Faralya – Kabak Beach [13]

Alternate Path

Faralya – Kabak Beach

(via Uzunyurt)

ID:

Follows an attractive coastal path between Faralya and Kabak Beach. Not officially part of the Lycian Way but an increasingly popular option nevertheless.

Image credit:

Stu Hackett

Essentials

Faralya (village)

Kabak Beach (beneath Kabak)

The start and finish points of this section are N–S of each other. However the path follows a wide loop to the W hugging the coastline the entire way. Passes through the hamlet of Uzunyurt at roughly the midpoint.

Hilly section with the N end along Butterfly Valley having a steep slope (~15%), descending from Faralya towards the W, the middle portion being rolling hills, and the S end having a small-ish but steep hill (~19% hill on both sides).

Much of it is along a rugged but decent path as well as some road walking in places. There are some moderately steep portions including a stretch up a steep incline with a rope available for assistance.

The waymarkings are mostly fairly good. As this isn’t an official Lycian Way path, look for red-orange blazes rather than the usual red-white.

Metrics

Select the tab below corresponding to the direction you plan to walk.

Towards Kabak Beach:

Towards Faralya:

9.8 km / 6.1 mi

Distance

560 m / 1,837 ft

Ascent

880 m / 2,887 ft

Descent

~5.0 hrs

Duration

9.8 km / 6.1 mi

Distance

880 m / 2,887 ft

Ascent

560 m / 1,837 ft

Descent

~5.0 hrs

Duration

Handy Things to Know

The following notes are gathered from our own experiences and from feedback sent to us by other hikers. Let us know how we can improve these notes – and thanks!

Water

There are several water sources along the way, though you should not rely upon them – carry sufficient water to meet your needs all the way.

Highlights

There are outstanding views throughout this section (especially of Butterfly Valley, since this trail follows the upper edge of the south side of the valley).
Several beaches are accessible.

Tips

We’ve had reports that the trail markings are poor / confusing at the moment around Aktaş Beach (mainly due to local construction in the area). Our understanding is that you’ll find your way easily enough but that you’ll probably have a few moments of head-scratching first. Keep an eye out for cairns erected by other hikers.

Route Planning

This is an unofficial alternative section. The main Lycian Way route follows a more direct inland path. We quite enjoyed this section – worth considering.
This option is almost twice as long as the main route and involves much more ascending and descending. It is also more rugged though not overly difficult.

Accommodations

Lots of accommodation options available at both endpoints.
Several guesthouses are available on or near the trail, mainly in and around Uzunyurt.

Camping

We haven’t done any wild camping along this stretch but there seemed to be plenty of potential spots. If you have recommendations on any specific locations, please send them along to us.
There’s a commercial campsite by Aktaş Beach which also has a restaurant.

Attractions & Highlights

Notable highlights along the trail and at either endpoint include:

Landscape

Butterfly Valley

By Faralya

Accommodations

Here’s what we’re currently tracking for this trail section:

Hotel

Onur Motel

In Faralya
Guesthouse

Melisa Pansiyon

In Faralya
Guesthouse

Gül Pension

In Faralya
Guesthouse

Montenegro Motel & Restaurant

In Faralya
Hotel

Faralya Limon Hotel

In Faralya
Guesthouse

Faralya Misafir Evi

In Faralya
Hotel

Keyif Motel

In Faralya
Guesthouse

Faralya Botanica

In Uzunyurt
Bungalows

Sultan Camping

In Kabak
Commercial Campground

Kabak Valley Kamp

In Kabak
Bungalows

Turan Hill Lounge

In Kabak
Commercial Campground

Secret Garden Kabak

In Kabak

Wild Camping Locations

Here are the wild camping locations that we’re currently tracking along this trail section:

Wild Campsite

Campsite

Between Faralya and Kabak Beach on the Coastal Variant

Water Sources

Here are the water sources that we’re currently tracking along this trail section or at either endpoint:

Water Source

Fountain at Mosque

In Faralya
Water Source

Fountain by Bench

In Faralya
Water Source

Fountain with Concrete Basin

Between Faralya and Kabak Beach
Water Source

Fountain

In Uzunyurt
Water Source

Fountain

In Kabak
Water Source

Fountain and Toilets at Mosque

In Kabak
Water Source

Fountain by Lissiya Hotel

In Kabak
Water Source

Fountain

In Kabak

Where to Next?

From Kabak Beach:

Main Path

Kabak – Kabak Beach

Distance

1.7 km / 1.1 mi

Ascent

30 m / 98 ft

Descent

260 m / 853 ft

Est. Duration

1.0

Main path connecting the ‘upper’ village of Kabak, located partway up the hillside, with the popular beach area (which is where you’ll find most of the accommodation and F & B options, not surprisingly).
Main Path

Kabak Beach – Alınca

Distance

6.0 km / 3.7 mi

Ascent

925 m / 3,035 ft

Descent

200 m / 656 ft

Est. Duration

3.6

Challenging, beautiful section between Kabak Beach and the village of Alınca that will give your legs and lungs a good workout. There is nothing technically difficult about this section – it is just non-stop climbing or descending.

From Faralya:

Main Path

Ovacık – Faralya

Distance

12.8 km / 8.0 mi

Ascent

765 m / 2,510

Descent

735 m / 2,411 ft

Est. Duration

5.8

Mountain section between the official Lycian Way start / finish point at the southern end of Ovacık and the village of Faralya on the opposite side of Babadağ (‘Father Mountain’).
Main Path

Faralya – Kabak

Distance

4.8 km / 3.0 mi

Ascent

280 m / 919 ft

Descent

355 m / 1,165 ft

Est. Duration

2.3

Enjoyable hilly, forested section with some nice views. There are lots of accommodation options at both ends of this section plus some camping spots along the way.

Pretty Pictures

Sometimes nothing beats a good photo. Or even a bad photo! If you’d like to share some or all of your photo collection with the Trekopedia community, contact us at photos@trekopedia.com and we can arrange a transfer of them. And thanks!

All photos are copyright by their respective owners and are used with permission.

Approaching Kabak Beach from Uzunyurt

Photo by
Stu Hackett

–
Spring 2016

How You Can Help

Trail research is never actually done. Here’s some of what we’re looking for:

✅ More photos! Ideally with geo-location information in the metadata. In addition to using some photos on Trekopedia, we add them to our internal reference database which significantly helps us with trail research. The more photos, the better! If you are willing to share your collection with us, we’d be incredibly grateful. Let us know and we’ll arrange a transfer.

✅ Points of interest. Help us identify (and geo-locate) accommodations, attractions, restaurants, markets, trail waypoints, confusing or problematic junctions, difficult or hazardous places, water sources, and so on.

✅ Tips & recommendations. Share your thoughts with other hikers.

In addition to the above, please see this article for information on more general ways you can help. Thanks!