Faralya Travel Guide: Discover Turkey’s Hidden Coastal Paradise

Ömer Faruk Kino
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Faralya, officially known as Uzunyurt Village, is located in the Fethiye district of Muğla. However, it is commonly referred to as Faralya by both locals and tourists, and is considered a hidden Mediterranean village. It is only 25–30 kilometres from the bustling centre of Fethiye and approximately 15 kilometres from the crystal-clear waters of Ölüdeniz. This distance makes Faralya both easily accessible and a holiday destination away from the crowds.

Thanks to its unique nature, quiet coves, location on the Lycian Way, and proximity to Butterfly Valley, Faralya is an unforgettable stop for nature lovers and travellers seeking quiet. So, what to do in Faralya? And where to see in Faralya? Let's explore together!

How to Get to Faralya and the Best Time to Visit

Most travellers reach Faralya via Fethiye. From the centre of Fethiye, you can reach Faralya in about 40 minutes by private car, taxi or minibus, which operate during the summer months. If you set off from Ölüdeniz, the journey time is reduced to 20 minutes. Along the way, the winding roads passing through the foothills of Babadağ offer panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea at every turn.

When is the Best Time to Visit Faralya?

The ideal time to visit is during the summer season, between the end of May and the beginning of September. During this period, the daytime temperatures are perfect for swimming in the sea, while the nights are slightly cooler, allowing for a comfortable night's sleep. In the spring months, nature is lush green, butterflies are abundant in the valley, and the hiking trails are filled with flowers. By the end of summer, the sea is still warm, and the weather is relatively calmer.

The Best Restaurants in Faralya – Flavour and Scenery Combined

Although Faralya is a small settlement, it does not disappoint when it comes to cuisine. Faralya restaurants welcome guests with both local flavours and international cuisine options.

Some of the highlights:

Olive Garden Kabak – With a view of Kabak Bay, this popular restaurant, rated 4.7 on Tripadvisor, offers both traditional and creative dishes. Enjoying a seafood platter here as the sun sets in the evening is a unique experience.

Nihan's Kitchen – A small but cosy establishment known for its homemade appetisers, fresh salads and hospitality.

Delimeze Restaurant – Known for its local Aegean appetisers, olive oil dishes and seafood.

Perdue Restaurant – A perfect choice for a romantic dinner. It offers fine dining under the stars, accompanied by a Mediterranean breeze. Vegan and vegetarian menu options are also available.

These restaurants are memorable not only for their food but also for their locations, where you can enjoy Faralya's unique natural scenery.

Source: Hotels.com

Faralya's Most Beautiful Hotels – The Address for Boutique Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation in Faralya, boutique hotels and bungalows designed in harmony with nature come to mind first. Faralya hotels offer a personalised holiday experience away from the crowds of large resorts.

Perdue Boutique Hotel – Rooms designed with wood and bamboo details, private balconies, and sea-view jacuzzis. The pinnacle of romance for couples.

Seaview Faralya Boutique Hotel – As the name suggests, the view takes centre stage here. The ‘Sea Room’ accommodation options with private pools and jacuzzis are among the most popular.

Yediburunlar Lighthouse Boutique Hotel & Restaurant – Adults-only concept, outdoor pool and endless Mediterranean views for those seeking peace and quiet.

Onur Motel Faralya – Known for its location near Butterfly Valley, its garden, free breakfast and friendly service.

Keyif Motel – With its spacious garden, restaurant, and peaceful atmosphere, it is suitable for both families and couples.

Waking up in the morning at Faralya hotels and enjoying breakfast accompanied by the sound of birds chirping and the scent of the sea is one of the greatest luxuries of this region.

The Most Beautiful Bays for Swimming in Faralya

The Faralya coastline is mostly surrounded by steep slopes and rocky cliffs. However, the most well-known bay for swimming in the area is Butterfly Valley.

Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi) is a natural wonder located at the foot of Babadağ, surrounded by cliffs reaching up to 350 metres. It derives its name from the tiger moth species that can be seen in the valley, especially in spring and early summer. Here, you will find two small waterfalls, a sweet water stream, and a pristine sandy beach.

To reach the valley, you can either hike a challenging trail from Faralya or join a boat tour departing from Ölüdeniz. While the hiking trail is adventurous, some areas require caution.

Other bays near Faralya where you can swim include Kabak Bay, Cennet Bay, and Aktaş Beach. These bays are known for their calm, turquoise waters and natural beauty.

Things to Do in Faralya and Surroundings

Faralya is not only a great destination for beach holidays, but also for nature and hiking tourism.

Lycian Way Hike – Faralya is located on the famous Lycian Way. The Ovacık–Faralya section is approximately 13.5 kilometres long and is filled with Mediterranean views, pine forests and hillside villages.

Butterfly Valley Exploration – Ideal for swimming, camping, hiking to waterfalls and photography.

Sunset Viewing – Faralya's high points offer a unique view of the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.

Fethiye Tour – A short drive from Faralya takes you to the centre of Fethiye, where you can shop, explore the markets, and join boat tours.

Additional Information About Faralya

  • Although its official name is Uzunyurt, the name ‘Faralya’ is more commonly used.

  • The population is quite small, with approximately 640 people living there according to 2022 data.

  • For those who want a holiday away from noise and surrounded by nature, Faralya is one of Turkey's hidden paradises.

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