The borders of Lycia varied over time but at its center was the Teke peninsula in south western Turkey. It's bounded by Caria to the west and north west, Pamphylia to the east, and Pisidia to the north east. The region is mountainous and densely forested region with few large valleys. The mountains are the westernmost part of the Taurus mountains in particular the Akdað and Beydaðý mountains whose peaks can exceed 3000 m. Inland is the Elmalý basin. The major rivers are the Esen River, Demre River, Arykandos, and Alakir River. The area is known for steep gorges and underground rivers.
Lykia is split between Antalya and Mugla Cities. The major city is Fethiye built on ancient Telmessos. Well known towns include Kalkan, Kas and Demre. Inland Elmali's fairly important.
The principal cities of ancient Lycia're Xanthos, Patara, Myra, Pinara, Tlos and Olympos and Phaselis. Cities such as Telmessos and Krya were sometimes listed by Classical authors as Carian and sometimes as Lycian.
Ancient names can sometimes be difficult to match with modern features: the Cragus and Anticragus mountains on the west side of the Xanthos river seem to include modern Babadag.