Ağçakise, Başpınar, Bici, and Kosurga plateaus, located 3-5 kilometers apart in Adana's Aladağ district, are four distinct plateau regions situated within forested areas, accessible via stabilized roads, and free to visit.
When Adana is mentioned, scorching heat and kebab usually come to mind; however, as you travel north towards the Aladağ district, the picture changes radically. Ağçakise, Başpınar, Bici, and Kosurga plateaus welcome visitors as four distinct plateaus, nestled in the embrace of lush green forests, only 3-5 kilometers apart from each other. These plateaus, which have largely preserved their pristine nature, are perfect for those tired of crowded holiday destinations and seeking silence and fresh air.
Rural restaurants, local coffee houses, and grocery stores operate in the plateaus; therefore, you can meet your basic needs. It is possible to reach these points with a standard vehicle via stabilized roads; however, since some parts of the road are narrow and bumpy, using a high-clearance vehicle increases comfort. Located right in the middle of the forested area, the plateaus offer photographic opportunities both in the hours when morning mist covers the mountains and in the afternoon when the sun paints the pine forests golden.
Related discoveries: Adana places to visit, Natural Beauties, Adana natural beauties, Yerköprü Recreation Area.
Guide's Note
The vast majority of travelers visiting the Aladağ plateaus have been greatly impressed by the region's natural scenery and forest roads. Ağçakise, Başpınar, Bici, and Kosurga plateaus stand out as an attractive option for those coming for nature walks and exploration, with their vast natural areas and welcoming greenery. More than one visitor has emphasized that one cannot say "I have lived" without coming here and seeing it.
However, some visitors believe that the region could be developed as a picnic area; they state that it is not entirely comfortable for families in its current state. Feedback regarding poor road conditions is also noteworthy.
- Location information can be misleading: More than one visitor has reported that the map location directed them to a wrong or completely deserted spot. It may be useful to verify the route before going.
- Roads are challenging: The process of reaching the region and the existing road conditions have been found challenging, especially for families.
- Safety: At least one visitor reported a snake encounter; caution is advised for those with children.
- Communication difficulty: One visitor reported repeatedly encountering a busy signal when trying to reach the relevant line.
Best Time to Visit
The most suitable period for the plateaus is the summer season, extending from early June to late September. While the Adana plain reaches temperatures exceeding 40 degrees in July-August, the weather in these plateaus remains much cooler and more livable; this truly transforms the plateaus into an escape point. The mist that settles over the forest in the morning hours creates a unique atmosphere for photography enthusiasts. From October onwards, the weather rapidly cools, and roads become muddy and slippery in places. In winter months, snowfall can significantly hinder access; we recommend checking road conditions before going during this period.
How to Get There?
The distance from Adana city center to Aladağ district center is approximately 80-90 kilometers. This route is largely covered comfortably via highway. Private vehicle is by far the most practical and flexible option for reaching the plateaus; as public transport connections are very limited and may not align with plateau hours. After arriving at Aladağ district center, the plateaus are reached via stabilized roads. While these roads are passable with a standard vehicle, high-clearance or 4x4 vehicles offer a significantly more comfortable experience on narrow and bumpy sections. Before your journey, ensure your fuel tank is full; there are no fuel stations in the plateaus.
Suggested Route: Four Plateaus in One Day
Since the four plateaus are only 3-5 kilometers apart, it is easily possible to see all of them in one day. You can leave Adana early in the morning and first reach Ağçakise Plateau; walking in the forest before the morning mist dissipates offers a special pleasure here. Afterwards, you can move to Başpınar Plateau for a rural breakfast or a tea break. Around noon, you can visit Bici Plateau and have lunch at a local rural restaurant. As the last stop of the day, it is recommended to visit Kosurga Plateau and then set off to return to Adana before nightfall. Keep in mind that the roads are stabilized and may vary depending on weather conditions.
What to Eat, Where to Eat?
The rural restaurants and local coffee houses serving in the plateaus offer simple but satisfying local delicacies to visitors. Freshly made gözleme (savory pastry), ayran (yogurt drink), and village breakfast are indispensable duos in these places. Homemade jams and fresh butter unique to the plateau offer a distinct taste away from the city noise. Grocery stores can meet your basic provisions; however, one should not expect a wide range of options. For a more comprehensive dining experience, you can choose restaurants in Aladağ district center. If you bring your picnic supplies, you can set up a pleasant table in the forest or on the plateau meadows.
Photography Spots
These four plateaus are a real treasure for photography enthusiasts thanks to their natural beauty. Early morning hours are the most productive time for shooting due to the mist settling over the forest and soft light. A wide-angle lens is a great advantage for capturing light beams filtering through pine and beech trees. Grazing animals in the plateau meadows and traditional plateau houses create interesting frames for those who shoot documentary-style photography. At the beginning of autumn, the short period when leaves turn yellow and red also offers extremely colorful images. It is also possible to take impressive forest corridor photos while progressing along the stabilized roads between the plateaus.
Things to Know Before You Go
Considering a few practical points before going to the plateaus will make your visit much more enjoyable. Fill your fuel tank in Aladağ district center or earlier; there are no fuel stations in the plateaus. Mobile phone network may be weak or non-existent in some spots, so pre-downloaded offline maps will be useful. Don't forget to bring an extra layer of clothing when going up to the plateaus; the weather can be quite cool, especially in the morning and evening, compared to the city. It is very important to take your trash back with you to preserve the pristine nature of the natural areas. Since stabilized roads can become slippery in rainy weather, it will be beneficial to check the weather forecast beforehand.
FAQ
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