2 Day Trips to Faralya from Hisarönü: The Olive Garden & Rups Beach Club
Exploring Beyond Hisarönü
After spending five relaxing weeks in Hisarönü, my brother and I were ready to explore more of the surrounding area. We considered taking a day trip to Pamukkale, but after reading a few reviews, it sounded like one of those “Instagram vs. reality” situations — many of the famous pools have sadly dried up. So, instead of chasing the perfect shot, we decided to stay closer to home and discover more of the beautiful coastline nearby.
Just a short mountain drive away, Faralya offers breathtaking views, coastal serenity, and some of the most scenic spots along the Lycian Way. Set on the mountainside overlooking the Mediterranean, it’s the kind of place that feels miles away from the busy resorts — even though it’s less than 45 minutes from Hisarönü.
Day 1: The Olive Garden, Kabak
I first visited The Olive Garden nearly nine years ago and fell in love with it back then — so I couldn’t wait to show my brother this hidden gem perched above Kabak Bay.
Getting there was easy enough. We hopped on the dolmuş from Hisarönü, which runs every hour on the half hour. It’s super affordable and convenient — around 45 minutes later, we were stepping off into one of the most peaceful spots along the coast.
The Olive Garden is beautifully laid out with a stunning infinity pool overlooking Kabak Bay, an on-site restaurant, and rustic wooden cabins you can stay in if you fancy a longer escape. We visited for the day, soaking up the views, swimming in the pool, and enjoying a leisurely lunch before settling in for sunset drinks.
The food was excellent — I had a kofte wrap, my brother went for the chicken wrap, and both were generous, fresh, and full of flavour. There’s a great mix of Turkish classics and snack-style options, so you can easily spend the day there without needing to leave.
As we were visiting in October, it wasn’t too busy; we easily found sunbeds and had space to relax. During peak season, it’s known to get more popular with day visitors, but there’s a minimum spend of around £30 per person, which we hit comfortably with lunch and drinks.
If you’re craving peace, views, and a laid-back day surrounded by nature, The Olive Garden is perfect. And if you want total switch-off time, I’d recommend staying overnight in one of the cabins — just a night or two is enough to recharge.
Day 2: Rups Beach Club, Faralya
A few days later, we wanted to find the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the sea — something we couldn’t quite get at The Olive Garden, where the sun disappears behind the mountains. After a bit of Google Maps browsing, we came across Rups Beach Club, tucked into the cliffs of Faralya.
We again took the dolmuş from Hisarönü and got off near the top of the road. From there, it’s quite a walk down, but luckily their shuttle bus came up to collect us — which, trust me, was a blessing because the road is steep and a bit uneven. I’d recommend booking a bed in advance so they know you’re coming and can arrange a pickup.
Rups itself is absolutely stunning — built into the cliffside with multiple levels of sunbeds and cabanas. The beds are super comfy, and they even provide Turkish towels for the day. There’s a restaurant tucked into one of the levels and a pontoon for sea swims (there’s no beach, but you can jump straight into the clear turquoise water).
We had lunch there, and the pizza was honestly the best I had during my five weeks in Turkey. After that, it was an easy afternoon of snoozing on a lounger until the DJ started playing as the sun began to set.
Watching the sunset with an Efes in hand, music in the background, and the sea stretching endlessly below was one of those perfect travel moments. The only downside? The service could’ve been a little more attentive — we had to go find someone for drinks — but otherwise, the experience was worth it.
We paid 1250 TL each for the sunbeds, rather than a minimum spend, and stayed until after sunset. The shuttle had stopped running by then, so we grabbed a taxi back to Ölü Deniz for about 750 TL. My only suggestion for Rups would be to keep the shuttle running later because sunset is the highlight of the day!
Getting Around & Practical Tips
Distance: Faralya is 30–45 minutes from Hisarönü depending on where you’re going (Kabak is slightly further).
Transport: The dolmuş is the easiest and cheapest way to get there, though taxis are also fairly priced if you prefer more comfort. If you want to explore more of the Lycian coast, hiring a car is a great idea.
Payments: Both places accept card payments, so no need to carry lots of cash.
What to Pack: Bring a towel, water shoes (especially for Rups’ pontoon), a good book, and sunscreen.
Accessibility: Both locations involve steep access roads — The Olive Garden is flatter once you’re there, but Rups is built on a cliff with plenty of steps. If you have mobility issues, consider taking a taxi right to the entrance. The Olive Garden is also 14+.
Final Thoughts
Both The Olive Garden and Rups Beach Club offer unforgettable ways to spend a day away from Hisarönü — but they’re very different experiences.
The Olive Garden is peaceful, scenic, and romantic, perfect for couples or anyone looking to unwind. Rups, on the other hand, has a lively beach club vibe with music, cocktails, and a spectacular sunset scene.
If you have a few extra days in Hisarönü, I’d recommend doing both — one for the calm, one for the fun. We loved them equally for what they each offered, and both reminded us how much beauty there is just a short trip from the main resort towns.
Save this post for your next trip to Fethiye, and if you visit either spot, tag us at @LatitudeTravel.Club — we’d love to see your Faralya adventures!
