What is it, and why is it worth seeing?
Cape Gelidonia and the lighthouse with the same name - are part of the famous Lycian Way, Turkey's First Long Distance Walking Route through the territory of ancient Lycia. The length of the route is 540 km. Cape Gelidonia - with a lighthouse tower at the top of it - is one of the most amazing places on this long path. Why? Just imagine. The lighthouse stands on a site 227 m above sea level. From there, you can enjoy a view of the archipelago of five islands and the open sea that will take your breath away, and your head will spin around with delight! Do you know who created the Lycian Way? Kate Clow did, and she put a photo of the lighthouse of Gelidonia on the cover of her guide.
Since ancient times, Cape Gelidonia has been the culprit for many shipwrecks. The currents here constantly changed direction and were so unpredictable that ships were often thrown directly onto the rocks. This most dangerous place for navigation in the Antalya Gulf has become a real graveyard of ancient ships. The oldest vessel discovered to date was built in the 15th century BC. E.
However, the lighthouse on the cape was installed only in 1936. All building materials were transported by mules along the side of the mountain. There was no road there, and there is still no one. Kerosene was also brought on mules, the lighthouse worked on it before gasification. Now there are solar panels and an LED floodlight. The light of the lighthouse is visible at a distance of 18 nautical miles (this one is approximately 33 km). Finally, after so many centuries, the danger of shipwreck is over.
Who will like it?
Anyone who loves walking and simply loves to admire the views of the sea.
How to get there?
You can get to the lighthouse only on foot. There are two ways of getting there. You can get there from Karaöz along the old road for 5 km, and then you will walk for 2 km along the mountainside. On the other hand, you can go there from Adrasan along the Lycian Way. You will have to walk for 15 km, but it is the place, where the most impressive views open up. There are signs on the trail, so you definitely will not get lost!n the trail, so you definitely will not get lost!