Boz Mountains (Bozdag)

The Basics

Dominated by 7,703-foot-high (2,156-meter-high) Mt. Boz, the Boz Mountains offer some of the most pristine scenery in Turkey. Coated in pine and oak forests and speckled with time-warp villages, natural springs, and walking trails, their slopes attract everyone from off-the-beaten-track explorers to climbers, cyclists, wildlife lovers, and hikers

In winter, Bozdag draws skiers, who head to the nearby Bozdag Ski Resort. Its runs are situated at 5,013 to 7,076 feet (1,528 to 2,157 meters) and accessed by a chairlift and two T-bars. Other local draws include Lake Golcuk (Golcuk Golu), the old town of Birgi, and paragliding at nearby Ovacik.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Boz Mountains attract outdoor enthusiasts of all types.

• Bring sunscreen, comfy shoes, and bottled water for a day in the mountains.

• Hiking up Mt. Boz is best done with a guide for navigation and safety.

• Check to see if the Bozdag Ski Centre is open before traveling: The runs are sometimes closed.

How to Get There

Regular buses from Izmir run to the town of Salihli in the Gediz valley below the Boz Mountains’ northern slopes. From here, it’s possible to hire cabs for the 40-minute drive to Bozdag village. Most visitors, however, drive to the mountains. From Izmir, follow the main E96 eastward before turning into the mountains at Salihli. From Kusadasi, the most direct route is via Selcuk, Tire, and Odemis before heading northward into the peaks.

When to Get There

The Boz Mountains are at their best in summer when they offer a scenic and cool retreat from the heat of Turkey’s Aegean coast. Visitors come to breathe in the crystal-clear air and enjoy the great outdoors and traditional villages. The ski season is relatively short—running from December to March.

Must-Sees in the Boz Mountains

When you’re not hiking or biking in the mountains, don’t miss two local highlights: Lake Golcuk and Birgi. Ringed by peaks, Lake Golcuk is a beautiful spot for walking, and its waters are fringed by stilted restaurants. Nearby is Birgi, one of Turkey’s prettiest and most historical towns thanks to its antique Ottoman mansions, mosques, and teahouses, all set against a stunning mountain backdrop.