Kumluca: City History, Tradition and Nature

Kumluca between the city center and the surrounding landscape

For travel planning, Kumluca can be considered in terms of both the city center and the wider municipal and district area. The center lies on a floodplain formed by deposits carried down from the mountains by the Alakır Çayı and the Gavur Deresi. A floodplain forms when water deposits material it has carried; these two rivers therefore provide a specific geographical reference point for Kumluca’s center. The floodplain shapes the city center, while some nature and cultural attractions lie in the municipal or district area.

Wrestling and regional event culture

Traditional Kumluca Yağlı Pehlivan Güreşleri are among the local events. The 25th edition was held at Kumluca City Stadium. Camel wrestling events are also held regularly in Kumluca; alongside Demre, Kumluca is one of two places where such events are held regularly. In the wider Antalya context, camel wrestling is essentially part of a Yörük tradition that brings together folk music, crafts and other cultural elements. This connection gives camel wrestling a broader cultural context, while the regular events are also firmly rooted in Kumluca.

The Tarım ve Seracılık Festival in Kumluca district also offers a distinct event experience: the 27th edition included a chili pepper-eating contest. The contest adds a culinary highlight alongside the wrestling traditions.

City history and attractions in the district

The 70. Yıl Kent Müzesi opened on January 5, 2024, at Cumhuriyet Meydanı in Kumluca. Korydalla, now called Hacıveliler, is 1 km west of the center of Kumluca district. Kitanaura is within the boundaries of Gölcük in the district, about 40 km from the district center. At around 40 km away, Kitanaura is clearly farther from the district center than Korydalla.

The ancient city of Kitanaura can be reached by car or by Gölcük minibuses from the district bus station. If you plan to take these minibuses, check the schedule in advance. This allows you to choose your mode of transport according to your destination and plans.

Nature attractions in the municipality and along the Lycian Way

A first-degree nature reserve lies in the Alakır Valley within Kumluca municipality, where numerous endemic plants can be seen. Kargılıdere, in the municipal area, is considered a suitable place for camping and outdoor sports. At Gelidonya Lighthouse, which lies along the Lycian Way route, you can go mountain and nature hiking, camp and take nature photographs. Like Kargılıdere, the nature reserve in the Alakır Valley is in the municipal area; Gelidonya Lighthouse is in the wider district.

Plan your hotel stay around your travel interests

When planning your trip, decide whether you want to focus mainly on Kumluca’s city center or also visit places in the wider district. If Kitanaura is on your itinerary, check the schedule for Gölcük minibuses from the district bus station in advance.

Discover more destinations: Beldibi/Antalya, Karaöz, Beykonak Belediyesi, Gelemiş Köyü, İncekum Belediyesi, Çandır, Alanya, Taşağıl Belediyesi

For the broader travel overview: Antalya.