The Turquoise Coast

Some of the most beautiful places in Turkey are only accessible via the coast, therefore bordering a luxury 90 foot gület is the only way in which to access them whilst on your Turkey walking holiday.

This Turkey walk begins in the bustling tourist resort of Marmaris. Just a short walk away from the resort centre is the Marmaris Castle Museum, which has a number of interesting exhibits relating to the rise and fall of the Ottoman Empire. On a Turkey walk you may want to venture further out of the Marmaris’s centre to a nearby olive farm known as the ‘Mountain of the Roses’. This olive farm offers guided tours which allow you to sample the homemade olive produce, including delicious olive bread which is hand-baked on the premises every Friday morning. From Marmaris, the next part of your Turkey walking holiday is by gület along the Fetihye Gulf. Sailing this serene stretch of water, you will have the opportunity to stop en-route and spend time snorkelling or canoeing amongst pristine natural scenery. Your Turkey walking holiday once again commences on the famous Gocek Islands, where the mountains roll all the way down to the coast and the many coves and islands have long provided a source of inspiration for artists.

A Stroll around Istanbul

You don’t need to explore multiple destinations in order to have the perfect walking holiday in Turkey and with a capital as culturally rich as Istanbul; one destination can be more than enough for a Turkey walk. There are plenty of places to explore on a walk around Turkey’s capital from the Aya Sofya, which is still cited by architects as one of the most important archaeological buildings in Turkey, to the Blue Mosque whose six minarets dominate the city’s skyline. However, for a taste of the real Turkey you may want to take a stroll through the Grand Bazaar, where hawkers sell everything from traditional Turkish carpets to spices and Arabian slippers.

The Ancient Lycian Way

The tourist resort of Anatolia is the gateway to the Ancient Lycian Way. This historical trail is 509km long, providing the perfect destination in which to take a walking holiday in Turkey. The Lycian trail has many highlights, including a walk through the famous butterfly valley, and on the soft sand of the 12km beach at Pataras. You can even attempt to climb the famous Mount Olympos, on your Turkey walking holiday, which is 2388 metres high. Whilst walking the trail between Fineke and Ugaciz, your guide will point out the ancient wreck of a Phoenician trader-ship which dates from 1200BC and is believed to be the oldest shipwreck in the world.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Ramblers Worldwide have been operating since 1946 and now offer over 250 holidays in more than 70 different countries.  They are dedicated to providing the very finest Turkey walks at the best value prices.

A gület is an old Turkish yacht, which typically has two masts. The gület originates from the south west of Turkey, which is where your Turkey walk begins in the popular resort town of Marmaris.

Marmaris is where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean, resulting in one of the largest natural harbours in the world. This beautiful harbour surrounded on all sides by pine-clad hills is the perfect place to take a Turkey walk. However, as you have a few days here before your Turkey walking holiday begins, you may simply want to relax and enjoy some time on the popular sandy beach. This beach has attracted everyone from Marc Anthony to the Crusaders and it is still ever popular today with yachtsmen and tourists that enjoy the gin palaces and bustling nightlife.

Marmaris has plenty of historic attractions which you may want to spend time exploring on a Turkey walk. There is the famous Marmaris Castle and nearby phosphorus caves, as well an erstwhile Ottoman fort, which now acts an archaeology museum.

At Marmaris you will board your beautiful Turkish gület and sail along the Fetihye Gulf to the famous Gocek Islands. Sailing along the stunning coast gives you the perfect opportunity to relax and watch the world go by. Your evening meal is typically eaten underneath the stars whilst the calm Mediterranean laps at the sides of your ancient gület. The lack of light pollution in the midst of the Mediterranean is just perfect for star-gazers and it isn’t unusual to spot a shooting star or two whilst enjoying your traditional Turkish supper.

Whilst sailing to the Gocek Islands there will be plenty of stops on board, where you can explore rock tombs carved by ancients, which are mostly inaccessible by land. There are also plenty of opportunities whilst on your Turkey walking holiday to spend time snorkelling amongst the turquoise waters or using the onboard canoe to paddle alongside the gulet.

Before you reach the Gocek Islands, you will come to the Yassica Islands, which are well-known for their untouched sandy beaches, surrounded by olive and pine trees. The islands are also famous for their other speciality; traditional hand-cooked pancakes, which simply must be sampled whilst on your Turkey walking holiday.

The final stop on your walking holiday in Turkey is the famous Gocek Islands. The beautiful islands have a traditional fishing village feel to them and, though largely untouched by tourism, they are popular with yachtsmen who come to relax and enjoy the slow-paced island life. The islands have plenty of historic buildings and trails for you to explore during a Turkey walk. Cleopatra Bay was a favourite of Queen Cleopatra and famous for the Roman bath, which she requested be built on the island. The bath is now largely underwater but swimming around it on your Turkey walking holiday is rumoured to make you as a beautiful as the Egyptian Queen and will definitely provide the perfect ending to your Turkey walk.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. Ramblers Worldwide have been operating since 1946 and now offer over 250 holidays in more than 70 different countries.  They are dedicated to providing the very finest Turkey walks at the best value prices.

Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city, and former capital. It is located on the Bosphorus Strait, and hosts the natural harbour, the Golden Horn. This fascinating city is the only metropolis in the world to be situated on two continents, straddling both Europe and Asia. Culturally, this city is rich and diverse, and it has been chosen as the European Capital of Culture 2010. This intricate city is best explored on foot, and a Turkey walking holiday will allow you to do just that.

Warm Summer Walking in the City

Istanbul’s climate is a combination of the oceanic climate of the Black Sea, the humid continental climate of the Balkan Peninsula and the Mediterranean climate of the south west. In summer, your walking holiday in Turkey will involve many hot days in Istanbul, with the average temperature being about 28˚ and the humidity level being high.

A walk along the Golden Horn River will be lovely on a warm day, as you marvel over the region’s history, with the old city of Istanbul’s European area and Beyoglu sitting on each side of the river.

Interesting Architecture in Istanbul

Istanbul’s amalgamation of cultures is clearly visible in its diverse architectural designs. With structures ranging from mosques, synagogues and churches, to palaces, castles and towers, you have a dynamic array of beautiful structures to view while on your Turkey walking holiday.

Across Istanbul you will see Byzantine architecture. The church of Haghia Sophia (commonly referred to as Aya Sofya) is situated on Sultanahmet Square, and was designed by Isidour and Anthemius in 532AD. This is one of the best examples of Byzantine architecture, and is certainly worth visiting on a walking holiday in Turkey.

Istanbul plays host to many beautifully designed mosques, and stopping at some of these will give you cultural and historical insight into Istanbul’s Islamic world while on walks in Turkey. Take some time to stop at the famous Blue Mosque, and admire the Iznik tiles of the Sulemaniye, Rustem Pasa and Sokollu Mehmet Pasa mosques.

Stop at the old capital of the Eastern Roman Empire on your Turkey walking holiday, as you admire the lasting evidence of Constantinople. There are several Roman structures which are interesting to see, such as the Valens Aqueduct, the Hippodrome of Constantine and the Basilica Cistern.

The many different styles of architecture visible in Istanbul make for excellent sightseeing opportunities on a Turkey walking holiday.

Visiting the Local Markets on Your Walking Holiday

One of the most interesting activities to do when on a Turkey walking holiday is to visit the vibrant local markets of Istanbul. Breathe in the scents at the Spice Bazaar, and spend time wandering through the flower and fish markets. The Grand Bazaar is a great place to visit if you want to pick up some Turkish items on your walking holiday in Turkey. From Turkish carpets to pottery to cotton and wool clothing, you can spend hours browsing through the many shops offering an interesting variety of wares.

From scenery to architecture to eclectic markets, Istanbul is an excellent city for a Turkey walking holiday.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. Ramblers Worldwide have been operating since 1946 and now offer over 250 holidays in more than 70 different countries.  They are dedicated to providing the very finest Turkey walks at the best value prices.

If you should choose to tackle the Lycian Way whilst on your Turkey walking holiday, you will be in for beautiful and inspiring trip. From the thick forests and jagged coastline of Kas, to the small island of Kekova and the challenging stretch of the walk in Kemer, the Lycian Way will afford exceptionally beautiful views.

Kas

Kas is a small town on the southern part of Turkey’s Mediterranean coastline, and the surrounding area lends itself to being explored. Kas is set at the foot of a mountain range facing the bright blue Mediterranean Sea, and this small fishing town comprises a mix of both ancient and modern architecture, allowing it to retain its ‘old fishing town’ feel. It makes an ideal base for Turkey walks, with the quaint town and comfortable accommodation creating a welcoming atmosphere to return to after a day out walking.

Your walks in the surrounding area can lead you up to the cliff tombs, or to the ancient sites of old Lycian cities. If you feel like visiting a beach or two, some beautiful pebbly beaches provide desirable spots for gazing out at the Mediterranean Sea whilst on a walking holiday in Turkey.

Finike and Kekova

As your make your way along the Lycian Way to Finike, a great stopping point for a Turkey walking holiday is the island of Kekova, where you will find the ruins an ancient sunken city. This is one of the most beautiful regions in Turkey, and was declared a protected area in 1990. The offshore area of the ancient sunken city is fascinating to view, where half-submerged ruins line the island’s shore. In the 2^nd century AD, an earthquake caused part of the land to become submerged, and houses’ staircases can be seen leading down into the water.

Finike is a sleepy fishing town, and its most desirable asset must surely be its exquisite white pebbly beaches. With a number of fascinating ancient sites situated close by, you won’t be lacking in places to explore whilst based in Finike on your walking holiday in Turkey.

Kemer

Based in Kemer, you will experience the most challenging part of your Lycian Way walk. Your Turkey walking holiday in this destination will lead you around the footpaths of Tahtali Mountain, which is 2360m at its highest peak. Situated so close to the sea, you can expect some beautiful and diverse scenery in this mountainous region on your Turkey walk. The lower regions of the mountain are covered in forest, turning into rocky terrain at about 1800m above sea level.

The Lycian Way is the perfect route to choose for a Turkey walk, as it covers a range of different terrains and scenic locations, providing you with a combination of cultural, historic and beautiful stretches of walk.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Ramblers Worldwide have been operating since 1946 and now offer over 250 holidays in more than 70 different countries.  They are dedicated to providing the very finest walking holidays in Turkey at the best value prices.

The ancient Lycian way starts in the Mediterranean resort of Kas which is known for its rocky coastline and unpolluted waters. On your Turkey walking holiday you will find the beaches of this region perfect for relaxing before you begin your walk along the Lycian trail. However, historically the city offers much more than perfect sandy beaches for sunbathing. Here you can join a glass-bottomed boat tour to the ancient sunken cities around Kekova Island where the secrets of ancient civilisations lurk out of reach. Not so out of reach are the ancient archaeological sites of Myra, Demre and the Xanthe Valley which give you the opportunity to walk around Turkey’s ancient past. Myra was the capital of the Lycian Empire and whilst visiting here on your Turkey walking holiday you will spot many ancient tombs cut into the rock face above the old amphitheatre.

The old amphitheatre was the largest in the Empire and is notable for the theatrical masks that decorate the stonework. On your Turkey walking holiday you will also come across the church of St. Nicholas and although his body was taken to be buried in Italy, the site still contains his sarcophagus and is therefore a popular pilgrimage destination with many pilgrims taking the walk to Turkey’s third most important Byzantine Monument.

Leaving Kas your walking holiday in Turkey will take you through rocky coastlines and ancient forests to the town of Finike. Now a popular yachting destination, Finike is the perfect blend of old and new. A modern marina sits alongside the ancient city of Limyra and the wreck of a Phoenician Merchant Ship dated from 1200 BC. The town is best known for its oranges and sea turtles, with the former being the towns emblem and the latter facing grave extinction.

Although Finike may be popular with the older tourists, the town of Kemer is popular with the young due largely to the tourist infrastructure of the region. The town has a vibrant nightlife with many bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Kemer was formerly the Lycian town of Idyrios, and whilst on your walking holiday in Turkey you can visit a number of notable historical sites. Of all these sites the most fascinating is the Ancient Greek phenomena of Chimaera, a mysterious site on the rocky outcrop of the Cragus Mountains where the rock mysteriously shots flames with no apparent energy source.

The last stop on your Turkey walking holiday around the Lycian trail is the resort town of Antalya. Now the capital of the Antalya Province the site has a number of historic sites including Hadrian’s Gate and the Kesik Minare. However the numerous sandy beaches of the region provide the perfect place to relax and take in all the incredible sites that you have visited on your Turkey walking holiday.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. Ramblers Worldwide have been operating since 1946 and now offer over 250 holidays in more than 70 different countries.  They are dedicated to providing the very finest Turkey walks at the best value prices.

There are a number of resorts in the Turkish Riviera that are well worth visiting next time you are in Turkey. Walks to any area of the Riviera will provide you with some amazing experiences, but if you manage to pass through any of the three places listed below you won’t regret it.

Marmaris

The port city of Marmaris is a very popular tourist destination. Some may say that it has become a bit touristy, but despite the crowds there’s a lot to enjoy here. It used to be a sleepy fishing village, but all that changed a few decades ago and it is now a premier tourist resort in Turkey. Walks that lead through the town will take you to a resort that, although extensively developed, retains much of its old character, as you’ll see if you take a trip to Marmaris Castle.

Essentially, if you want to stay away from the discos and the crowds then it’s easy to do so. You should also be aware that it gets very hot here in the summer months, so many people visit the town in September when it is a little cooler.

Antalya

Antalya is the capital of Antalya Province and is a very popular destination for anyone visiting Turkey. Walks are a particularly popular activity in this area due to the city’s proximity to the nearby Taurus Mountains, which are a walker’s dream. But even though you may initially be attracted to the area because of the mountains, the town also has a lot to offer visitors.

The main area of Antalya is the centre, called Kaleiçi, where you will find lots to see and do. Take some time to visit the attractive mosques and churches, of which there are many, and admire the ancient Hadrian’s Gate, dating back to the 2nd century – a real relic of Turkey’s history. Overall the city has a wonderful character and to top it all off it has some fantastic beaches.

Kemer

When you visit this resort in Turkey, walks in the surrounding pine forests and the mountains are a must as the spectacular countryside is wonderful to explore. The town itself is very popular with tourists, but don’t let that stop you: they come here because it’s such a great destination! The nearby Göynük Canyon, the historical Byzantine church and the large marina are all great places to visit during your time here, so be sure to make this into a destination next time you are in Turkey.

A Fantastic Place to Walk

There are many more attractive resorts to see when you go to Turkey. Walks provide the perfect way to explore them, as you can combine visiting the resorts with walking in the spectacular natural scenery that surrounds them. Try to make sure you visit at least a few of these amazing locations next time you are walking in Turkey.

About The Author:

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While on Turkey walks with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

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City Walks

Istanbul: Fifth largest city in the world and home to more than 15 million people. It truly is the ‘bridge’ between East and West, extending into both the European and the Asian sides of the Bosphorous Strait, earning its unique status as a city embracing two continents. This ancient city in Turkey walks a tightrope of cultures, stirring in a simmering melting hot pot of East and West, and pulling out a jewel.

If you begin your Turkey walking holiday in Istanbul, it is not hard to get a sense of how life may have been hundreds of years ago. On an early morning walk around near-empty streets you can hear the muezzin’s call to prayer. That same haunting wail has resonated around the walls of the city for centuries and will echo in your ears as you continue your walk. Turkey is known for its stunning coastal scenery and, as Istanbul stirs, you can make your way around the city walls to admire the elegant sweep of the harbour – the Golden Horn.

Turning back into the city, you can stop for a coffee before taking a deep breath and entering the maze of lanes and back streets that make up the geography of Istanbul. The heart of ‘old Istanbul’ is Sultanahmet – an area of great historical importance to Turkey. Walking holidays are ideal for getting to the heart of a country’s history, and this area is home to such renowned monuments as the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace. As you explore the city further, you will probably traverse a route that takes in the heaving Grand Bazaar and the delightfully pungent Spice Bazaar.  You will also pass by such grand sights as the Haghia Sophia, and the Sunken Palace Cistern in the Hippodrome on your city walk. Turkey has a rich and tapestried history, and walking the secret streets of Istanbul can reveal the relics of this ancient society.

Country Walks

A Turkey walking holiday through the vast regions of unspoilt countryside will reveal an entirely different facet. If you take the coastal route of the Lycian Way, you will follow in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks and Romans. This 530km walking route takes in traditional nomad tracks and winds through forests and cliffs. You can discover deserted beaches and tiny fishing villages, or you can divert inland to hike along pathways through fields and farms. Walking holidays in Turkey nearly always include some routes along the Lycian Way. The trail is so long that it is possible to hike in any direction for many miles without seeing a soul.

You can also take some amazing walking holidays in Turkey around the remote region of Cappadocia. The stark, volcanic landscape is dotted with incredible rock formations, fairy chimneys and underground cities. The Cappadocian cave dwellings, carved into the sides of the hills, are a fascinating adaptation to life in this strangely beautiful terrain. There are literally hundreds of ancient walking routes all over the country and you could spend weeks trekking remote villages and mountain trails on a walking holiday in Turkey – and still only scratch the surface!

For those in search of a new area in which to go walking in Turkey, the country’s Kaçkar Mountains in the north east provide wonderful walking. Hikes go through high summer pasture or ‘yaylas’; this alpine area close to the Black Sea coast resembles Switzerland with mosques. Good walking bases in for your walking holiday in the Kaçkar Mountains are Ayder, Ikizdere, Maçka and Uzungöl.

From the vibrant, eclectic buzz of Istanbul, to a solitary stroll amongst ancient relics in a remote country region – a walking holiday in Turkey will take you to the extremes of this captivating country.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Ramblers Worldwide have been operating since 1946 and now offer over 250 holidays in more than 70 different countries.  They are dedicated to providing the very finest walking holidays in Turkey at the best value prices.

Experiencing the city up close and personal in the way that only a walker can, will afford you more than just a fleeting glimpse of this incredibly complex city; you will be enveloped by the sights, the sounds and the vibrant atmosphere of your surroundings. With an unrivalled diversity of culture and history, Istanbul is the true handshake between the East and the West. A walking holiday in Turkey will see you fall under its spell, as you experience first-hand this complex and engaging city.

There is something magical about being woken up not by the screech of an alarm clock, but to the haunting tones of the Muezzin calling the faithful to prayer. Every day for hundreds of years this sound has echoed through the streets of Istanbul, and will continue for hundreds more. This is the only time of the day to experience the quieter side of the city as it begins to stir, and the perfect time to head out for a walk. Turkey’s history has been moulded by a rich blend of cultures and civilisations. Nowhere is this more evident than in the adornments and architecture of Istanbul’s many great churches and mosques that you can visit by foot, on a Turkey walking holiday.

St Saviours

Like many other churches in Istanbul, St Saviour’s is now a museum. The cloistered walls hold within them a breathtaking collection of intricate mosaics and frescoes that will be a highlight of your walking holiday in Turkey. The internal decoration of St Saviour’s is extremely complex and can be divided into three themes – the ancestors of Jesus, the events of his life and the events of the Virgin Mary’s life. But the unusual distribution of the scenes in an apparently haphazard method, is a mystery. The church was turned into a mosque in the early 16^th century, and the mosaics and frescoes were plastered over. However, in the 1940’s the memory of this magnificent church was brought back to life with an extensive restoration.

Sultanahmet – the Blue Mosque

Slightly confusingly, the 17^th century Blue Mosque is anything but, on the outside. But once inside the secret of its name is revealed in the stunning blue tile work which embellishes the walls of the upper levels. It is distinguished from other mosques of the city by its six soaring minarets, whereas they usually have only two or four. Designed by the famed architect Sedefkar Mehmet Aga, the Blue Mosque’s elegant silhouette pays tribute to the nearby Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) – another must-see on a Turkey walking holiday. Sultanahmet has a series of domes descending in size, and the effect of the domes cascading from the centrepiece on top is duplicated inside. You will immediately be entranced as you pass through the entrance arch, and the pure genius of ancient architecture is revealed.

Suleymaniye (the magnificent)

The largest mosque in Istanbul, Suleymaniye contains the tombs of a sultan and his wife, as well as the famous architect Mimar Sinan who designed it. Standing on the hilltop presiding eloquently over the harbour of the Golden Horn, this stunning example of Ottoman architecture was built in the 16^th century for Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent. Its delicate minarets and gentle curving dome add a distinctive silhouette to the city skyline. The mosque is entered by an exceedingly grand courtyard with four minarets around which you can walk. Turkey’s history tells us that this number of minarets was only allowable to mosques endowed to a Sultan. The main dome stretches up over 50 metres, and at the time that it was built, was the highest in the Ottoman Empire.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. Ramblers Worldwide have been operating since 1946 and now offer over 250 holidays in more than 70 different countries.  They are dedicated to providing the very finest walking holiday in Turkey at the best value prices.

There are many remote parts of the coast that can only be reached by sea. By combining a gulet cruise with your Turkey walk, you can see the stunning Turkish coastline through the same eyes as the ancient civilisations thousands of years before you. A gulet cruise is an experience in itself and, as you sail the gentle waters where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, you will be transported back in time.

Your Turkey walking holiday begins as soon as you board your gulet in Marmaris and start the gentle voyage up the Fethiye Gulf. The area is steeped in history and there are many remnants of the ancient civilisations that inhabited the area. You can leave the gulet and visit quaint coastal towns on foot or take a canoe and paddle to secluded coves for a relaxing evening beach walk. Turkey is the perfect place to unwind and the warm waters that lap the coast are ideal for a sunset swim.

After a peaceful night in your idyllic anchorage you can head ashore to the bustling market town of Fethiye. The town is built on the ruins of the ancient city of Telmessos and much of the original medieval city is now buried – the result of two major earthquakes. There are however, still some relics from the past in the form of the most incredible rock tombs in Turkey. Walk through the vibrant and buzzing Bazaar around the site and you will find the most prominent monument in Fethiye, the Amyntas tomb. The wonderfully detailed inscriptions and carvings on the tomb are not the only thing that makes it so impressive. Cut entirely out of the sheer rock face, the immense size of the tomb is an awesome achievement.

Your next port, the Gocek Islands, have the reputation as one of the best sailing destinations in the Mediterranean. With a backdrop of verdant, pine-forest mountains spilling down to an almost perfectly circular bay, Gocek is home to some of the best coastal and mountain walks in Turkey. However if you want to spend a more leisurely day, you can remain close to the gulet – snorkeling, diving or simply swimming lazily around the crystal clear turquoise sea.

As you continue your journey you will see much more of the stunning Turkish coast. Combining a gulet cruise with a Turkey walking holiday will satisfy both the keen rambler and the sailing enthusiast. You will spend an equal amount of time on land as on the water and you can choose from a diverse range of activities. You will walk in the footsteps of ancient civilisations, unearthing in just eight days what took thousands of years to build.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. Ramblers Worldwide have been operating since 1946 and now offer over 250 holidays in more than 70 different countries.  They are dedicated to providing the very finest Turkey walking holidays at the best value prices.