Forest Meeting the Sea on the Dilek Peninsula

There are very few places in Turkey where forest runs straight down to the sea, and the Dilek peninsula is the finest of them. The national park protects both a rich wildlife and four coves lined up one after another. Two hours from İzmir, it makes an excellent day trip.

Getting there: drive towards Kuşadası and on to Güzelçamlı, where the park entrance lies, about two hours. A train and bus combination via Selçuk also works. Vehicle numbers inside are capped, so arrive early on summer mornings.

The day: past the gate you reach, in order, the coves of İçmeler, Aydınlık, Kavaklıburun and Karasu. İçmeler is nearest and busiest, and the crowds thin as you go further. Kavaklıburun has the best pebbles and the clearest water for swimming. A footpath links the coves, and walking it through the forest is far better than driving between them. The canyon trail inland is marked and takes about two hours. Wild boar and jackal live here and research continues into traces of the Anatolian leopard; feeding animals is prohibited.

Eating: Güzelçamlı has fish restaurants and home cooking. The kiosks inside the park are limited, so bring food and water.

Tips: there is an entrance fee and a closing time, so watch the hour. Spring and autumn are both quieter and better for walking.