Hiking in Turkey
Including Cappadocia Rose and Red Valleys, Ihlara Valley Gorge, and Kaçkar Mountains National Park. On the map.
The vibe
Walking here moves you through ancient pastoral landscapes where shepherd tracks link dramatic coastal ridges and high limestone plateaus. Spring and autumn bring the ideal temperature window for long days on foot without brutal midday heat. You navigate entirely on your own terms, mixing independent route-finding with stays in small family-run guesthouses along the way.
Cappadocia Rose and Red Valleys
Nevşehir
Adrian Farwell / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Wander through a surreal labyrinth of rose-tinted fairy chimneys, ancient rock-cut churches, and undulating volcanic tuff formations. The trail network offers moderate, highly scenic day walking amidst dramatic geological landscapes.
Access. Trailheads are easily reached on foot from the towns of Göreme or Çavuşin.
Notes. Minimal shade makes early morning or late afternoon starts essential during warmer months.
Ihlara Valley Gorge
Aksaray
Николай Максимович / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Stroll along a lush, tree-shaded canyon floor carved by the Melendiz River, punctuated by Byzantine rock-hewn churches carved into the sheer canyon walls. This peaceful gorge walk offers an easy, rewarding escape with cool river breezes.
Access. Main entry points are located near Ihlara village or the Selime Monastery at the valley's northern end.
Notes. Requires a standard national park admission fee; staircases lead down into the canyon at multiple points.
Kaçkar Mountains National Park
Rize
nurettingülay(from T… / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Trek through lush alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and rugged granite ridges in Turkey's northeastern alpine sanctuary. This remote highland region offers challenging high-altitude mountaineering and multi-day trekking far from the Mediterranean crowds.
Access. Typically accessed via minibuses from Rize or Pazar up to mountain villages like Ayder or Yukarı Ambarlı.
Notes. Weather is notoriously changeable; summer brings rain and fog even in July and August.
Köprülü Canyon National Park
Antalya
Honza and Ivana Ebr / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Hike along dramatic limestone cliffs and roaring emerald river waters within one of Turkey's deepest river canyons. Trails wind through dense pine and cedar forests above ancient Roman bridges and rushing rapids.
Access. Located roughly 90 kilometers north of Antalya; accessible by rental car or guided excursion.
Notes. Popular for rafting as well as hiking; some trail sections require scrambling over rocky riverbanks.
Lycian Way: Ölüdeniz to Faralya
Muğla
rheins / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Traverse dramatic limestone cliffs overlooking the azure Mediterranean on a celebrated segment of Turkey's premier long-distance trail. The path winds through pine forests and past the breathtaking Butterfly Valley overlook, offering a challenging yet rewarding cliffside walking experience.
Access. Accessible via local dolmuş (minibus) from Fethiye to Ölüdeniz, where the trailhead begins near the lagoon.
Notes. Spring and autumn provide ideal temperatures; summer heat can be extreme with limited shade.
Mount Erciyes Volcanic Slopes
Kayseri
Bjørn Christian Tørrissen / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Trek across dramatic high-altitude volcanic ash fields, glacial valleys, and rugged lava domes on Central Anatolia's highest dormant volcano. The routes offer striking views of the Anatolian plateau and challenging alpine terrain.
Access. Easily reached from Kayseri via local bus or cable car installations at the ski resort base.
Notes. Weather can change rapidly at high elevations; volcanic scree requires sturdy footwear and trekking poles.
Mount Nemrut Summit Trail
Adıyaman
Herbert Frank from Wien (Vienna), AT / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Ascend the historic heights of Mount Nemrut to encounter colossal ancient stone heads scattered across a barren high-altitude summit. The trail provides an invigorating short climb rewarded by legendary sunrise and sunset panoramas over the Mesopotamian plains.
Access. Reachable via minibus or organized tour from Adıyaman or Kahta to the lower visitor center and parking area.
Notes. Summit winds can be fierce and freezing, even in late spring or early autumn.
Mount Süphan Volcano
Bitlis
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Conquer the snow-capped volcanic cone of Turkey's third-highest peak, rising majestically above the shores of Lake Van. The non-technical ascent crosses expansive high-altitude scree slopes and alpine plateaus with sweeping views of eastern Anatolia.
Access. Best approached from Adilcevaz or Ahlat on the northern shores of Lake Van via 4x4 transport to base camps.
Notes. High altitude (over 4,000 meters) requires proper acclimatization; remote area requiring careful planning.
St. Paul Trail: Eğirdir Lake Section
Isparta
Hasangokmen / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Follow historic Roman roads and shepherd tracks along high mountain ridges overlooking the expansive blue expanse of Lake Eğirdir. This segment of the ancient pilgrimage route offers challenging climbs through rural highlands and juniper forests.
Access. Trailheads begin directly from the lakeside town of Eğirdir, easily reached from Isparta.
Notes. Waymarking can be sporadic in places; carrying a reliable GPS track or guidebook is strongly advised.