Elmalı is a town in Antalya Province in the Lycia region of Turkey.

Understand

Elmalı is a town of around 15,000, high in the western Taurus mountains of Antalya province. As it is far inland from the Antalya-Fethiye coastal road, it has little tourist development. Nonetheless as a prosperous regional hub for agriculture and trade, it has plenty of facilities. At an altitude of around 1000 m, it is pleasantly cool in summer compared to the coastal towns. It is an excellent starting point for exploring the spectacular mountains and traditional villages around.

The name Elmalı means "of apples", reflecting the fact that 10% of Turkey's apple crop is produced in the surrounding area.

Get in

Dolmus (minibus) services run to Elmalı from Antalya city, as well as Kaş, Kalkan, Patara, Kemer, Gombe and other towns in the region.

From Kaş, buses leave at 08:00, 10:00, 13:00, 14:30 and 17:30. A return service leaves at 09:15, 12:30 and 17:15. The trip takes 2½ hours and costs 12 TL.

Get around

Elmali is small enough to cover on foot. The bus station is in the centre of town. To leave the bus station, walk away from the vehicle entrance, past the filling station, cross the roundabout then continue uphill a short distance to reach the main street. Taxis are also available at the bus station.

Do

Elmalı is one starting point for hiking Mt. Kizlarsivrisi. This 3000-m peak, the highest in western Antalya, is a fairly challenging 2-3 day hike. Most of the route, up to around 2200 m, follows one of various dirt tracks in good condition. These tracks are regularly used by locals in tractors (but not so regularly that you can rely on one passing on any given day.)

The hike starts from the village of Söğle ("Serlay"), 10 km east of Elmalı. Expect to be harassed by large shepherds' dogs in the first few kilometres; carry a strong stick and be prepared to throw stones, and keep walking as they are defending their territory. The route alternates between farmland and sparse forest for the first approx 12 km before emerging above the treeline and passing high mountain pastures.

There are a number of wells along the route. Bucket and rope is not provided — bring at least 10 m of cord. Check with locals about water availability, as these wells run dry in the summer before the first rains.

Wildlife includes wolves, wild horses and eagles. Wolves target goats but are not a threat to humans. Snakes and scorpions are a possible danger as with anywhere in Turkey. The presence of hunters means that most wildlife keeps well away from people.

A large house below the steep final section (visible on Google Earth) is run by the local mountain climbers association. It is locked and shuttered when not in use, however the covered porch could provide uncomfortable emergency shelter.

The final stage passes north of the summit, curves around from a comma-shaped valley (clearly visible on Google Earth), follows a footpath over a southbound pass, then breaks off to ascend the eastern ridge. This part is difficult talus and scree. Immediately below the summit ridge is a small valley. A stone circle here acts as an unroofed emergency shelter. Bear in mind that at this altitude, night-time temperatures will dip below freezing even in summer.

Buy

There's a reasonable selection of shops including supermarkets, ATMs, hunting shops (which may stock some outdoor/hiking gear), and clothes shops.

Eat

There is no shortage of typical inexpensive Turkish restaurants on the main street. Prices are lower than more touristy towns.

SEHA is a pleasant cafe/patisserie on the main street, a little downhill from the hotel area. Upstairs is an airy, partly open-air spot for people-watching and with a good view of the mountain behind.

Drink

• Likya Şarapları. A local winery with a great view of the mountains. Its wines have achieved a level of international acclaim, and get favourable reviews, although the restaurant on the premises less so. 

Sleep

Three hotels are available towards the north-western end of the main street, all on the left side of the street when coming from the bus station.

• Tuba Hotel is 40 TL for a single.
• Yorukoglu Pansiyon is a comfortable and clean pension opposite the large mosque. Rooms are heated, have balcony and TV and soft mattresses! The shared bathrooms have 24-hr water, which will be appreciated as even summer nights are cool. 30 TL for a single. Wireless internet is available. The friendly staff speak a little English. The entrance is signed but slightly obscure, around the corner next to a square, and upstairs from the Belediye office. Tel: 0242 618 8477. Email: yorukoglupansiyon@hotmail.com.
• Arzu Hotel is 40 TL for a single, and is the choice of foreign tour groups.

Connect

Elmali and its approach highways have 4G from all Turkish carriers. As at July 2023, 5G has not rolled out in Turkey.