Türkiye's Top Trekking Routes: A Guide to the Most Breathtaking Views and Cultural Treasures

Recently, the number of people hiking on beaches and parks has increased considerably. While some people hike in the city, others take it a step further and go trekking in nature. While these people do their sports, they also breathe in the clean forest air. In almost every region of Türkiye, which is a corner of paradise on all four sides, there are trekking routes with exquisite views. Here are the most spectacular hiking routes for trekking in Türkiye:The Lycian Way, starting from Fethiye and extending to Antalya's Beldibi neighborhood, has been used since ancient times. It takes about 21 days to walk this 536 kilometer long road. While walking on this magnificent road, the deep blue Mediterranean Sea never leaves your side. Ölüdeniz, Patara, Kalkan, Kaş, Faralya, Finike, Olympos and Kemer are just a few of the tourist attractions on the Lycian Way! There are also dozens of ancient cities such as Sidyma, Pinara, Letoon, Xanthos, Antiphellos, Apollonia, Simena, Myra, Limyra, Rhodiapolis, Gagai, Melanippe, Gelidonya, Olympos, Chimera and Phaselis. This road, winding between the perfect nature and the ruins of the Ancient Age, is one of the favorite routes of trekking lovers.The Ballıkayalar Nature Park Trail, which is very popular as it is one of the closest trekking spots to Istanbul, starts at the Tavşanlı Village exit and stretches for 10 kilometers. The Ballıkayalar Trail, which takes approximately 4 hours to complete, is accompanied by a stream bed. In this national park, which is also frequently preferred by campers, there is also a pond and waterfall where you can swim. In this park, where many activities can be done for nature sports lovers, there are also limestone rocks that rock climbers will love.Stretching along the Eastern Black Sea Coast, the Kaçkar Mountains offer a unique beauty with its lush forests. Starting from Çamlıhemşin district of Rize, the road reaches Başyayla, Hacivanak, Elevit, Tirovit, Palovit Plateau, Aşağı Kavron Plain, Ayder and Pokut Plateau. On this journey, which is intertwined with magnificent views and nature, don't miss Palovit Waterfall and Zilkale! If you happen to be in the area, don't forget to climb Palovit Plateau, one of the highest points in Türkiye and one of the countless beauties in the Kaçkar Mountains.Ihlara Valley, one of the most impressive spots in the Cappadocia Region, also offers a great trail for trekking lovers. There are hundreds of churches carved into the rocks in the valley, which Melendiz Stream has eroded for centuries. The stream continues to flow through this valley where history and nature are intertwined. When you go, you can choose a long trail of 14 kilometers or a 1.5-hour trail along the river. Underground cities and tunnels also add beauty to your track in this region where history springs from wherever you put your hand.One of Türkiye's most important oxygen reservoirs, Ida Mountains offers both short walks and long walks that last for days! Ida Mountains, where there are many waterfalls, streams and plateaus, stretches between Balıkesir and Çanakkale. Mount Ida, which has recently increased the number of visitors, also includes a national park of 21 thousand hectares. You can camp on the banks of the streams, which contain enough water to swim in, and swim comfortably in the cool waters. There are also many camping areas within the national park.With a length of 14 kilometers, Köprülü Canyon, the longest canyon in Türkiye, offers a unique experience to trekking lovers. There is a river flowing through the canyon in the Manavgat district of Antalya. Köprülü Canyon National Park, which is also one of the favorite places for campers, also hosts many structures from ancient times. The canyon, which fascinates its visitors with its natural beauty, is flooded by local and foreign tourists during the summer months.In the region between Kütahya, Eskişehir, Afyonkarahisar and Ankara, there are ruins of the Phrygian civilization dating back 3 thousand years. The road stretches for about 500 kilometers and has three branches. The starting points of these three branches are located in Polatlı (Ankara), Seydiler (Afyon) and Yenice Çiftliği (Kütahya). The paths meet at Yazılıkaya, which is considered the center of Phrygia. In addition to trekking lovers, bicycle riders can also use this path.The lake, which is connected to the Mudurnu district of Bolu, is one of the most preferred stops for trekking lovers. The lake, which is 3 hours away from Istanbul, is located at an altitude of 1200 meters. This lake, in which trout is grown, has a history of 300 years. Hiking enthusiasts who want to reach the lake have to leave behind a 9-kilometer trail. The first half of the road to this lake goes uphill and the other half downhill. You will walk with many waterfalls and streams along the way and finally arrive at Sülüklügöl. Don't worry, you will forget your tiredness when you add the wonderful lake view to your walk accompanied by the sounds of water!Bafa Lake, located on the border of Aydın and Muğla, is at the bottom of Beşparmak Mountain. The King's Road, which starts from the ancient city of Herakleia on the shore of the lake and reaches Latmos Mountain, which contains historical ruins, is among the favorite routes of trekking lovers. When you reach Latmos Mountain, you will see paintings drawn on the rocks from ancient times and frescoes drawn in caves during the Christian era. On this journey where history and nature are intertwined, you can stop by the nearby villages and mingle with the local people. The historical drawings on the top of the mountain on one side and the deep blue Lake Bafa on the other will make you think that you are glad you walked this road and that it was worth your tiredness!