Description of the accomodation:
Kapikiri is located by the nature reserve of Lake Bafa inland from the Turkish Agais coast between Kusadasi and Bodrum. In former times the Lake Bafa was still an inlet of the sea and where famous cities such as Milet were built. The ancient harbour town of Herakleia, within whose walls the village of Kapikiri is built, lost its importance around 200 AD when the sediments of the River Menderes/Meander blocked the channel to the sea. Today the village is surrounded by a 6km long wall in which towers have been built every hundred metres. Within this wall there is visible evidence of an Athenean Temple, an Agora, a Bouletarian, a Roman Bath and an Amphitheatre. The inhabitants live, as they have done for the last hundred years, among the ancient ruins, self-sufficient with their cows and donkeys. In the distance are the extraordinary Latmos mountains with Byzantine monasteries, frescoes and 7000 year-old rock drawings. Lake Bafa is an invitation for swimming and boat trips.
Walks:
Kapikiri lies at the base of the Latmos mountains which are ideal for hill trips. Experienced climbers can enjoy themselves as well as moderate walkers. In less than 10 minutes you can be alone with the ancient city wall and remains of the city towers. There is also the opportunity of overnight stays in the mountains, where a good sleeping bag is necessary, or even taking a trip of several days through the mountains. For longer tours to specific places, such as the peak of Tekerleg Dag or the Stylos Cloisters a guide is essential. Paths are not as well way marked as in the Alps but with guides such as Adil all will be well. Throughout there is a feeling of exploration since on such trips you will meet only the semi-nomads and their herds, living in summer in their mountain caves.
Lake Bafa through the seasons:
Lake Bafa is worth visiting at every season. In winter the meadows in the hills and by the Lake are full of anemones and small narcissi, the Lake is populated with migrant birds of all types, the air is wonderfully clear and yet during the day there is the warmth of spring. The rooms have heating and in the billiards room there is a strange wood stove which you can learn to use yourself or leave it to run itself. Spring brings summer like temperatures, ideal for mountaineering. For ornithologists this is a must time! In summer you can hang out on the covered terrace and watch people in the village streets. When it gets too hot you can rest in the air conditioned room. In autumn, with temperatures as high as 30C, it is again suitable for trips into the mountains and you can watch the pelicans and herons.
Learn more about this holiday rental at the owner's website:
marks the location of the property in Mugla
