Dilek National Park, photo by ahenobarbus via flickr
Perhaps the only place to escape the persistent rib-cage pounding disco beats of Kusadasi’s raging summer nightlife is at the nearly 70,000-acre peninsular Dilek National Park (also called Milli Park) jutting into the Aegean 15 miles south of the city. Established in the 1960s, the sloping, forested landscape and its flora and fauna have remained mostly protected from the region’s intensive tourism development of the following decades (as seen in the summer resorts of Guzelcamli and Doganbey on either side). Nonetheless, the park gets its fair share of visitors, especially in summer months during Kusadasi Shore Excursions, when the reserve’s attractions are at their most impressive.
Beaches
Sun worshipers flock to the sandy beaches of Icmeler, Kavakli, and Karapinar, especially the first, which is located just inside the northern entrance. In places, the forests cascading down the hills come right up to the water, adding a welcome natural shade. For more isolation, head deeper inside the park to Aydinlik and Kavakli Burnu, where the sand turns to shingles and pebbles. Don’t plan on any beach barbecues as they are strictly forbidden. Picnics are welcome though and snack bars sell bites and refreshments, albeit at a steep mark-up.
Biking and Hiking
There are probably few prettier places in Turkey to get a workout than on Dilek’s trails, the most popular route being the “canyon hike,” which begins about three miles from the main entrance gate and goes for about 20 miles, if you do the whole thing. At the trailhead, boards give information and maps (although somewhat crude) of the park. Without a guide, however, it’s best not to step off the main paths as it’s easy to get lost, especially as you head up the mountain slopes, which sometimes disappear in thick fog. Bikers usually head to the 15-mile track to Doğanbey from Güzelçamlı, which is also recommended with a guide.
Flora and Fauna
Don’t be surprise if your hike or beach time is interrupted by a sounder of wild boars, which are so accustomed to human contact, they may eat right from your hands. Wild horses are also reported sometimes, however sightings are rare. The most legendary animal is Anatolian leopard, thought to have been wiped about several decades ago, but rumors persist, which might be confused with wild cats and lynx. Vegetation is mostly typical for the area—red pine, juniper, sumach, wild pear, myrtle, cherry, oak, chestnut, linden, and ash trees. Along the marshes and lagoons of the Menderes Delta (the ancient Meander), more than 200 bird species make their homes and breed, as do fish and turtles.
Cave of Zeus
When the god Poseidon was pissed off at his brother Zeus, and raised the seas in his rage, Zeus would retire to this secluded cave to wait out the storm. However, what draws so many visitors each day is the charming beauty of the fresh turquoise waters, which also provide a handy rinse after soaking in salt water all day. The significant chill of the water also helps reverse any accumulated sloth from lounging all day at the beach. A wishing tree, covered in twists of material, each representing a wish, stands at the entrance.
The post Dilek National Park appeared first on Turkey Things To Do.