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Walking and Hiking
HIKING IN TURKEY & BABADAG
ROUTE
Outdoor sports like hiking, trekking or mountain
walking has not been really popular in Turkey except for the recent years.
Amongst Turkey's high and favourite mountains as Ararat(5137m), followed by Cilo,
Suphan, Kackar, Erciyes, with Taurus Aladag and Bolkar ranges, all above 3500
meters and most having glaciers, or other popular mid-range mountains like
Hasandag, Akdag, Kizlarsivrisi, Tahtali, Dipoyraz, Uludag, Koroglu, Ilgaz,
Bozdag, Palandöken, Nemrut mountains, as examples between 2000 to 3500 meters,
some hosting ski resorts on their slopes and being preferred for hiking
purposes, Babadag has a special importance with its sudden height gain from the
coast, though it could be considered not so high in absolute figures.
When hiking in Turkey, one can discover the
beauties of unspoilt nature and the local culture that have been in peace and
balance for centuries. Though Babadag is located near the touristic seaside town
of Oludeniz, this will be left behind after a few paces stepping on the slopes
of the mountain into the real nature.
The Babadag path was marked in '99, reaching the
summit of 1969 meters, inspired by the previously marked path of Tahtali
mountain starting near Beycik village of Kemer/Antalya. Completion of the great
project, the Lycian way, followed these pioneering paths. It would be unfair to
compare Babadag hiking route with the latter, since their purposes are
different. One is a short hike from the coast to the summit, but the other is a
500 km long route starting near Fethiye to near Antalya, or the other way round,
following the roads used at ancient times.
It's uncommon to find a sudden height difference
of almost 2000 meters from the sea level, that allows hiking in one day. Because
of this property and its location with favourable climate conditions, Babadag
has become a worldwide popular place for paragliding sport.
DETAILS OF THE PATH
1-
Start (Alt: 40m) : The
path starts from the stone stairs at the right side of the mobile phone
transmitter. The marks start from this point.
Here
it is rough and inclined turning lots of corners. It cuts through the bushy
trees mainly of evergreen oaks and olives. Don’t be tempted to make any
shortcuts or to follow other paths
that may lead to totally wrong directions. Further up you need to cross an
inclined rock surface. Avoid trying any other routes since the marked path is
the safest. If you feel the need to hold the rocks for support, do so. The slope
flattens out for a while and past a short inclined section through the red pine
trees it comes to a junction. Total trip
is 1.9 km (40 mins).
2- Junction (Alt: 330m) : Now
you join the historical path from Ovacik to Kirme which is in better condition
and easier to walk (Ovacik is 3 km to the left). Here turn right. You’ll first
pass another junction going to a paragliding take-off area. Turning left the
path continues with a gentle incline. Then you’ll cross another take-off, a
gulley and pass two cisterns arriving at a third one. Total
trip is 4 km (1 hour 20 mins).
3- Cistern (Alt: 610m) : Nearby
the cistern there is a shady evergreen oak. The path makes a sharp corner to the
left. Soon there is a junction where you must turn right. You arrive at a plane
walking on a gentle slope. Total trip is
4.7 km (1 hour 45 mins).
4- The Plane (Alt: 730m) : From
this point you’ll leave the accompanying view of the Blue Lagoon, peninsulas
and islands. The scenery suddenly changes with fields, stone walls and the
Babadag ridge. Further, there is a junction where the path becomes an earth
road. Here you must go straight on while the right hand side continues to a
take-off near the cliffs giving a chance to view Kidrak valley. At the last
stage the path makes a descent of 40m. due to the topography, where you can see
the rocky SW face of Babadag and the gorge, before arriving at Kozagaci village.
Total trip is 6.5 km (2 hours 15 mins).
5- Kozagaci
(Alt: 750m) : Kozagaci is a tiny village which could be a startpoint of many
other interesting routes. At this junction one finds a fountain suitable to
drink and flowing all year round. There is no other drinkable water source
further along. This is a critical halfway point. The following route to Babadag
is harder; so if you feel unfit or exhausted it’s advisable not to continue
but to have a rest, wander around and return. The motor road may be an
alternative back to Ölüdeniz (15 km). To continue take the footpath to the
left. On the way there are many junctions. You must stick to the marked path.
Soon the path becomes parallel to a tiny stream flowing in winter. After
crossing it twice you walk across the eroded terrain with reddish colored rocks.
Reaching a negatively inclined rock, turn left. Now the path heads to a gap
between a small hill and the long slope leading to the main ridge of Babadag.
Before this gap you arrive at a junction near a sole red pine tree. Total
trip is 8.3 km (3 hours) .
6- Junction (Alt: 1040m) : Turn
right at the junction. The state of the surface and the incline worsens. In some
places the bushy trees on
both sides, rocks and scree on the ground make hiking difficult. You must
be very careful. Also be cautious not to follow any misleading tracks ending up
in the bushes. This section may be tiring and quite boring but points allowing a
view of Blue Lagoon and the ridge may help to cease these feelings. Suddenly you
arrive at the cedar line. Total trip is
9.8 km (4 hours).
7- Cedar Line (Alt: 1450m) : Beginning
from this altitude you’ll be in the magnificent cedar forest mixed with other
high altitude trees. Snow is certain in winter months. Here the path is vague
due to the soil type. The slope is at its greatest throughout the total route.
At the end there are a few points at which you may feel the need to hold the
rocks. Then the slope flattens out. Total
trip is 10.5 km (4 hours 30 mins).
8- Ridge (Alt: 1630 m) : Now
you are on the ridge of Babadag. Here the path becomes obvious and better in
condition. On the other side of a small mount, there is a cliff. You’ll cross
two flat areas separated by three easily passed rocky passages. Then the path
turns to left
and reaches the famous take-off slope. Total
trip is 11.2 km (4 hours 45 mins).
9- Take-off (Alt: 1720 m) : Here
is the widest and longest take-off point on Babadag. It faces SW. The path joins
the motor road which makes an alternative way to Oludeniz (18km). The rest is an
easy walk on a gently inclined road situated on the northeast side of the ridge.
This section allows you to see Fethiye town, Ovacik village, the small plane
below, Mendos Mt. across the plane, Akdag
Mt.(3015m) far to the East with Saklikent Canyon on its slopes and Caldag
Mt.(2184m) far to the North. On the way there are two gaps allowing the other
side to be seen. The last part makes a sharp corner to the right and reaches the
peak. Total
trip is 13 km (5 hours 30 mins).
10-Peak (Alt: 1969m) : You
have come to the end of the great ascent. There is a forest fire watch station
on the peak and two take-off points, one near the station facing to the North,
the other 200m. to the East facing South. The station operates only in the
summer when the road is accessible by vehicles. The door of the hut near the
station may be open in the winter months, a free place to stay overnight as
an option if you are equipped. Depending on the season, weather and time
of the day, either from the peak or from one point below, the trucks may be a
transport option .If you ask, the drivers will gladly take you to Oludeniz. If
you want to walk back you can take the same route. However the alternative road
(20km to Oludeniz) provides different scenery with a similar duration. In winter
conditions the nearest point that can be accessed by motor vehicles is generally
the junction on the plane to the NE at 1250m. altitude. On the way down you must
turn left (the other way leads to Mendos Mt.). Here, the only drinkable water
source is at 500m. past the junction and on the left side of the road. You must
walk up about 100m. from the water depot to reach the fountain. For the rest of
this route simply follow the widest track.
click to enlarge
| There
has been no path from Oludeniz to Babadag designed for mountain
walking, since it has not been popular in Turkey until a recent date.
This is a combination of several paths formed by shepherds and herds, also
using a tiny section of the Lycian
way. It’s easy to access near the starting point. From Fethiye there
is regular public transport to Oludeniz. When you are near the beach you
need to walk to the SE (the opposite direction from the Blue Lagoon) where
the walkway parallel to the beach ends with a wall. There are stairs up
the wall reaching the road going to Kidrak Beach. Follow
the road for 200m, in the direction of the sharp s bend, going up hill,
and becoming parallel to the rocky shore. Where the slope flattens out, on
the right there is the White Dolphin Restaurant. Across the road you will
see a mobile phone transmitter, with a set of stairs. Take this path
identified by green marks. The total distance is 13 km from the
start to the peak. The details are explained within this site! |
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start point
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The Lycian Way
LYCIA
Lycia is the historical name of the Tekke Peninsula, which juts into the
Mediterranean on Turkey's southern coast. The mountains rise steeply from the
wooded shore and tiny bays, giving beautiful views and varied walking. The
Lycians were a democratic but independent people, with a unique art style and
a high standard of living. They absorbed Greek culture, and were later
conquered by the Romans. Their graves and ruins abound on the peninsula and
the walk passes many remote historical sites.
The
ROUTE
The route is graded
medium to hard; it is not level walking, but has many ascents and descents as
it approaches and veers away from the sea. It is easier at the start near
Fethiye and gets more difficult as it progresses. We recommend walking the
route in spring or autumn; February - May or September - November; summer in
Lycia is hot, although you could walk short, shady sections. The route is
mainly over footpaths and mule trails; it is mostly over limestone and often
hard and stony underfoot.
Using both public and private transport, there is a variety of interesting
walks which reflect the natural splendour and rich history of the surrounding
area. This entire coastline is littered with the historic remains of its early
inhabitants, the Lycian Greeks and the Romans.
Head to Arycanda, perhaps the finest ancient city in the immediate area, in
an unparalleled setting between two ranges of high peaks. During the long
summer the hills and mountains are full of the heady perfume of aromatic wild
herbs. The trail leads from mountain plateau down through cedar forest to the
unspoilt village of Yazir. A relaxing walk on an old coastal path follows the
bay around past Lycian sarcophagi and olive groves to a pleasant beach.
There’s time to relax, swim, and enjoy lunch, before catching a water dolmus
(taxi) back to Kas.
Venturing further afield, you can drive along the coast to Demre to visit
the Church of St. Nicholas. In the warm sunshine it’s hard to imagine how
this local saint became so inextricably linked with the winter festival of
Christmas and Santa Claus. A fine downhill ramble emerges at the splendid site
of Myra with its splendid Roman theatre and rock tombs. A journey to Üçagiz
gives us the opportunity to enjoy another day on the coast. Stop for lunch in
picturesque Simena, dominated by its Byzantine castle, you can explore the
remains of the underwater city of Kekova by boat.
For another outing head to Arsa village which, with its carpentry
workshops, is a hive of activity. A pretty route through an impressive canyon
brings us to the entrance of the dramatic Saklikent Canyon.
This route offers a scenic hike at a very
beautiful place of Turkey. Because of its ease of access and accommodation at
the foothills, it can be advised for hikers to try this route as a start for
hiking in Turkey, before continuing with the other places. One shouldn't miss
this chance, especially if traveling near the region of Fethiye.
Other Suggested Itineries
Day 1:
The trail begins at Hisaronu above the well known bay of Oludeniz. past the
Baba Mountain (1969 m), and continues through Kirme village to the village of
Faralya (Uzunyurt). Overnight in local Pansiyon.
Day 2:
Faralya to Alinca. The trail leads to Kabak Village and then descends to
Gemile Bay. From the bay the path rises upward, climbing some 600 m ending in
the village of Alinca. Late afternoon transfer from Alinca to Patara.
Overnight in local Pansiyon.
Day 3:
Patara to Kalkan. Leaving Patara the trail runs parallel to the sea as far as
Yali Burun, then north to Delikkemer and the ancient aquaduct of Patara,
finally east to Akbel. Transfer to Kalkan by minibus. Overnight in local
Pansiyon.
Day 4:
Kalkan to Kas. Free morning in Kalkan. Depart early afternoon by minibus for
the village of Cukurbag. Then on foot to the edge of the escarpment to view
Kas and the islands from above, later descending by a steep and winding
footpath to Kas. Overnight in local Pansiyon.
Day 5:
Kas to Kekova and back. Leave Kas on foot for Liman Agazi, then onto Corban
Plaji and finally Ufakdere to board a boat and sail to Kekova sound. View the
remains of the Sunken City, visit the village of Kalekoy. climb up to the
Castle of Simena to watch the sunset. Return to boat and sail to the village
of Ucagiz. By minibus back to Kas. Overnight in same Pansiyon.
Day 6:
Morning trip by minibus and on foot to visit the Lycian City of Cyanea. Return
to Kas. Afternoon free in the town. Overnight in same Pansiyon.
Day 1:
Board "Gulet" (Wooden broad beam Yacht)and sail from Gocek to Tomb
Bay for lunch, and then onto Tersane, a secluded anchorage. Walk around the
island, and settle in for the night.
Day 2:
Leave Tersane for the regional town of Fethiye. Afternoon visit to the ghost
town of Kaya - a vibrant Greek Town prior to 1923. Overnight in Fethiye
Marina.
Day 3:
To Olu Deniz anchorage. Swim into the bay and spend the afternoon exploring
the area on foot. Toward evening return to the Gulet.
Day 4:
Sail from Olu Deniz to Asaragardi Limani. An out of way bay with white sandy
beach. Afternoon walk along the coast line.
Day 5:
Early morning start to sail round the 7 Capes heading east for the port of
Kalkan. Leave the Gulet at Firnaz Limani and walk into Kalkan. Overnight in
the Marina
There’s even time for free days to take advantage of a host of optional
activities - sea-kayaking, mountain biking, scuba-diving, shopping – or
simply relaxing!
 
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