Seydikemer Viewpoints: Yakaköy Uyluk Tepesi

Right next to the most well-known historical and natural beauties of Seydikemer lies a hidden viewing terrace that most visitors are unaware of: Uyluk Tepesi in Yakaköy. This should not be confused with the majestic 3000-meter Akdağ peak with which it shares its name. This hill is a tranquil escape point, accessible by car or a short walk, offering a bird's-eye view of the magnificent city of Tlos and the Eşen Plain. It is one of the most ideal places to step away from the crowds and to watch and understand the region's geography as a whole.

The View of the Eşen Plain from the Summit

The view that greets you when you reach Uyluk Tepesi is, in the truest sense of the word, breathtaking. On one side, the acropolis, stadium, and rock tombs of the ancient city of Tlos are laid out like a model in all their majesty. On the other side stretches the vast and verdant Eşen Plain, through which the Eşen River winds like a silver snake. Looking from this point, you will much better understand why Tlos was founded on such a strategic hill and why this plain was so vital for the Lycian civilization.

This hill is a treasure, especially for photography enthusiasts. The fog clouds spreading over the plain at sunrise or the sky turning crimson behind Tlos at sunset allow you to capture unforgettable shots. The road to the hill can be gravel and uneven in places, so it's a good idea to go with a high-clearance vehicle or ask locals in Yakaköy about the road conditions. The summit is usually calm and quiet; you can take a thermos of tea with you and enjoy the view and the silence for hours. To fully live this experience, a fantastic day plan would be to visit the Tlos Ancient City in the morning, have lunch at one of Yakaköy's famous trout restaurants, and then head up to Uyluk Tepesi to watch the sunset.