Hike High up in the Turkish Mountains - Cold Olympos
Throughout the year, Olympos Beydaglari National Park in Turkey offers various outdoor activities, such as water sports, hiking, picnics, camping, and paragliding. The nature park is inhabited by unique flora and fauna, and extends along the Kemer-Kumluca coastline in the Mediterranean, from the southwest of Antalya and all the way to Gelidonya.
Hiking and cycling through the mountains in the nature park when you are vacationing in Turkey, are known to be remarkable experiences. The highest peak, Tahatli Dagi, extends up to 2,365 meters and was called “Olympos” in ancient times. If you hike to the top of the mountain, you will be rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view of azure water and mighty mountain ranges.
Olympos Beach is a real insider tip. The beach is located in a conservation area and is especially known for the unique wooden houses hotels and turtle species Caretta Caretta. These turtles lay their eggs right on the beach, and if you are lucky you can see little baby turtles hatching.
A trail along wild nature, followed by the traces of ancient traditions, will bring out the adventurer in you - this is a great way to experience the country, to have a nice trip to Turkey.
The ride starts in Beyşehir and climbs slowly up beautiful mountain ranges, past laurel trees and with fantastic views of the Yala high plains. Next stop is the Valley of Wild Horses, where riders gather for a picnic around lit bonfires and share the day's experiences. The night is spent in a tent or caravan.
The tour is organized by a real cowboy ranch, established by a German-Turkish family in 2002. The ranch is located in a small town at the foot of the mountains. Here you will really get a real experience of the wild west. Next year, the program will be expanded to include the picturesque Saint Paul hiking trail.
About 30 km north-east from Antalya, at an altitude of about 1050 meters, you will find one of the most beautiful and impressive ruins in Turkey. The ruins are located just off the ancient mountain of Solymos: the ancient city of Termessos, already mentioned by Homer in his poem Iliad.
Homer recognized the stability of the city, which was not even conquered by Alexander the Great. Many of the old buildings can still be seen today: the city walls, temples and the impressive theater. All set in front of a backdrop of spectacular mountain scenery, overlooking Antalya Bay.
The old town is located in a national park, which can be reached by car. From the parking lot at the park to Termessos, it takes about 20 minutes to walk.
The Lycian Trail is named one of the world's ten most beautiful hikes and is also among the world's best preserved. The trail leads directly to the ruins of Phaselis, an ideal destination for a day trip. In addition to experiencing the ancient city, one should visit one of the bays, where you can snorkel over sunken city ruins, go fishing or enjoy a picnic.
Another tip is to visit the ancient pier and aqueduct located in the harbor area of the city.
Phaselis is 15 kilometers away from Kemers, on the east side of the D-400 motorway. The distance from Antalya is 53 kilometers.
