Where are Faralya and Kabak?

Not far from Fethiye along the Mediterranean coast there is an area of exceptional beauty still inhabited by small subsistence farmers. Here above Butterfly Valley are forests that line a rugged coast. After the success of the long distance path, the Lycian Way we decided in 2006 to develop a series of walking tracks to meet the demands of day walkers. We welcome walkers because we know you appreciate what is worth preserving.

General Information

There are a great variety of trails in the Faralya and Kabak region including coastal, forest and mountain trails. Most of the walks in the Faralya and Kabak region are designed to be of an easy to medium grade. Every season has something different to offer.

Many of the trails are ancient and have been used by shepherds and local people for centuries. We walk their trails with them today. They are open to all walkers.

Walks in Turkey can put you in contact with local and experienced English speaking guides. If you would like to explore the trails with a knowledgeable guide [contact us].

Self-guided Walks

Self-guided walks along the trails of Faralya and Kabak. Detailed walking notes are becoming available exclusively through our participating hotels. Trail notes are written specifically for each hotel so that in most cases directions are given from the hotel. The trailhead is at your front door. For details go to the Accommodation page

Walking Season

Walking season is from 1st September to June 30th. Generally it is too hot and humid to walk in the summer although the coastal walks are popular during these months.

Lunch

There are some restaurants in the local area but only some are accessible from the trails. Take lunch and water with you.

Transportation

All trails are easy to access by the local Ölüdeniz dolmuş service. See the General and Local Information page.

Children

Most walks are suitable for children who are accustomed to hiking.

Who Are We?

We are experienced walkers, committed to protecting the environment and supporting the community who have lived alongside their environment for generations. We hope that by establishing a series of walking tracks in this unique area local people will benefit through the revival of local agriculture and by offering walkers the services they need. The project from the beginning has involved community members. Rıdvan Karaburun (George of George House) with his son Hasan revealed for us the wonderful Coastal Trail which he used for many years when he was a shepherd. Rıdvan’s other son Ramazan and cousin Adnan took us up the yayla trail where they worked as foresters for many years. Nihat from Eco Yuva walking those trails for almost 30 years has been dedicated to the opening up of lost trails to share his passion for the environment. His friend Zekeriya from Kabak revealed to him the Cennet (Bolartlı) trails he used as a shepherd all his life. Selman from Kozağaç guided us up and down the other side of Babadağ following some of the trails his family still use today. These are living trails which the people of Faralya and Kabak wish to share with the walking community. Income from this project is used to maintain the network of walking trails, train local people and develop the means by which local people and businesses can benefit from this project.

Self-guided walks along the trails of Faralya and Kabak

Self-guided walks. Track notes for the Coastal, Upper Coastal, Forest, Summer Pastures and Extended Coastal Trails are now available exclusively through our recommended hotels. The track notes will enable walkers to find their way along the trails of Faralya and Kabak. With increased support from the community the trails will in the near future become even more accessible with clear signs at trailheads and junctions on each of the 8 trails.

New Walking Tracks

For those walkers who are already familiar with this beautiful area you will be surprised to discover all the new walks from Faralya and Kabak. In developing new walking tracks we are very keen to reveal the wonderful variety which exists from mountains through forest to the sea. We haven’t forgotten that the whole area is rich in history and the new trails highlight some hidden places.

We would like to acknowledge the great work of those who have contributed over the years to establishing Faralya and Kabak as a walkers destination. We would especially like to thank Kate Clow for the development of the Lycian Way and the descriptions of history, trails, flora and fauna given both by her and Paul Hope.

We would also like to thank Marc Dubin and Enver Lucas who created for the general public the trekking possibilities in Turkey with the publication many years ago of 'Trekking in Turkey', now sadly out of print.

30.04.2010 - Doğuş Aydemir

We stayed in Olive Garden for 2 nights and 3 days.Breakfasts and dinners were perfect and made by the owner of OliveGarden.Everything was complately natural and lovely:) And also thank you Brian for your suggestions and great hospitality:) We walked by coastal trail, really love it sun,paths,old fresh nature,turquaz sea and i am telling to my friends about this trails and vacation. thank you for everything. see you next time:)

Share |