The Kaya Valley:
Sakli Vadi cottages are located in the picturesque Kaya Valley, on a peninsular between the towns of Fethiye and Oludeniz. The peninsular is on the Mediterranean Sea coast of Turkey. The cottages are just over an hour’s drive from our local airport at Dalaman.
The Kaya Valley is situated east of the town of Fethiye on Turkey’s Turquoise Coastline and about 900 feet above sea level. The area in ancient times was part of the Kingdom of Lycia.
From Fethiye you follow the winding road up the cliffs which is signposted for Karmylassos or Levissi. These are the original Greek and Lycian names for the valley. The journey by car of dolmus (the local village buses) takes about 20 minutes. You crest the cliffs and begin to descend into the valley through some beautiful pine forests. As you exit the trees, there are several parking areas on the roadside that you can look down over the whole of the valley.
The Kaya Valley:
There are three villages in the valley. Keciler in the east, Kinali in the west, where the Sakli Vadi cottages are located and the central village of Kaya Koy. The valley has very fertile soil and up until the advent of tourism, tobacco was the cash crop. Many of the farmers continue to tend their fields but the crops now are a mixture of arable feed for their animals, black figs, almonds and vegetables. Many of the fields are so small that they still have to be ploughed using horses, which is a wonderful sight. The valley has many traditional tea houses, restaurants and bars that cater for all tastes.
The Kaya Valley:
Towering above the valley is the 3,000 metre high mountain called Baba Dag. From the top of the mountain hang gliders and parascenders can be seen launching every day. The air currents are so good for this exciting sport that the World Championships are held here almost every year.
Passing through Kinali Koy at the far western edge of the valley, the road winds down to the coast at Gemiler Bay. This delightful pebble beach is safe for swimming and there are a number of restaurants on the beach which sell local delicacies and drinks.
The Kaya Valley encompasses all of what is best of Mediterranean Turkey. The old blends beautifully with the new. The valley is a paradise of calm and tranquillity, with wonderful walks and breathtaking flowers and forests. A truly magical and relaxing experience.
Other Activities:
Paragliding From Baba Dag Mountain Is One Hour's Drive
