Best Hiking Trails In Turkey: Where To Go Hiking In Turkey

Whether you’re looking for stunning mountain views, turquoise lakes, or hidden waterfalls, here is your guide to hiking in Turkey. So lace up your boots and get ready to explore some of the most scenic hiking trails in Turkey.

Are you ready to lace up your hiking boots and explore the stunning landscapes of Turkey? This country is a hiker’s paradise, from rugged coastlines to towering mountain ranges.

Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or just looking for a leisurely stroll in nature, there are countless trails waiting to be discovered.

In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the best hiking routes in Turkey, showcasing scenic views and hidden gems along the way. So pack your backpack, and let’s hit the trail!

Hiking Turkey

Turkey is a land of varied landscapes and stunning scenery, making it the perfect place to go hiking. With so many different routes to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.

But fear not – we’ve put together a guide to the best hiking trails in Turkey, from easy walks to more challenging routes:

1. Adrasan Lighthouse Hike
2. Cappadocia
3. Carian Trail
4. Evliya Çelebi Way
5. Ihlara Valley Hike
6. Independence Trail
7. Kaçkar Mountains
8. Lycian Way
9. Mount Ararat
10. Mount Nemrut
11. Mount Olympos
12. Mount Süphan
13. Nemrut Dağı National Park
14. St. Paul Trail
15. Taurus Mountains
16. Uludağ Mountain
17. Via Egnatia
18. Yenice Forest Trail

Now, let’s dig deeper and give you all the specifics you need to hike these spots in Türkiye.

Hiking Cappadocia

Cappadocia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey. The region is famous for its unique landscape, which is characterized by fairy chimneys, rock-cut churches, and underground cities. There are many hiking trails in Cappadocia, ranging from easy to challenging.

Some of the most popular options for hiking Cappadocia include 

• Ihlara Valley hike
• Love Valley hike
• Rose Valley hike

The Ihlara Valley hike is a moderate 4-hour hike that takes you through a beautiful valley with towering cliffs and numerous caves and churches. The Love Valley hike is a shorter and easier hike that takes you through a valley with many phallic-shaped rock formations. The Rose Valley hike is a longer and more challenging hike that takes you through a series of valleys with colorful rocks and views of Mount Erciyes.

Whichever trail you choose, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience hiking through Cappadocia’s unique landscape.

Hiking Lycian Way

The Lycian Way is one of the most scenic hiking routes in Turkey. It runs along the coast of the Lycian peninsula, from Antalya to Oludeniz. The route is well-marked and well-maintained, making it a great choice for hike and trekking enthusiasts. The route passes through a variety of landscapes, from tiny fishing villages to ancient ruins and picturesque mountain passes. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to explore traditional Turkish culture and soak up some breathtaking views.

If you plan on tackling the Lycian Way, planning your route carefully is important. Although there are many options for lodging along the route, finding suitable accommodation can be challenging in some areas. It’s also important to research any potential safety risks along the way before setting out.

Aside from those basic considerations, tackling the Lycian Way is a fantastic experience! As long as you come prepared with the proper gear, plenty of supplies, and an open mind, you will indeed have an unforgettable time exploring some of Turkey’s most beautiful terrain.

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Hiking Kaçkar Mountains

If you’re looking for breathtaking scenery and challenging hiking trails, look no further than the Kaçkar Mountains. This mountain range in northeastern Turkey is home to some of the country’s best hiking trails, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there’s a trail for you in the Kaçkars.

• For those looking for a challenge, there’s the Kackar Daglari Trek, which takes you through 10 different valleys and up to 12 peaks. The trek can be completed in 4-5 days, making it perfect for a long weekend getaway.
• If you’re short on time, plenty of shorter trails offer just as much beauty. The Gerzean Valleys hike is a great option, taking you through three different valleys in just under 5 hours.
• Or, for something easier, try the Abant Plateau hike, which takes just 2 hours to complete

No matter which of the trails you choose, you’re sure to be rewarded with incredible views of the mountains and valleys below. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next hike in the Kaçkar Mountains today!

Hiking Nemrut Dağı National Park

One of the most popular hiking destinations in Turkey is Mount Nemrut, also known as Mount Nemrud; it is a 2,134-metre-high (7,001 ft) mountain in southeastern Turkey, notable for the summit where Mount Nemrut is a UNESCO-Listed site where several large statues are erected around what is assumed to be a royal tomb from the 1st century BC.

The complex is accessible via a series of trails that wind through the park.

Hiking Mount Nemrut is a challenging experience. The trailhead starts at the village of Karadut, located at the foot of the mountain. From here, hikers will follow a winding path up to the summit. As the elevation gains, the vegetation changes from forests to grasslands and eventually to bare rocky terrain. Along the way, visitors will be able to get an amazing view of the Taurus mountains and surrounding landscapes.

At the summit, visitors can explore some of Turkey’s most impressive ancient ruins, including a royal tomb complex made up of massive statues and other structures. There are also several nearby sites where it is possible to take in Lake Van and Mount Ararat views.

The trails in Nemrut Dağı National Park vary in difficulty, but all offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

• The easiest trail to the tomb complex is the South Route, which is just over six kilometers long
• The North Route is slightly longer and more difficult, but it also provides access to other sites within the park, such as the Karadut Mausoleum.

Whether you choose the South or North Route, hiking to Mount Nemrut is an unforgettable experience. The views from the top of the mountain are simply breathtaking, and exploring the ancient tomb complex is a fascinating history lesson.

If you’re looking for a truly unique hiking experience, add Nemrut Dağı National Park to your list, you just need to remember the weather and season.

Weather conditions on Mount Nemrut can vary greatly, and it’s important for hikers to be prepared for all possibilities when planning their trip. As with many hikes in Turkey, spring or autumn months offer ideal hiking conditions, with less extreme temperatures than in summer or winter. It’s recommended that hikers bring plenty of water and food and appropriate gear such as hats, sunscreen, and warm layers.

Hiking Mount Süphan

If you’re looking for a challenging hike with stunning views, look no further than Mount Süphan. In my experience one of the best hikes in Turkey. Located in the eastern part of Turkey, Mount Süphan is the country’s highest mountain and offers hikers a variety of scenic routes to choose from.

Whether you’re looking for a short day hike or a multi-day trek, there’s a trail on Mount Süphan that’s perfect for you. And with so many different routes to choose from, you can tailor your hike to your fitness level and desired difficulty level.

One of the most popular trails on Mount Süphan is the Akdağlar National Park Trail, which takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Turkey. This trail is perfect for those who want to take their time and enjoy the views, as it’s relatively easy, with plenty of rest stops along the way.

If you’re looking for something more challenging, the Kavuşturulma Tırmanışı Trail is perfect for experienced hikers. This difficult trail takes you to the summit of Mount Süphan, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views.

No matter which trail you choose, hiking Mount Süphan is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed when visiting Turkey.

Hiking Mount Ararat

If you’re looking for a challenging hike with an incredible view, look no further than Mount Ararat. Located in northeastern Turkey, Mount Ararat is the highest mountain in the country and offers hikers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

The most popular route to the summit begins at the village of Eli, which can be reached by car or bus from nearby cities like Dogubayazit or Erzurum. From Eli, it’s a 6-8 hour hike to the summit, depending on your pace. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to follow, but there are some sections that are steep and require some scrambling. But trust us; it’s worth it when you reach the top and take in the panoramic views of Turkey!

Hiking The Black Sea Coastline

Hiking the Black Sea Coastline is one of the best ways to experience the scenic beauty of Turkey. The coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches, hidden coves, and dramatic cliffs. There are also numerous hiking trails that wind through this region, offering stunning views of the sea and the surrounding countryside.

Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, there’s a trail for you. The Black Sea Coastline is home to some of Turkey’s most popular hiking routes, including The Lycian Way we already mentioned and the super famous St. Paul Trail.

Saint Paul Trail

An approximately 500-kilometer-long footpath in Turkey, the Saint Paul Trail begins in Perge, about 10 km east of Antalya, and ends in Yalvaç, Isparta, northeast of Lake Eğirdir. A second branch starts at the Oluk Köprüsü (Roman Bridge over the Köprülü River), 100 km north-east of Antalya, and joins the main route at the ancient Roman site of Adada.

The trail’s name comes from the fact that part of it follows the route Saint Paul the Apostle took on his first missionary journey to Anatolia. As part of Grande Randonnée standards, it is marked with red and white stripes along the way. It starts at sea level and climbs to 2200 meters.

These trails offer breathtaking views and are well-marked, making them perfect for hikers of all levels. If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, there are plenty of hidden gems to explore. The Black Sea Coastline is full of hidden coves and secret beaches that can only be accessed on foot.

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Wrap Up Of Hiking Turkey

Turkey is one of the most beautiful and varied countries in the world, and there are plenty of incredible hiking trails to explore. In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the best Turkish hiking trails, from the best day hikes in Turkey to longer multi-day trekking routes.

Whether you’re looking for stunning mountain views, turquoise lakes, or hidden waterfalls, Turkey has it all. So lace up your boots and get ready to explore some of the most scenic hiking trails in the world!