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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 .
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 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. |
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 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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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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