Hiking Guide

Antalya Hiking & Trekking Guide 2025

Explore the best hiking trails and trekking routes in Antalya.

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 Hiking Trails

The best hikes Antalya has to offer.

Lycian Way - Antalya Segment

moderate
📏 500km total (various day sections available)⏱️ 2-20+ hours depending on segment📈 Variable, up to 1800m above sea level

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.

Highlights: ancient Lycian tombs, sea views, remote coves, village hospitality, ancient ruins

Termessos Mountain Trail

moderate
📏 5km (round trip from car park)⏱️ 3-4 hours📈 500m gain from car park to main ruins

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.

Highlights: ancient theatre at 1000m, dramatically positioned ruins, endemic flowers, cedar forest, canyon views

Köprülü Canyon Trail

easy
📏 Various, 3-10km sections⏱️ 2-5 hours📈 Minimal, canyon floor walking

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.

Highlights: ancient Roman bridge, canyon walls, river swimming holes, beekeeping villages, local honey

Chimaera to Olympos Hike

moderate
📏 8km round trip⏱️ 3-4 hours📈 300m gain to Chimaera

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.

Highlights: eternal natural flames, ancient Olympos ruins, forest paths, beach finish, sea views

Saklıkent Gorge Walk

easy
📏 2-4km (in gorge)⏱️ 2-3 hours📈 Minimal

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.

Highlights: 300m cliff walls, icy mountain water, unique wading experience, waterfall at gorge end, canyon restaurants

Taurus Mountain Village Trek

moderate
📏 10-20km depending on route⏱️ 4-8 hours📈 600-1000m

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.

Highlights: traditional villages, mountain meadows, wildflowers, nomad culture, mountain panoramas

Phaselis to Çıralı Coastal Trail

moderate
📏 15km⏱️ 5-6 hours📈 300m

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.

Highlights: ancient Phaselis, pine forest, sea views, hidden coves, Chimaera arrival

Kaş Lycian Tombs Walk

easy
📏 3km loop⏱️ 1.5 hours📈 100m

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.

Highlights: Lycian rock tombs, ancient Greek theatre, harbor views, Greek island of Meis view

Trails by Difficulty

Find trails that match your fitness level.

🟢 Easy

Well-marked paths on flat or gentle terrain, suitable for families with older children; no special equipment needed

🟡 Moderate

Some elevation and rocky terrain requiring reasonable fitness; hiking boots recommended; carry water

🟠 Challenging

Steep sections and significant elevation gain; experience and good fitness required; proper hiking gear essential

🔴 Expert

Technical or remote terrain; local guide strongly recommended; proper equipment required

🥾

Complete Hiking Guide

Detailed trail descriptions, packing checklists, and route recommendations.

Get Guide

Hiking Preparation

What to bring and how to prepare.

Essential Gear

Day Hikes

  • Sturdy hiking boots/shoes
  • Plenty of water (2-3 liters)
  • Snacks and lunch
  • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
  • Rain layer/jacket
  • First aid kit
  • Navigation (map, GPS, phone)
  • Flashlight/headlamp

Multi-Day Treks

  • All day hike essentials plus:
  • Backpack (40-60L)
  • Tent or shelter
  • Sleeping bag and pad
  • Cooking equipment
  • Water purification
  • Extra clothing layers
  • Emergency supplies

Physical Preparation

  • Start training weeks before challenging hikes
  • Build up endurance with regular cardio
  • Practice on local trails with elevation gain
  • Break in new boots before the trip
  • Acclimatize to altitude gradually if needed

Hiking Safety

Stay safe on the trails.

CRITICAL

Always tell someone your hiking plans and expected return time. Carry emergency communication device in remote areas.

HIGH

Check weather conditions before setting out. Turn back if conditions deteriorate. Never underestimate mountains.

HIGH

Stay on marked trails. Getting lost in unfamiliar terrain can be dangerous. Carry navigation tools.

MEDIUM

Be aware of wildlife. Research local animals and know how to respond to encounters.

MEDIUM

Start early to allow plenty of daylight. Always aim to be back before dark.

Local Hazards

  • Sun exposure: UV levels extremely high in summer; sun protection essential even for short hikes
  • Heat: temperatures above 35°C in July-August make strenuous hiking dangerous; always carry 2+ liters of water
  • Snakes: Levantine viper (Montivipera xanthina) present in rocky areas; wear boots and watch where you step
  • Flash floods: Saklıkent and narrow gorges can flood rapidly during rainstorms; check weather before entering gorges
  • Loose rock: Ancient ruins and mountain trails have unstable surfaces; watch footing especially on wet surfaces
  • Getting lost: Mark GPS waypoints and download offline maps; mobile reception absent in many mountain areas

Best Time to Hike

Plan your hiking adventure for optimal conditions.

🌸 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

Explore Antalya's Trails

Get our complete hiking guide with GPS routes, difficulty ratings, and local tips.

Download Hiking Guide