A Guide to Turkey's Best Hiking Trails
Turkey is a hiker’s paradise, with stunning landscapes and diverse terrain that offer a range of hiking experiences. From challenging mountain trails to coastal walks with breathtaking views, Turkey has something for every level of hiker. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of Turkey’s best hiking trails.
Lycian Way
The Lycian Way is a 540-kilometer trail that runs along the Turquoise Coast in southwestern Turkey. It offers a challenging hike with steep ascents and descents, but rewards hikers with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding mountains. The trail passes through traditional villages and ancient ruins, and hikers can also swim in the crystal-clear waters of secluded coves.
Mount Ararat
Mount Ararat is Turkey’s highest peak, standing at 5,137 meters. The climb to the summit is challenging and requires mountaineering experience, but the views from the top are breathtaking. On a clear day, hikers can see Iran and Armenia from the summit. The climb usually takes four days, and hikers need a permit to climb the mountain.
St. Paul Trail
The St. Paul Trail is a 500-kilometer trail that follows the route taken by St. Paul on his first journey through Asia Minor. The trail passes through remote villages, ancient ruins, and stunning mountain landscapes. Hikers can experience traditional Turkish hospitality in the villages they pass through and can also visit historic sites such as the Roman city of Perge.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is famous for its unique landscape of fairy chimneys and cave dwellings, but it’s also a great place for hiking. The valleys around Göreme offer a range of hiking trails, from short walks to full-day hikes. The trails wind through the otherworldly landscapes of the region, passing through hidden valleys and ancient rock-cut churches.
Kaçkar Mountains
The Kaçkar Mountains are located in northeastern Turkey and offer some of the most challenging hikes in the country. The terrain is rugged and remote, and hikers will need to be self-sufficient and experienced in wilderness navigation. However, the views from the mountain peaks are spectacular, and the area is home to rare flora and fauna.
Yedigöller National Park
Yedigöller National Park is located in the Bolu Province in northwestern Turkey and is a popular destination for hikers. The park is named after its seven glacial lakes and offers a range of hiking trails through dense forests and alpine meadows. The trails are well-marked and suitable for hikers of all levels.
Lake Van
Lake Van, located in eastern Turkey, is Turkey’s largest lake and offers a range of hiking trails. Hikers can explore the nearby mountains, visit historic sites such as the Akdamar Island Church, or simply enjoy the stunning views of the lake.
Mount Nemrut
Mount Nemrut is a 2,150-meter peak located in southeastern Turkey. The summit is famous for its giant statues of ancient gods, which were built by King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene in the 1st century BC. The hike to the summit is challenging but offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the sunrise over the statues.
In conclusion, Turkey offers a range of hiking experiences for hikers of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer or a beginner, there’s a trail in Turkey that will suit your needs. So put on your hiking boots, grab your backpack, and head out to explore the stunning landscapes of Turkey.
