Beymelek: Lagoon and Lycian Way

Beymelek brings together a distinctive lagoon landscape, hiking trails and historic traces. The Beymelek Lagoon is considered the only natural lagoon lake along this stretch of Turkey’s western Mediterranean coast. In Yukarı Beymelek, examples of ancient settlement architecture meet traditional Turkish building styles. You can shape your stay around nature, hiking or culture, without any one theme defining the place.

Hiking and route-finding on the southern route

The southern section of the Lycian Way follows a 4 to 5-kilometre route through Mediterranean dwarf maquis and past the ruins of İsion in the settlement of Yukarı Beymelek. After the ruins, the trail reaches the road within the village. Once it reaches the coastal road, the route heads east and goes around the lagoon. The maquis, archaeological traces and continuation of the trail give this stage a variety of points of interest.

Along the southern route, hikers can meet basic needs at the markets and hotels in Demre and Yukarı Beymelek. If your plans depend on a particular business, check its current information in advance. The restored historic stone houses in Yukarı Beymelek opened as facilities for hikers, offering regional dishes and affordable accommodation. If you plan to stay there, check availability before your trip.

The lagoon and seasonal birdwatching

The lagoon is a defining natural feature of Beymelek: its status as the only natural lagoon lake along this stretch of coast sets it apart from more general landscape descriptions. Those who want to focus their stay on observing nature can also visit two named birdwatching areas: Beymelek-Dalyan and the Demre Çayağzı Bird Sanctuary.

At both locations, you can observe migratory and resident birds. Conditions for birdwatching vary by season, so plan your outing accordingly. This calls for a different kind of planning than a hiking stage: here, the right time for observation comes first, whereas on the Lycian Way, the route itself shapes the outing.

Architectural traces in Yukarı Beymelek

The ancient settlement lies on a crescent-shaped hill about 600 metres above sea level. Traces of an inner and an outer fortress remain on the hill; the inner fortress could be reached by steps carved into the rock. As there was no natural water source, the fortress obtained its water from cisterns. A Byzantine church stands at the western end of the fortress site. Taken together, these details offer different insights into the settlement’s building and water-supply history.

The Demre Beymelek Taş Evler building is also registered as a cultural asset worthy of protection. For travellers interested in architectural history, this listing adds another named example to the ancient and Byzantine traces in Yukarı Beymelek.

İsion and other historical evidence

Near Beymelek, the fortress of İsion is an example of Hellenistic tower architecture. It has a rectangular layout, with a tower added on both the north and west sides. The towers, which are three storeys high, are largely intact. The fortress and surrounding architectural remains point to a significant fortified agricultural settlement. The İsion towers in the Myros Valley between Beymelek and Gürses date to the 2nd century BC and were part of Myra’s defensive system.

On the shore of Lake Dalyan, two small chapels, aligned east to west and dating from the 6th or 7th century, also survive as Byzantine remains of Beymelek. Together with the fortifications, they offer travellers interested in culture several distinct historical themes rather than focusing on just one period.

Beymelek Ahşap Park opened as a fish and balık ekmek restaurant. If you plan to visit, check its current operating details in advance.

Choose a holiday apartment to suit your vacation rhythm

When looking for a holiday apartment in Beymelek, you can weigh up two different priorities: a specific stage of the Lycian Way, or a stay focused on historic buildings and seasonal nature observation. Consider whether the hiking route itself or a changing mix of nature and cultural themes will shape your vacation days.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Manavgat, Belek/Antalya, Döşemealtı, Gündoğdu, Tekirova, Özlü, Çandır, Çenger

Back to the main travel overview: Antalya.