Gömbe: Green Lake, Uçarsu Waterfall, and a Historical Escape in Kaş

Ready to plan the ultimate Kaş itinerary? Here is your guide to the Gömbe Plateau, where you can cool off in nature, and my top recommendation for a sea route to perfect your holiday.

When you think of things to do in Kaş, turquoise waters, bougainvillea-filled streets, and the scorching Mediterranean sun usually come to mind first. However, this paradise isn't just about the coast. Sometimes, you need an alternative route to escape the heat, breathe in crisp mountain air, and watch the stars while wearing a light jacket. This is where Gömbe Plateau comes in—a hidden gem nestled at the summit of Yumru Mountain, right in the heart of the Kaş-Kalkan-Elmalı triangle.

This place is more than just a cool refuge; it is a land where Yörük (nomadic) culture thrives, ice-cold waters flow, and history embraces nature. After feeling the chill of the plateau deep in your bones, you will surely want to return to the warm embrace of the Mediterranean and explore sunken cities. To complete your experience, you must crown your trip with a famous Kekova boat tour. We’ve taken in the mountain air; now, let’s get to know this green fairytale up close.

The Deep History and Cultural Heritage of Gömbe Plateau

Gömbe Plateau promises much more than an ordinary picnic spot. There is thousands of years of life in the soil you step on. During the Christian era, this area was used as an important bishopric center. The church ruins you will encounter while wandering around whisper just how sacred and strategic this point once was.

History here isn't limited to the ancient period. During the Ottoman Empire, this was the region's most vibrant center for trade and socialization. It was a massive meeting point where animal fairs were set up, wrestlers took to the "er meydanı" (field of honor) for oil wrestling, and Yörüks stayed while migrating between winter and summer pastures. Even today, these traditions resist the modern world and continue to live on. Specifically, the Abdal Musa Festivities held every year during Hıdırellez offer the most colorful and sincere reflections of Yörük culture. If your holiday coincides with these dates, you will witness a living cultural museum, not just a nature trip.

Natural Wonders: Green Lake and Uçarsu Waterfall

The real elements that make Gömbe unique are undoubtedly the purest and wildest forms of water found here. Here, water is not just scenery; it is life itself.

Green Lake (Yeşilgöl): An Ice-Cold Crater Lake

You are at an altitude of exactly 1850 meters above sea level. Before you lies an emerald green, glass-clear body of water. This is Green Lake. Because it is a crater lake, the water is so cold that even on the hottest day of summer, you will feel your fingers go numb the moment you dip your hand in. Accessible via a pleasant trekking route starting from Subaşı Plateau, this lake, along with the surrounding glacial lakes, offers a view that rivals the Alps. For the brave, swimming in this icy water might be one of the most extreme things to do in Kaş. This is the literal definition of becoming one with nature.

Uçarsu Waterfall: The Legendary Waters of Akdağ

When you look a little higher from Green Lake, you will encounter the Uçarsu waterfall, which bursts from the bosom of Akdağ and pours down from a height of 60 meters as if it were flying. Fed by melting snow, the water is so enthusiastic that droplets hang in the air and fly around, giving it the name "Uçarsu" (Flying Water). You can get right to the bottom of the waterfall with a short walk from the direction of Çukurbağ Village. According to a legend circulating among the locals, this water flows towards Gömbe on Hıdırellez to bring abundance, and towards Fethiye in the autumn. Standing under the waterfall and letting those cool droplets hit your face will wash away all your fatigue.

💡 Captain Ergun's Advice: "If you're going up to Gömbe, don't make the mistake of wearing just shorts and a t-shirt thinking 'it's summer.' My advice: set off at sunrise. Go to Uçarsu Waterfall first; when the sun is directly overhead, you can catch the rainbow formed by the water spray. On the way back, don't return without eating piping hot 'Gömbe Çöreği' (local pastry) cooked in stone ovens at the local eateries in the square. If you start missing the sea, we'll be waiting for you at the harbor, that's a different story!"

Gömbe’s Palate-Pleasing Delicacies

Mountain air makes you hungry, and they say Gömbe air makes you ravenous. It would be a huge loss to come all this way and return without tasting the local delicacies.

Famous Gömbe Kebab

The signature dish of the region is Gömbe Kebab. The secret of this kebab lies in the meat of the goats grazing on the plateau, smelling of thyme. Cooked slowly in its own fat over a wood fire in stone ovens, this meat falls apart the moment you touch it with a fork. Served with local pilaf and ice-cold ayran (yogurt drink), this feast leaves an unforgettable mark on your palate.

Gömbe Pastry and Countryside Restaurants

If you are looking for something lighter, the local Gömbe Çöreği (pastry) is a delicious alternative. With walnut, poppy seed, or plain varieties, it is indispensable for tea time. The countryside restaurants you will see along the plateau road may not have the comfort of luxury restaurants, but they will enchant you with their sincerity and flavor. Even the tomatoes and peppers you eat at tables where ice-cold spring water flows right beside you taste completely different.

Balancing Mountain and Sea in Your Kaş Holiday

A Kaş holiday is the harmony of contrasts. One day you can shiver at the peak of a mountain, and the next day you can touch history in the depths of the sea. Creating a balanced list of things to do in Kaş increases the efficiency of your holiday. After touching the peak of Akdağ in Gömbe Plateau and filling your lungs with that pristine oxygen, your body will crave the salty water of the Mediterranean again.

When you descend from the plateau, it means it's time to leave the majesty of the mountains behind and journey to the mysterious city under the sea. Just as Gömbe's green is enchanting, Kekova's blue is equally magical. Gliding over the Sunken City of Simena is a journey through time, just like walking on the plateau. Therefore, planning a Kekova boat tour right after your Gömbe trip allows you to complete your holiday perfectly with both "earth and water" elements.

Set Your Route and Explore

For those looking for a cool oasis in the scorching heat of Antalya, Gömbe Plateau is the hidden hero of the things to do in Kaş list. With its historical churches, legendary Uçarsu waterfall, ice-cold Green Lake, and delicious kebabs, this route offers you a completely different Mediterranean experience.

After resting your soul in the coolness of the mountains, your next stop is clear to discover the unique blue and history of the Mediterranean by sea. If you want to crown your holiday with an unforgettable blue cruise, book your place right now and continue the adventure with a Kekova boat tour. A wonderful holiday where you will experience every shade of nature awaits you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We have compiled the details that might be on your mind before your visit to Gömbe Plateau.

How do I get to Gömbe Plateau?

Gömbe Plateau is 70 km from Kaş, 30 km from Elmalı, and approximately 40 km from Kalkan. You can reach it via the Kaş-Elmalı highway with your private vehicle. The road is winding but the scenery is magnificent. Additionally, during the summer season, it is possible to reach it by minibuses departing from Kaş bus station or via daily tours.

Is swimming allowed in Green Lake?

Yes, swimming in Green Lake is not prohibited, but the water temperature is quite low even in summer months (usually below 10 degrees Celsius). Therefore, entering the water requires serious courage, and it is recommended not to stay in the water for a long time due to the risk of hypothermia.

What should I take with me when going to Gömbe Plateau?

Since the plateau altitude is high (between approximately 1200-1800 meters), while it is 40 degrees in Kaş center, it can be 20-25 degrees up there. Evenings get quite cool. You should definitely take a cardigan, a light jacket, and if you are going trekking, waterproof, ankle-supporting hiking boots.

Does Uçarsu Waterfall dry up?

Uçarsu waterfall is fed by snow waters, so its flow rate changes according to the season. The most enthusiastic flow times are spring months and early summer (May-June). Towards the end of summer (August-September), the amount of water may decrease, but it is rare for it to dry up completely.

Is there accommodation in Gömbe?

Yes, there are pensions, bungalow houses, and small hotels in Gömbe center and on the plateau road. However, rather than luxury hotel comfort, you should expect intimate and clean family businesses intertwined with nature. If you like camping, the area around Green Lake is suitable for setting up a tent.

Is it suitable for families with children?

Gömbe Plateau is suitable for families with children. Fresh air and natural foods are great for kids. However, since the terrain can be rough on hikes to Uçarsu Waterfall or Green Lake, it is recommended to use a baby carrier backpack for very small children. Stroller use is difficult on trekking routes.