Boz Mountains (Bozdag) Tours and Activities

Running from east of Izmir to Turkey’s western Anatolian Plateau, the Boz Mountains (Bozdag) are one of the country’s most beautiful mountain ranges. Centered on the mountain town of Bozdag and capped with snow from December to March, the mountains are a year-round paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The Basics                                                                                         Dominated by 7,703-foot-high (2,156-meter-high) Mt. Boz, the Boz Mountains offer some of the most pristine scenery in Turkey. Coated in pine and oak forests and speckled with time-warp villages, natural springs, and walking trails, their slopes attract everyone from off-the-beaten-track explorers to climbers, cyclists, wildlife lovers, and hikers.
Things to Know Before You Go

• The Boz Mountains attract outdoor enthusiasts of all types.
• Bring sunscreen, comfy shoes, and bottled water for a day in the mountains.
• Hiking up Mt. Boz is best done with a guide for navigation and safety.
• Check to see if the Bozdag Ski Centre is open before traveling: The runs are sometimes closed.

 
How to Get There
Regular buses from Izmir run to the town of Salihli in the Gediz valley below the Boz Mountains’ northern slopes. From here, it’s possible to hire cabs for the 40-minute drive to Bozdag village. Most visitors, however, drive to the mountains. From Izmir, follow the main E96 eastward before turning into the mountains at Salihli. From Kusadasi, the most direct route is via Selcuk, Tire, and Odemis before heading northward into the peaks.
 
When to Get There
The Boz Mountains are at their best in summer when they offer a scenic and cool retreat from the heat of Turkey’s Aegean coast. Visitors come to breathe in the crystal-clear air and enjoy the great outdoors and traditional villages. The ski season is relatively short—running from December to March.
 
Must-Sees in the Boz Mountains
When you’re not hiking or biking in the mountains, don’t miss two local highlights: Lake Golcuk and Birgi. Ringed by peaks, Lake Golcuk is a beautiful spot for walking, and its waters are fringed by stilted restaurants. Nearby is Birgi, one of Turkey’s prettiest and most historical towns thanks to its antique Ottoman mansions, mosques, and teahouses, all set against a stunning mountain backdrop.