Pink Apple · SUP Routes
Herakleia &
Lake Bafa
Ancient city, flooded monasteries, and island fortresses — a route impossible to explore without a SUP board.
About Route
Where history
meets water
Route Parameters
There are places you cannot reach by car. You cannot take a tour bus or sail a big boat. The islands of Lake Bafa, with their monasteries and fortresses, have stood in the middle of the water for centuries — and most tourists only see them from the shore.
On a SUP board, everything changes. You glide along stone walls, enter arches from the lake side, and moor at the very base of medieval towers. This is a journey that cannot be replicated any other way.
The route is not for beginners: the lake is vast, and the wind rises unexpectedly. But that is exactly why it is quiet here. That is exactly why you will be almost entirely alone.
Kapikiri village built on the ruins of Herakleia — Besparmak mountains on the horizon
Chronology
History
The city that
lost the sea
Two thousand years ago, this was the sea. Herakleia stood at the very edge of the Aegean gulf, its merchant ships sailing to Greece and Egypt. Then the river came.
The Meander — from which the word "meandering" originates — carried silt from the mountains for centuries. Gradually, the gulf became shallow, separated from the sea, turned into a lagoon, and then a lake. Herakleia remained by the water, but not the same water.
"Here slept Endymion — the beautiful shepherd whom Selene, the Moon goddess, fell in love with. They say this is why the rocks here still glow with a special light during the full moon."
Monasteries on Water
When Christianity spread in Asia Minor, monks appreciated this natural fortress: islands in the middle of the lake, surrounded by water, swept by the wind. Impregnable and silent. Monasteries and churches grew on several islands — some right at the water's edge, others on rocky ledges.
The Yediler Monastery — "The Seven Sleepers" — is one of the oldest. Frescoes depicting the life of Christ survive on its walls. It is impossible to reach on foot. Local fishermen occasionally bring tourists, but not every day.
What Remains
Herakleia's city walls still stand — 6.5 km long, full height in places. The Agora, the Temple of Athena, the towers. All this is scattered among the houses of Kapikiri, a living village of about 300 people. Cows graze between ancient columns. Cats sleep on stones that are 2,300 years old.
How to get there
Route:
Kusadasi — Kapikiri
From Kusadasi to Kapikiri is about 100 km by car — roughly 1.5 hours via Söke on the D525, then turning north to Bafa köyü. The road along the lake shore is one of the most scenic in this part of Turkey.
The starting point is Kapikiri village, right at the water's edge. Bring plenty of water, food, and sunscreen. The wind on the lake is unpredictable: dead calm in the morning, half-meter waves by noon. Check the forecast and do not stray far if inexperienced.
The Islands
Where to paddle
on a SUP board
There are several islands with ruins on the lake. They cannot be reached on foot — only by water. This is the main advantage of the SUP route.
Important to know
About water
safety
There are many unofficial "operators" on Lake Bafa — locals with boats offering cash tours. No paperwork, no insurance, no responsibility. If something happens, help might not arrive in time.
- Illegal operators have no insurance — everything is at your own risk.
- Pink Apple provides certified equipment and strict safety guidelines for your peace of mind.
- The wind on the open lake rises suddenly. This route is not recommended for absolute beginners.
- When renting a board — always wear a life jacket and attach the leash.
- Take water and food: there are no shops on the islands, and the day will pass quickly.
Seasonality
When to go,
and when not to
In the peak summer months, Lake Bafa suffers from algae blooms — the water turns green and emits an unpleasant odor. This is a natural process related to heat. It is not recommended to paddle during this period.
* We recommend checking the lake conditions before your trip, as the situation may vary depending on rainfall and temperature.