18 Must-Do activities in Turkey

There is a unique combination of ancient history, adventurous sports, cultural traditions, and a bit of luxury waiting to be discovered on a trip to Turkey. The distance between the regions is reasonable, domestic flights are frequent, and each region is a separate travel destination.

These are some of the experiences that will live on in traveller’s’ memory even long after returning home. No matter if it’s the first or the fifth time in Turkey, these must-do activities in Turkey should be included in any itinerary.

Hot Air Balloon in Cappadocia

One of the definite must-do activities in Turkey!

Flying above Cappadocia valleys at sunrise is one of those experiences that are better than the photos. Flights are launched very early in the morning and last about an hour. As in case with most of the other activities listed here, the weather determines everything, that is why it’s always set as the first activity in the morning with smoothest winds. The summer is generally the best period to fly since there are fewer clouds and stable air.

Check for the Hot Air Balloon Rides Schedule in Cappadocia.. Read More!

Paragliding above Fethiye

The tandem flight from Babadag Mountain to the beach at Fethiye is probably the best paragliding route in the entire world. There is a lot of nature to enjoy – mountains, beach, and blue lagoon of Oludeniz itself. Flights operate from April until November with summer being the most favourable period due to the stable conditions.

Skydive in Izmir, Antalya

If something more exciting is desired, tandem skydiving over the Aegean coast offers quite a different perspective of the territory. The plane flies over the olive groves and ancient ruins of Ephesus, and then the traveler jumps from thousands of meters above. It is still rather uncommon activity in comparison with the paragliding route at Fethiye, and that is the exact reason why it is worth trying.

White water rafting in Koprulu Canyon

Koprulu Canyon is considered to be the best area for rafting in the entire country. All the routes in the canyon will work well for both beginner and experienced rafters. The tours usually includes equipment rental, guide, and lunch.

Hiking the Lycian Way

Lycian Way is a popular 500+ km hiking route along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey and is one of the most popular long-distance trails in Europe. There is no need to walk the whole trail since most of the visitors prefer choosing a section near a coastal village or an ancient ruins. The spring and fall are the periods when it is better to walk Lycian Way due to the unbearable summer heat.

Sunrise at Mount Nemrut

Sunrise at Mount Nemrut is something truly exceptional compared to the other things to see in Turkey. Ancient stone faces that are over two thousand years old appear from the darkness as the first rays touch the summit. Warm clothing should be brought as there is a chill in the morning even during the summer months.

Diving in Kas, Antalya

Kas is one of the top diving spots in Turkey thanks to the water visibility that often exceeds 30 meters and is home to reefs, caves, and wreck sites. Introductory dives are also offered for the beginners. The diving season is from April until November.

Exploring Derinkuyu Underground City

Exploration of Derinkuyu Underground City feels less like a visit to a museum and more like entering a completely new world. The multi-level complex hides in the ground and could accommodate thousands of people. Most of the visitors stay in this place for about an hour although a guided tour will explain more engineering peculiarities of the structure.

Jeep safari in the Taurus Mountains

Jeep safari routes take travelers through the villages, forests, and view points that are not accessible for ordinary cars. The tour includes off-road driving, visit of the village and swimming stop. One of the lesser-known adventures in Turkey although it is conducted in several regions of the country.

Watching a Whirling Dervish Ceremony

(Another one of the definite must-do activities in Turkey!)

It is not a show but a spiritual ritual performed during centuries, and that is why the travellers who understand it get much more out of it. Whirling dervish ceremonies are performed in several Turkish cities throughout the year.

(If you don’t have tour guide it’s recommended that you read some about the Sufism and Mevlana’s teaching before the show. Otherwise it won’t make much sense maybe for you.)

Safari in Cappadocia

ATV safari takes its peak in the evening as the valleys turn into colourful landscapes. The routes usually pass through viewpoints overlooking the rock formations. Dust masks and sunglasses should be taken if the summer dry period is chosen for this kind of adventure.

Horseback Riding Through the Valleys

Horseback riding through the valleys of Cappadocia fits perfectly well in this picturesque scenery since the region is often called the “land of beautiful horses”. Sunsets are preferred by the travellers and one-hour rides work even for the absolute beginners. It is a more leisurely way to see the landscape.

Local Wine Tasting in Cappadocia and Urla

The production of wine in the region started millennia ago making it one of the less explored aspects of Turkish culture. Volcanic soil in Cappadocia produces some unique varieties of wines, and the Urla area along the Aegean coast is becoming a serious wine region thanks to the boutique wineries. For the travellers interested in culinary, vineyard visit will provide with a completely new side of Turkey.

Original Cave Hotel Experience

Spending the night in a cave room is possible only in a few places around the world. Many cave hotels combine the ancient architecture with modern conveniences, like terrace over Cappadocia valleys and balloons. Staying for at least two nights is recommended to make travellers feel settled in.

Check for the Best Luxury Cave Hotels in Cappadocia… Read More!

Traditional Turkish Bath Experience

Visiting the hammam is one of the classic experiences of the first-time visitors. It includes the steam room, exfoliation scrub, and foam massage. There are many historical bathhouses in Istanbul, but good option is available everywhere in the country.

Canyoning in Saklikent Gorge

Ice-cold water, high cliffs – these are the features of Saklikent Gorge that make the canyoning here challenging. It includes climbing, swimming and passing through the canyon sections with the guidance of a professional. The safest conditions are provided during the summer period.

Skiing at Mount Erciyes

Turkey is not considered to be a skiing destination for most travellers, but Erciyes Ski Resort offers modern lifts, reliable snow, and convenient location near the airports. It is a good reminder that there are reasons to visit the country even outside of summer.

Sailing the Turkish Riviera

Boat tours will take travellers to the bays impossible to visit by land and the boats sail from Marmaris for the multi-day tour around the quiet anchorage and swimming places. Several days of adventure sports and sightseeing are followed by sailing – this is what people remember most about the country.

Turkey offers the travelers a chance to combine adventure and cultural experiences and see the unexpected. The first day can start with a balloon flight over volcanic valleys and end with the wine tasting by the Aegean Sea. No matter if it is an adrenaline rush or authentic experience that is needed or the first visit to the country, this list of 18 activities will help to start.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Turkey?

The hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, paragliding in Oludeniz, rafting in Koprulu Canyon, night in a cave hotel, Turkish bath, and local wine tasting in Cappadocia or Urla.

When is the best period to visit Turkey for adventure activities?

April through June and September through November are considered to be the best months for hiking, rafting, paragliding, and wine tasting. In the winter months, people can try skiing at Erciyes and snow-covered Cappadocia.

Is Turkey good for adventure tourism?

Yes, paragliding, tandem skydive, scuba diving, canyoning, rafting, ATV safaris, and mountain hiking are quite popular in the country.

How many days do I need in Turkey?

Ten to fourteen days is the time needed for visiting Istanbul, Cappadocia, Mediterranean and Aegean coasts without rush between destinations.

Is Cappadocia worth visiting?

It is one of the most distinctive regions of Turkey that offers hot air balloons, cave hotels, underground cities, horseback riding and rock formations.

Where can you go wine tasting in Turkey?

Bozcaada, Cappadocia and Urla. Cappadocia’s volcanic soil produces unique varieties of wine, Urla is famous for boutique wineries.

What is the most famous activity in Turkey?

Hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia – it is the image of the country associated with Turkey.

Is Turkish bath worth visiting?

Yes, but with correct expectations. The traditional hammam includes the steam room, exfoliation scrub, and foam massage.