Turkey is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and serves as a charming bridge between two continents, Europe and Asia. Because of this, Istanbul is the only city in the world that stretches itself across two continents. It is also known for it’s unique experiences such as its iconic hot air balloon rides.
Turkey is a wonderful country to explore, and exploring it can even be done on foot. Many people opt for tours and hiking trails during their vacation, and it’s no wonder. So, if that’s of interest to you, then keep reading, because in this article we’ll be highlighting the top hiking trails in Turkey that you can enjoy. This is the best way to see the true authenticity of Turkey throughout your stay here, trust me.
Top Hiking Trails in Turkey
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1. The Zemi Valley Loop Trail
First up on our list we have The Zemi Valley Loop Trail. It is located in Göreme National Park, and is a trail that covers a decent 3.1 kilometres. It is also a loop trail, as stated in the name. There is a slight elevation gain of 102 metres and takes about 54 minutes to complete. It is not regarded as the most difficult trail to attempt, so it is ideal for beginners.
Some of the best times to visit this trail is from April through to October, during the warmer months of the year. The views from all over this trail are stunning, so there’s never a dull moment here. You get the perfect sightings all while burning some calories simultaneously. Could you ask for a better afternoon in Turkey?
Furthermore, it gets quite hot in this region in the Summer months. So make sure you pack your water, sun screen and a hat to ensure you have the most enjoyable experience on this top trail in Turkey. The stunning rock formations that you pass along your way make this trail so much more worth it. Beginners absolutely love this trail as it is not too difficult and you can still enjoy a great deal of your day thereafter.
Pets are allowed on this trail which makes it even better! You have the best company walking through this valley and back so you know you’re going to have fun! These are just some of the reasons why you must try out his top hiking trail in Turkey, you won’t regret a single moment of it.
2. Cappadocia: Ihlara Valley Trail
Next up on our list of top trails in Turkey, we have the Ihlara Valley Trail, located in Cappadocia, Aksaray. This is quite a lengthy trail which covers 10.1 kilometres in distance. So be prepared for a day filled with hiking when you attempt this trail. It is a point-to-point type trail and has an elevation gain of 270 metres. On average it takes 2 hours and 55 minutes to complete, and this is if you’re experienced. It’ll take even longer if you’re a beginner.
Furthermore, this trail is open throughout the entire year, so you have ample time to tackle it. You can hike, walk and even bird watch while you’re on this trail. This is the ideal place to get some solitude during the quieter times of the day. Therefore, it is ideal if you want to quiet your mind, do some introspection and enjoy mother nature’s beauty. This trail is clearly not only good for your physical health, it is great for your mental health as well. And the views are immaculate too!
Along the way you also get to see some stunning churches in the area, that you can pop in to for a visit. Not to mention the beautiful cafes that serve delicious and traditional Turkish treats for you to enjoy. The fruit trees along the way in some shady regions make for a great spot for an impromptu picnic. As you can see, there are so many wonderful attractions on this top hiking trail in Turkey. So if I were you, I’d head there, fast.
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3. The Rose Valley – Red Valley Trail
Finally on our list we have The Rose Valley – Red Valley Trail, also located in the Göreme National Park. This is a loop type trail that spans a distance of 7.1 kilometres and also has an elevation gain of 258 metres. Many consider this to be a moderately challenging hiking trail, so it is not recommended for beginners. On average, experienced hikers take 2 hours and 14 minutes to complete it, however, it will take less experienced hikers longer.
Just like the Zemi Valley Loop trail, the best time to hike this trail is from April till October, in the warmer months. This is an extremely popular hiking trail so you are guaranteed to encounter like-minded individuals on your hike. Furthermore, there are multiple tea gardens on this path where you can stop, rest and enjoy the views. Some other rest stops include some quaint and beautiful cafes where you can grab a delicious treat.
The beautiful landscapes make this trail so rewarding as it ignites a symphony of the senses. Be sure to wear shoes with good grip, bring along your water bottle and a hat to ensure that you are comfortable. This is a must-try, top trail in Turkey, so don’t miss out on this spectacular experience.
Let’s Hike a Top Trail in Turkey
There are many beautiful and unique spots to visit all over Turkey, However, you truly get to see the beauty of this nation on one of their top hiking trails. And not to mention how refreshed you feel thereafter. You won’t regret any trail you attempt in Turkey. And if you want to see the beauty of Turkey from a different angle, why not try a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia. This country has so much for you to do and so much more to see.
