Carian Trail
Karia Yolu
A long trail through ancient Caria in south-west Turkey, from the coast near Marmaris to the inland ruins around Alinda.
At a glance
- Starts in
- İçmeler (Marmaris)
- Ends in
- Karpuzlu
- Length
- 850 km
- On foot
- ≈ 34–43 days
- Countries
- Türkiye
- Best months
- April–May
About the trail
The Carian Trail links the Bozburun and Datça peninsulas, Gökova Bay and inner Caria and passes ancient ruins, old caravan roads and mule paths. On the coast it runs through pine forest above quiet coves; inland it climbs through olive groves, villages and hills scattered with the remains of Carian cities.
It sees far fewer walkers than the Lycian Way, and some stretches have simple village accommodation or none at all, so a tent helps.
The route is divided into four main sections, and spring is the best time to walk it. Some paths near Marmaris were damaged by the 2021 forest fires.
No source gives the days on foot, so they are worked out from the length at 20–25 km a day.