If location is everything, then Yuva has it all

Yuva Eco-Holiday Centre is in an area known as Faralya, a rural community of 500 people dispersed along several kilometres of quiet mountainside and forest. Here the western escarpment of the Toros range plunges directly into the sea, creating an area of Homeric beauty. Olive, citrus, carob trees and pinewoods surround the area. Much of the forest is protected as a nature reserve and there is a feeling of peace and safety.

This is the Teke Peninsula, an awe-inspiring region steeped in the mysteries of ancient history, and known as Lycia (the land of light). Described by Homer, the Lycians were independent seafaring warriors, who settled here around 1400 BC. The most distinctive archeological features are the unusual rock-cut tombs, copies in stone of their houses and temples.

These are prominent in the local port town of Fethiye (ancient Telmessos) and at Pinara, a nearby ruined city. The Lycian Way is a recently designated long-distance walk that passes through Faralya, linking Ölüdeniz to Antalya via hundreds of kilometres of mountain paths.

The seashore is known as the Turquoise Coast, referring to the beautiful blue waters. Its most outstanding feature is a huge beach that protects a sandy lagoon called Ölüdeniz. This lagoon contains a rare enzyme thought to have healing properties. Belcekiz, the small resort near Ölüdeniz, with beach cafes and restaurants, is about 25 minutes by local bus from Faralya.

Yuva map

This is the area where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean. The Greek Island of Rhodes is 40 miles off-shore, and on clear evenings becomes visible on the horizon.

Local Transport

A local bus stops on the quiet road, about 15 minutes uphill walk from Yuva, 3 times per day (approx. 08:30, 12:00, 18:30). From June to September there are more buses. The journey to the shops, restaurants and main beach at Ölüdeniz takes approx. 25 minutes. Local taxis are available. Mountain bikes and cars are available for hire. For group trips, we arrange for a private mini-bus to pick us up.

“I had a most wonderful time in Yuva, I feel I received so much nourishment and nurture and many blessings from such a heart-centred environment...”

Jalilah, counsellor, Surrey

The weather

You can expect mostly sunny weather. From May to September it rarely rains in this part of Turkey. From June to September the weather can be quite hot during the day, and pleasant early in the mornings and in the evenings. There is plenty of shade and often a cooling breeze. After mid-September the weather can break with the occasional thunderstorm. The sea is at its warmest in September and October, and the weather is still very pleasant and warm at this time of year.