Turkey

Turkey is the fourth most popular tourist destination in the world, with Istanbul ranked as the most visited city in the world (2023), so crowds are part of the equation if you wish to stay on the well-worn tourist routes. But if you want to avoid the crowds, take the path less travelled, away from the crowds, and enjoy old Turkey. Savour the slowed-down pace and the authentic hospitality of a region renowned for its friendliness and distinct culture.

CAPPADOCIA

Cappadocia, located in the Nevehir Province of Central Turkey, is one of the world's most unique and spectacular destinations for walking and hiking.1 Its landscape, often described as lunar or Martian, is a dream for trekkers seeking history, culture, and natural wonder.

Geological Marvel: The Fairy Chimneys

Formation: Millions of years ago, immense volcanic eruptions (from mountains such as Erciyes and Hasan Dag) covered the region with soft volcanic ash, or tuff. Over millennia, the softer tuff eroded under wind and water, while pockets protected by a harder basalt layer above remained standing, forming the cone-shaped pillars with caps, locally known as "fairy chimneys."

Ancient Civilisation:  Cave Dwellings: The soft volcanic rock was easily carved, allowing early inhabitants, particularly early Christians fleeing Roman persecution (from the 4th century AD onward), to carve out homes, monasteries, and churches directly into the rock formations and cliff faces.

Underground Cities: The region is home to massive, multi-level underground cities like Derinkuyu and Kaymakl?. These served as refuges, featuring ventilation shafts, kitchens, stables, and chapels, capable of sheltering thousands for extended periods.

The name Cappadocia is thought to be derived from the ancient Persian word Katpatuka, meaning "Land of Beautiful Horses," reflecting the region's historical reputation for horse breeding.

UNESCO Status: The Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for both their unique geological formations and their history as a refuge for Byzantine-era Christian art.

CAPPADOCIA

The Hiking Experience

Hiking in Cappadocia is defined by walking through the valleys that separate its iconic rock formations. The trails are generally easy to moderate and offer incredible immersion into the landscape.

Iconic Valleys: Red & Rose Valley (K?z?lçukur): The most famous, known for its reddish and pink-hued rock formations that glow brilliantly at sunset.5 It features winding paths, ancient cave churches, and incredible viewpoints.6

Love Valley: Famous for its tall, phallic-shaped "fairy chimneys," it offers easy walking and is popular for sunrise and sunset strolls.

Ihlara Valley: Located further afield, this deep canyon boasts a river running through it, creating a lush, green environment contrasted with rock-cut churches along its walls.8

Best Time to Hike: The shoulder seasons of Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) are considered the best. Temperatures are mild, ideal for trekking, and the skies are often clear. Summer is very hot, while winter can bring snow and freezing temperatures.

LYCIAN WAY WEST

The Western Section of the Lycian Way is considered by many to be the most spectacular, offering dramatic coastal paths, turquoise lagoon views, and rich archaeological history. It is generally regarded as the section running from the official starting point near Fethiye up to and including the major tourist town of Kas

LYCIAN WAY EAST - ANTALYA

Lycian Way East: Mountain Peaks, Mythology, and Hidden Coves:  The Eastern Section of the Lycian Way, running from the area around Ka?/Demre to its ultimate end point near Antalya, is distinctly more mountainous and forested than the West. It is known for its legendary sites, high-altitude trekking, and deep-cut canyons.

ANTALYA

Antalya: Gateway to the Turkish Riviera: Antalya is Turkey's "Capital of Tourism," a major resort city nestled on the Mediterranean coast and flanked by the Taurus Mountains. Known for the Turquoise Coast's stunning blue waters, its historic Kaleiçi old town features Roman-era landmarks like Hadrian's Gate. It serves as the final gateway for hikers completing the Lycian Way.