The 6 Best Outdoor Attractions In Turkey
Outdoor activities are a great way to spice up your free time in Turkey. Choose from a variety of adrenaline-pumping adventures: hot air ballooning and mountain biking in Cappadocia, sea kayaking around Kaikova, paragliding and scuba diving in Oludeniz, jeep rides Taurus Mountains, as well as rock climbing in Aladagra National Park. Read the guide below to learn more about these attractions!
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Hot Air Balloon Ride, Cappadocia
Hot air balloon rides in the Cappadocia region are one of the most popular tourist attractions in central Turkey. From the air, the area is indeed a spectacular sight. With its fairy-tale chimneys, river valleys and hills, Cappadocia has found a place on our list of the best places to sunbathe in Turkey.
There are a variety of Cappadocia hot air balloon tours to choose from: standard (shorter flights), deluxe (longer flights), and even private. Most tours start before or shortly after sunrise, around 5:00 or 5:30 in the morning. Enjoy a simple breakfast before takeoff and get your camera ready to capture the breathtaking scenery.
mountain biking, cappadocia
Turkey is full of adrenaline-pumping adventures, and mountain biking is one of them. In addition to its world-famous hot air balloon rides, Cappadocia is often touted as the cycling capital of the country. The 11.7-kilometer loop near Göreme is a moderately difficult route that takes about 3.5 hours to complete. Some parts of the trail are sandy, so wear proper shoes!
Recommended reading: 7 Best Day Trips from Istanbul, Turkey
Sea kayaking, Kekova Island
Turkey’s Mediterranean and Aegean coasts offer the perfect scenery for sea kayaking. This adventure sport is the ideal outdoor activity in summer. Tourists enjoy kayaking trips around the beautiful island of Kekova. Visiting the Sunken City and Simena Village is also an option.
Paragliding and scuba diving, Oludeniz beach
On the southwest coast of Turkey, there is a famous beach called Oludeniz. This is a calm area usually visited by families who want to get away from the noisy towns nearby. This charming place is also a great summer retreat for those seeking adrenaline. If you are a lover of paragliding and scuba diving, this is the place for you.
In addition to being a natural wonder, Mount Babadag above Oludeniz creates excellent conditions for paragliding flights. In fact, Oludeniz is the best place for paragliding in Europe and the world. You can fly in two for up to 45 minutes while enjoying the picturesque mountainside and lagoon. Remember, the flying season runs from the third week of April to the first week of November. You also don’t need any prior experience as you will be in the hands of the pilot.
The fun doesn’t stop there! Oludeniz Dive Center allows you to make 3 scuba dives per day. Explore crystal clear waters, secret canyons, caves and sinkholes. These centers provide you with the equipment and wetsuits you need. Keep in mind that the best time to scuba dive in Turkey is usually from April to October.
Recommended reading: 8 Must-See Historic Attractions in Turkey
Jeep Safari, Taurus Mountains
If you’re looking for a full-day adventure, take a jeep ride to the Taurus Mountains. You can easily reach the top and explore the mountain without feeling exhausted. On this tour, you will pass through small villages along the road, taking breaks from time to time to enjoy the sweeping panoramas. Also, there is a quaint restaurant serving delicious local cuisine.
Rock climbing, Aladagra National Park
Aladaglar National Park was established in 1995 and spans Aladag, Nigde, Camardi and Yahyali. It is covered with black and red pine forests and the highest peak is Kizilkaya (3767 m). There are many different climbing options here, from sporty single-pitch to huge bolt-ups and traditional multi-pitch. Cimbar Valley near Karamuk settlement and Kazikli Valley near Cukurbag are two places where climbers excel.
Recommended reading: Guide to the Best Nightclubs in Turkey
FAQ
What are the most popular tourist attractions in Turkey?
What can’t you miss in Turkey?
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What are the best outdoor activities in Turkey?
Hot air ballooning and mountain biking in Cappadocia, sea kayaking around Kekova Island, paragliding and scuba diving in Oludeniz, jeep rides to the Taurus Mountains, and rock climbing in Aladagra National Park.
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