Yatıkardıç Yayla – Finike [45]

Main Path

Yatıkardıç Yayla – Finike

ID:

Easternmost section of the beautiful 39 km / 24 mi three-part stretch between Myra (just north of Demre) and Finike, through rugged mountains. Usually done over three stages and typically requiring camping.

Image credit:

Łukasz Ostojski

Essentials

Yatıkardıç Yayla (plateau, shepherds’ encampment)

Finike (town)

WNW–ESE section, with Finike to the ESE via a bulge to the S.

This is one long, continuous slope with an average descent to the E (towards Finike) of about 12.5%, though the heart of the slope is a much more challenging 18%-ish with shorter bits at 29%+. At both ends, the slope tapers to under 9% (in both cases, descending to the E).

This is mostly rugged mountain trails though parts are along rural roads and tracks.

Way-finding is moderate-to-good, for the most part.

Metrics

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

Towards Finike:

Towards Yatıkardıç Yayla:

14.5 km / 9.0 mi

Distance

167 m / 549 ft

Ascent

1,630 m / 5,346 ft

Descent

~6.75 hrs

Duration

14.5 km / 9.0 mi

Distance

1,630 m / 5,346 ft

Ascent

167 m / 549 ft

Descent

~6.75 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 this section though none are fully reliable.

Alerts / Hazards

Important: Please see the notes in the Demre – Alakilise section (especially the Tips and Alerts notes) as many of the notes will apply to this section as well.

Camping

There are a few decent camping spots along this section. Most people camp at or near the Belos ruins, around Belen, or at Yatıkardıç Yayla.

Amenities

Passes through the hamlet of Belen but there are no amenities available there (to our knowledge).
A limited selection of amenities is often available from the shepherds on Yatıkardıç Yayla though this should not be relied upon.
Finike has a full range of amenities.

Attractions & Highlights

Notable highlights along the trail and at either endpoint include:

Historical Site

Belos Ruins

Between Yatıkardıç Yayla & Finike

Accommodations

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

Guesthouse

Sever Pansiyon

In Finike
Guesthouse

Keramos Pansiyon

In Finike

Wild Camping Locations

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

Wild Camping

Campsite by Huts

At Yatıkardıç Yayla
Wild Campsite

Campsite

By Belos Ruins
Wild Campsite

Campsite

Between Belos Ruins and Finike

Water Sources

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

Water Source

Water Source

At Yatıkardıç Yayla
Water Source

Water Source

South of Yatıkardıç Yayla
Water Source

Water Source

Between Yatıkardıç Yayla & Belos Ruins
Water Source

Water Source

At Belos Ruins
Water Source

Between Belos Ruins & Finike
Water Source

Cistern

Between Belos Ruins & Finike
Water Source

Fountain

Between Belos Ruins & Finike

Where to Next?

From Finike:

Main Path

Finike – Karaöz

Distance

29.0 km / 18.0 mi

Ascent

288 m / 944 ft

Descent

285 m / 936 ft

Est. Duration

7.5

Long but easy section between Finike and Karaöz following alongside or close to the shoreline, passing through the communities of Hasyurt, Kumluca, and Mavikent.

From Yatıkardıç Yayla:

Main Path

Alakilise Ruins – Yatıkardıç Yayla

Distance

12.2 km / 7.6 mi

Ascent

1,128 m / 3,701 ft

Descent

487 m / 1,598 ft

Est. Duration

6.0

Middle portion of the remote, beautiful 39 km / 24 mi mountain route between Demre / Myra and Finike, usually done over three stages and typically requiring camping.

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.

View over Demre from near Belos ruins

Photo by
Irene Dijkmans

–
Fall 2022
View from between Belos and Finike

Photo by
Łukasz Ostojski

–
Fall 2021

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!