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Aerial view of Ceneviz Bay and its pine-covered rocky shore, with boats anchored in the cove

Ceneviz Cove (Porto Genoese)

Adrasan – Olympos arası, Kumluca, Antalya

Foto: Wape1989 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Between Adrasan and Olympos, where the steep slopes of Mount Musa drop into the sea, lies a cove surrounded on three sides by high mountains. There is no road; you can only get there by boat, in about an hour from Adrasan or Çıralı. That's why almost every boat tour in the area includes Ceneviz on its route.

Name and history

The cove is named after the Genoese merchants who dominated Mediterranean trade in the Middle Ages, and sailors also know it as Porto Genoese. Thanks to its sheltered shape, it is said to have been a refuge for trading ships and pirates for centuries. Ruins on the slopes, thought to belong to an old castle, hint at its strategic importance in the past.

The mud bath

What sets Ceneviz apart from other coves is its black mud. Visitors' favourite ritual is to coat themselves in it, let it dry in the sun and then rinse off in the clear water. The mud is believed to be good for the skin and relaxing; it isn't scientifically proven, but the experience itself is great fun. Wear an old swimsuit, since the mud can stain light fabrics.

Nature

The cove lies within Beydağları Coastal National Park and is protected as a first-degree natural site. There are no businesses or permanent settlements on the shore and almost no artificial light at night. The water is very clear and usually calm, and loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) are often seen here. If you spot one, don't chase, touch or feed it.

Which boat to take?

  • From Adrasan: the Adrasan Coves Boat Tour (Akseki, Sazak and Ceneviz).
  • From Çıralı and Olympos: the Çıralı – Olympos Boat Tour; Ceneviz is usually the first stop.
  • Private boat: to see the cove at quieter times, before or after the tour boats.

Visiting responsibly

  • The mud bath has no proven medical benefit. Don't dig into the shore for mud.
  • The caves along this coast are a habitat of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. Sightings are very rare; keep away from the caves, and if you see an animal keep your distance and stay quiet.
  • The difficult trails down to the cove are not a short, unguided route; the most practical access is by licensed boat from Adrasan.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ceneviz Cove be reached by land?
No, there is no road to the cove. It can only be reached by boat, in about an hour from Adrasan or Çıralı.
Which boat tours visit Ceneviz Cove?
Ceneviz is almost always on the coves route from Adrasan and on the daily tours from Çıralı–Olympos. On Çıralı tours it is usually the first stop.
How do I do the mud bath?
Coat yourself in the mud, let it dry in the sun, then rinse off in the sea. Wear an old swimsuit, as the black mud can stain light fabrics. If your skin is sensitive, test a small area first.
Can I buy food or drinks at the cove?
No, there are no businesses on the shore. Boat tours serve lunch and drinks on board; if you go by private boat, bring what you need.
Why is it called Ceneviz?
It is named after the Genoese (Ceneviz in Turkish) merchants who dominated Mediterranean trade in the Middle Ages. Its sheltered shape is said to have made it a refuge for trading ships and pirates; sailors also call it Porto Genoese.
Can I see sea turtles at the cove?
Yes, loggerhead turtles are often seen in these waters, but as wild animals there is no guarantee. Keep your distance, don't touch them and don't feed them.
Might I see a Mediterranean monk seal?
Very rarely. Keep away from the caves; if you see a seal, keep your distance and stay quiet.

KEEP EXPLORING

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