3 Bedroom Villa in Uzumlu

A world away from the hustle of the tourist hotspots, this is unspoilt Turkey at its best. A short walk from the village of Uzumlu, on the edge of wooded slopes with breathtaking mountain views, Villa Karatavuk is just a 20 minutes drive from Turkey's beautiful Turquoise Coast. At 500m above sea level, the cooling mountain breezes are most welcome when temperatures on the coast are soaring. Set in landscaped gardens, at the end of a small road though the forest, the villa is newly built but in traditional style. With shaded paths and cooler mountain air, the wooded slopes around the villa are a paradise for walkers. Just a couple of miles from the villa - passing the Lycian rock tombs lying scattered in woodland glades along the way - is the ancient hilltop city of Cadianda. We are also close to the famous Lycian Way, rated by the Sunday Times as one of the "World's 10 Best Walks". 
 
Take breakfast out on the balcony, drinking in the view across the valley to the distant mountains. In this secluded location, you’ll hear little but the sound of birdsong and the occasional tinkle of a goat bell. Yet the village of Uzumlu is just a short walk away through the trees and fields lower down the valley slope. Inspect the local hand-woven fabrics as they are made on the loom – you can even have your own piece made to order in a couple of days! Try some of the local specialties at one of the outdoor restaurants, and watch the world go by (slowly) as you sample the local wine. 
 
With shaded paths and cooler mountain air, the wooded slopes around the villa are a paradise for walkers. This is the ideal base for visiting the ancient Lycian cities scattered in ruins around the hilltops and valleys of the region. The high Turkish mountains are so close you could almost touch them, hiding many almost forgotten ancient Roman/Greek sites, as well as the superb rugged scenery of the Lycian peninsula; forest slopes cut with fast flowing rivers - notably the Xanthos - and deep gorges such as Saklikent. 
 
Just 5 mins walk from the villa, the small village of Uzumlu is primarily the centre of the agricultural activities of the surrounding valley. Set in a small fertile plateau at 500m, and ringed by mountains, the name comes from the grape vines that grow in profusion along its sunlit slopes. There are a couple of good restaurants in Uzumlu, serving local specialities, and even the chance of some live music in the evening, played on the traditional Turkish stringed instrument, the "saz". Or if you have less time, pop in to the local snack bar for a ‘pide’, the Turkish equivalent to pizza. 
 
Shopping couldn't be easier - there are a number of shops in the village where all sorts of fresh food and other supplies can be had, including the excellent locally baked bread. At the weekly market in the main square, you will be astonished at the vast choice of fresh fruit, vegetables and spices on display. And all from local farmers who never had to go organic - because they always have been! 
 
Heading down to the coast, the famous Blue Lagoon is protected from development, but there are several bars along the Oludeniz beachfront. Another more scenic route is to take a boat from Fethiye along the coast directly to the beach. Turkey's Turquoise Coast hides many more secluded coves and bays, including the almost deserted 20km sandy beach at Patara, less than an hour's drive from Uzumlu. The lovely coastal villages of Kalkan and Kas are just a little further along the coast. 
 
Our English-speaking local agent is available during your stay to answer any queries by phone or at the office in the village. He is can also advise on any activities or excursions you may wish to arrange. Airport transfer is available at £30-35 per party. 
 

Villa Karatavuk is not only a rental property but our second home; therefore it has been furnished and decorated to a high standard and has all the home comforts you (or at least we) could desire. Set in landscaped gardens, at the end of a small road though the forest, the villa is newly built (2007) but in traditional style. It is part of a small gated development of just five detached villas with a large shared pool. The villa has a private patio with BBQ and dining area under a pergola, as well as access to the shared terrace around the large pool. There is private parking for two cars, and there is also a small visitors car park close by.

Shopping, sailing, diving, kayaking and many other watersports & activities are just 20mins away in Fethiye. The nearest beach is at Calis about 25 mins by car. The famous Olu Deniz beach is about 35mins drive. The 18km white sand beach at Patara is about 55 mins. There are also very many small coves and beaches dotted along the coast all within a 30-40min drive. In addition, the offshore islands in the sheltered bay of Fethiye offer many spots for secluded swimming & sunbathing off sandy beaches, just a short boat trip from the Town quay. This is also a world class venue for paragliding, from Babadag, a 10,000 foot mountain directly overlooking Olu Deniz beach. Many wonderful ancient sites such as Xanthos, Patara, Tlos & Cadianda can be visited nearby, with Lycian rock tombs scattered throughout the region. 
 
For more information on the area and activities around the SW coast of Turkey, visit our website www.discoveruzumlu.com