Turkey: the next big adventure destination. Straddling the border of Europe and Asia has allowed Turkey a front row seat to the sweeping changes of history, and it’s a destination with incredible historical and cultural depth. Over the last few years Turkey has been adding a wealth of adventurous activities to its tourism repertoire – here are the top ten adventures to have in Turkey.

1. Take A Balloon Tour Of Cappadocia

Hot air balloons over Cappadocia. Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay.

Cappadocia is well-known for its photogenic balloon-dotted landscape and taking the opportunity to ride a hot air balloon above Cappadocia’s epic moon-like landscape is an unmissable experience when you’re looking for adventures in Turkey.

Your pulse will be racing as you lift off, but you’ll soon forget the fear as you take in the 360 degree views across the city and beyond.

2. Soak It Up In The Hot Springs Of Pamukkale

Terrace of thermal springs in Pamukkale, Turkey. Image by LoggaWiggler from Pixabay.

Discover nature’s infinity pools in the mineral-rich thermal springs outside the bustling town of Pamukkale. These milky pools are scattered across the local hillsides and are the perfect place to take a relaxing dip.

Thermal pools offer many health properties, such as being good for your heart and constitution. It’s the perfect place to relax after a day of hiking around the local ancient ruins.

3. Discover Hidden Treasures On The Mediterranean Sea Bed

In the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean, secrets lurk. A sunken World War II fighter sits 70 feet under the ocean, waiting to be explored. The plane has become a marine sanctuary for an array of wildlife from stingrays to loggerhead turtles and can be explored by divers looking for adventure in Turkey.

The place itself is intact and remains an incredible specimen of wartime aviation. It’s a spooky place!

4. Kayak Over A Ruined City

Kekova Island. Image by Igor Schubin from Pixabay.

Elsewhere in the Mediterranean off Kekova Island a 2nd century city has been laid to rest! Levelled by an earthquake all those years ago, the city’s urban centre is now preserved below the crystal-clear waters of the Med.

Guided kayak tours are available and allow you to peer into the past from the still water’s surface. It’s a Turkey adventure you won’t forget!

5. White Water Rafting In The Taurus Mountains

Thrill seekers will find the rapids of the Koprulu and Antaria rivers appealing.

White water rafting is one of many extreme water sports booming in Turkey at the moment and these rivers, which flow through the canyons of the Taurus mountain range, offer a rip-roaring ride through fast flowing water. Expert rafters are available to guide you down the rapids, and come highly recommended in these dangerous waters for adventurers. 

6. Hike The Magical Canyons Of Cappadocia

Hiking in Cappadocia – Tuff Rock. Image by Danny Schreiner from Pixabay.

Having glimpsed the grandeur of Cappadocia’s landscape, you’re guaranteed to want to get intimate with it. The best place to get intimate is, of course, The Valley of Love.

This landscape provides an epic day hike as it weaves through incredible rock architecture that’s sure to leave you agape, with wildflowers blooming on every side of the path. Don the hiking boots and pack your lunch for this amazing trek on your adventures in Turkey.

7. Explore The Canyons Of Anatolia

With the wetsuit donned, take a guided canyoneering tour of the vast network of canyons and ravines found in Anatolia. As a mixture of walking, climbing and swimming, canyoneering offers a full-on day out through incredibly varied landscapes.

You’ll scramble up sheer faces, abseil down soaking waterfalls, and find incredible pools to swim in. The highlight of these trips are the pools and jumps to play in as you wake up the child within.

8. Hit The Slopes In Kartalkaya

Most people associate Turkey with glowing sunshine and sweeping beaches, the shimmering Mediterranean reflecting sparkling sand. If you like a different kind of adventure, we recommend taking a trip to the Köro?lu Mountains between December and April.

The slopes around Kartalkaya, at 1500m, are a skiing and snowboarding paradise. If you want to escape the crowds, there’s ski touring and cross-country skiing to get your calves working.

9. Soar Over Ephesus

Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, Turkey. Image by vedat zorluer from Pixabay.

Turkey’s location at the intersection of Europe and Asia gives it a stunning cultural heritage to explore, and a deep and fascinating history. Many flock to the old Roman Empire era city of Ephesus to explore the ruins which include a towering library and a 25,000 seat theatre.

It’s impossible, however, to grasp the scale of this ancient metropolis from the ground. Taking a microlight tour in an ultralight aircraft allows historical adventure to be taken to new heights.

10. Stay In A Cave

Rock apartments in Goreme. Image by LoggaWiggler from Pixabay.

After a full-on day of high-octane activities, even the most hardened adventurer needs somewhere to lay their head. But you can even turn ‘turning in’ into an adventure with the cave hotels of Göreme.

These incredible hotels are set into the rocky city architecture but don’t worry, they’re anything but dingy as there are light and spacious cave rooms to suit all budgets.

If you enjoy exploring historical places, Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985.

The opportunity for adventure waits around every corner in Turkey. You’ll be exploring by land, air, sea and snow and creating unforgettable adventures in the process. So, pack your bags for the trip of a lifetime!

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