Turkey's Highest Coastal Lighthouse
Gelidonya Lighthouse stands on the rocky promontory of Taşlıkburnu in the Mavikent district of Kumluca, 237 metres above sea level. It is the highest-positioned lighthouse on Turkey's entire coastline. In 2007, the view from this point was voted the most beautiful in Turkey — a view that takes in the Beş Adalar, five small uninhabited islands rising from the sea directly ahead, with the Taurus Mountains behind and the Mediterranean stretching to every horizon.
The lighthouse lies within Beydağları Coastal National Park and marks one of the most dramatic stops on the Lycian Way long-distance walking trail.
A Coast of Shipwrecks
The waters around Taşlıkburnu have claimed ships for millennia. Strong reverse currents in this section of the bay, known in antiquity as the Pamphylian Sea, made these waters particularly treacherous for ancient mariners — and particularly rich for archaeologists.
In the cove directly in front of the cape lies the wreck of a Phoenician merchant vessel dating to around 1200 BC, approximately 30 metres below the surface. Discovered by an American diver in 1954 and systematically excavated by a team led by George Bass in 1960–61, this dig became one of the founding examples of modern underwater archaeology conducted with scientific rigour. The artefacts recovered are now displayed at the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
The Lighthouse and the Demir Family
Construction of Gelidonya Lighthouse began in 1934 and it entered service in 1936. Built on cliffs accessible only on foot, the lighthouse had no road connection from the start. It operated on gas oil in its early years, switched to a diesel generator in the 1990s, and in 2017 was fully converted to solar energy via panels installed on the roof. Today it produces a green light signal every 3 seconds, visible for 10 nautical miles.
The lighthouse has been operated by the Demir family for many years — a family that has lived and worked in one of the most remote and inaccessible spots on the Turkish coast, maintaining the light through changing seasons and technologies. The lighthouse building and keeper's quarters are protected as national heritage by the Turkish Coastal Safety Authority.
Two Routes to the Top
There are two ways to reach Gelidonya Lighthouse.
The Karaöz route begins at Karaöz neighbourhood in Mavikent. Drive along the forest road for approximately 6 kilometres — part of which is passable by 4x4 vehicle — then park and follow the marked trail to the lighthouse. The walking section takes around 45 to 60 minutes. The famous Korsan Koyu (Pirate Bay) is visible along this route.
The Adrasan route follows the Lycian Way trail entirely from Adrasan, covering approximately 12 kilometres one way. This route is recommended for experienced walkers and is considered one of the finest single-day stages of the Lycian Way. The total return journey from Adrasan takes 6 to 8 hours.
On both routes, there is nowhere to buy water or food along the way. Carrying sufficient water is essential — this is not a suggestion.
Camping Under the Stars
A camping area sits directly below the lighthouse, and it is one of the finest wild camping spots in the region. Visitors who arrive in the afternoon, watch the sunset, and spend the night report a night sky of extraordinary clarity — far from any town light pollution, the Milky Way is routinely visible. Waking to sunrise over the Mediterranean from 237 metres is a different experience from anything available at sea level.
Practical Information
- Location: Taşlıkburnu, Mavikent, Kumluca. Approximately 95 km from Antalya city centre, 8 km from both Adrasan and Karaöz.
- Getting there: Karaöz route — from Mavikent, follow signs toward Karaöz and then Likya–Gelidonya into the forest road. Adrasan route — follow the Lycian Way trail from Adrasan village.
- Entrance fee: Free.
- Time needed: Karaöz route, return trip: 1.5 to 2 hours walking. Adrasan route, one way: 4 to 6 hours.
- Important: No water available anywhere along either route. Bring more than you think you need. Note the parking point on the Karaöz route — the final section is not driveable.
- Camping: Tent camping permitted at the area below the lighthouse.
- Combine with: Adrasan Beach, Suluada, and Korsan Koyu can all be visited on the same day from the Karaöz side.
