Beyond the trail: Discover the natural wonders of untamed Türkiye
As history and nature intertwine in Türkiye, outdoor exploration is one of the most enriching ways to experience the country. By venturing off the beaten path, travelers stand to gain both a deeper connection to the land and a richer understanding of its essence.
On traveling to Türkiye, those wanting to step away from the complexities of modern life are reminded that a retreat into the more simplistic and wild side of the country is only one, seamless transition away.
Surrounded on three sides by the sea, Türkiye presents a breathtaking geography, comprised of pristine beaches, dense forests, and rugged mountains.
So, whether travelers are hiking the ancient trails of the Mediterranean Coast or navigating the nature parks surrounding the Black Sea, they can create a unique travel itinerary dedicated to exploring Türkiye in its rawest form.
A trail for the ages
In southern Anatolia—between the coastal provinces of Muğla and Antalya, which are known for thrilling pursuits like paragliding and rock climbing—lies the historic Teke Peninsula. It is here that a 540-kilometer hiking trail connects ancient cities that were once ruled by the Lycians—a prominent civilization that dominated Türkiye’s Mediterranean Coast from the 15th to 4th centuries BCE.
Named the Lycian Way in ode to this rich heritage, the trail is the country’s first certified long-distance walking path. Starting in Ölüdeniz, Muğla in the west and heading east towards Geyikbayırı, Antalya, the marked route takes around a month to complete but can be sectioned into week-long stretches or even day hikes to suit trekkers of all abilities.
Follow in the footsteps of Lycian traders who used the trail to transport myrrh, olive oil, and wine before bartering with modern-day merchants selling sesame-coated simit bread on the en beaches that line the way. Other highlights include the picture-perfect spot of Butterfly Valley, the abandoned village of Kayaköy, and the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Site of Xanthos-Letoon. As the capital city of Lycia, Xanthos still bears the remnants of the Lycian Acropolis and impressive funerary architecture.
With so many natural and historic landmarks to explore on the Lycian Way, trekkers can recharge at various accommodations. Whether it’s a small hotel offering a sea view, a camping site with all the amenities, or a home stay serving a complimentary Turkish breakfast, there is something to tempt every type of adventurer.
In southern Anatolia—between the coastal provinces of Muğla and Antalya, which are known for thrilling pursuits like paragliding and rock climbing—lies the historic Teke Peninsula. It is here that a 540-kilometer hiking trail connects ancient cities that were once ruled by the Lycians—a prominent civilization that dominated Türkiye’s Mediterranean Coast from the 15th to 4th centuries BCE.
Named the Lycian Way in ode to this rich heritage, the trail is the country’s first certified long-distance walking path. Starting in Ölüdeniz, Muğla in the west and heading east towards Geyikbayırı, Antalya, the marked route takes around a month to complete but can be sectioned into week-long stretches or even day hikes to suit trekkers of all abilities.
Follow in the footsteps of Lycian traders who used the trail to transport myrrh, olive oil, and wine before bartering with modern-day merchants selling sesame-coated simit bread on the en beaches that line the way. Other highlights include the picture-perfect spot of Butterfly Valley, the abandoned village of Kayaköy, and the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Site of Xanthos-Letoon. As the capital city of Lycia, Xanthos still bears the remnants of the Lycian Acropolis and impressive funerary architecture.
With so many natural and historic landmarks to explore on the Lycian Way, trekkers can recharge at various accommodations. Whether it’s a small hotel offering a sea view, a camping site with all the amenities, or a home stay serving a complimentary Turkish breakfast, there is something to tempt every type of adventurer.
In the summer months, visitors can take full advantage of Olympos’ coastal whereabouts and take a refreshing swim in Mediterranean waters. It is at this time of year that they may even catch a rare glimpse of endangered Caretta caretta (Loggerhead) turtles, who come to these shores to lay their eggs.
Forming part of Türkiye’s Beydağları Shore National Park (34,425 hectares), Olympos and surrounding areas are a playground of activity. With numerous hiking trails and mountain paths to choose from, travelers can experience adrenaline adventures like canyoning, bouldering, and mountain biking in nearby Kemer, or more serene pursuits like bird watching and star gazing.
The Beydağları Shore National Park is as alive by night as it by day. Once the sun has set, venture through fragrant pine woods to Chimaera, now known as Yanartaş, where a natural marvel takes place. As gas springs out of the cracked rock, a constant flame casts an ethereal glow. Mentioned in Homer’s The Iliad as “The Fire Which Never Goes Out,” it is a phenomenon in which science and mythology converge.
The land of fire and water
As explorers near the eastern point of the Lycian Way, they are met with an ancient city that is steeped in as much history as it is mythical lore: Olympos. Here, having navigated the lush forest that is scattered with Lycian ruins, visitors emerge beachside to a remarkable display of ancient architecture, including a Roman theater, well-preserved bathhouse, and a temple gate dedicated to the renowned Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius.
In the summer months, visitors can take full advantage of Olympos’ coastal whereabouts and take a refreshing swim in Mediterranean waters. It is at this time of year that they may even catch a rare glimpse of endangered Caretta caretta (Loggerhead) turtles, who come to these shores to lay their eggs.
Forming part of Türkiye’s Beydağları Shore National Park (34,425 hectares), Olympos and surrounding areas are a playground of activity. With numerous hiking trails and mountain paths to choose from, travelers can experience adrenaline adventures like canyoning, bouldering, and mountain biking in nearby Kemer, or more serene pursuits like bird watching and star gazing.
The Beydağları Shore National Park is as alive by night as it by day. Once the sun has set, venture through fragrant pine woods to Chimaera, now known as Yanartaş, where a natural marvel takes place. As gas springs out of the cracked rock, a constant flame casts an ethereal glow. Mentioned in Homer’s The Iliad as “The Fire Which Never Goes Out,” it is a phenomenon in which science and mythology converge.
Nestled in this highland retreat—on the border of the Black Sea—is the Borçka Karagöl Nature Park, a relatively untouched beauty enriched by thick woods, endemic plants, and diverse wildlife. With all 368 hectares offering a tranquil atmosphere, it is an ideal destination for those wanting to drown out the noise of modern life with the calming symphony of nature.
The park is centered around Karagöl, a vast lake surrounded by trees that are known for a spectacular fall display. Visitors can get a panoramic view from the lake’s pier before setting up camp on the water’s edge.
A network of trails surrounds Karagöl, leading hikers to a series of hidden treasures. Highlights include the Mençuna Waterfall, whose waters fall from 90 meters in two cascades, making it the largest waterfall in the Black Sea region, and the Fırtına Valley, where thrill seekers can take on the challenging waters on a raft or suspend over them on a zipline.
An ecosystem to enchant
While Türkiye’s Mediterranean region boasts long stretches of beaches and a sunny climate, the country’s most northeastern point is home to more mountainous landscapes, promising cooler temperatures and a vastly difference experience.
Nestled in this highland retreat—on the border of the Black Sea—is the Borçka Karagöl Nature Park, a relatively untouched beauty enriched by thick woods, endemic plants, and diverse wildlife. With all 368 hectares offering a tranquil atmosphere, it is an ideal destination for those wanting to drown out the noise of modern life with the calming symphony of nature.
The park is centered around Karagöl, a vast lake surrounded by trees that are known for a spectacular fall display. Visitors can get a panoramic view from the lake’s pier before setting up camp on the water’s edge.
A network of trails surrounds Karagöl, leading hikers to a series of hidden treasures. Highlights include the Mençuna Waterfall, whose waters fall from 90 meters in two cascades, making it the largest waterfall in the Black Sea region, and the Fırtına Valley, where thrill seekers can take on the challenging waters on a raft or suspend over them on a zipline.
The Lycian Way and Borçka Karagöl Nature Park are just two examples of Türkiye’s raw, unfiltered beauty. Across the country, diverse landscapes invite travelers to step outside, embrace simplicity, and experience a fresh perceptive of their surroundings—one far removed from the pace of our modern world.
BEST TIME TO GO
June / Oct
Average HIGH
28°C
Nearest airport
DLM / RZV
Time difference
UTC+3
Currency
Turkish Lira (₺)