The coastal path from Kadıkalesi to Turgutreis

Some walks are less about getting somewhere than about opening the day. The path between Kadıkalesi and Turgutreis is one of them. The sea on one side, gardens and houses on the other, and nothing ahead that needs hurrying.

It starts close to our homes. Most guests discover it on one of their first mornings, then keep coming back for the rest of their stay. Here is the route, the stops along the way, and the best times to go.

What to expect

Kadıkalesi and Turgutreis are linked by walking and cycling paths. It is an unhurried route that follows the coast. Not a mountain trail: trainers are fine. Along the way there are small cafés for a coffee stop, and jetties and beaches for a swim.

At the Kadıkalesi end the beach is a narrow strip of sand and shingle, with a wooden swimming jetty, shady eucalyptus trees and the ruin of an old Greek Orthodox church. As you near Turgutreis, life picks up: the seafront promenade, the marina, shops and restaurants.

If you would like to cycle, ask us in advance and we will think through the options together. Walking there and taking the dolmuş back is easy too; the stop is about 100 metres from the homes.

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes and a light bag you are happy to carry.
• Swimwear and a thin towel. You will want to get in the sea along the way.
• Water, a hat and sun cream, even in winter.
• A cloth bag and some cash for the market.
• A windbreaker for breezy days.

Bringing your dog? The path suits them too, and our homes are pet friendly. Keep a lead handy at busy times, and avoid the midday heat in summer. It works well for families as well: the easy stretches and frequent stops keep small legs going.

Best times to go

• Spring and autumn: the path at its best. Mild air, soft light, quiet beaches.
• Summer: in July and August midday highs reach 32–34 °C. Go early or late in the day, and carry water.
• Winter: on sunny days, the middle of the day is ideal. On windy days, a windbreaker is enough.
• Sunset: set off in the late afternoon, watch the sun go down from the Turgutreis shore, and take the dolmuş home.

A Saturday

Along the coast to market

Our guests’ favourite morning. The times are only suggestions. Take it slowly.

1. 08:30

   Kadıkalesi jetty

   A few minutes at the end of the jetty in the first light. The sea is usually at its calmest now.

2. 09:00

   Coffee by the beach

   Coffee or tea at one of the cafés on Kadıkalesi beach. If you want breakfast, simit and cheese are easy to find.

3. 09:30

   Along the shore

   Walk towards Turgutreis. No rush; stop at the jetties and look at the sea.

4. 10:30

   Saturday market

   The big Turgutreis market. Seasonal fruit and vegetables, village cheese, olives, herbs and much more.

5. 12:30

   A swim

   Cool off on the long Turgutreis beach. In winter, getting your feet wet counts.

6. 13:30

   Home

   Dolmuş back to the house. Unpack the market bags and eat lunch on the terrace.

The Turgutreis Saturday market

The Saturday market in Turgutreis is one of the best known on the peninsula. Go early: the crowds build as the morning goes on, and the best tomatoes sell out. Haggling is gentle and tasting is expected. In winter the stalls are piled with mandarins, oranges and greens; in summer with figs, watermelons, peppers and tomatoes.

Bring a cloth bag and some cash. Carrying heavy shopping home on the dolmuş is no trouble, but if you have bought a whole crate of mandarins, let us know and we’ll sort something out.

Coffee and swim stops

Rather than naming names, a general rule: what is open along the path changes with the season. In summer there is a café on almost every corner. In winter there are fewer, but you can always find a hot glass of tea in the centre of Turgutreis. Ask us which café is open that week, and which jetty is out of the wind.

For a swim, the wooden jetty at Kadıkalesi and the beach at Turgutreis are the easiest options. Kadıkalesi is a windy coast; on choppy days the Turgutreis side can be calmer. Guests can also use the complex’s own private beach.

For more ideas, see our guide and map.

Nearby

Stops along the way

İrfan’s favourite places between Kadıkalesi and Turgutreis.

Beaches & coves 2.8 km

Gümüşlük beach

The village beach, on a calm, shallow bay. After a swim, the waterfront cafés and restaurants are a few minutes’ walk away.

İrfan’s tipCome early in the morning, when the water is glassy and the bay hasn’t woken up yet.

Directions

Beaches & coves 0.5 km

Kadıkalesi beach and jetty

A narrow strip of sand and shingle about 500 metres’ walk from our homes, with a wooden swimming jetty, eucalyptus trees and cafés along the shore. One of the windier coasts on the peninsula, popular with windsurfers.

İrfan’s tipThe end of the jetty for a morning swim, and the same spot again for sunset: both are my favourites.

Directions

Sunsets 3.3 km

Turgutreis sunset shore

The long beach and seafront promenade of Turgutreis are known for their sunsets, with the sun sinking behind the islands offshore.

İrfan’s tipWalk to the northern end of the promenade, towards the fishermen’s harbour, where the crowd thins out.

Directions

Markets & shops 3.2 km

Turgutreis Saturday market

One of the best-known markets on the peninsula, held every Saturday in the centre of town. Seasonal fruit and vegetables, village cheese, olives, herbs and, in winter, crates of mandarins.

İrfan’s tipGo early with a cloth bag and some cash, and ask me which stall to buy olive oil from.

Directions