Things To Do
in Kumlu
Kumlu is a quiet agricultural town in southern Turkey, set along the fertile Amik Plain and surrounded by olive groves. It serves as a gateway to the Amanos foothills, offering easy day trips into rolling hills and rural scenery. Life here moves at a relaxed pace, with friendly locals, small markets, and a sense of Anatolian hospitality.
Visitors can experience authentic village life while still being within reach of Hatay’s rich culinary and cultural offerings.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down in Kumlu and settle into a quaint guesthouse with views over the surrounding fields. Breathe in the fresh countryside air as you unpack and prepare for your first Turkish coffee. Chat with the guesthouse host to gather insider tips on the area’s hidden gems.
Stroll through the bustling town market where colorful stalls brim with fresh produce, handmade crafts, and aromatic spices. Practice bargaining in Turkish as vendors display olives, local cheeses, and sweet baklava. Pick up ingredients for a sunset picnic by the nearby orchards.
Head to a family-run lokanta (eatery) to savor traditional dishes like lentil soup and kebab. Listen to the gentle hum of conversation as locals share stories over çay (tea). Enjoy an after-dinner wander under twinkling streetlights, soaking in the warmth of Kumlu’s hospitality.
Set out for the surrounding agricultural villages where olive groves and wheat fields stretch to the horizon. Join farmers in harvesting olives or shearing sheep, learning age-old techniques passed through generations. Delight in a simple breakfast of freshly baked bread, olive oil, and garden-fresh vegetables.
Visit a family-run dairy farm to watch cheese-making in action and sample labneh and white cheeses still warm from the curd. Wander dusty lanes lined with stone houses and courtyards overflowing with potted geraniums. Pause under a centuries-old plane tree to savor a picnic of goat cheese and seasonal fruits.
Return to town for a cooking demonstration in a local home, kneading dough for gözleme (filled flatbread). Share stories over the crackling wood fire as the bread cooks to golden perfection. End the evening around a communal table, feasting on your creations alongside new friends.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🥗Mid-range lunch for one | $12-25 |
| 🏨Budget hotel night | $25-60 |
| 🧺Groceries for a week | $20-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural experiences with warm, welcoming locals
- Close access to natural scenery and Hatay's culinary highlights
- Limited nightlife and some amenities in the village
- Public transport options can be infrequent
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Günaydın" - Good morning
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Burası nerede?" - Where is this place?
- "Yardım eder misiniz?" - Could you help me?
- "İngilizce konuşabilir misiniz?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Kumlu
Visit one of these nice places.
Soft morning light over calm waters with reflections of fields and distant hills; ideal for tranquil landscape shots.
A peaceful spot with traditional architecture, mosaics, and warm evening light; great for architectural details.
Panoramic views of the mountain range and the plain beyond; dramatic skies during sunset.
Rows of trees bathed in amber light, with rural life in the background for evocative countryside portraits.
Food in Kumlu
Kumlu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A warm, crispy cheese pastry soaked in syrup, often served with pistachios. Widely enjoyed in Hatay and available in nearby towns.
Must-Try!
Creamy smoked eggplant purée topped with slow-cooked lamb; pairs beautifully with flatbread and yogurt.
Charred, smoky kebab served over a smooth garlic-eggplant mash with yogurt; a Hatay classic.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling local market where fresh produce, olives, cheeses, and bread are sold daily or weekly, depending on the season.
Mobile stalls offering stuffed flatbreads and sesame rings; ideal for a quick, delicious bite on the go.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet others with a friendly 'Merhaba' (hello) and a handshake. Dress modestly when visiting mosques or religious sites and remove shoes when required.
Safety
Tipping in Kumlu
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants and cafes, leaving 5-10% is customary if service is included or appreciated. Small tips to drivers or guides are common but not required.
Cash is widely accepted, especially in markets and smaller shops. Cards are increasingly accepted in larger restaurants and hotels; check before ordering.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry days with temperatures often reaching the upper 30s°C (90s°F). Hydration and sun protection are essential; mornings and evenings are more comfortable for outdoor activities.
Warm days with cooler evenings; harvest season brings vibrant farmland scenery and pleasant conditions for walking and photography.
Mild to cool, with occasional rain. Snow is rare but possible in the Amanos foothills; layering is advised for day trips.
Moderate temperatures with blooming flowers in rural areas; ideal for hiking, markets, and street photography.
Kumlu at Night
Hiking in Kumlu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible routes with varying difficulty, offering forested scenery and panoramic views of the plain.
Gentle riverside trails ideal for day hikes and birdwatching, with opportunities to observe rural life along the banks.
A scenic route through agricultural land and small historic sites in the Hatay region, suitable for a half-day hike.
Airports
How to reach Kumlu by plane.
Located near Antakya, this is the closest airport with domestic and some international flights. Ground transport to Kumlu is available by car or bus.
A larger airport in Adana with broader flight options; accessible by road or domestic flights to connect onward to Kumlu.
Regional airport offering additional flight options; typically a longer drive to Kumlu but convenient for some itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily Turkish families engaged in farming and small-scale trades; a mix of long-established locals and newer arrivals drawn by agriculture and proximity to Hatay.
In the broader Hatay region, there are diverse cultural influences, with Arab and Kurdish communities present in nearby towns and interwoven into the local culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across the region, with local matches and casual play in parks and schools.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kumlu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many vegetarian-friendly dishes feature vegetables, legumes, olive oil, and yogurt. Ask for dishes cooked without meat stock and look for mezze platters and salads as safe choices.