Hiking in Turkey- 15 Best Treks and Hikes

Hiking in Turkey is not just about the physical journey; it's an immersive experience into the country's rich history and vibrant ecosystems. Trails like the famous Lycian Way and the mystical Mount Ararat take you through time, showcasing the remains of ancient civilizations and legends that have shaped this region. From the rugged mountains of the north to the turquoise coasts of the south, the country's terrain offers a myriad of hiking trails that cater to all levels of adventurers.

Best Hikes in Turkey

1. Göreme - Love - White - Uchisar - Pigeon Loop

This trail offers unmatched panoramic views in Cappadocia, passing through valleys, rock formations, and historic sites. Be prepared with proper footwear as parts of the trail are sandy. Download a map for Göreme - Love - White - Uchisar - Pigeon Loop due to lack of signage. Starts from Goreme and ends in Pigeon Valley.

Location: Göreme National Park, Cappadocia
Length: 11.1 km
Duration: Approximately 3h 17m
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is mild, and you can enjoy the hot air balloons rising over the valleys at sunrise.

2. Rose and Red Valleys

This trail features historic churches, excellent views, and tea gardens. The trail starts north of Göreme, traveling up Rose Valley and descending into Red Valley, with significant rock formations and scenic vistas. Some parts of the trail are steep and may need a rope to climb up, making it difficult for beginners.

Location: Göreme National Park, Cappadocia
Length: 7.6 km
Duration: Approximately 2h 14m
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October.

3. Göreme Loop

A longer loop around Göreme offering diverse landscapes and several points of interest, including rock-cut homes and churches. The trail starts and ends in Goreme. It can be followed from the town itself.

Location: Göreme National Park, Cappadocia
Length: 13.7 km
Duration: Approximately 4h 8m
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October.

4. The Lycian Way: Ovacik to Faralya

This section of the Lycian Way offers beautiful ocean views, ancient ruins, and forested trails. The entire Lycian Way is a 335.5-mile trail, best experienced in sections due to its length.

Location: Lycian Coast, Southern Turkey
Length: 12.6 km
Duration: Approximately 4h 21m
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November. Avoid the summer months as it can get extremely hot.

5. Zemi Valley Loop

A shorter loop ideal for families, featuring rock formations and scenic views. The trail is clear and easy to follow. The trail starts from Goreme, close to the town.

Location: Göreme National Park, Cappadocia
Length: 3.1 km
Duration: Approximately 54m
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October.

6. The Ihlara Valley

This hike takes you through a lush valley with rock-cut churches and a flowing river, perfect for a peaceful day walk.

Location: Ihlara Valley, Cappadocia
Length: 10.1 km
Duration: Approximately 2h 35m
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October.

7. Lycian Way: Fethiye to Kayaköy

Starting from Fethiye, this trail passes through forests and offers beautiful ocean views, ending in the ghost village of Kayaköy.

Location: Lycian Coast, Southern Turkey
Length: 14.2 km
Duration: Approximately 4h 33m
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November.

8. Göreme - Akdag - Zvelve - Cavusin

A challenging hike with steep areas and sandy paths, offering stunning views. Proper footwear and hiking sticks are recommended. The hike has several steep and slippery sections, specially around Zelve. Going clockwise on the route is recommended to avoid certain difficult areas around the same.

Location: Göreme National Park, Cappadocia
Length: 16.3 km
Duration: Varies
Difficulty: Hard
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October.

9. Mount Ararat

Mount Ararat is a dormant volcano and the highest peak in Turkey. This challenging hike requires acclimatization due to its high altitude and is best undertaken with a guide.

Location: Eastern Turkey
Length: 46 miles (74 km)
Duration: 5-6 days
Difficulty: Tough
Best Time to Visit: June to September. These months offer the best conditions for climbing with reduced risks of harsh weather.

10. Kaçkar Mountains

The Kaçkar Mountains offer challenging treks through alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and remote villages. The highest peak, Kaçkar Dağı, stands at 3,937 meters. The trails are rugged and require good physical conditioning and proper gear.

Location: Northeastern Turkey
Length: Varies (multiple routes available)
Duration: 3-7 days depending on the routeDifficulty: Hard
Best Time to Visit: July to September. This is when the weather is most favorable for high-altitude trekking.

11. St. Paul Trail

This long-distance trail follows the path of St. Paul’s missionary journey. It traverses through forests, canyons, and ancient Roman roads, passing historical ruins and traditional villages.

Location: Southern Turkey, starting from Perge near Antalya
Length: 500 km
Duration: 27 days for the full trail, but can be done in sections
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November.

12. Yedigöller National Park

Famous for the giant statues at the summit, this short hike is best done at sunrise or sunset for stunning views. The climb is relatively easy but can be challenging due to the altitude and uneven terrain.

Location: Southeastern Turkey
Length: 2 km from the parking area to the summit
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November.

13. Köprülü Canyon National Park

This park is known for its stunning canyon and turquoise river. Hikers can explore trails that wind through pine forests, past ancient ruins, and alongside the canyon walls.

Location: Antalya Province, Southern Turkey
Length: Various trails
Duration: 1-4 hours depending on the trail
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November.

14. Phrygian Way

This historical trail passes through ancient Phrygian settlements, rock formations, and caves. It offers a mix of cultural heritage and natural beauty, with well-marked paths and plenty of accommodation options along the way.

Location: Central Turkey
Length: 506 km
Duration: 25 days for the full trail, but can be done in sections
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November.

15. Mount Nemrut

Location: Southeastern Turkey
Length: 2 km from the parking area to the summit
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November.

Best Times to Visit for Hiking

Spring (April to June): Ideal for most trails due to mild weather and blooming landscapes.
Autumn (September to November): Perfect for hiking with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Summer (July to August): Can be avoided for lower altitude hikes due to extreme heat, but good for higher altitude trails like Mount Ararat with proper preparation.
Winter (December to February): Not recommended for most trails, especially those in higher altitudes, due to snow and harsh weather conditions.

Whether you are seeking a strenuous trek, a peaceful nature walk, or a journey through time, Turkey’s hiking trails provide an adventure that is both memorable and transformative. So lace up your hiking boots, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to explore the incredible trails that Turkey has to offer. The journey awaits, and the memories you create will stay with you long after the hike is over.