Loop trail Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon to the ancient greek city of Kayaköy - Pine forests, views and a tour through the ghost town.

The starting point of this hike is at Sun City, at the sea side a few kilometers away from the village of Ölüdeniz. From Sun City we walk a very short distance on a dirt road, then turn right onto a hiking trail that will take us through the hills. We have to pay attention to actually turn right; it is easy to overlook the beginning of the trail. The trail is marked with dots of different colours, mostly blue but also red and yellow.
The trail winds up the first hill and after a few hundred meters it takes us to a first panoramic point from where we have a beautiful view of the sea and the forest around us.
The ground is quite rocky and there are many stones, so it is helpful to wear sturdy shoes and use walking sticks.

We pass through a forest with mainly pines. It is therefore advisable to pay attention to the presence of nests of the Pine processionary. This area has an active control policy with traps for these insects that we can see here and there along the path.

Pine processionary - Take care!
The pine processionary (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) is a moth of the subfamily Thaumetopoeinae in the family Notodontidae, known for the irritating hairs of its caterpillars, their processions, and the economic damage they cause in coniferous forests. It is one of the most destructive species to pines and cedars in Central Asia, North Africa and southern Europe.
The species is notable for the behaviour of its caterpillars, which overwinter in tent-like nests high in pine trees, and which proceed through the woods in nose-to-tail columns, protected from predators by their severely irritating hairs.
The species is one of the few insects where the larva develops in winter in temperate zones. Global warming is causing the species to affect forests progressively further north. The urticating hairs of the caterpillar larvae cause harmful (and in some cases allergic) reactions, in humans, dogs, horses and other mammals.
(source https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pine_processionary )

Do not to touch the nests or sit under them.

The landscape on this stretch is beautiful and there are often impressive trees. After about 1,5 kilometer we reach an open space that is covered with grass. At the beginning of February, it is full of anemones. This place is suitable for putting up some tents.

Here we leave the first circle of this route and continue straight. After a while we will walk on a what seems an old historic road. There is still completely intact pavement here and there. This undoubtedly concerns the former connecting road from Kayaköy to the sea. We go up quite a bit and as we progress, we get more and more beautiful views of the sea coast.
We pass through a forest and begin our descent to Kayaköy. There are quite a few stones on this stretch and so it can be challenging to descend here, especially when these stones are wet (and therefore slippery).
Fortunately, this is a very short stretch and soon the impressive view of the historic city unfolds before us.
We are now going to walk the second circle of this route, which goes around Kayaköy.

Kayaköy
Kayaköy, located near Fethiye in southwestern Turkey, is a picturesque village steeped in history and charm. Known as the "Ghost Village" or "Rock Village," Kayaköy carries a haunting allure due to its abandoned stone houses scattered across the hillside. These deserted dwellings, remnants of a once-thriving Greek community, create an eerie yet captivating atmosphere that draws visitors from around the world.

The village's origins trace back to ancient times, with evidence of settlement dating as far back as the 3rd century BC. However, its most notable period came during the Ottoman Empire, when Kayaköy was a vibrant multicultural community inhabited by Greeks and Turks living harmoniously side by side. This peaceful coexistence was shattered in the early 20th century during the Greco-Turkish War and subsequent population exchanges, leading to the abandonment of Kayaköy by its Greek inhabitants.

Today, Kayaköy stands frozen in time, its weathered stone buildings and empty streets serving as silent witnesses to its tumultuous past. Visitors can wander through the labyrinthine alleys, exploring the ruins of churches, homes, and communal spaces that once bustled with life. The village's poignant history is brought to life through guided tours and exhibits, shedding light on the human stories behind the abandoned facades.

Despite its haunting ambiance, Kayaköy exudes a quiet beauty and tranquillity that captivates all who visit. Surrounded by olive groves and pine-clad hills, the village offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea in the distance. Travelers can enjoy leisurely walks amidst the idyllic scenery, soaking in the serenity and solitude of this forgotten corner of Turkey.

In addition to its historical significance, today's Kayaköy has also become a cultural hub, hosting art exhibitions, music festivals, and other events that celebrate its rich heritage. Local artisans showcase their traditional crafts, while cafes and restaurants serve up delicious Turkish cuisine made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Whether you're drawn to Kayaköy by its haunting history, natural beauty, or vibrant cultural scene, a visit to this enchanting village is sure to leave a lasting impression. It's a place where the past intertwines with the present, inviting travellers to contemplate the passage of time and the resilience of the human spirit.

After we have completed the circular walk through Kayaköy, we return along much of the same route as we came from. So we can once again enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings and the impressive views that this area offers in abundance. When we arrive again at the junction on the first circle, we now turn right and continue our walk on a easy going path through a forest.

The trail eventually ends up on roads of foresters. They probably made new dirt roads for the tree felling, which are not yet on the maps. These dirt roads are very easy to follow so the rest of the route is quite easy. It should be taken into account that there may be work in progress, with the risk that the roads migt be closed for a while. But normally it's just a matter of asking nicely and you can move on.
On this stretch we still walk through forest with beautiful trees and we occasionally have a view of the high mountains that can be found close to Ölüdeniz. In clear weather we can see the hang gliders sailing down (you can go up with a cable car).
However, we keep our feet on the ground and eventually end up at the sea. There is also a beach nearby. So if we have our swimming gear with us, a dive in the water is very tempting!

Just before the end we go through a gate with the texts:
Lighting fires and picnics are prohibited - road closed to traffic: private property, no entry.
So there are supposed to be no problems for pedestrians to continue walking here (as long as we respect the rules). And there is a small side gate so that you can still pass through when the gate for cars is closed. But gates have the nasty habit of closing unexpectedly. So it's a good idea to check the situation on the way there to avoid nasty surprises.

Some additional information:
The route consists of two interconnected circles, both done counterclockwise.
Time spent: total = 7 hours 47 minutes of which moving = 3 hours 16 minutes
There is are no fountains along the track.
The track is moderate from a technical point of view.
It is advisable to bring sturdy walking shoes and walking sticks.
Presence of signposts:
The first 6 kilometres of the route are indicated with blue dots, yellow and red stripes, or both

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Disclaimer.

I have personally performed and then downloaded the route described, along with the track and waypoints, based on my personal experience. However, it is important to note that these should be considered as general guides and not precise instructions. Trails may not always accurately represent the exact itinerary due to factors such as weak satellite reception during GPS recording, especially in areas with ravines, deep gorges, dense forests, and similar conditions. Furthermore, the situation of the hiking trails may change over time, meaning that the descriptions given no longer correspond to the current situation.

It is the sole responsibility of the individual undertaking these trails to take appropriate safety measures, which should be tailored to the specific difficulty level and be in accordance to the prevailing weather conditions. Additionally, it should be realized that one's technical and physical preparedness play a crucial role in ensuring a safe hiking experience.

I strongly recommend hiking with a companion when venturing into the mountains. Always inform a friend or family member of your itinerary and estimated time of return. Ensure that your phone has a sufficient battery charge, and carry an adequate supply of water, food, and appropriate shelter for the season and the chosen route.

Please commit to leaving the natural environment as pristine as you found it, or even better. This way, we can all continue to enjoy the beauty of these trails, leaving behind only the traces of our footsteps.