Aegean Coast Turkey
Turkey’s diverse landscape of rugged coastlines, snow-capped mountains and rolling fields make it the ideal destination for those who are looking for an adventurous holiday.
Long and sunny days also lend themselves to activities and outdoor sports, enabling visitors to make the most of the natural surroundings. Flights are about four hours from the UK, meaning this exciting destination is easily reached and often not too costly to get to.
Here, Emma-Louise Frost, Destination Marketer at lowcostholidays.com, shares information about the type of adventure and activity that Turkey offers visitors.
On Water
You will see some truly magical sights on a sea kayaking tour over the sunken city of Kekova, which sits six metres below the water due to an earthquake and is off limits to swimmers and divers. You can take a one day tour across the region, with a stop off at the charming village of Simena. This is only suitable for over 12’s.
The Saklikent Gorge is found around 40 minutes from Fethiye and is the second largest gorge in Europe, stretching 20 kilometres across. From the mouth of the gorge you can take a river tubing trip along the water, sailing past towering, sculpted cliff sides and through craggy rock formations. Trips last from 45 minutes to two hours and involve some walking through water on uneven surfaces, so remember to take appropriate footwear.
On Dry Land
Mountain biking is one of the best ways of seeing some incredible landscapes and there is no better place to do it than in Cappadocia. If you are feeling really active then you can book a seven night cycling trip across the Dereyamanli Valley. You camp overnight in the vast countryside and cycle through canyons, tablelands and the historical ruins of Mount Golgoli. You have to be reasonably fit to take on such a challenging terrain.
Hikers will be in their element on a trek across Lake Van, which is found in eastern Anatolia. With a landscape of snow-covered mountains and elevated view points, it is one of the most loved routes amongst ramblers in the country.
Cappadocia is a beautiful landscape of volcanic formations, plunging canyons and ancient ruins, which makes it a captivating place to explore on a horse riding trip. You can enjoy a week long trek through the region, riding through cave villages, past ancient churches and across natural paths that appear as though they have never been traced before.
For Adrenaline Junkies
The Coruh River, found in the north-east of Turkey is one of the best destinations for white water rafting in the world. Here, you can enjoy a five-day guided expedition from Erzurum, which will take you hurtling through valleys and canyons, past ancient castle ruins and across the class five rapids in the Ispir Gorge. Everyone from the inexperienced to the seasoned pros can enjoy rafting here, but each participant needs to be in quite good health and must be able to swim.
Enjoy some speed along the dirt tracks leading out of Fethiye on an adrenaline quad biking tour. You can join a half-day, off-road safari tour, which will take you across rugged paths, along stony tracks and through riverbeds. You are almost guaranteed to return covered in mud and dust. Automatic quad bikes are easy to use even if you’re a beginner, but there is a minimum age of 17.
So, for an exotic adventure holiday this 2013, head to Turkey and explore the dramatic landscape, try the local food and discover the crystal clear, warm waters. From a gentle paddle in a kayak, to white water rafting - Turkey is the perfect activity holiday destination for all ages and abilities. Find out more about Turkey holidays here.
Article by Emma-Louise Frost
FemaleFirst @FemaleFirst_UK
Tagged in Travel travel tips Travel Advice Turkey