Lake Bafa Travel Guide: Must-See Spots and Activities in Turkey’s Scenic Natural Retreat
Lake Bafa, the largest lake in the Aegean Region, has a surface area of approximately 60 square kilometres. Bafa Lake, which stands out with its natural beauties, is a shallow freshwater lake extending to the southeast of the Büyük Menderes River Delta, at the foot of the Menteşe Mountains. So, what are the places to visit in Bafa Lake, also known as a bird paradise? Which places are worth seeing in Laka Bafa?
Here are the places you should definitely visit in Lake Bafa...👇
How to get to Lake Bafa?
Lake Bafa is located in the southern part of the Büyük Menderes Delta in the Aegean Region. Located between Izmir and Bodrum, the lake is about 40 minutes away from Bodrum. Transportation to Lake Bafa is quite easy. The nearest airport is located in Bodrum. You can reach the lake from the Bodrum-Söke road junction by minibuses departing from Milas Bus Station or buses coming from Istanbul and Izmir directions, and enjoy this unique view.
Features of Lake Bafa
Lake Bafa, which was formed by the alluvium carried by the Büyük Menderes River, was formed as a result of a natural process. The lake, which has an average length of 16 kilometres and a width of 6 kilometres, reaches up to 21 metres at its deepest point. The coastal length of the lake with a surface altitude of 10 meters is approximately 50 kilometres. Thanks to its shallow structure, the lake is home to many bird species. It is an important natural area preferred by birds as a shelter and breeding area, especially in autumn and spring.
List of Things to Do in Lake Bafa
Some of the activities you can do in Lake Bafa, a region rich in natural beauty and historical heritage, are as follows:
Create a sightseeing route starting from Kapıkırı Village.
Take a boat tour and explore the islands in the lake.
Take nature walks.
Take long walks on the Carian Way.
Participate in olive picking activities.
Examine prehistoric rock paintings.
Visit the ancient city of Herakleia.
Be sure to try the eel, the special flavour of the region.
General Information About Lake Bafa
Lake Bafa, the largest lake in the Aegean Region, is also known as Çamiçi Lake. There are three small islands in the lake. There are historical churches and monastery ruins on these islands. Yediler Monastery, one of the oldest, has a mystical atmosphere among the olive trees around the lake. Surrounded by heron birds, pelicans, cormorants and ducks, this natural area offers a peaceful experience to its visitors.
Places to Visit in Lake Bafa
Lake Bafa is one of the favourite natural areas of the Aegean Region. Located on the Söke Plain in the Milas district of Muğla, this region has impressive historical and natural sites.
1. Herakleia Ancient City
Herakleia, also known as the Ancient City of Latmos, takes its name from the Latmos (Beşparmak) Mountains, 1300 meters high. In ancient times, this city was built on the mountain slope because the areas close to the sea were considered dangerous. It is located between Kapıkırı Village and Yediler Monastery.
Although it is not known exactly when this ancient city, named after Heracles (Hercules), the famous hero of Greek mythology, was founded, it is estimated that the settlement in the region dates back to the 8th century BC. Founded as an Ionian city, Herakleia was eventually connected to Caria, and then lived through the Hellenistic period with the arrival of Alexander the Great. It is possible to see the traces of all these civilisations in the city, which also witnessed the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
Address: Kapıkırı, 48230 Milas/Muğla
2. Latmos Mountain (Beşparmak Mountains)
An ideal route for trekking and mountaineering enthusiasts, Latmos Mountain is almost like an open-air museum with its historical and natural beauties. While walking on this mountain where traces of ancient times can be seen, you will feel like you are walking through an art gallery. While visiting Latmos Mountain, you will also have the chance to visit the ancient city of Herakleia.
Address: Karahayit, 48230 Milas/Muğla
3. Kapıkırı Village
Kapıkırı Village, located on the shores of Lake Bafa, is a quaint, peaceful settlement with a population of about 350 people. It attracts attention with its hospitable people, olive grove landscape and natural beauties. Especially handcrafted products, necklaces, bracelets, wrappers, scarves made by the women of the village offer visitors souvenir alternatives.
In this village, which is also home to the ancient city of Herakleia, you can see the historical ruins up close and explore the Temples of Athena and Agora.
4. Bafa's Islands
There are four islands in Bafa Lake: Kapıkırı Island, Menet Island, Twin Islands and Kahveasar Island. Each of them attracts attention with its historical buildings.
Kapıkırı Island: Surrounded by walls dating back to the Hellenistic period, the island is one of the best preserved structures of the lake.
Twin Islands: One is an island, and the other is an islet connected to the sand dune. The larger one has a castle, and the smaller one has the remains of a monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Menet Island (Bird Island): It is the largest island in the lake. Although there is a clover-planned church and two small chapels on it, the structures have been largely destroyed.
Kahveasar Island: Located in front of the Mersinet Pier, this island has a monastery and a church in relatively good condition.
5. Inner Caria Route
The Inner Caria Route, part of the 800-kilometre Caria Trail, one of the longest hiking routes in Turkey, starts in Bozalan and extends from Kapıkırı to the Karpuzlu district of Aydın. This 16-kilometre route leads to Lake Bafa, passing through ancient cities, the Beşparmak Mountains, centuries-old olive groves, the king's roads and Neolithic ruins. Spring and fall are the best times to walk this trail.
6. Yediler Monastery
Located in the south of Latmos Mountain, within the borders of Gölyaka Village, Yediler Monastery is one of the important historical buildings of the region. It can be reached on foot from Gölyaka in about 1-2 hours. The monastery has frescoes and rock paintings depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and important scenes of Christianity.
Address: Gölyaka, 48230 Milas/Muğla
Source: Arpa Boyu Yolu
7. Restaurants & Breakfast Places on Lake Bafa
Şükran Abla Gözleme and Breakfast House: Located in Pınarcık Village of Milas, just 5 minutes from the lake, this place stands out with its breakfast prepared with natural village products.
Address: Pinarcik, 48230 Milas/Muğla
Karia Pension & Restaurant: It offers a peaceful environment where you can have a local breakfast with a view of Lake Bafa and Kapıkırı Island. It attracts attention with its handmade jams, olives and cheeses.
Natura Restaurant: Among the olive groves, you can enjoy breakfast or dinner by the lake.
Çeri Restaurant: We recommend that you taste eel, the famous dish of the region, in this restaurant located by the lake.
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