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Büyükkonuk Trail Network

Trail categories: category 1 easy and category 2 moderate

Points A-to-G in the Trail Network
Length: 3.3 km
Duration: 2 hrs
Category: 2
Elevation Change: 75 m – 260 m

Located on the Büyükkonuk -Yedikonuk village road, this 3,300-meter trail marks the starting point of the trail network. The trail starts at an elevation of approximately 70 meters and climbs to 230 meters at point G (the highest point in the network). This trail begins by winding its way through the agricultural lands and orchards around the village. In route you will find olive trees to the east side of the track (left side) and Cypress trees along the west (right side). As you close in on the hills, the slope becomes steeper, signaling the beginning of the more rigorous section of trail.
Point G is located at the ridge top and offers an impressive view of the entire landscape, including a silhouette of the village and views of both the northern and southern shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Flora:
At the beginning of this trail there are large agricultural fields and olive trees, among which carob trees (Ceratonia sliqua - Harup) are grown. Both carob trees and olive trees have sculpture-like forms and are appealing to the eye. In some parts of the olive orchards, grape vines and fruit gardens thrive. The character of the landscape changes constantly along with the elevation and topographic character of the countryside. Groups of Lentisk (Pistacia lentiscus - Şinya) with their greenery and red-black fruits can be found at various points. During the late winter and spring, species of flowered Rockrose (Cistus salviifolius, Cistus parviflorus - Laden) can be found along the hillside. Along the route, hikers can see and smell the odors of Wild Clary (Salvia fruticosa - Adaçayı) and Thyme (Thymus capitatus - Tülümbe). Patches of Sea Squill (Urgenia maritime - Ada soğanı), Asphodel (Asphodelus aestivus - Şimşir) and Giant fennel (Ferula communis - Gavcar) create a pleasant view when flowering. This is also the area where a number of species of orchids can be found.

Points G-to-B in the Trail Network
Length: 0.9 km
Duration: 15min
Category: 1
Elevation
Change: 260m – 230m

This 0.9 km, relatively flat, trail (continuing from point G) passes through one of the highest points of the Agios Photios Mountains at the altitude of 279 meters. From here you get a magnificent 360-degree view of the entire region, including the sea, hills, Kantara Castle and agricultural lands. Flora: Along this trail, Calabrian Pine (Pinus Brutia - Kızılçam) is seen more densely. There are species of Rockrose (Cistus saviifolius, Cistus Parviflorus - Laden), Thyme (Thymus capitatus - Tülümbe), Wild Clary (Salvia fruticosa - Adaçayı), and Common Myrtle (Myrtus Communis - Mersin) plants as well.

Points B-to-C in the Trail Network
Length: 3.3 km
Duration: 1hr 45min
Category: 2
Elevation Change: 230 m – 20 m

While walking from point B to C, there is another path to the north, toward the sea. This section of trail is more difficult due to its narrow, steep and winding slope, but offers a lot of surprises! As you descend down a narrow path, there is a riverbed to the west. Following the along the riverbed, the trail continues all the way to the sea where there is a natural harbor and a Carob Depository. Flora: This route is rich with Eastern Strawberry (Arbutus andrachne - Sandal Ağacı), Blackberry and Bramble (Rubus sancta - Böğürtlen), all of which have delicious fruit in season. Strawberries can be found January through March. Blackberries are in spherical groups of shining black that can be easily removed when ripe in February. Cudweeds (Narcissus Tazetta – Nergis) decorate the route with both their color and odor.

Points C-to-D in the Trail Network
Length: 1.9 km
Duration: 1hr
Category: 1
Elevation Change: 200m - 300m

The trail begins at point C located on Kaplica road and follows the shoreline to the Carob Depository. The relatively flat surface offers the opportunity for easy walking. Looking east, to the right, it is possible to see the highest point of the mountains, in addition to carob trees and agricultural lands formed by the riverbed. On the left, the Carob Depository, the harbor and sea appear in splendid beauty. Picnic areas can also be found at several points along the trail. This trail section is easily accessible and can be enjoyed as a short coastal stroll or the start of a longer trek. Flora: Along this route, nature is enriched with the yellow flowers of the Blue-leafed Wattle (Acacia cyanopylla), Rest-harrow (Ononis viscosa) and Spiny Broom (Calycotome villosa) from December to June. Dense patches of Spiny Burnet (Sarcopetrium spinosum) are also prevalent. Points D-to-E in the Trail Network
Length: 2.7 km
Duration: 1hr 15min
Category: 1
Elevation Change: 30m - 50m

This trail is a continuation of trail C-D. Here you will find Hogarth’s Tomb, which characterizes the Hellenic period custom of constructing ‘monumental tombs’. Generally underground or in rocky hillsides, the tombs were built for noblemen or famous government officials. Areas of the shoreline are suitable for diving. Along this trail, the spectacular combination of mountains, shore, sea breeze and a touch of history, make it one of the most memorable in the entire network.

Points E-to-F in the Trail Network
Length: 2.5 km
Duration: 1hr 15min
Category: 1
Elevation Change: 50m - 100m The trail’s relatively flat surface makes for easy walking and it also continues from the former path D-E. The Ayia Agathi ruins lay to the left on arrival at point F. The trail shares similar scenery features with path D-F. The slopes are likewise similar beginning at approximately 50 meters from point E and ending at 100 meters at point F.

Points F-to-G in the Trail Network
Length: 3.8 km
Duration: 1.5hrs
Category: 1
Elevation Change: 200m - 300m

The trail is quite challenging due to its slope, which rises up to the 329 meter high Trapezouli Hill (Kanbur Tepesi). After you ascend to 329 meters you can follow plain road over the hill. Here on your left side you will see a magnificent vista. Periodically you might encounter wild birds, such as falcons.

Alternative Trail 1 Points G to E
Length: 3.1 km
Duration: 1hr 45min
Category: 2
Elevation Change: 260m - 30m

This trail section covers a distance of 3,100-meters and descends from. 230 to 150 meters. This is one of the most pleasant trails in the network because it passes through Filitso Forest (Binilitaş Ormanı), which offers by far the best opportunity for the fresh scent of pine trees. The density of this patch of forest is rare along the peninsula, making it an attractive area for camping or picnic activities. After completing Alternative Trail 1 from point G to point 1, it is possible to follow point 1 to point E or point 1 to point F. Flora: On the northern side of the hill the flora has more variety. As Calabrian Pine (Pinus Brutia – Kızılçam) dominates the land, the feeling of forest is stronger than in the southern valley. Above 200 m in height, you can taste fruits of the Eastern Strawberry tree (Arbutus Andrachne - Sandal ağacı), and smell the odor of the beautiful Cudweed flowers (Narcissus Tazetta). Besides Calabrian Pine trees, carob trees (Ceratonia siliqua - Harup), olive trees (Olea Europea - Zeytin), Terebinth (Pistacia Terebinthus - Çitlenbit), Lentisc (Pistacia Lentiscus - Şinya), Common Myrtle (Myrtus Communis - Mersin), and Phoenician Juniper (Juniperus Phoenice – Fenike Ardıcı) are present as well. As you descend, Anomone (Anomone Coronarium - Kır lalesi) provides a spary of color to the landscape.

Büyükkonuk Green Trail
Length: 3.3 km
Duration: 1hr 15min
Category: 1
Elevatiıon Change: 0

Generally most of this trail is flat terrain and therefore is nice for biking or walking.. It lays along agricultural lands, olive and carob (Harup) trees. Flora: This route is dominated by agricultural land, which is dotted with olive and carob trees, while common fig (Ficus Carica -İİncir) is present as well. The vast expanses of fields in this area are bordered by Cypress trees (Cupressus Sempervirens - Adi Servi).
 

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