Babadag, Mountain summit in Seydikemer, Turkey
Babadağ is a limestone mountain near Ölüdeniz in the Seydikemer district of Turkey, with two main peaks, the taller of which reaches close to 2000 meters (6,600 feet). A valley of old forests and rough rock separates the two peaks, with the lower one called Karatepe.
In ancient times, the Greeks called this mountain Mount Cragus and built cities such as Pinara on its slopes. The remains of Lycian and Roman settlements are still visible in the landscape today, with stone tombs, walls and temples cut into the rock.
The name Babadağ means 'Father Mountain' in Turkish, a name locals have used for generations. Today the summit is a gathering point for paragliders from around the world, who launch from the rocky edge and drift down toward the coast.
A narrow and steep mountain road leads to the top, so visitors should be prepared for a demanding drive with sharp bends close to the edge. There is a small cafe at the summit where you can rest, and the views are clearest in the morning before haze builds up.
A rare maple called Acer undulatum grows at the base of the mountain and is found almost nowhere else in the world. Cyclists have also tackled the summit road in competitive races, rating it among the hardest climbs they have ever faced.
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