Adrasan

Adrasan, also known as Cavuskoy, is a famous tourist spot for sea trips lying on the Mediterranean coast. It is about 75 minutes from Antalya city center. Known for its mesmerizing virgin beauty, the golden sandy Adrasan Beach, the romantic Suluada Island, and other natural wonders, Adrasan is Antalya's hidden paradise. The nearby Cape Gelidonya and Gelidonya Lighthouse are perfect for hiking and taking memorable photos. Unspoiled by the elements of the tourism industry, Adrasan houses cozy mini cafes for visitors to enjoy Adrasan Beach while munching on delicious foods.

History

Formerly known as the Cavuskoy, Adrasan is located in the Kumluca district of Antalya province. The name Adrasan is derived from the word "Adrasos," which dates back to 1400 AD and means "Mother Goddess Land" in Luwian Language. Some sources also say that the name was derived from the Greek word 'Erdassa.' Situated along the Lycian Way, the city has an intriguing history that goes back to the Hellenistic period. The Lycians, Romans, Phoenicians, and other kingdoms ruled this region. Today, visitors can see relics including the Adrasan Castle, from where one can view the whole of Adrasan town. It is a small pentagon-shaped castle built on a steep rock. The town is close to the eternal flames at Mount Chimaera, one of the oldest places of ancient Lycia, considered the origin of the mystical monster for which it is named. Nearby Cape Gelidonya also has a significant history and was populated by Roman and Greek civilizations. At the entrance of the cape, there lies a Phoenician wreck dating back 3500 years. About a six-kilometer hike away from Pirate Bay in Adrasan is the historic Gelidonya Lighthouse, which is one of the tallest lighthouses in Turkey. It was built in 1934 and started its services in 1936.

What is Adrasan Famous For?

Adrasan boasts beautiful sandy beaches and boat tours along the mountainous coastal regions. Among the village's highlights is Adrasan Beach, stretching over 2.5 kilometers with pristine views of crystal clear waters. Moving along the coast, visitors can also enjoy deep-sea fishing at Adrasan Bay. A Blue Cruise can take guests to romantic and beautiful coves such as Sazak Bay, Hacivat Bay, Akseki Bay, Pirate Bay, and Phosphorous Cave. Not only this, but people who love scuba diving or snorkeling can also savor their adventure lust at Suluada Island and Cape Gelidonya. To the south of the Adrasan coast lies the Gelidonya Lighthouse on Cape Gelidonya, with many hiking trails. The ruins of Adrasan Castle are another fascinating hiking destination.

Places to Visit in Adrasan

Also known as Cavuskoy, Adrasan is connected to the Kumluca district of Antalya and is one of the hidden paradises of the Mediterranean. One of the first things to do in Adrasan is to visit the stunning locales such as Adrasan Bay, which is popular for its sand and calm and Adrasan Sahil or Adrasan Beach. Mount Musa is excellent for trekking with its clean air, plenty of oxygen, and attractive views. Boat trips to magnificent locales are popular with destinations like Suluada, which has a clear sea and soft sandy beach. For history lovers, the ancient Adrasan Castle is worthy of exploration. Blue Cruises journey from the main town to magnificent places such as the legendary Yanartas and to see the caretta caretta sea turtles in Cirali and Olympos Beach, known for its idyllic and quiet environment.

Adrasan is a place known mostly for its sea and nature. One of the most popular activities is camping, there are many campgrounds as well as untouched areas such as Sazak Bay and Priest Cove. The clear blue Mediterranean waters offer the best scuba diving experiences in locations like the Yarasali Cave. In addition, there is the Adrasan Diving Center, where visitors can explore the local waters with experts. Another popular activity is to explore ancient history, with the Ancient City of Olympos located close to Adrasan. In addition to these, visitors can experience the historical and natural beauties along the Lycian Way, one of the longest hiking trails in the world which passes through Adrasan. Visitors also love enjoying the sunset from Gelidonya Lighthouse and exploring Cape Gelidonya, which offers a hiking route for nature lovers with its magnificent natural surroundings.

Best Time to Visit Adrasan

Located in the Kumluca district of Antalya, Adrasan enchants visitors with its long sandy beach with beautiful coves and untouched nature. It experiences long and warm summers, lasting from June to early September, which are also the most popular times to visit the region. Comfortable shoes, sunblock, and diving and fishing equipment should be kept in mind, since the main activities of Adrasan are outdoorsy. The Kozmik Spiritual Festival is perfect for appreciating the region’s untouched nature with meditation and spiritual dances, making summer even more fun in Adrasan.

It is famous for its sandy beach and water activities like swimming and diving, so the most popular time to visit the region is during the summer months, when visitors come to cool themselves in the refreshing waters of the Mediterranean Sea. These are also the most crowded times of Adrasan, so visitors who want to have a more relaxing vacation should consider coming during early fall or spring seasons, when the crowd is little less and the water is still warm. These seasons are also perfect for enjoying nature sports such as hiking and trekking, since the weather is milder.

Weather in Adrasan

Adrasan experiences a typical Mediterranean climate, which has long, hot summers and rather milder winters. The weather is almost always sunny and dry, especially from June to September when the heat hits its peak along with the average humidity of 50%. August is the hottest month of the year, and the temperatures can rise to 100°F (38°C) on the warmest days. The spring and fall seasons have milder weather with an average of 69.8°F (21°C). Winter months are rather mild too, and even the coldest month of January has an average of 50.16°F (10.09°C). Winter also experiences the rainiest days.

Before Visiting Adrasan

Due to its Mediterranean climate, Adrasan has hot, sunny summers which require thin-layered clothes and sun protective accessories like sunglasses and sunblock. The coast is sandy, so visitors should not be worried about the water shoes, but comfortable sports shoes are important for adventure lovers who want to do activities like hiking and trekking. Along with swimming and boating, diving is also a popular activity in the region so visitors can either bring their own diving equipment, or rent from the town. There are also fishing points where travelers can catch fish, so guests can bring their equipment for this activity as well.

Festivals & Special Days in Adrasan

Adrasan hosts the Kozmik Spiritual Festival every year in May which lasts for three days. The event occurs on a camping site in Adrasan, where lush green trees are situated. With the stunning view of the sea and the refreshing greenery, visitors will meditate, do yoga, and dance with the help of professionals. There are also small stands that sell natural stones, handmade clothes, and crystals.