Guided Walking at Olu Deniz

• Our experienced leaders offer the choice of two different walks each day
• Choose the option which best suits your interests and fitness
• We provide flexible holidays. Choose easier walking one day and harder the next or just explore independently or relax around the resort
• Our leaders are friendly and welcoming making your holiday fun and sociable

Easier Walks        Harder Walks

 Generally on good paths occasionally rougher underfoot.

Day 1: Arrival day

For those arriving on the Dalaman flights, the onward journey to reach the Montana Pines Resort perched on the hillside above Ölü Deniz takes just over an hour by coach. On the first evening your leaders will explain more about the walks and there will be time to meet with your fellow guests.

Day 2: Coastal walk from Faralya to Ovacik

Today provides the opportunity for magnificent views of the Aegean coastline including the Blue Lagoon and beaches of Ölü Deniz. From the village Faralya, perched high on the cliffs above Kelebek Vadisi (Butterfly Valley), we follow the Lycian Way below the limestone cliffs of Baba Dağ to the Montana Pines Resort. Baba Dağ, at 1,969 metres high (6,040ft), is the highest mountain in the area and a popular spot for paragliders who are frequently seen close overhead gliding down towards the beach at Ölü Deniz.

Easier Walk: 6¾ miles with up to 720 feet of ascent and 1,690 feet of descent.

Harder Walk: 8¾ miles with up to 1,920 feet of ascent and 1,720 feet of descent.

Day 3: Lycian Way from Akbel to Patara

An early start takes us to Akbel, a village on the outskirts of Kalkan, a popular and attractive tourist resort. Also known as Deprem Evlevi (earthquake homes), Akbel was built for people who lost their homes in an earthquake and mud slides half a century ago. Today’s walks follow part of the Lycian Way along the route of an ancient water supply route for the ancient city of Patara. The aqueduct crosses a col at Delikkemar on a 15 metre high stone bridge – this siphonic system is one of the engineering triumphs of the Roman era. Finally entering the ruined city of Patara by the three arched city gate of Mattius Modestus (built in 100AD), there will be an opportunity to explore the ruined theatre, baths, temple and granary before enjoying a swim and refreshments on one of the loveliest beaches in Turkey. The beach is also famous as a breeding area for loggerhead turtles.

Easier Walk: 6¼ miles up to 490 feet of ascent and 805 feet of descent.

Harder Walk: 9¼ miles up to 560 feet of ascent and 1,200 feet of descent.

Day 4: Babadağ summit and the high meadows

Minibuses will take both groups up the narrow and exhilarating mountain road to the lower summit of Babadağ to enjoy a high mountain day. Here we take time to enjoy a drink at the small café, whilst admiring the spectacular views of the Lycian coastline far below and watch the paragliders taking off for their descent to the beach at Ölü Deniz. Beyond the summit both walks offer magnificent views inland towards the higher Taurus Mountains whilst exploring mountain tracks and high meadows.  

Day 5: Free day

No walks are organised today to allow you to explore the local area on your own or just relax around the hotel. Your leaders will explain options for your day.

• A private excursion to Dalyan
• Exploring Fethiye
• ‘Twelve Islands cruise’ around Fethiye Bay

Day 6: Kayaköy and the Blue Lagoon at Ölü Deniz

Ancient paved road leads to the ruined village of Kayaköy, abandoned after the departure of its Greek population, who were forcefully repatriated in the population exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1923. Lunch opportunities include an optional mezze at a local restaurant. At the end of the day the iconic Blue Lagoon at Ölü Deniz offers the opportunity of a swim.

Easier Walk: 6½ miles with up to 605 feet of ascent and 1,755 feet of descent.

Harder Walk: 9 miles with up to1,755 feet of ascent and descent.

Day 7: Kabak Beach and canyon

The steep hillsides beyond Faralya provide superb views along the coast with the olive groves and beehives offering insights into traditional ways of life in the region. High above a delightful secluded beach and on the edge of the impressive canyon, Kabak offers the opportunity to enjoy a swim on the beach below and to explor the remote parts of the canyon.

Easier Walk: 5½ miles with up to 690 feet of ascent and 2,065 feet of descent.

Harder Walk: 7¾ miles with up to 2,020 feet of ascent and 2,100 feet of descent.

Please note that the itinerary outlined is provisional and could be subject to change. A finalised itinerary will be available at the resort and your leaders will talk to you about the next day’s walks every evening.

Local transport

On some days the walks start and finish at the hotel. On other days we’ll use the hired transport to explore the surrounding area. The cost of transport to and from the walk is payable locally; please allow 165 Turkish Lira.