Route 15 - Amos Mountain Track v4

The walk starts at the village Mosque in the middle of Turunç. From here, proceed south along the main street, with the sea on your left, cross over the canal bridge toward Palette Bar. Follow the road up a gentle hill to MyMeriç Hotel. Here keep right, with the Veranda restaurant on your right, and continue following the road.

Another road joins from the right and shortly after you pass the closed Turunç petrol station on your right. A little further and you reach a large road junction - Antik Restaurant will be on your right and a small roundabout in front of you.

Turn left at the Antik roundabout, following the sign to Amos. After about 150m, as the road starts to climb, watch out for the turning on your right (37 Sokak leading to 39 Sokak) that is the start of the mountain track.

Ascend the hill, keeping to the left, ignoring roads and tracks off to your right, and the road leads to the gate of some private villas.

From the villa gates go straight ahead, keeping the villa walls on your left. Follow the walls as the dirt track ascends until the track drops down into a little valley.

As you drop down into the valley, look to your right. The path has been damaged by the logging work following the forest fires. Follow the zig-zag logging track and look for two stone cairns – the first is on a tree stump and the second marks the start of the track.

The track here is overgrown and indistinct for a short distance as it heads up the mountain, but look out for the red waymarkers as the path turns left.

From here the track is reasonably easy to follow and is way marked with red and white paint on the rocks. The ascent is straightforward although care is required in a few places. Once on the top the route is easy, with a little caution required where the mountain drops down in places on your left.

Take a moment to enjoy the views back to Turunç village ... and out to the south.

The descent is steep in a few parts and, due to the loose rock, requires caution However the majority is a very pleasant walk. As you approach the road (you will see it on your left) you will follow a fence line on your right and then turn left to join the Turunç to Amos road.

On joining the road, turn right to visit the Amos ruins (or turn left if you are ready to return and follow the road back to Turunç). A further 200m or so and, on a bend, you will pass the entrance to the Amos Profesörler Sitesi. Here you will find the famous Amos White Houses, at the top end of the site, and Amos Red Houses lower down. Formerly holiday homes for staff from Marmarar and Anadolu universities, they are now largely privately owned.

The road continues for around 500m until you reach the ancient city of Amos. There is plenty of interesting scenery, flora and fauna to keep your interest as you approach this fascinating historical site. There is a clear sign showing the entrance to the site.

At the entrance the track leaves the road but is clearly marked and recently refurbished with new signs and wooden step on the steeper parts. The ancient ruins are quite unique and well worth the effort.

It is about 220m to the summit - look out for the remnants of the City Walls on the way up.

At the summit you can turn right to visit the Theatre or left to go to the 'panoramic view area'.

A visit to the Ancient Theatre is essential. The whole site has never been fully excavated and you can sit in the theatre and view the stage while soaking in the atmosphere; this is a completely unspoiled site.

From the Theatre walk a few meters to View Point 2 and you can enjoy spectacular views over Kumlubükü Bay.

400m from View Point 2 you will find the spectacular Amos view point. This has stunning views over the Amos Profesörler Sitesi to your left, the Mediterranean straight ahead, and Kumlubükü Bay to your right.

Watch out for the variety of insect and plant life on your way. When you are ready, retrace your steps and return to the road for the return journey.

When you get back to the road from the Amos ruins, turn right. The return to Turunç follows the road all the way back to the village centre, although you can rejoin the mountain track if you prefer.

Approximately 200m after passing the Amos Profesörler Sitesi, on a bend, you will see the start of the mountain track on your left. You can turn left here and retrace the mountain track or continue on the road to make the return more interesting.

Continuing on the road for another 600m and you will pass the Turunç Sewerage Works set down towards the sea on your right - you probably won't want to linger here on a hot day!

A further 300m brings you to View Point 1 and an amazing view across the Mediterranean.

From View Point 1 the road meanders downhill, passing the large Turunç Hotel on your right, emerging at the Antik roundabout where you turn right.

Passing the old petrol station on your left, keep right at the Yunus (Dolphin) Restaurant and at the My Meriç Hotel keep left onto the main street leading you back to the village Mosque and the end of your walk.