Carian Trail is an 800-km-long walking route exploring the South Western corner of Turkey. The trail is named after the Carian civilisation and covers a region rich in ancient ruins and history, where stone paved caravan roads and mule paths connect villages from the coast to the mountainous hinterland. Pine forest cloak mountain slopes with olive terraces and almond groves in the valleys make up an important part of the regions economy. The trail accesses a lesser-known and unspoilt region full of colour and tradition along with spectacular scenery.

Our programme combines the most beautiful treks of Carian Trail along Gökova Bay with sailing in the turquoise waters of Turkey. Hikes either start from the gulet or are reached by a short transfer. The trail goes through unspoilt Turkish villages and forests, and are always accompanied by spectacular views. Our hikes are usually half a day so you also spend time relaxing and enjoying the blue cruise experience.

Carian trail images are courtesy of Altay Ozcan. Please contact for permissions to use.

Day 1  Bodrum –  Visit to Bodrum Castle and Underwater Archeology Museum

You’ll be met at Bodrum Airport and transferred to your gulet (40 mins). After settling in, you will have time to stroll around in the colourful streets of Bodrum and we can pay a visit to Bodrum Castle, which hosts one of the best underwater archeology museums in the world.

Day 2 Kisebükü – Çakıllıyalı Walk

We disembark at the bay of Kisebükü to start our first hike on an old trail that was largely unused until the opening of the Carian Trail. The undulating route passes through many beaches and coves as well as pine trees, olive groves and strawberry trees. We meet our gulet at the end of the hike to enjoy a relaxing afternoon.

Walk Duration: 3-4 hours  Difficulty: Medium

Day 3 Labranda- Kargıcak Hike

A transfer takes us to the famous site of Labranda, a starting point to explore the Carian hinterland. After a comprehensive tour of the sacred site we descend on an old footpath in the direction of Milas. Through beautiful countryside and stunning views we walk to the village of Kargicak before heading back to our boat.

Walk Duration: 3 hours  Difficulty: Easy

Day 4 Alatepe – Ören Walk

We start the walk from the top of a mountain which offers spectacular views of the region. The route follows a caravan trail with views of Ören down below. We then have a leisurely afternoon on our gulet.

Walk Duration: 2 hours  Difficulty: Easy

Day 5 Sarnıç – Turnalı Walk

The hike starts high upon the plain in Sarnıç village surrounded by fertile fields. The trail passes through pine forests and spectacular viewpoints over the Gulf of Gokova and the Datça Peninsula. The day finishes as we walk down to the heavenly beach of Akbük in the afternoon.

Walk Duration: 3-4 hours  Difficulty: Medium

Day 6 Cleopatra Island

According to legend, Cleopatra Island was the secret meeting place of Antony and Cleopatra and it is said that Antony brought white sands all the way from Egypt to please his lover. On a visit to the island you can enjoy the soft sands and incredibly clear waters of Cleopatra Beach and visit the theatre, agora and ruins of the ancient city of Kedriai. After a day of relaxing, we’ll head back towards Bodrum for our last hike of the week.

Day 7 Bozalan – Hurma Beach via Gökbel Village

A short transfer takes us to Bozalan, famous for its natural-dye carpets, where we’ll have a refreshing tea in the village centre before starting the trek. We walk to the village of Gökbel following an old caravan trail and then head down to Hurma Beach where we meet our gulet. A walk with of stunning views of the turquoise sea is followed by an afternoon swimming in them.

Walk Duration: Up to 6 hours  Difficulty: Medium

Day 8 Back in Bodrum

A wonderful week exploring the Carian region finishes in Halicarnassus – or Bodrum as we like to call it these days – where you’ll disembark the boat and be transferred back to the 21st century (and the airport).

DATES & PRICES

25 April – 2 May
19 Oct – 17 Oct

£1300  per person

WALK

Walking hours include occasional breaks and stops for lunch. Distances range from 9–16 km. On many days there is an option for shorter walks.

GULET

A gulet is a two or three masted wooden boat usually found in the eastern Mediterranean. Thanks to their spacious design and high capacity water and fuel tanks, gulets are ideal for leisure charters. For Carian Trail Trek & Sail Tour we will use a luxury class gulet containing a mixture of double and twin cabins with A/C and en-suite bathroom. All of our gulets have plenty of deck area for sunbathing etc. All meals s are taken on aft deck in beautiful coves. Basic snorkelling equipment will be available for the use of our guests. 

FOOD

All of our boats have on-board chefs who specialise in cooking local dishes. If you think Turkish food is all about doner kebabs, you’re in for a pleasant surprise.  There’s lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, olive oil dishes, grilled fish and meat and wonderful mezes. All food is prepared by the chef and served by the crew. Take a look at our sample menu for more details.

GROUP

This tour will operate with between 10 and 14 participants.

WHAT TO BRING

Hiking boots or strong shoes with good tread and ankle support, shorts and t-shirt (warm weather), fleece, waterproofs, day pack (35ltr. + -), walking trousers, long sleeved top, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sun cream), insect repellant, walking poles recommended,
beach towel, swimming gear, slippers / flip-flops

WEATHER

SPRING

In April day temperatures reach low 20s(centigrade), mostly sunny but still chances of rain. Evenings can still be quite chilli in early April. In May temperatures rise to high 20s with less chance of rain.

AUTUMN

From mid September through to October, mainly sunny days with temperatures in the mid 20s and warm evenings that gradually cool down later in the season.