Turkey

About Turkey

This sometimes overlooked country has a  magnificent and representative selection of well over 3,000 year of eastern Mediterranean history – indeed, one of the wealthiest collections of world history. Hittites, Lycians, Phrygians, Persians; Greeks to Romans to Byzantines to Ottomans… the country holds an immense collection of fantastic remains, from Ephesus, Afrodisias, Troy, Cappadocia, and of course unforgettable Istanbul and fabled Trebizond. Idolaters to Christians to Muslims have left an extraordinary legacy littered across this superb country.

And the people, at least once out of the tourist traps, are delightful.

This is varied but tough county, with great mountain ranges – the Kaçkar, the Taurus and others – surrounding the high central Anatolian plateau.It has plenty of oddities such as the weird and truly wonderful Cappadicia.

Oh, and, we mustn’t forget the lovely coastline, with little fishing and (fairly) unspoiled beaches still to be found, and gullit boating.

So, Turkey has things to fascinate everyone, children included. The variety of travel and tours you can make in Turkey  is as a result huge. 

Walking, hiking and trekking in Turkey

Turkey  has some of the world’s best walks, hikes and treks, ranging from famous mountain hiking and trekking areas such as in the Kackar and Taurus to geological absurdities like Cappadocia to historic routes (the 500km+ Lycian Way, which doubles up as a coastal beauty) and equally long Evliya Celebi Way (St. Paul's Trail). Ancient sites are everywhere - think Istanbul to Ephesus to Afrodisias to troglodytic Cappadocia.  Mount Ararat (5165m), believed to be the resting place of Noah’s Ark, is an extinct volcano, requiring a supported expedition and some scrambling.

Lodging can be found in the villages on the better known trails (Lycian, St Paul’s), but camping can be needed elsewhere.

Avoid the burning summer. Spring and autumn are the best times to trek.

So, walking, hiking and trekking tours and holidays in Turkey are so varied that everyone’s taste and energy levels  can be met. Walking in Turkey isn’t just for hard-nuts, although there is plenty to get their juices flowing. The lazy and youngsters alike will be enthralled by what it offers:  Turkey walking, trekking and hiking holidays and tours really can be for everyone.

See the list below for a (currently incomplete – please give us your recommendations!) list of the best walks, treks and hikes in Turkey. Various of these are in our world’s Top 100 list.

We intend that our walk pages contain detail and photos on walking, hiking or trekking routes, including books, best times and weather, how to get there, possible problems, walking, trekking and hiking firms, organisers and guides in Turkey, accommodation in Turkey and useful links. But this takes a lot of research, so if they are not "there" yet, please give us any suggestions you may have.

Best walks, hikes and treks in Turkey

You can sort the walks by category by clicking on the category titles.

(The rating of walks marked * is currently provisional.)