History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Gedefi Plateau is a well-established plateau settlement located in the high mountain range of the Taurus Mountains, used as a summer camp by nomadic Yörük tribes for centuries. The plateau is known for its icy karst springs and vast grasslands. According to what is told in Yoruk legends, in ancient times, when malaria and scorching heat broke out on the Mediterranean coast, Yoruk tribes migrated to Gedefi Plateau in May with folk songs and prayers; It was said that patients who drank the spring waters of the plateau were cured of malaria, and the milk yield of animals was doubled. The plateau has carried the culture of traditional stone-walled Yoruk houses and snow wells to the present day. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
Gedefi Plateau is a spacious bowl plateau surrounded by steep cliffs, at an altitude of approximately 1,750 to 1,900 meters above sea level. The air of the plateau is moisture-free and extremely fresh; The Milky Way can be seen with all its brightness in the summer night sky. The plateau vegetation consists of Scots pines, dwarf junipers, astragalus and wild thyme fields. The spring waters are ice-cold because they are fed by melting snow. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:The plateau is an open nature area and entrance is completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days:It is very suitable for visiting between June and October; In winter, roads may be closed due to heavy snow.•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: Due to the high altitude, you need to carry warm clothing and a windbreaker; Fires should not be lit except in controlled stoves. The stabilized roadsides in the plateau settlement are suitable for baby strollers, while the meadow ground is rough in places.•Facilities and Amenities:There are no permanent hotels or luxury facilities; There are traditional highland springs, stone fountains and Yoruk households. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Gedefi Yaylası Mevkii, 07860 Gündoğmuş / Antalya.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: It is approximately 28 km from the center of Gündoğmuş. The last 8-10 km of the road is a stabilized gravel plateau road; Passenger cars can be driven in summer when driven slowly, high vehicles are more comfortable.•Real Public Transportation Information: There is no direct public transportation; It can be reached by private vehicle or transhumance transfers.•Parking Availability:Free unlimited parking is available on the wide grassland edges of the plateau. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photo Spots and Frames:Authentic Yoruk plateau houses with stone architecture, flocks of sheep and the rugged silhouettes of the gray limestone Taurus Mountains rising in the background.•Light and Shooting Hours:The moment of light veil-like fog settling on the plateau meadows in the early morning hours and the sunset redness in the evening.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:Samovar tea should be brewed by the plateau springs, freshly milked goat milk, tulum cheese and fresh flat-baked flatbread should be obtained from the plateau Yoruks.