The smallest, humble and charming holiday home of Olympus. 3 kilometers away from the sea, still in the middle of a forest. Beyond the reach of Olympus crowds, is a serene, quiet maisonette.
Bülent and Refiye Sağocak have had their living space wide open to all guests. Home particulars are the result of arduous efforts. People from all over the world have become frequent guests. Rooms are designed simple and neat, free of eye-weary clutter of details. The landlords’ passion to travel the world is noticeable. The garden is a pure delight. Hotel opens onto a grand garden extending toward the forest, where you can bask in the sun on loungers or curl up in the hammock. The stone house affords a library, growing day by day with the books donated by guests. Relaxation is guaranteed by the welcoming glaze of the fireplace, while you’re engrossed in a good novel and sipping mulled red wine. In the nights, you can feast eyes on the starts going away from the big cities by lying down the hammocks.
HIP’s TIPs
Mrs. Refiye offers an array of herbal dishes cooked in olive oil with rare spices. Daphne’s grand breakfast is complete with homemade organic jams. Dinners are appreciated all together, lined up at a large table, however everyone is free to enjoy the dishes at tables scattered around the garden.
There is no need for a guidebook when travelling to Olympos. Here is some information on the ancient city’s history:
In Lycian times the ancient port city of
Olympos
was one of the members of the Lycian Federation. Because of the wealth of Olympos, it had three (compared to less wealthy cities that had only one) seats in the federation. During this period the city was subject to raids by pirates. Later, the city was rescued by the Roman commander Isauricus. The city’s wealth was due to its strategic trading position – it benefited from Genoese and Venetian traders who took advantage of the city’s natural harbour.
Seventeen centuries late on, Olympos is now the destination of those seeking tranquility in aesthetically pleasing surroundings. Although it is all so easy to get submerged in a place steeped in such history, it has to be remembered that it is not just the past that attracts people to Olympos. The translucent water of the Mediterranean is too tempting to resist. A swimsuit is an absolute must when visiting. Peering in to the sea from a boat the pebbles appear within hands-reach; they’re probably twenty feet away from the tip of the finger !Looking up from the seashore, the city’s ancient acropolis is clearly visible on the side of the mountain.
Those who wish to rid themselves of the salt after swimming should paddle in the stream that flows through the valley, and then meanders through the Lycian ruins, before eventually reaching the sea. Whilst strolling through the ice-cold stream a sarcophagus comes into sight amongst the ruins of the city. The sarcophagus is that of Captain Eudomos - there is an embossed boat figure and an inscription in his memory. The path that cuts through the pine forest leads to the Roman temple.
