TRIPS
While many guests are happy to enjoy the restful beauty of the Huzur Vadisi valley during their stay, the immediate region is full of interest for those wishing to explore further afield. The staff at Huzur Vadisi can provide information and advice on local travel, and can arrange day-trips for individuals or groups.
Huzur Vadisi is on the gorgeous 'Turquoise Coast' of southwest Turkey, with deep bays, unspoiled islands, dramatic limestone cliffs, and forested mountains rising from the sea. For those interested in history the region is rich with artifacts of the ancient Lycians, as well as Greeks, Romans and Persians.
WALKING
Enjoying the beauty of the region doesn't require an elaborate excursion. You can leave the property on foot and walk unhindered in any direction through the pine forests.
Trails provide spectacular views of the coast and islands, and also of the mountain ranges stretching inland to the north.
VILLAGE
For a quick get-away, the small seaside town of Gocek is only a ten-minute taxi ride. The town has a pretty palm-lined seafront with bars and restaurants, and still retains its laid-back and friendly village atmosphere despite being one of Turkey’s most up-market yachting centres. Shopping includes jewelry, carpets, ceramics, clothes, and spices. There are also banks and cash points. A favourite excursion is a visit to the Gocek Sunday morning market, followed by a lunch at a local cafe.
BOAT TRIPS
Guests’ all-time favourite day trip is a cruise around the islands and bays of this stunning coastline on a traditional wooden sailing boat. A day's cruise provides plenty of time for swimming and sunbathing, and a delicious lunch is cooked and served on board. The comfortable boats have toilets and a changing cabin on board, and provide ample deck space to stretch out in the sun or under a shaded awning. The Bay of Gocek, described by the yachting fraternity as the most beautiful in the Mediterranean, offers lovely views as well as beautiful clear water.
BEACHES
While swimming from a boat is the most popular way to enjoy the sea, there are also two nice beaches within a fifteen-minute taxi ride from Huzur Vadisi. One beach, with lovely views and slightly pebbly sand, is in the next bay along the coast. The other is at a five-star hotel in Gocek. Day-membership permits access to their private beach, and also reduced prices for lunch at their chic restaurant overlooking the bay. Another less-expensive but very nice private beach has opened on the other side of the bay in Gocek, and provides decking, sun loungers and a small sandy beach. For serious beach lovers there are two long beautiful sandy beaches, in protected nature preserves, within an hour's drive.
TURKISH BATHS
Another favourite guest activity is a visit to the Turkish Baths in Gocek. A delicious steam bath precedes a thorough scrubbing and exfoliation by attendants. Massage is also available. Relax and refresh Sultan-style!
FETHIYE
Fethiye is about 40 minutes away and is the nearest large town. Set on a beautiful bay, it features shops, bazaars, seafront cafes, Turkish baths and the ruins of the ancient city of Telmessos.
DALYAN
Dalyan is a lovely little town on a reedy river estuary about an hour from Huzur Vadisi. Riverboats carry guests to the spectacular Lycian rock tombs, the ancient ruins of Caunos, hot sulphur springs on Koygegiz Lake and mud baths. Alternatively you can spend the day enjoying the pristine sea and sand of Istuzu beach, a nature conservancy area at the mouth of the river.
OTHER ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES
The history of the region spans the Greeks, Romans and Persians, and before them the ancient Lycians who are thought to have come from Minoan Crete. The region is strewn with the romantic remains of Lycian cities, most of which remain un-excavated and where we are often the only visitors roaming among the temples, broken columns and amphitheatres.
The favourite Lycian city to visit is Cadianda, perched on a wildly dramatic mountain top, which is also the nearest at just over an hour away. Tlos, Pinara and Xanthos are a full day's trip, but are well worth the effort if you have the time.