Turkey has always been a dream destination for those who seek both a relaxing vacation and exciting adventure sports. Known as the bridge between Europe and Asia, the country is redefining adventure tourism with a variety of alternative extreme sports.
A hot air balloon ride over the fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia is a must-do activity for anyone visiting this stunning area. But there’s much more to do in this magnificent country.
Hot Air Ballooning
If you’re looking for an adventurous activity that will allow you to explore the enchanting landscapes of Turkey, hot air ballooning is the perfect choice. Whether you’re an experienced explorer or a first-timer, this experience is sure to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Cappadocia is home to some of the world’s most spectacular hot air balloons, where passengers can drift over the fairy chimneys and other natural formations while enjoying stunning scenery and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Depending on the weather, flights can take place at sunrise or sunset.
One of the best ways to see the incredible landscapes of Cappadocia is to go on a hot air balloon ride, where you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the unique rock formations and the town of Goreme. There are plenty of tour companies that offer this amazing experience, and you can book your trip online.
Alternatively, you can head to the Aladaglar National Park to enjoy some rock climbing. Here, you’ll find a range of different climbing opportunities – from sport single pitches to massive bolted multi-pitches. Cimbar Valley, located near Karamuk and Kazikli Valley, which is close to Cukurbag are two of the most popular places in the park.
There are also plenty of opportunities to do some kayaking in Turkey. Many of the country’s coastal resorts feature beautiful beaches, while inland there are many rivers and lakes to explore. The Turquoise Coast, where the Mediterranean and Aegean meet, is a particularly popular destination for watersports lovers.
Mountain biking is another outdoor activity that you can try in Turkey. You’ll find a range of tour operators that specialize in this type of excursion, and most of them have packages available for beginners as well as advanced riders. The 11.7-km loop trail near Goreme is considered to be the best in the region and offers an adrenaline-pumping experience.
Skiing is a popular winter activity in Turkey, and Uludag is the country’s largest ski resort. With a variety of slopes suitable for all levels, this is a great way to get some fresh air while enjoying the snow-covered scenery.
Kayaking
As a country that spans two continents, Turkey is home to an amazing variety of outdoor activities. From soaring high in hot air balloons above Cappadocia to snorkeling the Mediterranean sea around Kas, the country is a true playground for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Surrounded by four different seas, seven distinct climate regions, and stunning mountain ranges of over 5,000 meters in height, the vast landscapes of Turkey offer many wonderful opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Those who prefer to explore on land can try the country’s many wonderful hikes, mountain biking, and horseback riding opportunities. For example, one of the most popular outdoor activities in Turkey is exploring the mysterious landscape and hidden troglodyte dwellings of Cappadocia by horseback. The experience is both tranquil and unique, and it is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture of the region.
For those seeking a little more thrill, there are several exciting and challenging hiking routes to enjoy in Turkey. For example, the Lycian Way is a moderately difficult trail that runs for over 500 kilometres between Fethiye and Antalya, passing through charming villages, secluded beaches, and historic sites. The Kackar Trails, meanwhile, are a series of 32 hiking routes that, when combined, cover over 400 kilometres through gorgeous alpine scenery and powerful rivers.
In addition to the trails, there are also a number of excellent cycle routes to take in Turkey. The country’s lush forests, sun-drenched coastlines, and semi-arid wildernesses all make for wonderful bike paths to ride along. For those looking to get a bit more speedy, there is also the option of taking part in a rafting adventure on the country’s beautiful (and powerful!) rivers. The most popular rafting destinations in Turkey include the Dalaman River near Fethiye, the Duzce area between Istanbul and Ankara, and the Koprulu Canyon near Antalya. Those who choose to go rafting will have the chance to navigate rushing rapids and spectacular scenery in a truly unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
The unique geographical positioning of Turkey, surrounded by four different seas and a long coastline, makes the country a treasure trove of outdoor adventure activities. From soaring high in hot air balloons over Cappadocia to diving deep into the turquoise waters of Kas, Turkey offers thrilling experiences for all types of adventure seekers.
Depending on the time of year, you can go snorkeling or scuba diving in many of Turkey’s beaches and coastal regions. The primary distinction between these two activities is that scuba diving requires you to breathe from a tank, which allows you to stay underwater for longer than snorkelling.
You can find plenty of tours that packages that meet all budgets which can even include both snorkeling and scuba diving along the coast of Turkey, particularly near Kas, but you can also try it on your own if you want. For the best chance of seeing marine life in their natural habitat, we recommend booking a tour that takes you to a site known as Kekova Island. This is a beautiful area, with stunning clear water, and is home to the sunken ruins of an ancient town.
Turkey’s diverse geography also makes it a top destination for hiking and mountain biking. The rugged mountains of the Taurus Mountains offer stunning vistas and are ideal for hiking, but you can also find more relaxed trails in the forests and meadows of the region.
For those who are more interested in a fast-paced adventure, try white water rafting. There are a variety of rivers and canyons where you can experience the thrill of rushing through narrow limestone gorges in northwestern Turkey. The Korpulu Canyon outside of Aksaray is especially popular for its adrenaline pumping rapids.
If you are looking for a more relaxing way to enjoy the beautiful scenery, try taking a jeep safari ride in Cappadocia or visiting Aladaglar National Park. This vast area covers more than 40,000 hectares and includes a series of canyons and mountains. You can hike or bike the numerous trails that run through this scenic landscape, which are usually marked with signs of animal life.
Canyoning
Canyoning is an adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventure that combines hiking, swimming, climbing, rappelling/abseiling, rope rigging, and sliding down natural flumes. The sport is a popular activity among adventurers who want to explore hard-to-reach areas of the natural landscape.
Canyons in Turkey are the perfect playground for this sport, as they offer a wide range of challenging obstacles for thrill seekers to overcome. Canyoning trips can include swimming through crystal-clear canyon pools, clambering over boulders and rocks, climbing up waterfalls, and abseiling down steep walls.
While some may see canyoning as a dangerous outdoor sport, the truth is it’s actually an extremely safe activity when guided by professional guides. The most important thing to remember when canyoning is to follow the lead of your guide. They will be able to determine the best route for your group based on safety and experience level.
Mountain biking is another popular outdoor activity to enjoy while in Turkey. Cappadocia is often touted as the country’s biking capital, and it offers plenty of opportunities for novice and experienced bikers alike. There are several trails to choose from in the area, including the 11.7-km loop trail near Goreme. More advanced and thrill-seeking bikers can head to the Rize province in northeast Turkey for a more challenging ride, such as the Egvane canyon route.
Another great outdoor adventure to try in Turkey is rafting. There are numerous rivers throughout the country, making it easy to find an ideal place for this thrilling water sport. Popular river locations include the Dalaman River, Koprulu Canyon, and Duzce.
Skiing and snowboarding are also popular winter sports to enjoy in Turkey. The country has several world-class ski resorts, including Uludag near Bursa, where skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the powdery slopes and beautiful scenery that make this a popular winter destination.
Turkey is a beautiful and diverse country that has an incredible amount of exciting activities to offer visitors. From exploring the soaring mountains and pristine beaches to taking on one of the most dangerous motorcycling roads in the world, there are many unforgettable adventures to have while visiting Turkey.