Pirate Coast Trek

On arrival at Antalya Airport you will be met by the taxi driver for the transfer (45 mins) to Göynük.

You walk uphill all day starting at the Göynük gorge entrance and going over switchback ridges beneath pine trees, with excellent views to pastures and orchards. It is possible to swim where the river forms a nice pool in the canyon. You meet your transfer vehicle near a bridge (850m) from where you will transfer to your hotel in Ovacık.

Transfer back to where you left the route yesterday and walk along high mountain paths and tracks to the village of Gedelme where you can explore a Roman castle. Then, continue the walk up to the mountain village of Yayla Kuzdere (900m) enjoying views of Mount Tahtalı.

From Yayla Kuzdere you start with a steady climb up a stream bed to the pastures of Çukur Yayla, just below Mount Olympos (Tahtalı Dağı). You climb the pass from here through the forest of pines and impressive cedar trees. Then you descend via a winding path through the lovely forest to the village of Beycik from where your transfer vehicle takes you to Çıralı (30 mins).

Today you can enjoy an optional exploration of the ruins of ancient Olympos (6km along the beach). This ancient city, which gets its name from its view of Mount Olympos, was built on the banks of a wide river flowing into the sea near Çıralı adjoining a long, sandy beach. It once was a hideout for pirates and amongst its ruins are tombs, temples, churches and palaces all hidden between lush vegetation.

You can swim and lie on the beach and/or take a short evening walk to admire the eternal burning flames of Chimaera in the dark. A natural gas coming from the bowels of the earth gives this place its Turkish name of burning stone: Yanartaş.

Today you’ll start directly from Çıralı and walk through the ancient city of Olympos and up Musa Dağı (Moses Mountain 650m). The climb is through a dense forest with many strawberry trees and passes some minor ancient ruins. After having a picnic lunch near an old hut, you’ll descend through the forest, past deserted farmhouses before you reach sea level and your accommodation in the beautiful bay of Adrasan.

Again this morning, you’ll start directly from your hotel on a route that leads south via Kızıl Sırt (450m) along a remote and isolated coastline. Follow a path parallel to the coast at a high altitude along cliffs and green slopes, overlooking the sea and enjoying great views towards some little islands. After arriving at the lighthouse at the tip of Cape Gelidonya (200m) you’ll walk down to a dirt road to meet your transfer vehicle for the transfer back to Adrasan. Dinner and overnight in the same hotel in Adrasan.

This morning your tour comes to an end. Transfer from Adrasan to Antalya airport (2 hrs).