Kabak and Faralya: mountain villages south of Ölüdeniz

South of Ölüdeniz a narrow road climbs along the cliffs of Babadağ to two small places that feel far from the resorts. Faralya sits high above Butterfly Valley; a little further on, Kabak drops down a green valley to a wild bay with bungalows, camps and yoga platforms on the terraces. Come for nature, walking and quiet, not for comfort or nightlife.

Where to stay around Kabak and Faralya

Accommodation here is small: village pensions, bungalows, tents and a few boutique places. If you want shops, nightlife and easy transport, stay in Ölüdeniz or Hisarönü and visit Kabak and Faralya for a day.

Times shown are from Dalaman Airport (DLM) to Ölüdeniz and Hisarönü (Dalaman Airport to Ölüdeniz). Faralya and Kabak are further on, beyond Ölüdeniz along a narrow mountain road: allow roughly another 30–45 minutes. There is no separate transfer page for them; agree the exact drop-off point in advance.

Beaches and Butterfly Valley

Kabak bay

Kabak's beach lies at the bottom of the valley: a bay of sand and pebbles facing the open sea, with clear water and evening sun. It has no promenade or resort facilities, only what the camps and bungalows nearby provide. On windy days waves can be strong and there is usually no lifeguard, so be careful with children and weaker swimmers.

Getting down means a steep track or path from the road; climbing back up in summer heat takes effort. Many places to stay pick up their guests from the road, so ask before you arrive.

Butterfly Valley from Faralya

From the edge of Faralya you look straight down into Butterfly Valley, a narrow gorge ending in a small beach. The view from the top is one of the most dramatic on this coast.

Safety: the path from Faralya down into the valley is extremely steep, partly secured with ropes, and has caused serious and fatal accidents. Do not attempt it, especially in heat, with children or in unsuitable shoes. The safe way in is by boat from Ölüdeniz, about 30 minutes; see boat trips and our Ölüdeniz guide.

Ölüdeniz for an easier beach day

If you want sunbeds, calm shallow water and cafés, Ölüdeniz beach and lagoon are on the way back towards Fethiye. Dolmuş and taxis connect them; see the Ölüdeniz guide.

Things to do

Walking the Lycian Way

The first stage of the Lycian Way runs from above Ölüdeniz along the cliffs to Faralya, and the route continues to Kabak and beyond. Even a few hours on the trail give big views over the sea. Paths are rocky and exposed to the sun: start early, carry plenty of water and wear proper shoes. Details in our Lycian Way guide.

Yoga, retreats and slow days

Kabak is known for yoga platforms, retreats and a back-to-nature atmosphere: days of swimming, reading and walking. Retreats are usually booked as packages for a week or so; check what is included and how far the bungalow is from the beach.

Boat trips, paragliding and more

Boat trips to Butterfly Valley and the coves start from Ölüdeniz beach, and tandem paragliders take off from Babadağ above it. Fethiye town, Kayaköy and Saklıkent gorge are day trips by car; see the Fethiye guide and outdoor activities.

Staying here: comfort, food and evenings

What to expect

Expect simple comfort. Many bungalows are basic wooden cabins, some share bathrooms, and a few camps rely partly on solar power, so electricity can be limited. Mobile signal and Wi-Fi are often weak; if you need to work online, ask before booking. Bring insect repellent, a torch and cash, and do not count on finding an ATM nearby.

Eating and evenings

Most guests eat where they stay; half board with home-style or vegetarian food is common. Faralya has a few village places, and small shops are scarce, so stock up in Ölüdeniz or Fethiye if you self-cater. Evenings are about dinner, stars and the sound of the sea: no bars or clubs. For nightlife, Hisarönü is the nearest option (Hisarönü guide).

Who it does not suit

Kabak and Faralya are a poor fit for people who want all-inclusive comfort, flat walks to the beach, nightlife or reliable internet. Families with small children and travellers with limited mobility should think carefully about the steep paths and the road.

Getting there and around

The nearest airport is Dalaman. Transfers to Ölüdeniz take about an hour (Dalaman Airport to Ölüdeniz, all Dalaman transfers); Faralya and Kabak are roughly another 30–45 minutes beyond on a narrow, winding mountain road. Many bungalows and pensions can arrange a pick-up.

Public transport is limited: a few dolmuş minibuses a day run from Fethiye via Ölüdeniz to Faralya and Kabak, fewer outside the season; check the times locally. Taxis are available but not cheap. If you drive, the road is narrow with steep drops and little room to pass; take it slowly and avoid driving it for the first time after dark.

When to go

May, June, September and October are best: warm sea, pleasant walking and fewer people. July and August are hot, and the climbs from the bay are hard work in the midday heat. Spring is lovely for hiking but the sea is still cool. In winter most bungalows and camps close. See weather by month.