Sundays in the Fethiye region are meant for slow starts and deep breaths. Yesterday, with the sun shining brightly, I took the opportunity to drive to the starting point of the Lycian Way—one of the most famous long-distance trekking routes in the world—for a short but impactful winter hike.
The Walk to the “Orange Frame”
I didn’t set out to conquer the whole trail, but rather to enjoy a focused, one-hour walk to one of the most iconic spots in the area. The path winds upward, offering constant rewards in the form of sweeping mountain and sea views.
Eventually, I reached the famous “Orange Frame” viewpoint. It’s a popular spot for a memory photo, but even without the camera, the view it frames is spectacular. From this height, the Blue Lagoon (Ölüdeniz) looks like a polished gemstone, and if you listen closely, you can actually hear the faint, rhythmic sound of the waves hitting the shore far below. This connection to the landscape is exactly what I needed to maintain a sense of serenity.
The Power of “Mind Stillness”
After descending from the trail, I drove down to the Ölüdeniz beach. There is a specific kind of therapy that only the sea can provide. I spent about 20 to 30 minutes just sitting by the water, practicing what I like to call “mind stillness.”
In our busy lives, we often forget that just half an hour of quiet observation can significantly improve cognitive balance. Watching the tide and feeling the sun on my face was enough to completely relax both body and soul.
From the Shore to the Soil
The day didn’t end at the beach. After returning home to Kayaköy for a quick lunch and a coffee, it was time to transition from reflection to action.
I spent the rest of the afternoon working in the field, specifically sawing a fallen tree trunk. There is something incredibly grounding about manual labor after a morning of high-altitude views. Moving from the expansive vistas of the Lycian Way to the tactile work of the woodpile felt like the perfect way to round out the day.
Whether it’s a hike, a quiet moment by the sea, or working the land, staying in touch with nature is the secret to a balanced life here in the valley.
