Lycian Way (Camyuva - Adrasan)

Lycia is the historical name of the Teke Peninsula, which juts into the Mediterranean on Turkey's southern coast. The mountains rise steeply from the rocky coast, giving beautiful views and varied walking. Forestry predominates: pines are mixed with strawberry trees and carob, and give way to juniper and cedar at higher levels. Along with coastal tourism, high-intensity agriculture is crowded onto the deltas. The Lycians were a democratic but independent, warlike people, with a developed art style and a high standard of living. Their strategic position gave them unique opportunities for sea-trade and (at times) for piracy. After Persian rule, the Lycians welcomed Alexander the Great and absorbed Greek culture. Later, the Roman Empire made Lycia a province; as the Empire gave way to Byzantium many monasteries were founded in the Lycian hills. Lycian graves and ruins abound on the peninsula and the Lycian Wav passes many remote historical sites.