Route 8 - Dionysos Mountain Track

The walk starts at the village Mosque in the middle of Turunç. From here, proceed south along the main street (with the sea on your left), cross over the canal bridge toward Palette Bar. Follow the road up a gentle hill to MyMeriç Hotel. Here keep right and continue following the road. Another road joins from the right and shortly after you pass the only Turunç petrol station on your right. A little further and you reach a large road junction - Antik Restaurant will be in front of you.

Antik Roundabout has 5 roads off. The first on the left is signposted to Amos. The one you want is the second on the left, 41 Sokak.

After approximately 150m along 41 Sokak, having passed buildings on your right, the track leaves the road and branches off to the right. If you miss this turning you will soon come to some houses and a dead end.

The track itself is very well way-marked so just look out for the red and white painted markings on rocks and trees. The markings not only confirm that you are on the right track but also indicate the direction the track takes.

The track ascends through varied terrain, becoming increasingly wooded.

At any time of the year you can see a variety of interesting wild flowers.

If you are walking the route early in the year (February to April) you may be lucky enough to see a rare Anatolian Orchid.

Even when the track is indistinct, the way markers should keep you heading in the right direction.

After about 1.2km the track turns right and an amazing open plateau appears in front of you. There are two dilapidated shepherds huts on your left. This is a great place to stop for lunch or a short break and enjoy the tranquility of this secluded and beautiful plateau.

The track runs alongside the shepherds huts and then turns right to run along the far side of the plateau before turning left to continue the ascent. After about a further kilometre the Dionysos Estate comes into view through the trees. Dionysos is an Exclusive Escapes holiday resort built over a huge canyon and with stunning views over Kumlubük Bay.

From the Dionysos Estate the track turns left and starts to head towards the sea. The track provides stunning views over Kumlubük Bay, the Dionysos Canyon, and back towards the Dionysos Estate. A large area of unusual, large rock formations provides another stopping off point. Look out for the wild flowers growing in the deep spaces between the rocks.

Keep an eye out for bright red Cytinus ruber plants. These are parasitic flowering plants, usually parasitizing rock roses. Depending on the time of year you may see them covered in small white flowers.

The track joins the Amos road next to the entrance to the Ancient City of Amos ruins. If you haven’t had chance to visit these ruins, now would be a great time!

Amos City dates to the Hellenistic era and now consists of an amphitheatre on the side of the hill, a temple and statue pedestals. Surrounded by ramparts dating back to the same time, this amphitheater is in good condition, including its seating area, side walls and stage with three chambers. Excavations in 1948 by Professor George Evards Bean revealed four inscriptions, which mentioned three rental contracts, thought to date from around 300 to 200 B.C.

See also the Amos by Road walk for a separate walk directly from Turunç to the Amos ruins. (http://www.turuncwalks.com/route.php?id=1).

Join the Amos road and turn left. Following the road you will pass the Amos Profesörler Sitesi. Here you will find the famous Amos White Houses, at the top end of the site, and Amos Red Houses lower down. Formerly holiday homes for staff from Marmarar and Anadolu universities, they are now largely privately owned.

Follow the road for a further 500m and look out for the mountain track on your left, just as the road bends to the left. If you prefer a more leisurely return to Turunç you can stay on the road until it returns to the Antik roundabout.

The mountain track leaves the road heading directly away from the sea for a few meters. It then turns right, following the line of a fence through small trees and shrub before the track ascends, running parallel to the road below on the right.

The ascent is rough in places, with loose stone under foot, so care is required. You will need to stop to appreciate views back over Amos bay, and forwards towards Turunç at different parts of the track – and keep an eye out for the red and white way markers.

As the track descends toward Turunç village you will pass some large villas on your right after which the track becomes a road leading back to the Amos road, just above the Antik roundabout.

When the track joins the Amos road, turn left and head down to the Antik roundabout.

From the Antik roundabout take the first turning on your right (38 Sokak) and follow the road, retracing the first section of the walk, back to the village centre and Mosque.