Gelidonya Lighthouse

The Gelidonya Lighthouse is located on Taşlık Cape, within the boundaries of the Kumluca district of Antalya Province, along Türkiye’s southern coast, near Mavikent Neighborhood. It is situated at an elevation of 227 meters above sea level, commanding a strategic position over the Mediterranean Sea. It is the highest-elevation lighthouse along Türkiye’s coastline. The lighthouse was constructed on sharp cliffs approximately three kilometers inland from the sea. The structure, which lies within the boundaries of the Beydağları Coastal National Park, is under protection.

Gelidonya Lighthouse (Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye)

History and Structural Features

Construction of the lighthouse began in 1934 and it became operational in 1936. At the time of its construction, illumination was provided by kerosene. Due to its location in an area without access to an electrical grid, the lighthouse was manually operated for many years. In 2017, a solar-powered system was installed, enabling automatic operation using 220V electricity. The lighthouse provides navigational guidance over a wide maritime area including Gelidonya Cape, Taşlık Cape, and Kırlangıç Cape. The lighthouse building and its associated residence are protected under national heritage status by the General Directorate of Coastal Safety.

Gelidonya Lighthouse (Anadolu Agency)

Access and Environmental Conditions

There is no direct road access to the Gelidonya Lighthouse. Visitors reach the site via a footpath that begins in the Karaöz settlement and forms part of the Lycian Way. This trail passes through forested terrain to reach Taşlık Cape. The walking route continues toward Adrasan, offering views of the Mediterranean Sea. The region features typical Mediterranean vegetation. Visitors may collect plants such as narcissus, thyme, sage, and bay leaf during their hike.

Nature and Tourism

The Gelidonya Lighthouse is one of the key stops along the Lycian Way. This area is frequently visited by hikers and nature enthusiasts. It offers scenic landscapes of interest to nature photographers. Visitors may set up tents and camp in the area. Various nature sports events and marathons are also organized along this route. From the lighthouse’s location, Suluada and the Beş Adalar are clearly visible.

Gelidonya Lighthouse (Türkiye Culture Portal)

Beş Adalar and Maritime History

The Beş Adalar, located off the coast in front of the Gelidonya Lighthouse, hold significant importance in maritime history. Among these islands, one of the oldest known shipwrecks in the history of world maritime trade has been identified. This wreck is of considerable archaeological and maritime research value.

Ancient City of Melanippe

The Ancient City of Melanippe, located approximately three kilometers from Karaöz Bay in the southeast of the lighthouse, was used since the Hellenistic period as a small harbor settlement subordinate to the city of Gagai. The ancient city was established as a Greek colony during the Archaic period; its name derives from the Greek words melas (black) and hippos (horse). During the Middle Ages, the settlement was also known as Sanetus Stephanus or Karaozi. Remains of a three-aisled church dedicated to Saint Stephanos have been found in the harbor area, which served mariners. The city’s walls, residential ruins, cisterns, and olive oil production facilities have survived to the present day. Although some sources mention the existence of a Temple of Athena within the city, no direct archaeological evidence of such a structure has been found. Additionally, underwater sarcophagi and ostothek remains have been discovered in the region.