A picturesque mountain village in the Taurus Mountains where locals grow grapes and make traditional wine and spirits
Uzumlu, known in Turkish as Üzümlü—meaning 'the village of grapes'—is a mountain settlement in the Taurus Mountains approximately 40 kilometers north of central Antalya. The village occupies a broad highland valley at around 1,000 meters elevation, surrounded by pine-forested ridges and terraced agricultural land. Its name reflects its central identity: the community has been a center of grape cultivation for generations, and the vineyards climbing the slopes around the village produce the raw material for locally made wine and traditional grape spirits. The weekly Sunday market is the defining event in the Uzumlu calendar, attracting growers and traders from surrounding highland villages to sell fresh and dried fruit, local honey, artisan cheeses, pickles, and handmade goods on a covered market square. The atmosphere is predominantly local; the market is primarily a working agricultural exchange, and while visitors are welcome, the orientation is far from the typical coastal tourist market, making it an unusually authentic encounter with Anatolian highland rural life. Traditional family workshops in the village distill small quantities of spirits from grape pomace following methods rooted in regional tradition, and local producers sell jams, dried fruits, and preserved goods from homes and small stalls. The village architecture is characterized by modest stone and rendered houses with enclosed gardens, wooden balconies, and the occasional older structure of cut limestone typical of the highland Taurus style. The drive north from Antalya gains altitude steadily, passing through pine forest and increasingly dramatic mountain scenery before reaching the plateau on which Uzumlu sits. The elevation brings a significantly cooler climate: temperatures in the village can be 10 to 15 degrees Celsius lower than on the coast, making it a natural escape from the intense Antalya summer heat. Informal walking paths lead through the vineyards and surrounding forest and are pleasant in spring when wildflowers colonize the mountain meadows. The village suits a half-day or full-day excursion from Antalya, with the Sunday market as the primary attraction. A visit outside market day is quieter but still offers the highland scenery and a glimpse of agricultural village life in the Taurus interior.
Highlights
- Weekly Sunday market drawing highland farmers and artisans, predominantly local in character with fresh produce and dried goods
- Grape vineyards and traditional distilleries producing local wine and spirits in a village whose name means the grapes
- Mountain plateau setting at 1,000 meters elevation, approximately 10-15°C cooler than the Antalya coast in summer
- Informal walking paths through vineyards and pine forest around the village perimeter
- Stone and rendered highland architecture typical of the Taurus mountain village tradition
Tips for visiting
- Visit on Sunday to coincide with the weekly market, the primary attraction for most visitors
- Bring a jacket even in summer; at 1,000 meters the temperature is significantly lower than the coast
- Purchase local honey, dried figs, and grape preserves directly from growers at the market stalls
- The village is most easily reached by private car or taxi from Antalya; public transport options are limited
- Arrive at the market between 9 AM and noon when it is most active and stalls are fully stocked
When to visit
Spring from April to June and autumn from September to October offer the most comfortable highland conditions, with green vineyards and pleasant temperatures. Sunday visits are essential for the weekly market, which is the main attraction for most visitors.
Accessibility
The main market square and village roads in Uzumlu are on level or gently sloping ground and accessible for most visitors arriving by car. Informal walking paths through the surrounding vineyards and forest terrain are uneven and not suitable for wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Uzumlu village market held?
The market takes place every Sunday on the main village square. It is most active in the morning from approximately 9 AM to noon and draws producers from surrounding highland communities selling seasonal produce, dried goods, honey, and dairy products.
How far is Uzumlu from Antalya?
Uzumlu is approximately 40 kilometers north of central Antalya, reached in about 50 minutes to one hour by car via the main mountain road. The route involves a scenic ascent into the Taurus Mountains.
Is Uzumlu village worth visiting on a non-market day?
The village is quieter on weekdays but the highland scenery, vineyard landscape, and mountain air are pleasant year-round. The Sunday market is the primary draw, and a weekday visit offers a glimpse of daily agricultural life without the market activity.