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Top 15 exciting things to do in Türkiye
Top 15 exciting things to do in Türkiye
For lovers of adrenaline sports and wildlife activities, Turkey presents a number of breathtaking options. Click through for the full list with a bonus in the end...
1. Climbing Mount Ağrı (Ararat) - The highest mountain in Turkey has a vast view of Turkey, Iran and Armenia. Some believe that Noah’s Ark had rested on top of the summit of Ararat. Climbing to the mountain requires some technical mountain skills as the terrain is rough and the highest summit is covered in snow all year. The adventure is hard and long but truly unforgettable. It is recommended to start the journey with a specialist company who has the necessary skills and the specific knowledge about the mountain. Photo: Chris terryn / Alamy
2. Hiking on the Lycian Way - The Lycian Way is a 509-km hiking trail in southwestern Turkey, connecting Fethiye with Antalya. Away from beaches and the resorts, the way is ideal to explore the beautiful natural landscape of the Mediterranean Turkey. Lycian Way connects a number of villages, mountain hamlets, as well as ancient Lycian and Roman sites on its route. April-May and October-November are reported to be best to hike the trail, as it’s warm. Maps and tents should not be forgotten. Photo: Dave Stevenson / Alamy
3. Rafting in Köprülü Canyon - One of Turkey’s national parks, Köprülü Canyon stretches along the Köprü River in the northeast of Antalya. Above the canyon, the ancient city of Selge can be visited to explore the ruins of the Roman theater, city walls, and the Temple of Zeus. You may take a rest during your hiking in the canyon in fish restaurants and enjoy the view of the Roman Oluk Bridge over the canyon. Photo: : Robert Dziewulski / Alamy
4. Kiteboarding in Gökova - The Gulf of Gökova or Gulf of Kerme is a long narrow gulf of the Aegean Sea between Bodrum and Datça peninsulas in southwestern Turkey. Near Bodrum, Milas, Muğla, Ula, Marmaris, Datça and the Greek island of Kos, the gulf is surrounded with warm and clear sea. In the peaceful environment, and on the calm sea, learning kiteboarding and enjoying Turkish restaurants in the surrounding villages are possible options. Photo: John De Mello / Alamy
5. Paragliding in Ölüdeniz - Ölüdeniz is truly magical with its natural lake-like formation and the green surrounding view. The best bird-eye shot might be caught through the Lycian Road and by paragliding off the Babadağ Mountain. Photo: kevin nicholson / Alamy
6. Scuba diving in Kaş - The sea in Kaş is so clear that scuba diving becomes the best experience. It is quite easy especially for beginners. Underwater, there are several tunnels, rock formations, caves, and freshwater springs, as well as the many brightly colored different kinds of fish. Photo: F1online digitale Bildagentur GmbH / Alamy
7. Kitesurfing in Alaçatı - A beautifully preserved village on the Çeşme Peninsula, with the warm sea and the steady winds, Alaçatı becomes an ideal place for kitesurfing. Photo: Arco Images GmbH / Alamy
8. Riding a horse in Cappadocia - In perhaps the best known landlocked touristic region of Turkey, many activities are possible, including signing up for a hot-air balloon tour into the sky to enjoy the view of the volcanic tuff pillars known as Fairy Chimneys. Another exciting way to explore the area is on the ground, by riding a horse in the extraordinarily beautiful valleys, rock-cut dwellings, and ancient churches. It is no wonder that Cappadocia, a name derived from the ancient Hittites, means “the Land of Horses” according to a legend. Photo: isa özdere / Alamy
9. Bungee jumping in Kazlıçeşme, Istanbul - Living in Istanbul is an adventure in itself, but for hardcore adrenaline seekers, the Kazlıçeşme bungee jumping area is the ideal place. During the events organized usually in spring, platforms are built in the area for a spectacular adventure. Photo: Klod / Alamy
10. Paintball in Ankara - There are several official paintball areas in Ankara which are perfect for the fun game. Paintball is a competitive team shooting sport in which players eliminate the opponents with dye-filled gelatin capsules, “paintballs.” Initially developed as a recreation activity, paintball can now be played professionally as well. In all the games, players are required to wear protective masks, and the safety equipment for a safe and fun game. There are several versions and scenarios for different types of paintball activities. Photo: Losevsky Pavel / Alamy
11. Free running and parkour in Mardin - In May 2018, Mardin hosted the Freerunning and Parkour World Cup Series in which more than 50 athletes, including 15 professionals, attended the competition. Parkour and free running athletes aim to get from one point to another in a complex environment, without equipment and in the fastest way possible. Enjoying the beautiful landscape and the architecture of the ancient city while practicing this sport, is a fresh and ideal way to interact with the lively city.
12. Waterskiing in Sukaypark, Bursa - The first cabled water skiing platform of Turkey, the park in Bursa is ideal for the hot summers. A lifestyle and sports center, Sukaypark should definitely be visited to enjoy the island, the islet, the children’s playground, the water skiing school and the sports facilities. The park also hosts many local and international organizations throughout the year. Waterskiing may be done by people from all ages. The sport could be learned with the help of professional instructors.
13. Taking a wild family adventure in Dalyan - Dalyan is situated in a Special Environmental Protection Area between Marmaris and Fethiye. Köyceğiz Lake, Dalyan River and İztuzu Beach, the breeding ground for the endangered Caretta Caretta turtles, are highly recommended. Photo: Hackenberg-Photo-Cologne / Alamy
14. Ski in Kartalkaya - Only three hours from Istanbul, in the Köroğlu Mountains, Kartalkaya Winter Resort is a great place for a snowy holiday. Having the only snow park of Turkey, Kartalkaya hosts local snowboarders, skiers, as well as international ski-lovers. Photo: Images & Stories / Alamy
15. Cave diving - Turkey is an ideal place for cave diving with its suitable geographical conditions. Underground lakes, cisterns and stalactites of the country are open to discover for cave lovers. Turkey has seven caves for professional cavers: Altınbeşik Cave (Antalya, pictured), Gürlevik Cave (Karaman), Kızılelma Cave (Zonguldak), Pınarbaşı Cave (Konya), Pınarözü Cave (Isparta), Sakaltitan Cave (Konya), and Susuz Güvercinlik Cave (Konya).
Bonus: A metrobus ride in Istanbul! Exploring Istanbul sometimes requires taking a metrobus ride, and it is surely an unforgettable experience, though not a very comfortable one! Especially during rush hours, the bus route, which is interconnected with the city’s metro lines and with 45 stations from Avcılar to Kadıköy, is notoriously crowded. Such a metrobus adventure is surely unique to Istanbul and a great way to escape the other frustrating feature of the city: Traffic jams.
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