History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
The Ancient City of Herakleia (Latmos) is a surreal open-air museum on the shores of Lake Bafa, surrounded by huge gneiss rock blocks, where the immortal love tale of the Moon Goddess Selene and the shepherd Endymion takes place in mythology. The city remained on the shore of Lake Bafa, which was a bay of the Aegean Sea (Gulf of Latmos) in ancient times, as a result of its transformation into a lake with alluviums; It is the most fascinating meeting point of nature and history in the world, with its 8000-year-old prehistoric rock paintings, rock tombs, the magnificent Temple of Athena on the lake shore, the agora and the Byzantine monasteries on the islands in the lake. Today, the modern village of Kapıkırı lives together with ancient ruins. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
The altitude is 20 meters; It is located within the borders of Bafa Lake Nature Park, at the foot of the huge Latmos (Beşparmak) gneiss cliffs, shaped by millions of years of erosion. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:The village and ancient open areas are open to the public and are free to visit.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): It is open to visitors all day long, 7 days a week.•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: Terrain consists of rocks and paths; Hiking and trekking shoes are a must. The stroller can only be driven on level roads within the village.•Facilities and Facilities:There are boutique lake hostels, fish restaurants, local handicraft stalls and boat tour piers in Kapıkırı village. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Kapıkırı Mahallesi Bafa Lake Shore, 48200 Milas / Muğla.•Road Condition and Vehicle Suitability: It can be easily reached by passenger vehicles via the 9 km asphalt road from Bafa town to Kapıkırı village, on the Söke-Milas road.•Real Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): Transportation is provided by Bafa - Kapıkırı village minibuses departing from Milas Bus Terminal.•Parking Availability:There are parking spaces in Kapıkırı village square and lakeside facilities. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photography Spots and Frames:The ruins of the Temple of Athena extending into the water by the lake, the island monasteries and the red reflection of the setting sun on the gneiss rocks in the lake mirror.•Light and Shooting Hours:Sunset moment (one of the most fascinating sunsets in Turkey).•Visiting Time:March - November; The enthusiasm of migratory birds and water lilies in spring is unique.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:Freshly caught Bafa eel, sea bass and olives marinated with mountain thyme should be tasted in the lakeside restaurants.