FARALYA & KABAK
How to plan your day in these mountain villages with incredible views.
Faralya, also called Uzunyurt, is a tranquil village just 25 minutes' drive from Ölüdeniz. Nestled on a mountainside it’s a perfect spot to enjoy with stunning sea views. Beyond the neighboring village of Kabak, the road ends, and the coastline can only be explored on foot via the scenic Lycian Way.
Faralya and Kabak thrive on tourism, beekeeping, and harvesting fragrant mountain herbs like oregano, thyme, and sage. The region’s signature pine honey is a must-try and can be purchased at roadside cafés or Fethiye’s Friday market.
Currently, Faralya is undergoing significant development. From November to May, construction activity makes the village noisy and dusty. For this reason, staying here during the off-season is not ideal. Instead, I recommend exploring the highlights of Faralya and Kabak as part of a day trip.
Currently, Faralya is undergoing significant development. From November to May, construction activity makes the village noisy and dusty. For this reason, staying here during the off-season is not ideal. Instead, I recommend exploring the highlights of Faralya and Kabak as part of a day trip.
Faralya and Kabak are accessible by bus, with the schedule available online and stops listed in the Muğla Kart app. The route begins at the mosque bus stop. However, renting a car is a more convenient option. It allows you to stop at scenic viewpoints, explore at your own pace, and reach the beaches without the need for a steep hike down.
Restaurants in the villages can close unexpectedly or operate on irregular schedules, so here are a few options to consider visiting:
In Faralya, enjoy stunning views of Butterfly Valley at Kelebek Restaurant and Ottoman Gözleme Evi . While Kelebek offers the better view, Ottoman Evi stands out for its delicious flatbreads.
In Kabak Valley, two spots boast breathtaking vistas: Olive Garden and Kabak Misafir Evi. Kabak Misafir Evi is my personal favorite, but Deniz Restoran, located nearby, is also worth visiting. It even has a small market for essentials.
In Faralya, enjoy stunning views of Butterfly Valley at Kelebek Restaurant and Ottoman Gözleme Evi . While Kelebek offers the better view, Ottoman Evi stands out for its delicious flatbreads.
In Kabak Valley, two spots boast breathtaking vistas: Olive Garden and Kabak Misafir Evi. Kabak Misafir Evi is my personal favorite, but Deniz Restoran, located nearby, is also worth visiting. It even has a small market for essentials.
what to see
Faralya and Kabak
Must-Visits
Must-Visits
View Point above Lykia Liberty
After leaving Ölüdeniz and its scenic viewpoints, the road goes up, offering a stunning view of the Liberty Likya Hotel. Along the way, you’ll pass a beautiful overlook of the Blue Cave, a hidden gem known to few. Next, you'll arrive at the famous viewpoint above the Butterfly Valley, and just a little further, the village of Faralya comes into sight.
As you enter the village, you’ll find a few cafés serving gözleme (Turkish flatbreads), though their operating hours can be irregular. Ottoman Gözleme Evi is a favourite for its flavours, while Kelebek Café offers better views.
As you enter the village, you’ll find a few cafés serving gözleme (Turkish flatbreads), though their operating hours can be irregular. Ottoman Gözleme Evi is a favourite for its flavours, while Kelebek Café offers better views.
The Blue Cave
The Butterfly Valley
Kelebek Cafe
Rups
In Faralya, you can visit Rups Beach Club, which remains accessible even during the off-season, though it doesn’t operate at that time.
Another beach worth visiting in winter is Kabak Beach. If you’re not keen on heading down to the shore, enjoy the stunning views over the valley and beach from Kabak Misafir Evi, where you can relax with a cup of tea.
To reach the beach, you can either drive all the way down or hike part of the way. I recommend the latter, as the road after the parking area is rough, narrow, and better suited for quad bikes than low-clearance vehicles. The walk offers a more enjoyable and safer experience.
Tips for Visiting Faralya and Kabak
- Plan your trip for a weekday to avoid the crowds of local visitors.
- There are no gas stations or currency exchange offices in Faralya, so be sure to handle these needs in Fethiye. The last gas station is located near Upper Ölüdeniz.
- Avoid traveling to the villages during rain or strong winds. The mountain road leading to Faralya and Kabak is a winding serpentine, where falling rocks can pose a hazard in bad weather.
