Lake Doyran (Doyran Göleti in Turkish) is located very close to Antalya. You can come here by car or even by bicycle if you wish. There is a peaceful loop around the lake that includes a visit to a ruined monastery. If you want a more demanding mountain day, you can climb from here to ancient Neapolis.
An Easy Route from the Lake
For an easy outing, it is enough to stay in the Doyran area: follow a loop from the lake, climb to the monastery, and return to the starting point. The ascent here is spread over the distance, so the route feels easier than the steeper trails around Antalya.
Our saved track was 16 km long, with 330 m of elevation gain and a high point of 570 m. The terrain makes this an easy option, but 16 km still requires time and experience with long walks. When planning, it is useful to assess the distance and elevation gain separately.
The Lake and the Monastery
The lake is a good starting point and landmark for the whole walk, but swimming is prohibited. Even on a hot day, do not plan a stop by the water as a beach portion of the route.
The ruined monastery is located above the lake. The climb to it gives the route a clear objective, and you can explore the ruins at a relaxed pace along the way. The stonework is old, so do not climb on the walls or move stones.
Continuing to Neapolis
From the monastery, you can continue the route to ancient Neapolis. We began this type of outing at the lake and visited the monastery along the way. This combines both places into a single route, but a more serious ascent begins after the monastery.
If Neapolis itself is your main objective, you can drive closer to the beginning of the climb and shorten the walking section. The option from the lake is longer but includes both the monastery and the lake.
How to Get There
Doyran is close to Antalya, so reaching the trailhead does not require a separate long trip. By car, it is convenient to start at the lake. By bicycle, you need to account for both the walking section and the ride there and back. It is best to include the starting point and return to your transport in your travel plan in advance.
Preparation
For the loop to the monastery, you need comfortable footwear, sun protection, and enough water for the entire walk. The lake must not be treated as a source of drinking water. We have no confirmed refill points along the way, so calculate how much water to bring in advance.
Save the GPX track before setting out. If you are planning to visit only the monastery, do not head onto the climb to Neapolis simply out of curiosity: this turnoff significantly changes the effort and return time.
Our Hike
September 9, 2023. We walked 16 km, gained 330 m, and reached an elevation of 570 m. This record shows one loop option; for a different date, check the weather and seasonal conditions.
