Buyuk Menderes National Park — Attraction in Kuşadası

Beautiful.17.5.2019.It was only when i got back to the main entrance did i open the guide book and read about the Anatolian leopards that live in the area.Wild pigs live here too but now i think about it was the smell of cat pee a leopard or the scent from one of thousands of unfamiliar plants? The trip here took careful planning.I am staying in Kusadasi and discovered the bus station is at the very end of B Hayrettin Blvd.The road starts by the port and at the very end is a flyover and a busy road.You will see the bus station but i was told the bus stop was at the very end of b hayrettin.The cave made famous by Zeus is to the left as you pay 6 lira and pass through the gate to the park.The park is very long,please don't try to walk the length of it.The botanical path is at the very end of the park with beaches,and a canyon in between.The buses run every 20 minutes and will stop at the various stages but you will have to pay every time you board the bus.As i said you can explore a few paths but a road passes through the park next to the sea and there is little scope or sense in leaving the trails.I can imagine things would go wrong very quickly if you lose your direction.So much easier not to have ambitions of climbing the pine tree slopes..It's further than you think if you try to walk the park and the dolmus bus is incredibly cheap.It was pure luck i chose a quiet day to visit and saw very few people and i can imagine it gets really busy at weekends.Im going back tomorrow to walk the canyon.Please don't tell Natalie,my TUI tour rep about the leopards,she worries about me.I don't think my health insurance covers me being chased around the park by tigger the friendly leopard.You'll be fine i'm sure..I'm sure you wii have a great day here.The park closes at 5pm.You won't need hiking boots but you will need a lot of water,2,1 litre bottles lasted me in May.No cafes were open deep in the park the day i was there.There are water taps providing fresh water.You won't die of dehydration but your stomach might suffer dealing with different bacteria to what it's used to.That's it.I am going back to see the bit's i missed tomorrow.The canyon.Enjoy yourselves.If you need a good street map to find the bus station i got mine from tourist information,found close to the ferry port.Don't worry,the bus station is there at the end of the road but i was told i couldn't catch the bus from the bus station and had to catch if from town side of the flyover.You'll understand when you get...

We did the canyon hike at Dilek National Park. The park itself is pretty: long, empty, stone beaches; wild boars running around with their numerous babies, several pretty vistas overlooking the Aegean.... But the canyon hike was the highlight of our day in the park.

Theoretically, you need a guide or permit to go beyond the six kilometer point of the eighteen-kilometer hike. Practically, I think you could walk the whole distance without anyone troubling you. But the maps are confusing and I've read more than one account of people getting horribly lost and ending up hiking well over 30 km before finding they made a mistake and ended up somewhere other than where they planned on.

The trail is well maintained. The walk is fairly easy. The ascent at points is tiring. I suspect we went up about 1200 feet in the first 6 km.

If you do not intend to walk beyond the 6 km point, stop at the overlook with the little shelter house at about 4 and 3/4 kilometers. You will probably think, as we did, that there is some reason to hike to the 6 km mark. There is no reason to go beyond the overlook at 4.75 kilometers. The view there is wonderful. We went another nearly two km and found nothing but woods and trail before turning back.

Overall, it was a fun and tiring walk. It was pleasant rather than beautiful. At several points along the way there was water or resting spots. My wife drank the water without harm. I can't guarantee it's safe, but it didn't harm us and there were others...

Nestled along Turkiye’s stunning Aegean coast, this national park offers a beautiful blend of diverse landscapes, from pristine beaches to lush forests and rolling mountains.

The park is a haven for nature lovers and those looking to escape the crowds. The hiking trails are well-maintained and provide breathtaking panoramic views over the sea. Along the way, you can spot a variety of wildlife, including wild boars, rare birds, and vibrant wildflowers. The park’s famous beaches are perfect for swimming and picnicking, with its crystal-clear turquoise waters and natural beauty.

One of the highlights was the Cave of Zeus, an enchanting cave with a refreshing pool, surrounded by greenery and steeped in local legends. Swimming in its cool, blue waters was both relaxing and magical.

The park also has well-marked picnic areas, so it’s ideal for families, solo travelers, and anyone seeking peace and connection with nature. The facilities are good, and everything is kept clean and well-preserved.

I highly recommend spending a full day here to explore its trails, beaches, and hidden gems. Dilek Peninsula National Park is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Turkiye’s natural beauty away from the usual...