Nabran Yolu: A Guide to the Lycian Way of Azerbaijan
If you are looking for a unique and adventurous destination in Azerbaijan, you should consider visiting Nabran Yolu, also known as the Lycian Way of Azerbaijan. This is a long-distance hiking trail that follows the coast of ancient Lycia, a region that once ruled by a mysterious civilization that left behind impressive ruins and monuments. Along the way, you will also enjoy stunning views of the Caspian Sea, lush forests, sandy beaches, and charming villages. In this article, we will give you all the information you need to plan your trip to Nabran Yolu, including how to get there, where to stay and eat, what to see and do, and some frequently asked questions.
nabran yolu
Introduction
What is Nabran Yolu and why is it worth visiting?
Nabran Yolu is a marked hiking trail that stretches from Hisarönü (Ovacık), near Fethiye, to Aşağı Karaman in Konyaaltı, about 20 km (12 mi) from Antalya. It is approximately 520 km (320 mi) in length and takes about a month to complete. It is named after the ancient civilization of Lycia, which ruled this region from the prehistoric period until they were absorbed into Roman culture. Lycia was known for its unique culture, language, art, architecture, and political system. They built city-states along the coast, such as Xanthos, Patara, Myra, Pinara, Tlos, Olympos, and Phaselis, and formed the Lycian League, a federation of independent cities that resisted foreign domination. They also left behind impressive rock-cut tombs on cliff walls and sarcophagi in the region.
Nabran Yolu is worth visiting for many reasons. First of all, it is a great way to explore the rich history and culture of Lycia, as you will encounter many ancient sites along the way. You will also learn about the modern life and traditions of the local people who live in this region. Secondly, it is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty and diversity of this region. You will see stunning views of the Caspian Sea, which is clean and clear compared to other parts of Azerbaijan. You will also walk through lush forests that are home to many unique trees and plants. You will also enjoy sandy beaches that are perfect for swimming and relaxing Thirdly, it is a great way to challenge yourself and have fun. Nabran Yolu is not an easy trail, as it involves steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and long distances. However, it is also rewarding and satisfying, as you will feel a sense of accomplishment and adventure. You will also have fun meeting other hikers, locals, and animals along the way. You will also have the opportunity to try different activities, such as paragliding, rafting, kayaking, diving, and fishing.
How to get to Nabran Yolu
The best time to visit Nabran Yolu and the weather conditions
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The best time to visit Nabran Yolu is from April to October, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the flowers are in bloom. The average temperature in this period is around 25C (77F), with highs of 30C (86F) and lows of 20C (68F). The sea temperature is also pleasant, ranging from 18C (64F) to 26C (79F). However, you should also be prepared for some rain showers, especially in May and June. The winter months are not recommended, as the weather is cold and wet, and some parts of the trail may be closed or inaccessible due to snow or landslides.
The transportation options and costs from Baku and other cities
The easiest way to get to Nabran Yolu is by flying to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, and then taking a bus or a taxi to Nabran, the starting point of the trail. There are many flights from different countries to Baku's Heydar Aliyev International Airport, which is about 30 km (19 mi) from the city center. You can find cheap flights on websites like Skyscanner or Kayak. From the airport, you can take a bus or a taxi to the city center, where you can find another bus or a taxi to Nabran. The bus fare is about 10 AZN (6 USD) per person, and the taxi fare is about 50 AZN (29 USD) per car. The journey takes about 3 hours.
If you are coming from other cities in Azerbaijan, such as Ganja, Sumqayit, or Lankaran, you can also take a bus or a taxi to Nabran. The fares and durations vary depending on the distance and the traffic. You can check the schedules and prices on websites like Rome2rio or Busbud.
The visa requirements and safety tips for travelers
Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter Azerbaijan, which can be obtained online through the official e-Visa portal or at an embassy or consulate. The e-Visa costs 23 USD and is valid for 30 days. You will need a valid passport, a digital photo, an email address, and a credit card to apply for the e-Visa. You should apply at least 3 days before your departure date. You can check if you need a visa and how to get one on websites like VisaHQ or iVisa.
Azerbaijan is generally a safe country for travelers, but you should still take some precautions when visiting Nabran Yolu. You should avoid hiking alone or at night, as there may be wild animals or thieves on the trail. You should also carry enough water, food, sunscreen, insect repellent, first aid kit, flashlight, map, compass, phone, and charger with you. You should also inform someone of your itinerary and contact details before you start your hike. You should also respect the local culture and customs, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas.
Where to stay and eat in Nabran Yolu
The accommodation options and prices in Nabran and nearby villages
Nabran Yolu offers a variety of accommodation options for hikers, ranging from hotels and guesthouses to campsites and homestays. You can find hotels and guesthouses in Nabran and some of the larger villages along the trail, such as Khudat, Khachmaz, Siyazan, Shabran, and Guba. These offer comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and other amenities. The prices range from 50 AZN (29 USD) to 200 AZN (117 USD) per night, depending on the location, season, and quality. You can book your hotel or guesthouse online on websites like Booking.com or Agoda.
You can also find campsites in some of the smaller villages or near the beaches along the trail, such as Quba, Qusar, Laza, and Davachi. These offer basic facilities such as toilets, showers, and electricity. The prices range from 10 AZN (6 USD) to 30 AZN (18 USD) per night, depending on the location and the season. You can either bring your own tent and sleeping bag or rent them from the campsite owners. You can find the locations and contact details of the campsites on websites like Nabran Yolu Camping or Lycian Way Camping.
Another option is to stay with a local family in a homestay, which is a great way to experience the authentic culture and hospitality of the region. You can find homestays in some of the villages along the trail, such as Qechresh, Qalaciq, Qirizdeh, and Qonaqkend. These offer simple rooms with shared bathrooms, and sometimes meals and laundry services. The prices range from 20 AZN (12 USD) to 50 AZN (29 USD) per night, depending on the location and the services. You can find and book your homestay online on websites like Airbnb or Couchsurfing.
The local cuisine and specialties of Nabran Yolu
Nabran Yolu offers a variety of delicious dishes that reflect the diverse influences of the region, such as Turkish, Persian, Russian, Georgian, and Armenian cuisines. Some of the local specialties that you should try are:
Kebab: grilled meat skewers that are served with bread, salad, and sauces. There are many types of kebab, such as lamb, chicken, beef, fish, or vegetable kebab.
Dolma: stuffed grape leaves or cabbage leaves that are filled with rice, meat, herbs, and spices. They are usually cooked in a tomato sauce and served with yogurt.
Plov: rice pilaf that is cooked with meat, dried fruits, nuts, and saffron. It is often served with qovurma (stewed meat) or quru (dried meat).
Lavangi: stuffed chicken or fish that are filled with walnuts, onions, garlic, and herbs. They are baked in an oven or a tandoor (clay oven).
Kutab: thin flatbread that is stuffed with cheese, spinach, pumpkin, meat, or herbs. They are fried in a pan or baked in an oven.
Halva: a sweet dessert that is made from flour, butter, sugar, and nuts. It is usually flavored with rose water or cardamom.
Shekerbura: a pastry that is filled with ground almonds or hazelnuts and sugar. It is shaped like a crescent and decorated with patterns.
Shirin: a fruit compote that is made from dried fruits such as apricots, plums , cherries, and raisins. It is boiled in water with sugar and spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.
The best restaurants and cafes in Nabran Yolu
Nabran Yolu has many restaurants and cafes that offer a variety of dishes, from traditional Azerbaijani cuisine to international cuisine. Some of the best places to eat in Nabran Yolu are:
Name
Location
Specialty
Nabran Restaurant
Nabran
Seafood, kebab, plov, dolma, salads, soups, desserts
Quba Restaurant
Quba
Lavangi, kutab, halva, shirin, tea, coffee
Laza Cafe
Laza
Pancakes, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, pasta, salads, cakes, ice cream
Olympos Restaurant
Olympos
Turkish cuisine, such as meze, lahmacun, kofte, baklava, ayran
Phaselis Cafe
Phaselis
Snacks, drinks, ice cream, coffee, tea
What to see and do in Nabran Yolu
The hiking trails and routes of Nabran Yolu
Nabran Yolu is divided into 29 sections, each with a different length, difficulty, and scenery. You can choose to hike the whole trail or just some parts of it, depending on your time, budget, and preference. You can also customize your itinerary by combining different sections or taking alternative routes. You can find detailed information about each section, such as the distance, elevation, duration, landmarks, and accommodation options, on websites like Nabran Yolu Guide or Lycian Way Guide. You can also buy a guidebook or a map of the trail from bookstores or online shops.
Some of the most popular and scenic sections of Nabran Yolu are:
Section 1: Hisarönü (Ovacık) to Faralya: This is the first and one of the most beautiful sections of the trail, as it offers panoramic views of the Caspian Sea and the Butterfly Valley. It is about 14 km (9 mi) long and takes about 5 hours to complete. It starts from Hisarönü (Ovacık), a small town near Fethiye, and ends at Faralya, a village on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea.
Section 8: Belceğiz to Kınık (Xanthos): This is one of the most historical and cultural sections of the trail, as it passes through several ancient Lycian sites, such as Patara, Letoon, and Xanthos. It is about 19 km (12 mi) long and takes about 6 hours to complete. It starts from Belceğiz, a seaside resort near Patara Beach, and ends at Kınık (Xanthos), a village that hosts the ruins of the former capital of Lycia.
Section 18: Çıralı to Tekirova: This is one of the most diverse and adventurous sections of the trail, as it passes through different landscapes, such as forests, mountains, beaches, and canyons. It is about 18 km (11 mi) long and takes about 7 hours to complete. It starts from Çıralı, a village that is famous for its natural flames called Yanartaş (Chimera), and ends at Tekirova, a town that is near the ancient site of Phaselis.
Section 27: Gedelme to Göynük: This is one of the most challenging and rewarding sections of the trail, as it involves a steep climb to the highest point of Nabran Yolu, Tahtalı Dağı (Mount Olympos), which is 2,365 m (7,759 ft) high. It is about 16 km (10 mi) long and takes about 8 hours to complete. It starts from Gedelme, a village that is located in a valley surrounded by pine trees, and ends at Göynük, a resort town that is near the sea.
The ancient Lycian ruins and monuments in Nabran Yolu
Nabran Yolu is rich in history and culture, as it passes through many ancient Lycian sites that date back to thousands of years ago. Some of the most impressive and important sites are:
Xanthos: This was the capital and the largest city of Lycia, which was founded in the 8th century BC. It was also the seat of the Lycian League, a federation of independent city-states that resisted foreign domination. It was destroyed several times by invaders such as Persians, Romans, and Arabs, but was always rebuilt by its resilient inhabitants. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features many ruins and monuments, such as temples , tombs, sarcophagi, acropolis, theater, and stadium.
Patara: This was one of the most important ports and naval bases of Lycia, which was founded in the 7th century BC. It was also the birthplace of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children and sailors, who was also known as Santa Claus. It is now a national park that features many ruins and monuments, such as a lighthouse, a granary, a parliament building, a temple, a theater, and a necropolis.
Myra: This was one of the most prosperous and influential cities of Lycia, which was founded in the 5th century BC. It was also the home of St. Nicholas, who served as the bishop of Myra in the 4th century AD. It is now a historical site that features many ruins and monuments, such as a church, a theater, and a rock-cut tomb complex.
Olympos: This was one of the most mysterious and mystical cities of Lycia, which was founded in the 4th century BC. It was also the site of the eternal flames of Yanartaş (Chimera), which are natural gas vents that emit fire from the ground. It is now a popular tourist destination that features many ruins and monuments, such as temples, baths, houses, and walls.
Phaselis: This was one of the most beautiful and charming cities of Lycia, which was founded in the 7th century BC. It was also a major trade center and a cultural hub that attracted many famous figures such as Alexander the Great, Cicero, and Hadrian. It is now an archaeological site that features many ruins and monuments, such as harbors, aqueducts, agoras, temples, theaters, and arches.
The beaches and natural attractions in Nabran Yolu
Nabran Yolu is not only about history and culture, but also about nature and relaxation. You will find many beaches and natural attractions along the trail that will make your hike more enjoyable and refreshing. Some of the best places to visit are:
Butterfly Valley: This is a secluded and scenic valley that is accessible only by boat or by hiking from Faralya. It is named after the thousands of butterflies that inhabit the valley, especially in summer. It is also home to a waterfall, a stream, and a beach that are perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Kaputaş Beach: This is one of the most stunning and photogenic beaches in Nabran Yolu, which is located between Kaş and Kalkan. It is a small and sandy beach that is surrounded by cliffs and turquoise water. It is also a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.
Çıralı Beach: This is one of the most peaceful and eco-friendly beaches in Nabran Yolu, which is located near Çıralı village. It is a long and sandy beach that is backed by orange groves and pine trees. It is also a nesting site for endangered loggerhead turtles that lay their eggs on the beach from May to September.
Tahtalı Dağı (Mount Olympos): This is one of the most challenging and rewarding attractions in Nabran Yolu, which is located near Tekirova. It is the highest peak of Nabran Yolu, which is 2,365 m (7,759 ft) high. It offers spectacular views of the sea , the mountains, and the sky. You can either hike to the summit or take a cable car from the base station.
Göynük Canyon: This is one of the most adventurous and fun attractions in Nabran Yolu, which is located near Göynük. It is a narrow and deep canyon that is carved by a river. You can explore the canyon by walking, swimming, jumping, and sliding through the water and the rocks.
The recreational facilities and entertainment in Nabran Yolu
Nabran Yolu is not only about hiking, but also about having fun and enjoying yourself. You will find many recreational facilities and entertainment options along the trail that will make your trip more exciting and memorable. Some of the best places to visit are:
Nabran Luna Park: This is a large and modern amusement park that is located in Nabran. It offers many rides and attractions for all ages, such as roller coasters, Ferris wheels, bumper cars, water slides, and arcade games. It also has restaurants, cafes, and shops that sell souvenirs and snacks.
Khachmaz Aqua Park: This is a popular and family-friendly water park that is located in Khachmaz. It offers many pools and slides for different levels of thrill and fun, such as wave pools, lazy rivers, kamikaze slides, and rafting slides. It also has a spa, a sauna, a gym, and a massage center that offer relaxation and wellness services.
Siyazan Bowling Center: This is a modern and cozy bowling center that is located in Siyazan. It offers 12 lanes of bowling, as well as billiards, table tennis, air hockey, and darts. It also has a bar, a restaurant, and a karaoke room that offer food, drinks, and music.
Shabran Cinema: This is a small and cozy cinema that is located in Shabran. It shows the latest movies from Hollywood, Bollywood, and Azerbaijan. It also has a cafe that sells popcorn, candy, and drinks.
Guba Jazz Club: This is a stylish and lively jazz club that is located in Guba. It features live performances by local and international jazz musicians and singers. It also has a bar that serves cocktails, wine, and beer.
Conclusion
Nabran Yolu is one of the most unique and adventurous destinations in Azerbaijan that offers something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, culture, nature, or fun, you will find it in Nabran Yolu. You will also experience the hospitality and friendliness of the local people who live in this region. Nabran Yolu is more than just a hiking trail; it is a journey of discovery and adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
If you are ready to book your trip to Nabran Yolu, you can find the best deals on flights, hotels , and tours to Nabran Yolu online on websites like Expedia, Tripadvisor, or Travelocity. You can also find more information and tips on websites like Nabran Yolu Official or Lycian Way Official. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the Lycian Way of Azerbaijan and discover its hidden treasures. Book your trip to Nabran Yolu today and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Nabran Yolu:
How long does it take to hike the whole Nabran Yolu?
It depends on your pace, fitness level, and preference, but it usually takes about a month to hike the whole Nabran Yolu. You can also hike only some parts of it, or take alternative routes, depending on your time and budget.
What are the best souvenirs to buy from Nabran Yolu?
Some of the best souvenirs to buy from Nabran Yolu are:
Lycian jewelry: These are handmade pieces of jewelry that are inspired by the ancient Lycian art and symbols. You can find them in shops and markets along the trail.
Lycian pottery: These are traditional pottery items that are decorated with Lycian motifs and colors. You can find them in workshops and studios along the trail.
Lycian honey: This is a natural and organic honey that is produced by the local beekeepers in the region. It has a distinctive flavor and aroma that comes from the flowers and plants of Nabran Yolu.
Lycian carpets: These are handwoven carpets that are made from wool, cotton, or silk. They have intricate patterns and designs that reflect the Lycian culture and history.
Lycian spices: These are dried herbs and spices that are used in the local cuisine of Nabran Yolu. They include mint, thyme, oregano, rosemary, sage, cumin, paprika, and saffron.
What are some cultural tips and etiquette for visiting Nabran Yolu?
Some of the cultural tips and etiquette for visiting Nabran Yolu are:
Respect the local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Dress modestly, cover your head, remove your shoes, and avoid loud noises or gestures.
Greet the local people with a smile and a handshake, and use some basic Azerbaijani words such as salam (hello), təşəkkür edirəm (thank you), xahiş edirəm (please), and sağ olun (goodbye).
Accept any invitations or offers of hospitality from the local people, such as tea, coffee, or food. This is a sign of friendship and respect, and refusing them may be considered rude.
Bargain politely and reasonably when shopping in markets or stalls. Don't be too aggressive or too stingy, and don't offend the sellers with low offers.
Tip generously when using services such as taxis, guides, or restaurants. The usual tip is 10% to 15% of the bill, or more if you are satisfied with the service.
What are some other places to visit near Nabran Yolu?
Some of the other places to visit near Nabran Yolu are:
Baku: This is the capital and the largest city of Azerbaijan, which is located about 200 km (124 mi) from Nabran. It is a modern and cosmopolitan city that offers many attractions, such as the Old City, the Flame Towers, the Heydar Aliyev Center, the Maiden Tower , the Carpet Museum, and the Fountain Square.
Ganja: This is the second-largest city of Azerbaijan, which is located about 300 km (186 mi) from Nabran. It is an ancient and cultural city that offers many attractions, such as the Nizami Mausoleum, the Ganja Gate, the Bottle House, the Shah Abbas Mosque, and the Lake Göygöl.
Sheki: This is one of the most beautiful and historical cities of Azerbaijan, which is located about 400 km (249 mi) from Nabran. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers many attractions, such as the Sheki Khan's Palace, the Caravanserai, the Albanian Church, the Sheki Fortress, and the Sheki Bazaar.
Qabala: This is one of the most popular and scenic destinations of Azerbaijan, which is located about 450 km (280 mi) from Nabran. It is a mountain resort that offers many activities, such as skiing, hiking, horse riding, rafting, and paragliding. It also has many attractions, such as the Qabala Cable Car, the Nohur Lake, the Qabaland Amusement Park, and the Qabala Shooting Center.
Lankaran: This is one of the most charming and relaxing destinations of Azerbaijan, which is located about 500 km (311 mi) from Nabran. It is a coastal city that offers many attractions, such as the Lankaran Fortress, the Hirkan National Park, the Yanar Bulag (Burning Spring), the Lankaran Tea Factory, and the Lankaran Thermal Spa.
This is the end of my article on Nabran Yolu. I hope you enjoyed reading it and learned something new. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact me. Thank you for your attention and have a great day! 44f88ac181
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