium-length sections.

The Story of Gelidonya Lighthouse

The history of Gelidonya Lighthouse dates back to 1936. During this period, before the development of advanced navigation and signaling systems, the lighthouse was built to protect sailors from dangerous rocks. It is one of Turkey’s highest-altitude lighthouses.

Situated approximately 227 meters above sea level, Gelidonya Lighthouse was constructed near the Beş Adalar (Five Islands), which were known to pose a significant threat to ships.

Since the Ottoman era, the Gelidonya region has been a challenging passage for ships sailing in the Mediterranean. Gelidonya Lighthouse served as a crucial guide for sailors navigating these treacherous waters.

When first built, the lighthouse was illuminated using an oil lamp and was operated manually by lighthouse keepers for many years. However, today, it functions with modern automated systems, flashing signals to guide sailors safely.

Like many lighthouses, Gelidonya Lighthouse has its own legend. According to folklore, a sailor named Captain Ali built the lighthouse at a point where swallows frequently migrated, ensuring that these birds could pass safely through the darkness without harm.

Where is Gelidonya Lighthouse Located?

Overlooking the stunning landscapes of the Lycian Way, Gelidonya Lighthouse is situated in the Taşlık Cape area of Kumluca district, Antalya province. This special spot, located between Adrasan and Kumluca on Antalya’s southern coast, attracts visitors with its breathtaking Mediterranean views.

The lighthouse stands within the boundaries of Beydağları Coastal National Park and sits high above sea level, offering a panoramic view of the small islands known as Beş Adalar. These islands have witnessed numerous maritime accidents throughout history. Archaeological studies in the area have uncovered the remains of several ancient shipwrecks.

How to Get to Gelidonya Lighthouse?

As one of Antalya’s hidden historical and natural treasures, Gelidonya Lighthouse is not easily accessible due to its location. However, there are several ways for those who wish to explore this unique site.

Via Adrasan

The closest settlement to Gelidonya Lighthouse is Adrasan. To reach the lighthouse from Adrasan, you can either take a boat tour or follow the hiking route. During the summer season, there are organized tours to the lighthouse.

Lycian Way

For those trekking the Lycian Way, Gelidonya Lighthouse is a significant stop. Starting from Adrasan, it takes approximately 7-8 kilometers of hiking to reach the lighthouse.

By Vehicle

Reaching Gelidonya Lighthouse by car is quite challenging due to the rough and narrow roads. However, special off-road vehicles can get closer to the lighthouse. Still, visiting by car is generally not recommended.