Antalya is Turkey's premier Mediterranean resort province, stretching along the stunning Turquoise Coast and offering a captivating blend of ancient ruins, dramatic waterfalls, and pristine beaches. The region is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world alongside luxurious all-inclusive resorts and a vibrant old town.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Lycian Way - Antalya Segment
One of the world's great long-distance walking routes, the Lycian Way traces the ancient Lycian coastline from Fethiye to Antalya through spectacular scenery of cliffs, coves, ancient ruins, and mountain villages. Numerous day and multi-day sections are accessible from Antalya.
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2
Termessos Mountain Trail
The hike up through cedar forest to the remarkably preserved mountain city of Termessos at 1,050m is one of Turkey's finest combinations of hiking and archaeology. The ancient theatre, necropolis, and city walls are set amid dramatic mountain scenery.
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3
Köprülü Canyon Trail
Walking trails along the floor of Köprülü Canyon between towering limestone walls, crossing ancient Roman bridges. Best combined with rafting for a full day activity. The canyon is dramatic even on foot.
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4
Chimaera to Olympos Hike
A mythological landscape walk climbing through maquis scrubland to the eternal natural gas flames of Chimaera (Yanartaş) then continuing to the ancient ruins of Olympos and ending at the beach. Best done in the afternoon to see the flames at dusk.
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5
Saklıkent Gorge Walk
A dramatic gorge walk through icy cold water from Taurus Mountain snowmelt, wading between 300m high cliff walls. Platforms provide rest points with tea houses, and the deeper gorge requires wading through thigh-deep water.
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6
Taurus Mountain Village Trek
Trek through traditional Taurus Mountain villages of the Teke nomads, passing cedar and pine forests, mountain meadows, and centuries-old yayla (summer pasture) settlements. Spring wildflowers are exceptional in April-May.
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7
Phaselis to Çıralı Coastal Trail
A beautiful coastal trail linking the ancient city of Phaselis with the peaceful village of Çıralı, passing through pine forest, over rocky headlands, and past secluded coves. Part of the St. Paul Trail and Lycian Way network.
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8
Kaş Lycian Tombs Walk
A short but fascinating walk around Kaş town visiting Lycian rock-cut tombs carved into the cliff faces above the town, the ancient Greek theatre with sea views, and the harbor area with its yacht-filled marina.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in Antalya.
- Spring
- March-May is the best hiking season: wildflowers covering Taurus Mountain slopes, comfortable temperatures 15-25°C, and streams running. Highly recommended for Lycian Way sections.
- Summer
- June-August is hot for strenuous hiking; early morning (before 9 AM) starts essential; coastal and water hikes (Köprülü Canyon, gorges) are manageable with care
- Fall
- September-October is excellent: warm but not hot, clear skies, coastal colors; second-best hiking season after spring
- Winter
- November-February: lower elevations hikeable; Taurus Mountains may have snow above 1500m; Termessos can be magical in cloud and mist
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: Sun exposure: UV levels extremely high in summer; sun protection essential even for short hikes
Hazard: Heat: temperatures above 35°C in July-August make strenuous hiking dangerous; always carry 2+ liters of water
Hazard: Snakes: Levantine viper (Montivipera xanthina) present in rocky areas; wear boots and watch where you step
Hazard: Flash floods: Saklıkent and narrow gorges can flood rapidly during rainstorms; check weather before entering gorges
Hazard: Loose rock: Ancient ruins and mountain trails have unstable surfaces; watch footing especially on wet surfaces
Hazard: Getting lost: Mark GPS waypoints and download offline maps; mobile reception absent in many mountain areas