G Turkiye

Author: Tn

  • Black Island, a Popular Point for Yachts and Gulet Boats in Bodrum

    Black Island, a Popular Point for Yachts and Gulet Boats in Bodrum

    Karaada, commonly known as Black Island, is one of the most famous natural attractions near Bodrum. Located approximately six kilometers off the coast, the island is a popular stop for daily boat tours, gulets, and private yachts exploring the Aegean Sea.

    Healing Thermal Springs and Mud Caves

    Karaada is especially well known for its natural thermal springs and mineral-rich mud, which flow from a cave on the island. These waters are believed to have therapeutic properties, particularly beneficial for skin conditions.

    Visitors often apply the dark mineral mud to their skin as a natural spa treatment. After the mud mask, guests typically rinse off in the warm thermal waters inside the cave before swimming in the crystal-clear Aegean Sea just outside.

    Cleopatra Legend

    According to local tradition, it is believed that Cleopatra once used the island’s mineral-rich mud to preserve her beauty. While this story is part of popular legend rather than verified history, it adds a romantic and cultural charm to the island’s reputation. Because of this association, the mud baths are especially popular among visitors seeking natural wellness experiences.

    Landscape and Natural Beauty

    Despite its name, “Black Island” is not dark or barren. In fact, the island is lush and green, covered mainly with pine forests and Mediterranean vegetation.

    On the side facing Bodrum, there is a small cave area that serves as a popular stop for yachts and gulets. Nearby, visitors can also find a modest motel and a seaside restaurant offering basic facilities for travelers.

    Hidden Coves Around the Island

    The back side of Karaada features several beautiful coves and quiet beaches, many of which are frequently visited by boat tours due to their calm waters and clean sandy seabeds.

    • Adali Cove, located about 1.5 km east of Poyraz Port and north of Yassı Island, is known for its clear waters and peaceful atmosphere.
    • Cemderci Cove, also around 1.5 km east of Tavsan Point, is another popular anchoring spot, appreciated for its clean sandy bottom and excellent swimming conditions.

    These hidden coves offer a more secluded and tranquil experience compared to the busier tourist stops around Bodrum.

    Karaada combines natural healing waters, scenic pine-covered landscapes, and calm turquoise bays, making it one of the most unique destinations near Bodrum. Whether for relaxation, swimming, or traditional mud baths, the island remains a favorite stop for visitors exploring the Aegean coast.

  • The Taurus Mountains, Turkey

    The Taurus Mountains, Turkey

    The Toros (Taurus) Mountains 3756 m., are the Westernmost branches of the great mountain chain that stretches across all of Asia the Himalayan mountain belt. The Turkish section of this massive mountain range follows the Southern border of Anatolia and is itself made up of four major sections, the Western, Central, Southern and South eastern (Taurus) Toros ranges. The highest peaks rise out of the Central and Southeastern branches, a stretch of mountains, which are rugged, magnificent and arduous to climb.

    The Toros Ala Mountains
    Forming part of the Central (Taurus) Toros range, the Ala range runs from the Southwest to the Northeast for approximately 50 kilometers and boasts the region’s highest peak, Demirkazik that stretches to 3756 meters. Other high summits include Kizilkaya in the center (3725 m), a peak that reaches 3688 meters in the South, and Mt. Vayvay in the East (3565 m). This long range, situated in the provinces of Nigde, Kayseri and Adana, rises between Lake Ecemis and the Zamanti river.

    The geology of the area is responsible for the interesting rock formations and waterfalls. The erosion of limestone has created a fascinating karstic topography and hydrography, especially in the Yedigoller valley, where karstic underground rivers and caverns collect the surface water. Both the Mediterranean and Anatolian weather systems influence the climate of the Ala Mountains, bringing warm summers and cool winters to the area.

    Trips and climbs
    The best season to climb the mountains is during May, June, July and August when the alpine meadows of the higher elevations are rich in vegetation. Researchers and mountaineers ascending the Ala Mountains usually begin their climb from either Camardi or Cukurbag village. Those attempting to climb the Demirkazik summit depart from Demirkazik village. Both of these villages lie 65 km from Nigde and can be reached by asphalt road.

    Regional attractions
    The yaylas of the Toros (Taurus) Ala Mountains are the summer homes of entire villages and the summer grazing of herds of animals. Be sure to see the rounding up of all the animals for milking. Traditionally women of these encampments have produced some of Turkey’s most beautiful carpets and kilims, and it is often possible to see a carpet still in progress.