Olive gardens in the mountain village of Yaka (Fethiye).

Muğla

3 reviews • Updated 27 days ago

Welcome to Our Mountain Home – Rooted in Nature, Community & Simplicity We are Alime and Serafettin, a couple deeply connected to the land, village life, and the healing power of nature. In spring and autumn, we live in the peaceful mountain village of Yaka, near Fethiye in southwestern Turkey. Over the past 30 years, we’ve gradually built a life in harmony with the seasons — surrounded by olive groves, sunshine, and clean mountain air. Our traditional stone houses now welcome guests each summer who come to unwind and reconnect with nature. Our daughter Emel, a psychologist and psychotherapist, also runs Relive Retreats (https://www.reliveretreats.life) each autumn here. It's a project rooted in slowing down, living mindfully, and reconnecting with the natural world. From October 19–26, she will host a special Volunteers’ Week, where each day begins with a “Reconnection with Nature* session in the olive garden, followed by communal harvesting and shared meals. What We Do Throughout the year, there are different ways to get involved in life on the land: Organic Olive & Pomegranate Harvest (Autumn): Help us with the seasonal harvest and learn how we process olives and pomegranates. The produce is shared with local families. Tree Care & Garden Work (Spring): Support the growth of our newly planted fruit and walnut trees (we added over 300 last winter!) and assist with seasonal garden work. Cultural Exchange & Village Life (Year-Round): Experience the gentle rhythm of rural life — nature walks, home-cooked meals, Turkish hospitality, and peaceful evenings under the stars. Each harvest day starts with a nourishing Turkish breakfast, followed by 4–5 hours of hands-on work in the garden or fields. Afternoons are free to relax, explore the nearby mountains, swim in spring-fed streams, or visit ancient ruins like Tlos, just a short walk away. This land has been known for centuries as a place of healing — for both body and soul — and we do our best to live in a way that honors that spirit and shares it with others who feel called to join us. What You’ll Experience A rich cultural exchange blending mindful living with traditional Turkish village life Homemade meals, using seasonal, local ingredients A welcoming, heart-centered space where you’re encouraged to share your own gifts and stories — through cooking, music, art, or simply being present A deeper connection to nature, community, and yourself through the slower rhythms of rural life Accommodation is in a shared double room with a private bathroom, set in nature and ideal for rest after a fulfilling day outdoors. If you prefer more privacy, you can reserve the room for solo use for an additional €126 per week. If you’re drawn to reconnect with the earth, contribute to a conscious and organic way of living, and immerse yourself in the beauty and depth of Turkish village life — we would be happy to welcome you into our community.

Learning opportunities

Vegetable farming

Poultry farming

Aromatic or medicinal plants, teas

Vegetable or fruit preservation

Traditional crafts

Methods or systems

Biological pest control

Host type

Nonprofit / Community

25 Hectares | 61.8 Acres

Accommodation

4+ WWOOFers

Bedroom

Children accepted

Pets not accepted

Meals

Omnivore

Vegetarian

Vegan

Length of stay

1-2 weeks

3-4 weeks

Emel

Member since 2025

Languages spoken: Dutch, English, Turkish Response rate: 100% Response time: typically within 2 days

December 2025

Open

Planned visit

Closed

Muğla

Dalaman airport 90 min drive (shuttle bus to Fethiye) , Fethiye bus station 55 min drive, Seydikemer bus station 25 min drive.

Reviews

Greta

Germany • November 2025

I spent a few days at this olive farm in Fethiye and had a really nice time with the family. It was harvest season, so there was a lot to do, but I also learned a lot about olives. We spent two days in Fethiye at their home and a few days at the farm in the mountains. It was nice for me to see both. The food was also really delicious. We always ate together, and I got a good insight into Turkish daily life. Thank you very much for hosting me!

Bonnie "Indigo"

United States • November 2025

It was wonderful to stay with Emel (who was offsite, but checked in mid-week, and was overall excellent with communication) and her parents at their farm. It was olive harvest time, and we worked 4-5 hours in the field every day. I am used to farm work, but was not prepared for the rough terrain - steep rocky slopes covered on thistles/thorns. Thankfully they had shoes I could borrow! Next time I would bring canvas pants instead of loose ones, and my own sneakers or lace-up boots (I brought slip-on ones, which were not sufficient.). It was hard work, but balanced with equally strong relaxing! Beautiful walks in the countryside, and an abundance of delicious food. There was also a handful of others during my stay, a mix of foreigners and locals. Seref is a professional guide in addition to farmer, and brought us around to the local sites (including Tlos!) also. Overall, everyone was so kind and welcoming. Would not hesitate to stay again! Thank you so much ~

Ismail

Türkiye • November 2025

Ailenin wwoof uygulamasından gelen ilk gönüllüsü ben oldum. Zeytinlerin toplanması, sofralık ve yağlık olarak ayrılması gibi işlerde yardımcı oldum. onun dışında Şeref abi bizi fethiye ve çevresindeki güzel yerlere gezmeye götürdü. fethiye sahilinde yüzdük, kapıkargın kükürt kaplıcasına gittik, tlos antik kentine yürüyüş yaptık, kumluova plajı ve yol üstündeki antik kentleri gezdik. gönüllü olarak kaldığım süre boyunca konaklama olanaklarımız çok iyiydi. fethiye merkezde otelde ve yaka köyünde doğanın içindeki şömineli havuzlu evlerde konakladık. Belçikadan gelen kızları Emel ilede çok güzel sohbetlerimiz oldu. belçikadan gelen misafirleri ve diğer gönüllülerle beraberde çok şey paylaştık. akşamları şömine karşısında oturmak ve oyunlar oynamakta güzeldi. herşey için teşekkürler