With its unique mix of distinct landscapes, ancient ruins, and rich culture, Turkey has some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world. Hiking in Turkey is a journey that every nature lover should have, whether they want to see rough mountains, peaceful valleys, or beautiful coastal cliffs. This guide lists the best places to go hiking, including well-known trails like The Lycian Way and hidden gems all over the country.
Table of Contents
The Lycian Way
| Location | Fethiye to Antalya |
| Length | 210 miles |
| Level of difficulty | Medium |
The Lycian Way is without a question the most beautiful track in Turkey. Along this historic path, you’ll see old Lycian cities, lush pine woods, and turquoise waters. The Butterfly Valley on the Lycian Way near Oludeniz is a must-see natural wonder. The ghost village of Kayakoy, the ruins of Patara, and the beautiful views from Kabak and Faralya are some of the other stops on the way. There are also almost 20 ancient cities along the Lycian Way. The whole trip takes a few weeks, but many hikers choose shorter bits to get a feel for how stunning it is.
Cappadocia
| Location | Nevsehir |
| Length | 30 miles |
| Level of difficulty | Easy to moderate |
Cappadocia is a hiker’s dreamland, with its fairy chimneys, cave houses, and churches carved out of rock. Rose Valley, Love Valley, and Pigeon Valley are some of the most popular trails in the area. Each one has stunning views and its own unique rock forms. The easy-to-moderate hikes are suitable for all skill levels, making Cappadocia an unmissable destination for hiking in Turkey.
The Kackar Mountains
| Location | Rize and Artvin Provinces |
| Length | 3 miles |
| Level of difficulty | Moderate-to-challenging |
Hikers who like to explore new places will definitely love the Kackar Mountains. These trails in the Black Sea area are a true natural wonder. You will feel like stepping into an Elven Land with alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and snow-capped hills.
The Kackar Mountains have become a center not only for hiking in Turkey but also for sports such as mountaineering, rock climbing, rafting, and skiing. Between June and September is the best time to go because the hiking paths are accessible and the weather is nice.
Aladaglar National Park
| Location | Adana, Kayseri, and Nigde Provinces |
| Length | 7 miles |
| Level of difficulty: | Moderate-to-challenging |
Aladaglar National Park is a wonderful place for hikers and climbers alike. People sometimes refer to it as the “Alps of Turkey.” People come from all over the world to see the beautiful mountain scenery, which includes deep gorges, glacial lakes, and highland fields. Cimbar Canyon and Emli Valley are two popular routes. Climbing Demirkazik Peak is a long shot for people who haven’t done it before.
Yenice Forest Trail
| Location | Karabuk |
| Length | 9 miles |
| Level of difficulty: | Easy to moderate |
One of Turkey’s most biologically rich regions, the Yenice Forest is a peaceful place to go hiking in Turkey. With their lush greenery, waterfalls, and wooden bridges, these trails are ideal for newbies and families. The nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site town of Safranbolu is a wonderful addition to your trip because it has beautiful buildings from the Ottoman era.
Ida Mountains (Kaz Daglari) National Park
| Location | Canakkale and Balikesir Provinces |
| Level of difficulty | Easy to moderate |
The Ida Mountains (Kaz Daglari), which are full of myths, are thought to be where the famous events in The Iliad took place. There are many different walking routes in the National Park, which you can also follow with guided tours. In addition to hiking, you can engage in other activities such as Jeep safari, cycling, swimming, and camping. Along the way, you can also taste various delicious natural foods produced by locals.
Uludag National Park
| Location | Bursa |
| Length | 12 miles |
| Level of difficulty | Easy to moderate |
Uludağ is famous for winter sports, but in the summer it’s a wonderful place to go hiking in Turkey. The hiking routes vary in how hard they are, from simple walks through the forest to more difficult tracks that lead to waterfalls or the top of a mountain. A lot of people love the Kureklidere Waterfall walk.
Saklikent Gorge
| Location | Mugla |
| Length | 11 miles |
| Level of difficulty | Easy |
One of the most captivating places for hiking in Turkey is Saklikent Gorge, which is ideal for a summer trip. With its steep rocks and cold streams, this narrow canyon is a fun and refreshing place to be. Here you must wade through shallow water, making it ideal for families and novice hikers. People use suspended bridges attached to the canyon walls in areas where walking is challenging.
If you want to visit Saklikent during winter, you can plan a ski holiday, as there is a ski resort on the Bakirlidag, located on the peaks of the Taurus Mountains.
St. Paul Trail
| Location | Antalya and Isparta Provinces |
| Length | 310 miles |
| Level of difficulty | Moderate |
Inspired by the journey of St. Paul, this 310-mile trail takes 27 days to finish. Hikers can see old Roman towns, beautiful valleys, and small villages that are far away. The ruins of Adada and Koprulu Canyon (if you love rafting) may be your favorite stops along the way. Lake Egirdir is the most basic transportation and accommodation center on the route.
Koprulu Canyon National Park
| Location | Antalya |
| Length | 13 miles |
| Level of difficulty | Easy to moderate |
You can go on short, beautiful hikes through the park’s lush woods and turquoise river. The park’s old stone bridges and cliff walls make for a stunning background. The park also has rafting and other water sports for people who like to try new things.
Conclusion
From the famous Lycian Way to the untouched beauty of the Kackar Mountains, hiking in Turkey is an experience you’ll never forget. Turkey trails have something for everyone, whether you want to see old ruins, lush woods, or dramatic coastlines. Gather your gear, put on your boots, and prepare for a trip combining nature, history, and culture like no other!
Are you a fan of hiking in Turkey? Have you ever been in these places? If yes, share your experience with us in the comments below!
Also read: Arykanda Ancient City: Heaven Next to the High Cliff