Mount Güllük–Termessos National Park

Mount Güllük–Termessos Overview

Mount Güllük–Termessos National Park, known in Turkish as Güllük Dağı–Termessos Milli Parkı, is located in the Antalya Province of southern Turkey.

Covering roughly 51.5 square miles (133.5 square kilometers), the park is nestled within the western Taurus Mountains and centers around Mount Güllük, which rises to a height of 5,259 feet (1,603 meters). The park’s steep, rocky terrain includes dramatic cliffs, narrow gorges, and deep valleys, offering a wild and rugged landscape shaped by geological forces over millennia.

The higher elevations are dominated by pine and cedar forests, while lower slopes feature Mediterranean maquis vegetation, including evergreen shrubs, wild olives, and junipers. Scattered among the natural features are impressive karst formations, caves, and seasonal streams that add to the park’s scenic variety.

Wildlife thrives within this diverse landscape, supported by the park’s relative isolation and minimal human disturbance. Key mammals include the mountain goat, wild boar, red fox, and European badger.

The park is also a haven for birdlife, hosting species such as the golden eagle, peregrine falcon, and Eurasian eagle-owl, all of which can be seen soaring above the mountainous cliffs. Smaller songbirds and woodpeckers frequent the forested areas, while reptiles like tortoises and various lizards find refuge among the rocks and underbrush. The presence of both Mediterranean and alpine habitats creates an exceptional range of biodiversity within a relatively compact area.

A central feature of the park is the ancient city of Termessos, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Turkey. Perched on a natural platform high in the mountains, Termessos offers visitors the chance to explore ruins such as a grand theater, temples, rock-cut tombs, and defensive walls, all set against sweeping mountain views.

This unique blend of natural and historical significance makes Mount Güllük–Termessos National Park a rare and rewarding destination. The climb to the city requires a moderate hike, but the path is lined with forest and wildflowers, making the journey itself a highlight.

Visitors to the park primarily engage through hiking and historical exploration. A well-marked trail system leads through both natural and archaeological sites, appealing to those interested in both ecology and ancient history. The rugged terrain also provides opportunities for nature photography, birdwatching, and wildlife observation.

Due to the park’s location near Antalya, it is accessible for day trips, although its relatively quiet and undeveloped nature offers a peaceful contrast to the nearby coastal bustle.

Conservation within Mount Güllük–Termessos National Park focuses on protecting its dual heritage—natural ecosystems and archaeological ruins. Challenges include the threat of forest fires, unregulated tourism, and illegal plant collection, especially of endemic and medicinal species.

However, its designation as a national park has contributed to the preservation of both its environmental and cultural assets. Management strategies prioritize controlled visitor access, habitat restoration, and education to promote responsible tourism. The park continues to benefit from low-impact visitation and support from academic and conservation communities focused on sustaining this extraordinary mountain environment.

Park Map

Mount Güllük–Termessos National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Mount Güllük–Termessos National Park, located in Antalya Province in southern Turkey, is a striking blend of ancient ruins, rugged mountains, and dense Mediterranean forest. Dominated by Mount Güllük and home to the ruins of the ancient city of Termessos, the park’s steep cliffs, pine forests, and rocky valleys provide vital habitat for a wide variety of mammals and reptiles that thrive in this dramatic terrain.

Wild Goat (Bezoar Ibex)
A signature species of the park, wild goats are expert climbers that navigate rocky cliffs with ease. Males sport large, spiraled horns and graze on mountain shrubs and grasses.

Red Fox
This clever and adaptive mammal is common throughout the park. It preys on rodents and birds but also scavenges and forages for fruit, especially around forest clearings.

Grey Wolf
Roaming the park’s higher elevations and remote canyons, the grey wolf is an apex predator that hunts deer, wild boar, and small mammals, maintaining the natural balance of the ecosystem.

Brown Bear
Though elusive, brown bears inhabit the forested and mountainous zones of the park. They forage for roots, berries, and insects and are generally most active in spring and autumn.

Golden Jackal
Inhabiting forest edges and rocky plateaus, the golden jackal feeds on small mammals, carrion, and fruit. It is a highly vocal species and often travels in pairs or family groups.

Wild Boar
These strong and social animals are common in the park’s wooded areas. They dig through soil for insects, roots, and tubers and play a role in shaping the forest floor.

European Pine Marten
This agile predator lives in pine and oak forests, climbing trees with ease. It feeds on birds, small mammals, insects, and fruit and is most active at twilight and night.

European Wildcat
A solitary and stealthy predator, the wildcat inhabits dense forest areas and preys on rodents and small birds. It resembles a domestic cat but is bulkier with a bushier tail.

Spur-thighed Tortoise
Well-adapted to the dry, scrubby parts of the park, this land tortoise feeds on grasses and wild herbs. It becomes less active during the hottest and coldest months.

Anatolian Rock Lizard
Found on sun-baked stones and ruins, this quick-moving reptile hunts insects and blends easily into the rocky landscape. It’s frequently seen basking near the ancient walls of Termessos.

Birds

Mount Güllük–Termessos National Park is also a haven for bird species, especially those suited to mountainous and forested habitats, as well as cliff-dwelling raptors drawn to the park’s dramatic terrain.

Golden Eagle
Often seen soaring above the cliffs, this majestic raptor preys on hares, wild goats, and other small mammals. It nests on high ledges and is a powerful symbol of the park’s wilderness.

Peregrine Falcon
This swift hunter nests on rocky outcrops and dives at extreme speed to capture birds mid-flight. It is often seen flying near the ruins and open slopes.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl
The park’s largest owl roosts in rock crevices or dense woods during the day and becomes active at night, feeding on rodents, birds, and reptiles with silent flight.

Short-toed Snake Eagle
This eagle specializes in hunting reptiles such as snakes and lizards in rocky, open terrain. It hovers mid-air before diving to capture its prey.

Common Buzzard
A broad-winged raptor often seen circling above the forest canopy, the buzzard feeds on small mammals and is a common sight on thermal currents over the park.

Chukar Partridge
A ground-dwelling bird that favors dry, stony hillsides, the chukar forages in small groups for seeds and insects. Its distinctive call echoes through the canyons.

Blue Rock Thrush
This solitary and colorful bird nests on rocky ledges and ruins. It sings a rich, fluting song and feeds on insects and small lizards among stones and shrubs.

Wallcreeper
A striking bird with crimson wings, the wallcreeper flutters along vertical rock faces, feeding on insects in crevices. It’s often seen near cliffs and ancient stone walls.

Crested Lark
This lark prefers open rocky ground and is recognized by its raised crest and beautiful, melodic song. It forages on the ground for seeds and insects.

Common Raven
A frequent sight over ruins and mountains, the raven is intelligent and adaptable. It feeds on carrion, insects, and fruit and communicates with a variety of calls and sounds.

Mount Güllük–Termessos National Park is a place where history and nature intertwine—where ancient stone ruins meet wild cliffs and dense forests, creating one of Turkey’s most spectacular environments for both terrestrial wildlife and bird species.