Famous Hiking Routes with Their Historical and Natural Beauties in Turkey

Turkey has a fascinating geography with its historical riches and natural beauties. All around the country, there are Turkey's most beautiful nature walking trails that allow you to discover both the peace of nature and the deep traces of history. These routes, extending from mountains to valleys, forests to ancient cities, offer unique experiences for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Are you ready to explore both the history and nature of the country with famous Turkey hiking routes? In this article, we will take a look at the most popular and fascinating hiking routes in Turkey.

The Lycian Way: A Walking Route from the Ancient World to the Present

The Lycian Way is one of the most impressive hiking routes in Turkey, attracting both nature lovers and history enthusiasts. This route, which stretches from Antalya to Fethiye, offers an unforgettable discovery accompanied by unforgettable landscapes while following the traces of the Lycian civilization.

Route Length and Starting Points (Antalya-Fethiye)

The Lycian Way is one of the most popular long-distance hiking routes in Turkey, stretching from Antalya to Fethiye. This route offers hikers a historical journey accompanied by breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. The walk is usually done from two main starting points: Hisarçandır Village in Antalya and Ölüdeniz in Fethiye.

• Total Distance : 540 kilometers.
• Main Starting Points : Hisarçandır Village (Antalya) and Ölüdeniz (Fethiye).
• Walking Duration : An average of 30-45 days is required for the entire hike, but it can also be walked in sections.

Ancient Lycia

The Lycian Way takes its name from the ancient Lycian civilization. This civilization existed from the 15th century BC and was located between the current borders of Antalya and Muğla. The Lycians were a people known for their independence and federative governance system. Along the way, there are many ancient city ruins belonging to this civilization.

Important Ancient Cities:

• Olympos : An important member of the Lycian League.
• Patara : The capital of Lycia and an important port city.
• Xanthos : An ancient city on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Nature Scenes and Break Points

The Lycian Way fascinates not only with its historical richness but also with its natural beauty. Along the way, hikers discover the blue waters of the Mediterranean, steep slopes, olive groves and pine forests. In addition, the villages and beaches along the Lycian Way hiking route are great spots to take a break and enjoy nature.

Nature Scenes:

• Ölüdeniz Lagoon : With its world-famous turquoise water.
• Faralya : Magnificent view of Butterfly Valley.
• Gelidonya Lighthouse: One of the lighthouses with the most beautiful views in Turkey.

Break Points:

• Kaş : A popular stop with both its natural beauty and pleasant atmosphere.
• Kalkan : With its seaside restaurants and peaceful atmosphere.
• Çıralı : Famous for its beach, which is the egg-laying ground of the Caretta caretta turtles.

Carian Way: Discover the Beauties of the Carian Region

The Carian Way is a historical hiking route covering the provinces of Muğla and Aydın. This route, full of sea views, ancient ruins and villages, offers a great route for nature and history enthusiasts while discovering the unique nature and cultural heritage of the ancient Caria region.

Route of the Route

The Carian Way is one of the longest hiking routes in Turkey, located between Muğla and Aydın provinces. This approximately 850-kilometer route follows the traces of the ancient Carian civilization, passing through regions such as Bodrum, Datça, Marmaris, Akyaka and Bozburun. This route offers a journey full of forests and mountains combined with sea views.

• Total Distance : 850 kilometers.
• Main Points : Bodrum, Datça, Marmaris, Akyaka, Bozburun.
• Walking Duration : The route is divided into segments suitable for walks of different lengths.

Historical and Cultural Stops

Along the Carian Way nature walk, you can follow the traces of the ancient Carian civilization. Ancient theaters, city walls, temples and city ruins are frequently encountered on this route. Stops such as the Ancient City of Knidos, the Amos Theater and Alinda offer a walking experience intertwined with history. In addition, villages and historical structures bearing traces of Ottoman and Turkish architecture further enrich the route.

Paths and Villages Parallel to the Sea

A large part of the Carian Way runs parallel to the sea, offering hikers ever-changing sea views. The paths pass through pine forests and olive groves, while the blue of the Aegean Sea accompanies you on one side.
Along the way, villages famous for their old stone houses and narrow streets welcome hikers with their warm and friendly atmosphere. Villages such as Mazı, Çökertme and Bozalan are ideal stops for rest and tasting local delicacies.

Kaçkar Mountains: Hiking to the Peak of the Eastern Black Sea Region

Kaçkar Mountains are the highest and most impressive mountain range in the Eastern Black Sea Region. With its challenging trails, glacial lakes and lush green plateaus, it offers a unique experience for nature walkers. You can witness the peaceful views of the Black Sea while reaching the summit.

Challenging But Fascinating Tracks

Kaçkar Mountains offer one of the highest and most challenging mountain hiking routes in Turkey for trekking. These mountains have become a center of attraction for adventure enthusiasts with their peaks. These routes with high difficulty levels are generally known for steep slopes, narrow paths and variable weather conditions. However, these difficulties are rewarded with the fascinating views and rich ecosystem that nature offers.

• Route Length : Average walking time of 6-7 days.
• Summit Height : 3,937 meters.
• Most Popular Starting Points : Ayder Plateau, Verçenik Plateau

Plateaus, Glacial Lakes and Flora/Fauna Richness

While hiking in the Kaçkar Mountains, you will often come across lush green plateaus and crystal clear glacial lakes. Plateaus such as Pokut, Ayder, and Anzer are great stops to explore local culture and traditional highland life.
In addition, there is a unique diversity of flora and fauna in this region. Wild flowers, forests and rare animal species offer a paradise for nature lovers. Wild goats, bears and various bird species showcase the biodiversity of the region.

Preparation Tips

Good preparation is essential for those planning to hike the Kaçkar Mountains. The high altitude, challenging terrain and variable weather conditions require appropriate equipment and careful planning.

Required Equipment:

• Hiking Boots : Sturdy and waterproof.
• Clothing : Layered dressing, water-resistant jacket and pants.
• Camping Equipment : Light tent, sleeping bag, mat.

Planning Tips:

• Local Guidance : Traveling with a guide who knows the area well is important for safety.
• Accommodation : Accommodation options in mountain houses or camps can be considered.
• Climate Conditions : Be prepared for changeable weather conditions, especially in summer months it can get cold suddenly.

Cappadocia: Walking Among Valleys and Fairy Chimneys

Cappadocia is a region that fascinates explorers with its unique fairy chimneys and wide valleys. Hiking among natural rock formations, underground cities and historical ruins is one of the best ways to experience the mystical atmosphere of the region.

Natural Beauties of the Region

Cappadocia is famous for its unique geological formations. The fairy chimneys formed as a result of volcanic eruptions and millions of years of erosion are the symbols of this region. Hikers can discover the extraordinary beauties of Cappadocia by walking among these fascinating natural structures.

Geological Features:

• Fairy Chimneys : Rock formations in various shapes.
• Tuff Rocks : Structures formed from soft volcanic rocks.
• Underground Cities : Huge underground complexes that have been used for shelter and accommodation throughout history.

Important Routes

Cappadocia is famous for its valleys, and these valleys offer unique experiences for hikers. Especially Göreme and Ihlara Valley stand out as hiking routes intertwined with nature and history.

• Göreme National Park : This park, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is full of fairy chimneys and rock churches.
• Ihlara Valley : The deep canyon created by the Melendiz Stream offers a cool and peaceful environment for hikers.
• Love Valley : Known for its romantic atmosphere, this valley offers hikers different rock formations and magnificent views.

Historical Ruins and Underground Cities

Cappadocia has hosted different civilizations throughout history, so it is possible to come across many historical ruins and underground cities on the hiking routes. These ruins reveal the rich history of the region.

Historical Ruins:

• Kaymaklı and Derinkuyu Underground Cities : Underground complexes large enough to accommodate thousands of people.
• Uçhisar Castle : Located at the highest point of the region, this castle offers panoramic views of Cappadocia.
• Çavuşin Church : One of the important rock-carved churches from the early Christian period.

Kaz Mountains: Nature Walk Adorned with Mythological Stories

Kaz Mountains is famous for both its natural beauty and mythological stories. Offering a unique experience to hikers with its high peaks, clean air and ancient stories, this region is a perfect route for nature and history lovers.

Routes and Natural Beauties

Kaz Mountains are known as the oxygen tank of Turkey and have many hiking routes around Edremit. In this region, paths surrounded by olive trees and waterfalls offer a unique experience to hikers. Natural wonders such as Şahin Creek, Mıhlı Stream and Sütüven Waterfall are just a few of the spots that can be discovered while hiking in Kaz Mountains.

Mythological Places

Kaz Mountains attract attention not only with their natural beauty but also with their mythological past. Zeus Altar is a place associated with sacrifices and prayers offered to the gods in ancient times and attracts the attention of both history and mythology enthusiasts. Also mentioned in Homer's Iliad, this mountain is known as a legendary place that witnessed the Trojan War.

Seasonal Nature Scenes

The Kaz Mountains offer a different beauty in every season. The flowers blooming in spring, the cool forests in summer, the golden leaves in autumn and the snow-capped peaks in winter create fascinating landscapes for nature lovers in every season. These seasonal changes make every walk in the Kaz Mountains unique and unforgettable.