Chalet Vista’s owner Ayhan is a fully-qualified guide, trained in ornithology, botany, archaeology and trekking and his services are available to guests throughout their stay. His invaluable expertise guarantees the opportunity really explore the beauty of the Bozburun Peninsula and the surrounding area (as far afield as Ephesus).

Even if you don’t wish to take Ayhan’s private escorted tours – he is a font of local knowledge and will be delighted to share his passion and knowledge with you during your stay.

Horse Riding

Ayhan has acquired a stable of three horses – two English thoroughbred, one Arabian – which are well-suited to life on the Peninsula. They are stabled in the grounds beneath the cottage (away from the main house) and are available for trekking experiences in the region.  The beauty of horse-trekking is that you can cover more ground on four legs that you can on two, and from an elevated position in the saddle have incredible views along the trails of peninsula.

The horse-riding is recommended to guests who are intermediate and above standard riders, who are comfortable in the saddle and can enjoy occasional day treks led by Ayhan. The routes through the forests of the peninsula are well-researched, with commentary on the ever-changing scenery filling in the gaps of the history, wildlife and culture of the surrounding villages and countryside.

The treks operate across the full season including the hottest months of July and August, when the region’s best beaches provide a chance for rider and mount to cool off in the sea. Nothing beats galloping along the shore with the wind in your hair and the sea lapping at the horses’ hooves.

There are also special horse-trekking weeks which operate in the summer and winter (with the exception only of July-September). These consist of an itinerary based at the cottage with four full-day riding treks along trails exploring the Bozburun Peninsula leading directly from The Wolf’s Trail Cottage. One day is kept for relaxation and another where guests have the opportunity to visit the fascinating region of Dalyan with Ayhan’s company as a guide.

Trekking

Chalet Vista is situated metres from The Carian Trail, a 500 mile long itinerant footpath which starts on the Bozburun Peninsula and crosses almost the entire Aegean.  The waymarked footpath leads directly from the doorstep and is ideal for day treks through the lush flora and fauna, with pine needles crunching underfoot and a canopy of carob, pine and cedar trees above.

The route leads directly from the cottage through derelict settlements and past row upon row of beautiful beehives. Indeed, the area around Bayir is renowned for its carob and pine honey which is sold in solid sheets in local markets and has a distinctive, full taste. There is a quirky museum which celebrates all things honey and is well worth calling into during your stay.

Follow the path downhill to a series of delightful cooling pools, fed by a stream, which leads all the way to a small Lokanata (Turkish café) at the end of the trail, serving Turkish tea and Gözleme (a savoury pancake filled with spinach and cheese) in the shade of the trees. Further afield, The Carian Trail is yours to explore in bite-sized chunks, linking an ancient array of paths from traditional caravan routes, to goat trails and roman roads and passing through many unspoilt villages.