Finike Diary: An Orange-Scented Escape
In the last week of May, I set out for Finike with two friends. This was a nostalgic journey for me. I had first seen Finike in 1986. At that time, there was a quite wide road between Finike and Kumluca, and I had heard that it was considered as an alternative runway where planes could land in case of crisis. I passed through that road again on this trip, but this time I had the opportunity to get to know Finike in much more detail. It was an ideal time to discover this hidden paradise of Antalya; tourist crowds had not yet begun, and the weather was suitable for swimming.
Finike: The Land of Citrus
Finike is a beautiful and peaceful district of Antalya with approximately 50,000 population, famous for its oranges. The Finike Plain, stretching at the foothills of the Beydağları and Taurus Mountains, is covered with citrus groves. As you travel through the plain among orange, lemon, and pomegranate trees, you're literally taking a journey in nature's embrace. Finike is an undiscovered treasure in terms of tourism potential; it's an ideal destination where you can experience one of the most beautiful examples of Mediterranean climate, perfect for both nature tourism and cultural tourism.
A radio program about urban sociology said: "A livable city should not exceed 50,000." Finike is exactly such a place. It has a hospital, all basic services, and good transportation facilities. It's on the edge of the D400 highway and perhaps has one of the most beautiful road routes not only in Turkey but in the world. This route stretching along the Mediterranean coastline offers a new view every kilometer. These ancient lands, through which the Lycian Way also passes, are a separate attraction center for history enthusiasts.
Nature and Simplicity at Turkuazköy
Turkuaz Village, consisting of bungalow houses built within a 600-acre citrus grove, impressed us with its cleanliness, order, and nature-friendly structure. Its operator, Celal Bey, as an agricultural engineer, talked about his dream of creating an ecosystem that combines agriculture, sports, and tourism here. His effort to realize this vision as a young entrepreneur is truly admirable. Turkuazköy is one of the projects that could be an example for Turkey in ecotourism and sustainable agriculture. With organic farming practices and nature-friendly accommodation options, it offers a perfect alternative for those who want to get away from city stress.
Neşeli Balık and Local Merchants
The fish we ate at the restaurant called "Neşeli Balık" in Finike was perhaps the most delicious fish I've ever had in my life. It was perfect in terms of price-performance balance, attention, and quality. Not only this restaurant, but other merchants in the district still maintain that ancient Anatolian hospitality. Finike restaurants are famous for their fresh seafood and local delicacies. They particularly stand out as one of the highest quality addresses in the Antalya region for fish menus.
At a börek shop, a waiter helping an elderly and disabled customer by saying "Uncle, you sit here, I'll bring your börek" or a vendor at a delicatessen explaining one by one where the products come from really impressed me. You don't feel cheated, nor do you feel like a stranger. Really sincere, genuine people... This sincere approach of the Finike people is one of the most beautiful features of small towns. Local tradespeople prioritize customer satisfaction, creating unforgettable memories for visitors.
Even in the highlands, tea offerings and small gestures continue. One merchant even said, "I didn't ask for tea right now because you're eating fruit, I'll ask later so I don't disturb you." These subtleties are rarely encountered in city life... Finike highlands and rural areas offer ideal routes for nature walks and trekking. This section of the Lycian Way, with its trails adorned with ancient ruins, welcomes both history and nature lovers together.
Elmalı Halva and Small Pleasures
I bought a halva branded "Yusuf Onbaşı" from a halva maker who has been producing in Elmalı since 1935. I liked it so much that I called to thank him. I asked where we could buy it. "We don't deal with cargo, if you happen to pass by, please come," he said. This approach really impressed me. Saying "I'm here, these lands are enough for me..." This contented life philosophy has almost become a virtue nowadays. Elmalı halva production is one of the traditional handicrafts of the region. Local producers maintain quality with recipes and techniques that have been passed down through generations.
It reminded me of Gandhi's beautiful words: "The important thing is not to have many things, but to need the least."
Kekova, Kaleköy, Kaş...
After Finike, we also visited Kekova, Kaleköy, Üçağız, and Kaş. I went to Kekova and Kaleköy for the first time. I've traveled to many places in this country, and there really is no place like our lands. With its sea, greenery, nature, and people, it's a unique geography... Kekova Island and the sunken city ruins carry the most important traces of Lycian civilization. This ancient area, which is on UNESCO's World Heritage tentative list, is an indispensable stop for history enthusiasts. Simena Castle in Kaleköy offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
In Kaş, we entered a glass arts shop. We chatted with the gentleman selling works by a Norwegian artist. He said that Italian and British tourists used to frequent it, but they don't come as often anymore, and sales have decreased. But Kaş has still lost none of its beauty. I was fascinated by glass art. However, the large houses built up to the mountain slopes seemed a bit unfair to nature. Kaş's boutique hotels and art galleries receive great interest from international art lovers. It's one of Turkey's important centers, especially for handicrafts and original design products.
Small Luxuries, Great Pleasures
Despite being late May, we were able to swim in the sea. The weather was rainy in places, but this didn't diminish our enjoyment. It's still possible to drink tea for 10 lira. You can eat delicious meals at affordable prices in restaurants. No traffic, no parking problems. Your heart is at ease, your mind is peaceful. Finike's beaches are much calmer and cleaner compared to crowded tourist centers. Although the beaches are generally pebbly, the clarity and cleanliness of the sea is remarkable. Especially during early season periods, the beaches have almost a private cove atmosphere.
We visited Finike's villages and chatted with people. Very different from big cities; more sincere, more genuine... Finike has great potential in terms of rural tourism. It offers ideal opportunities for those who want to experience village life, see traditional agricultural activities, and chat with local people. There are many farms and citrus groves that can be evaluated within the scope of agro-tourism.
Final Words
Finike... 700 km away from Ankara, but a warm district with its nature, oranges, lemons, and people. Go; visit Turkuazköy, climb to its highlands, eat fish at Neşeli Balık, taste serpme börek, buy Elmalı's halva and chickpeas. See and tell about these beautiful corners of our country. Stay with love. I shared these experiences as a Finike travel guide; I hope you too will have the opportunity to discover these beautiful lands. A few days you'll spend in this hidden paradise of Antalya will be enough for you to get away from the stress of city life.
