Kabak Bay is an untouched cove located below Faralya village in Fethiye, nestled between steep cliffs and inaccessible by vehicle; it is reached by hiking or boat, with accommodation in camps and bungalows.
Kabak Bay is located approximately 12 kilometers south of Ölüdeniz, just below the village of Faralya in the Fethiye district of Muğla. This bay, which hosts one of the most challenging and rewarding sections of the Lycian Way, has managed to stay out of mass tourism due to its accessibility via a steep path. Since the road down to the beach is closed to vehicle traffic, those who wish to see the bay must either undertake a walk of approximately 45-60 minutes or arrive by boat from the sea.
The area around the bay is covered with pine and cedar forests; the beach consists of large pebbles. It is possible to stay overnight here thanks to camping areas and small bungalow businesses, but accommodation options are quite limited and can fill up quickly during the season. The electricity infrastructure is insufficient, and mobile phone signal is weak or nonexistent. These conditions make Kabak an ideal spot for those looking for a complete digital detox. The bay, which is also an important accommodation point for hikers along the Lycian Way, welcomes visitors every year from April to October.
Related discoveries: Natural Beauties, Muğla natural beauties, Labraunda Ancient City.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kabak Bay is between late April and June, and during September-October. During these periods, air temperatures are reasonable for hiking, and the sea is warm enough for swimming. In July and August, the bay becomes very crowded; it can be difficult to find space both on the path and on the beach, and accommodation options are almost completely full.
During the winter months (November-March), most accommodation businesses close. For Lycian Way hikers, spring is the most productive season; the forest is green, and the heat is not yet oppressive.
How to Get to Kabak Bay
By road: Daily minibus services run from Fethiye to Faralya village. These minibuses, departing from Fethiye bus terminal, reach Faralya via Ölüdeniz and Ovacık. In Faralya, vehicles remain in the village; the path descending to the bay from here takes approximately 45-60 minutes on foot. The path is steep and rocky, sturdy shoes are mandatory.
By sea: Daily boat tours departing from Ölüdeniz or Fethiye harbor stop at Kabak Bay. This option is a practical alternative for those who wish to avoid hiking; however, the time boats spend in the bay is usually limited.
By private car: It is possible to drive to Faralya village and park the car there. There is a paid parking area in the village.
How Many Days to Stay
If you are visiting Kabak Bay just to see its beach, a day trip might be sufficient; however, considering the tiring ascent and descent, at least one night's stay will be a much more satisfying experience. By staying two nights, you can experience the different atmosphere of the bay in both the morning and evening, and take short walks on the surrounding paths.
For Lycian Way hikers, Kabak is an important stop on the route, and taking a one-night break before moving on to the next stage is considered standard planning.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options in Kabak are deliberately kept limited; this helps preserve the natural texture of the bay. There are a few small camping areas and bungalow businesses around the beach. These facilities are generally simple but adequate; they offer showers, toilets, and dining options. Since power outages can occur, we recommend charging your electronic devices in Faralya or Fethiye.
Finding availability in the summer season is difficult, so it is necessary to contact businesses directly and make reservations in advance, especially for July-August. There are also a few guesthouse options in Faralya village; this option might be more comfortable for those who want to walk to the bay and use the beach during the day.
What to Eat, Where to Eat
The camping and bungalow businesses in Kabak generally offer simple meal services for their guests. Plain options such as breakfast, gözleme (Turkish flatbread), pasta, and grilled dishes are served. Do not expect to find a separate restaurant or cafe on the beach; the dining experience here is entirely dependent on the accommodation you choose.
When you go up to Faralya village, there are a few small cafes and markets; to reach Fethiye's rich gastronomic options, you need to be prepared for about an hour's journey by dolmuş.
Photo Spots
The best photo angles of Kabak Bay are obtained from the middle section of the descent path. This spot, framing the entire bay through the forest, offers impressive shots during the soft morning light. After descending to the beach, it is possible to climb the rocks on both sides of the bay to capture both the sea and the forest slopes behind.
Since the bay faces west, the evening light at sunset bathes the beach and water in golden tones. Those carrying tripods for long exposure attempts will find these hours particularly productive.
Things to Know
No signal: Mobile phone signal in the bay is extremely weak or nonexistent. We recommend downloading offline maps for navigation.
Carry cash: Most businesses on the beach do not accept cards; carry enough cash with you.
Take your trash back: The bay needs visitors to be sensitive about this to preserve its natural structure. The number of trash cans is extremely limited.
Sunscreen and water: There is very little shade on the beach; high-factor sunscreen and plenty of water are essential. Beach shoes are also useful due to the pebble ground.
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