I do love a good mountain! And Babadağ (Father Mountain in English) at 1969 metres is the highest in the Fethiye region of Turkiye - not massive by world standards, but still high enough to feel like a proper mountain.

Having a spare few hours I jumped on the Babadağ Telerifik and accended to the 1700mtr station, followed by a chair lift to 1800mtrs, and as the chairlift to 1900mtr was not working, a walk up to the top. With clouds rolling through, the views were incredible…

With a 360 degree view of the surrounding area, you can see for miles - Patara and the Xanthos Valley to the east, Ölüdeniz and the Blue Lagoon to the west and rugged peaks and plateaus everywhere else. There was also a noticeable drop in temperature from the baking heat of the town below, making for a very comfortable experience.

It does make you wonder what life is like to live on those remote plateau’s, with the only access up winding mountain tracks seen criss-crossing the landscape - it must be isolated, but peaceful.

Luckily for the serene atmosphere at the peak, the final chairlift was out of action, and the café closed - meaning not many people make the effort to go to the very top.

Babadağ is most famous for it’s paragliding, with multiple take off points from 1700-1900mtrs and different directions depending on the wind. Once only accessible by frankly dangerous dusty tracks, the Cable Car (opened in 2021) has made it easily accessible not only for thrill seekers jumping off the edge, but anyone without a fear of heights. This was my second time - the first being at sunset with some incredible light, so nice to see it differently.

Being happy to see this view firmly planted on a massive slab of rock, the brave paragliders soar on the thermals over Ölüdeniz on their gradual descent to the beach. I am sure it is amazing, but is not for me! Never say never, just not today!

The Babadağ Telerifik is a real feat of engineering that most people probably don’t even think about as they glide quietly up and down these rugged slopes. How did they even build it? It is incredible to see huge cable supports built on inaccessible steep cliffs that seemingly effortlessly transport you over the beautiful landscape.

What would be absolutely insane, is sunrise at the top - maybe that should go on the itinerary for next time I am in Turkiye.

Mount Babadag on film…

1950’s folding camera on a speed boat!