Trekking in Turkey

Turkey has 7 different regions, each region has its own geographic and cultural characteristics. Because of these regional differences Turkey offers different types of trekking opportunities all year round. Some of the most popular trekking destinations in Turkey are Cappadocia, Lycia, Taurus Mountains and Kackar Mountains.

Cappadocia is the most popular trekking destination in Turkey with its unique moon-like landscape. Trekking in Cappadocia is considered easy walking in low altitudes. There are lots of historical ruins along the routes which can be only explored by foot. The best seasons are spring and autumn because they are not too hot and not too cold (some rainy days). Summers can be too hot to walk and crowded. Winter in Cappadocia is one of the best kept secrets of Turkey. The region is usually empty during the winter season except New Year's eve and official holidays. Winters are usually cold and snowy which makes it difficult to trek but perfect for snowshoeing.

Lycia is the ancient name of the mediterranean region and has two official long distance footpaths; the Lycian Way, which was recently listed by the Sunday Times as one of the world’s top ten walks, and the St Paul Trail. Both of the paths are longer than 500 km. and marked by Kate Clow. Trekking in these paths is possible almost all year round. The difficulty of these treks can range from medium to hard depending on the section and the season you walk.

The Lycian way is a 509 km way-marked footpath around the coast from Fethiye to Antalya. It takes its name from the ancient civilisation which once ruled the area. The route is graded medium to hard; it is not level walking, but has many ascents and descents as it approaches and veers away from the sea. It is easier at the start near Fethiye and gets more difficult as it progresses. It is recommended that you walk the route in spring or autumn; February-May or September-November. Summer in Lycia is hot, although you could walk short, shady sections. The route is mainly over footpaths and mule trails; mostly limestone and often hard and stony underfoot.

The St Paul Trail is a newer, way-marked footpath leading from Perge, 10 km east of Antalya, to Yalvaç, NE of Lake Eğirdir. There is a second branch starting at Aspendos, 40km east of Antalya and joining the first route at the Roman site of Adada. The route totals about 500km. This project partly follows the route walked by St Paul on his first missionary journey in Asia Minor. It starts at sea level and climbs up to 2200m, with two optional peaks at around 2800m. Although the St. Paul Trail is slightly wilder than the Lycian Way, it is also higher and cooler in summer.

Taurus Mountains (Aladaglar - Crimson Mountains) is known as the heaven of the Turkish Mountaineers. There are lots of summits higher than 3000m. The highest peak Demirkazik is 3756m. The most popular peak is Mt Embler (3723m) which can be climbed by almost every fit person. The best season for trekking in Taurus Mountains is between July and August. The difficulty of this trek is considered hard to difficult.

Kackar Mountains are known as the wildest part of Turkey with its geography and climate. Unlike Taurus Mountains, Kackar Mountains have all shades of green and blue. There are lots of high summits in the region, the highest and the most popular summit is Mt Kackar (3932m). Even though there is no technical difficulty in trekking in Kackar Mountains, it is considered difficult because of the high altitude and weather conditions. The best season is between July and August, although the second half of August can be very crowded because of the local festivals in the mountain.