Last spring, we explored the stunning southwest coast of Türkiye. We visited the city of Antalya and numerous particularly impressive historical sights. But above all, we were amazed by the unprecedented outdoor opportunities that the province of Antalya has to offer. We walked several stages of the Lycian Trail, the country’s first long-distance hiking path. And we ventured into activities such as rafting and sea diving. All of these were enjoyable, not too strenuous activities that made our trip to Mediterranean Türkiye unforgettable.

Besides our visit to the city of Antalya, we primarily went hiking. Therefore, this blog mainly focuses on the many hiking opportunities that the region has in store. If you’re more curious about the other outdoor activities, scroll further down.

Hiking opportunities in the province of Antalya

The province of Antalya offers a range of possibilities for hiking enthusiasts, from easy coastal walks to challenging treks in the Taurus Mountains.

Long-distance hikes in the province of Antalya

The region boasts some beautiful long-distance hiking routes. These include the famous Lycian Trail, the Pisidia Heritage Trail, and St. Paul’s Trail. The Lycian Trail is the most well-known. This long-distance hiking route stretches about 600 kilometres from Fethiye (in the province of (Muğla) to Antalya. The route offers a mix of natural beauty and historical sites, including ancient Lycian ruins, secluded beaches, and picturesque villages. During our tour of the province of Antalya, we walked several sections of this trail. Therefore, we will discuss it in detail below.

St. Paul’s Trail is another popular hiking route in Antalya. This route is approximately 500 kilometres long and follows the journey of the apostle Paul through inland Türkiye. The route begins in Perge, near Antalya, and leads through the rugged landscape of the Taurus Mountains. Along the hike, you pass Aspendos, one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in Türkiye. You also walk through the spectacular Köprülü Canyon and along the beautiful Eğirdir Lake.

Finally, the Pisidia Heritage Trail is a relatively new hiking route. This trail offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and breathtaking nature of the Pisidia region. The trail covers about 350 kilometres and passes through a varied landscape of mountains and forests, as well as ancient Pisidian ruin cities like Termessos and Sagalassos, known for their well-preserved architecture and historical significance.

The famous Lycian Trail

The Lycian Trail, or Lycian Way, is one of the most iconic long-distance hiking routes in Türkiye. The route stretches about 600 kilometres along the southwest coast of Türkiye. It offers a unique mix of spectacular landscapes, historical ruins, and traditional Turkish culture.

Some facts about the Lycian Trail

The Lycian Trail was opened in 1999 by British hiker and author Kate Clow. The route follows a network of ancient paths and roads once used by the Lycian civilization, one of the oldest civilizations in Anatolia. Lycian cities were known for their democratic federation and impressive architecture. Many ruins can still be seen along the trail.

Who were the Lycians?

The Lycians were a mysterious and influential civilization in the region of Lycia, located in the southwest of present-day Türkiye. They are first mentioned in historical sources from the late Bronze Age and played an important role in the region’s history. They were eventually subdued by the Persian Empire and later by Alexander the Great. After the fall of the Persian Empire, they became part of the Hellenistic and subsequently the Roman Empire.

They had their own language and script, which was only partly deciphered in the 20th century. The Lycians were proud of their independence and democratic federation of cities, which was rare at the time. These cities collaborated in a sort of early version of a democratic union.

The people are also famous for their impressive rock tombs, carved into the sides of cliffs. The tombs, often decorated with intricate reliefs and sculptures, testify to their belief in an afterlife and their respect for the deceased. The city of Myra, with its well-preserved theater and rock tombs, is one of the most impressive examples. We published a separate blog about our historical exploration of the province of Antalya, in which we also describe Myra in greater detail.

The Lycians played a role in various Greek myths. For example, the city of Xanthos was the setting for stories about heroes and gods. Their culture was influenced by both the Greeks and the Persians, leading to a unique blend of Eastern and Western elements.

The route of the Lycian Trail

The Lycian Trail begins in Ölüdeniz, near Fethiye, and ends in Geyikbayırı, near Antalya. The route is divided into different stages, varying in difficulty and length. The path is marked with red and white signs and can be walked in both directions.

Key stages and highlights

• Ölüdeniz to Kabak: This first stage offers stunning views over the famous blue lagoon of Ölüdeniz and leads through forests and along steep cliffs.
• Kabak to Alınca: A challenging climb rewarded with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
• Patara: One of the largest and best-preserved Lycian cities, known for its long sandy beach and historical ruins.
• Kaş: A charming coastal town that is an ideal place for a rest day, with opportunities for diving and boat trips.
• Myra: Famous for its Lycian rock tombs and the well-preserved Roman theatre.
• Olympos: A mystical place with ancient ruins hidden in a lush valley, near the beach of Çıralı.

The Lycian Trail – Our experiences

The Lycian Trail offers a great diversity of landscapes, from rugged coastlines and dense pine forests to fertile valleys and high mountain passes. The Taurus Mountains, running parallel to the coast, provide a beautiful backdrop for many parts of the route. Here, you often have the most stunning views of the sea. We hiked a section of the trail near Kalkan. We started at some so-called Ambar huts (small granaries) in the village of Bezirgan. From there, we crossed a mountain ridge, after which we continued to enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea for the rest of the hike.

What made the long-distance hike so special for us was the enormous variety. It wasn’t just the nature we enjoyed, but also the picturesque villages you pass through. One of those villages is the coastal town of Simena. Here, another coastal stage of the Lycian Trail we walked ended. We first followed the hiking path along idyllic bays with stunning turquoise water. Then we reached a castle ruin with an incredibly beautiful view of the bay. Afterwards, the route took us through the charming village to a small harbour. From there, we took a lovely boat trip in the bay of Tersane to the sunken city of Kekova. It was this unique variety that made this day unforgettable.

The variety is also reflected in the historical sites you encounter along the route. An example of this is the city of Myra, which we mentioned earlier in this blog. We also published a separate blog about our historical exploration in the province of Antalya. In this blog we describe not only the historical sites on the Lycian Trail but also others that are equally special!

Short walking routes in the province of Antalya

In addition to long-distance routes, the province of Antalya also offers numerous shorter hikes ideal for day trips. We describe a few and end with a hike that left a great impression on us.

Termessos

Termessos is an ancient ruined city located in the mountains of the Gulluk Mountain Termessos National Park. The hike to the ruins of Termessos offers a fascinating view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The city is famous for its well-preserved theatre and other architectural remnants. If you have a rental car, you can easily do the hike yourself. Interested in history? Then we recommend booking a guided tour from Antalya.

Köprülü Canyon

Northeast of Antalya lies another beautiful gorge: Köprülü Canyon. Here, you can take several hikes of varying distances. The routes follow the Köprüçay River and offer beautiful views of the canyon and surrounding mountains. You can also go rafting in this area during the right season. We did this as well. It’s not only fun and surprisingly easy, but also very beautiful due to the stunning landscape!

Phaselis

The ancient Lycian city of Phaselis, dating back to 700 BC, is a hidden gem that will appeal to both nature lovers and history enthusiasts. You will find well-preserved ruins, including a Roman theatre, aqueducts, and temples, as well as an ancient harbour with crystal-clear water. The hike to Phaselis, about two kilometres, is suitable for walkers of all levels. From Antalya, you can reach it in less than an hour by rental car. In addition to the two-kilometre walk, there are several other hikes available.

The rock tombs and ancient ruins of Pinara

The most beautiful hike we did in the province of Antalya was to Pinara. Strangely enough, Pinara is one of the lesser-known but most fascinating ancient Lycian cities. The city is famous for its impressive rock tombs, carved into the steep cliffs surrounding the city. In Pinara, you will also find the remnants of a theatre, an agora, and various temples.

Pinara is located in the picturesque mountains around Fethiye, just beyond the provincial border with Muğla. There is a well-marked path from the village of Minare. However, our guide chose a different, completely unknown hiking route. You walk through a kind of jungle until you suddenly arrive at the rock tombs. We had a similar hiking experience here as at Machu Picchu in Peru and Petra in Jordan. Namely, that after a long walk, the ruined city suddenly appears and truly overwhelms you. But without the crowds, as we were literally the only ones in the forest in Pinara. Our hiking route can’t be found anywhere on the internet. If you want to walk it too, ask our guide Uraz at Cicerone Travel for more information.

Other outdoor opportunities in the province of Antalya

Due to its location on the Mediterranean Sea, the province of Antalya offers numerous water sports opportunities. Thanks to the calm waters and scenic coastline, Antalya is perfect for sailing. There are plenty of opportunities for day trips and longer cruises, where you can explore hidden bays and secluded beaches.

The sea around Antalya is also rich in marine life and historical shipwrecks. Dive centres offer courses and excursions for all levels. One of the best places to learn to dive in this region is Kaş. We did a trial dive in the sea here. Each member of our group had their own diving instructor who safely guided us to the enchanting underwater world. If you’ve never dived before, this is the perfect opportunity to try it. Super relaxed and very safe thanks to the personal attention.

Land-based outdoor opportunities

The province of Antalya is not only a paradise for water sports enthusiasts but also offers a wide range of land-based outdoor activities. With its varied landscape of mountains and forests, the province is an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventurers.

In addition to hiking, you can also go mountain climbing and rock climbing. The Taurus Mountains offer plenty of opportunities. Geyikbayiri, just outside Antalya, is one of the most well-known climbing locations in Türkiye. There are routes for all levels. We tried it too, but despite the excellent instruction and guidance, we found it quite challenging. And definitely not recommended if you have a fear of heights. However, if you have no fear of heights but find rock climbing too tiring, consider going paragliding! From the mountains near Kaş, Mt Olympos or Alanya, you’ll glide through the air with your pilot and enjoy a panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea. If you’ve done paragliding before, head to Fethiye Babadağ, just across the provincial border with Muğla.

With its hills and scenic routes, Antalya is also a great destination for recreational cyclists, mountain bikers, and road cyclists. It’s no wonder Antalya is considered the cycling capital of Türkiye! There are various cycling paths and routes that take you through picturesque villages and along the coast. The province is also known as a golf destination. For us avid golfers, it’s a great reason to return to this area!

We visited the province of Antalya at the invitation of Go Türkiye. Our hikes and other outdoor activities were part of a tour along the Mediterranean coast of Türkiye. We have independently and objectively compiled the content of this blog based on our own impressions.

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